Cat other health concerns

Cleft palate or lip in cats describes a defect in the roof of the mouth from the upper lip to the hard or soft palate, caused by a genetic deformity or injury. In severe cases both the lip and palate are affected and the entire hard and soft palates are almost absent.

Feline asthma is an inflammatory response to respiratory irritants and stress that narrows the airways, making it difficult to breathe. In cats, the cause appears to be an allergic reaction to environmental irritants that causes hypersensitivity of the airways.

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a cancer of the flat cells that line many tissues in cats, such as the skin, mouth, and esophagus. SCC occurs most commonly where hair is sparse or light-colored as there is less protection from UV rays.

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.

Cobalamin deficiency in cats is a condition where inadequate levels of vitamin B12 are available in the body. Cobalamin (vitamin B12) is a water-soluble vitamin that plays a fundamental role in red blood cell production, neurological function, and DNA synthesis.

A hernia is any abnormal space in the wall of a muscle where other tissue can protrude through. The characteristic symptom is a compressible bulge under the skin.

Brachycephalic airway syndrome (BAS) is a chronic upper respiratory condition that affects certain cat breeds. Short facial and nasal bones characterize brachycephalic cat breeds; they appear to have a "pushed-in" face

Addison’s disease (hypoadrenocorticism) is a condition which occurs as a result of a shortage of stress hormones produced by the adrenal cortex.

Epilepsy is a chronic neurologic disorder characterized by repeated seizures happening over weeks, months, or years.

Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) is a viral disease in cats which results in inflammation of the lining of the abdominal wall (peritoneum), although it may affect many other body structures as well.

Feline Odontoclastic Resorptive Lesions (FORLs) are a condition of unknown origin where a cat’s tooth erodes.

Feline Panleukopenia (FPV), also known as distemper, is a highly contagious viral infection in cats.

Thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency is a rare, life-threatening condition where inadequate levels of vitamin B1 are available to the cat’s body systems.

Blue gums are the most noticeable symptom of cyanosis. Cyanosis is the blue or purple discoloration of mucous membranes or skin caused by poor oxygenation.

Hyperadrenocorticism or Cushing’s disease occurs as a result of excessive cortisol levels. It is a rare condition in cats.

Nystagmus is the involuntary, erratic movement of the eyes, generally caused by conditions affecting the cat’s nervous or vestibular (balance) system

Upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) are a group of bacterial and viral infections that affect the mouth, nose, eyes, and sinuses of cats.

Weight loss is a common symptom of a variety of conditions in cats.

Lymphoma (lymphosarcoma) is a common form of cancer that causes an uncontrolled growth in the number of lymphocytes (white blood cells).

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease where the joint cartilage is destroyed over time.

Diabetes insipidus (DI) is a rare disease in cats that should not be confused with diabetes mellitus, or sugar diabetes. DI results from a failure of normal antidiuretic hormone (ADH) signaling

Joint swelling in cats is the enlargement of one or more joints.

Bad breath (also known as halitosis) in cats is an unpleasant odor emanating from the oral cavity.

Joint pain in cats is soreness localized to the articulated parts of the limbs.

A gastrointestinal (GI) foreign body obstruction is the result of ingesting a foreign object that is not able to pass through the body naturally.

Skin lumps occurring within or near the surface of the skin are called cutaneous masses.

Head pressing in cats is a behavior where the cat presses its head against a wall or other inanimate object for a prolonged period without obvious awareness of its surroundings.

Ataxia means “difficulty walking”. An ataxic cat has difficulty controlling the movements of the head, legs, or torso.

Dyspnea is when a cat has difficulty inhaling or exhaling and isn't getting enough oxygen.

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