Cat health conditions

Mammary gland tumors are masses that result from uncontrolled cell growth in the mammary (breast) tissue. They are common in older, unspayed cats and are usually malignant.

Mastitis in cats is inflammation of the mammary gland(s). Mastitis can be caused by a bacterial infection or during weaning if there is a buildup of milk in the gland(s).

Manx syndrome (sacrocaudal dysgenesis) is a collection of symptoms associated with the Manx breed of cat, due to their lack of a tail. A result of an inherited gene that affects development of the spine.

Mast cells are white blood cells which regulate histamine response in the body and can be found in the skin, spleen, and intestines. Mast cell tumors in cats are masses formed by the rapid replication of mast cells.

Masticatory myositis is a condition of unknown origin where the muscles needed to chew become inflamed, making it painful to open the mouth or eat food. It is so rare in cats that there is no clear consensus among the veterinary community as to whether it is a feline condition at all.

Megacolon is the dilation and dysfunction of the colon resulting in difficulty evacuating stool.

Megaesophagus is a condition where the esophagus becomes widened along its length, either due to reduced motion of the muscle or an obstruction that prevents food from entering the stomach. Common causes include dysautonomia, autoimmune conditions, tumors, and poisoning.

Melanomas are tumors of pigment-producing cells, known as melanocytes. Formation of melanoma involves a complex combination of genetic and environmental factors and may be malignant or benign. Feline melanoma usually develops in the mouth, eyes, or skin.

Meningitis in cats is an inflammatory disease that affects the meninges (the membranes covering the brain and the spinal cord).

Otitis media and interna refer to inflammation of the middle and inner ear. These terms are often used as synonyms for middle and inner ear infections.

Mothballs in any form (cubes, balls, flakes, cakes, scales, powder) contain pesticides, such as camphor, naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene, which are toxic to cats.

Motion sickness is the feeling of nausea during land, sea, or air travel caused by excessive or unpredictable movement.

Mushroom poisoning is rare in cats, but is potentially fatal depending on the type of mushroom ingested.

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a condition affecting muscle contraction and nerve signaling from the brain to the muscles. MG can be either present at birth or develop during a cat’s lifetime, typically due to autoimmune disease.