• Coughing
• Fever
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Runny nose
• Sneezing attacks
• Runny eyes
  

Loss of appetite is usually the result of an inability to smell, fever, and general depression. It is one of the more severe symptoms of rhinotracheitis and may require assisted feeding.

Most cats infected with FHV-1 have runny eyes due to conjunctivitis and/or ulcerative keratitis. Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin, transparent membrane that lines the eyelid. The inflammation leads to discharge, swelling, and pain; the cat's eyes may be red and weepy. Conjunctivitis can be caused by a number of underlying conditions.

Ulcerative keratitis is inflammation and ulceration of the cornea, the transparent front portion of the eye that gathers light rays and directs them into the eye. Ulcerations on the cornea can cause a serious threat to an animal's eyesight. In addition to discharge from the eye, signs of corneal ulcers include squinting, turning away from light, obvious discomfort, and pawing at the eyes.

Transmission:

FHV-1 is shed through the discharge from an infected cat's eyes, nose, and mouth. Contact with these secretions is a potential mode of transmission. The most common mode of transmission appears to be contact with contaminated objects that an infected cat has touched or sneezed on including cages, food and water bowls, litter trays, pet owner's clothing, and the pet owner's hands. FHV-1 can be transmitted by direct contact with an infected cat's mouth, nose, or eye discharge. Several days of close contact are necessary for infection to occur.

Many cats that are infected with FHV-1 never completely get rid of the virus. These cats are known as latent carriers. Even though they may not show symptoms, they harbor the virus in their nerve cells. Latent carriers spread the infection and are a major source of new infections.

Prognosis/Treatment:

Rhinotracheitis is a fairly mild condition, even in its most severe form, as long as the cat receives adequate fluids and nutrition. It often runs its course in 7 to 10 days without medical intervention. The infection usually lasts longer when secondary bacterial infections develop. Rarely, FHV-1 causes death in young kittens and older cats. Some cats may develop chronic symptoms such as chronic rhinosinusitis (sneezing and nasal discharge). If secondary bacterial infection occurs, antibiotics are given.

Feline Calicivirus (FCV)

Description:

Feline calicivirus, a common viral disease that affects cats, is characterized by upper respiratory symptoms, pneumonia, oral ulceration (sores in the mouth), and occasionally arthritis. It is a fairly mild flu-like condition and rarely causes serious complications.

Calicivirus is part of the feline upper respiratory infection (URI) complex, a group of viral and bacterial infections (e.g., FHV-1, chlamydiosis) that cause discharge from the eyes and nose. Calicivirus and feline rhinotracheitis virus account for 85% to 90% of all URIs in cats.

Symptoms:

There are numerous strains of feline calicivirus, and different strains cause different symptoms (e.g., one particular strain can cause ulcers on the paws as well as in the mouth). Calicivirus usually affects the throat, and sometimes the lungs; the virus can also infect the intestines. Calicivirus often occurs with another upper respiratory infection, such as feline herpes virus (FHV), rhinotracheitis virus, or chlamydiosis.

Calicivirus affects the upper respiratory system, the eyes, the musculoskeletal system, and the gastrointestinal tract. Common symptoms include the following:

• Acute, painful lameness due to tenderness in the joints (arthritis) or muscles (myalgia)
• Fever
• Mild loss of appetite
• Pneumonia, often accompanied by labored, difficult breathing
• Ulcerations (pus-filled sores) on the tongue, palate, lips, or tip of the nose
• Ulcers around the claws, on the bottom of the feet and between the toes
• Upper respiratory infection with eye and nose discharge, (usually with little sneezing)

Calicivirus infection usually develops suddenly. Most infected cats appear healthy and alert; they may have ulcers and no other symptoms (i.e., no fever or pain). Some cats may have mild secondary bacterial infections that are similar to those associated with FHV. Clinical symptoms of FCV are similar to those of other feline upper respiratory infections, but cats with calicivirus are more likely to have ulcers in their mouth or on their paws.

Transmission:

Calicivirus is spread through direct contact with the saliva, eye and nose discharges, and sometimes the feces, of an infected cat. FCV is resistant to many disinfectants and can survive outside the cat's body for as long as 8 to 10 days, so it may be present in dishes, litter trays, and clothing, even after a thorough cleaning.

Many cats remain contagious for years, even though they may not show signs of disease. Calicivirus is very common in kittens, multi-cat households, and pet adoption shelters. Outbreaks can occur in overcrowded, poorly ventilated, or unsanitary conditions; and where the cats are poorly fed, or stressed, either physically (e.g., extreme temperatures) or psychologically (e.g., introduction of a new cat).

Prognosis/Treatment:

Except in cases of severe pneumonia, treatment for feline calicivirus (FCV) is supportive and provided on an outpatient basis. Make sure the cat eats and drinks enough. Offer foods that smell and taste good to them. If the cat has ulcers in the mouth, give soft foods. Keep the cat's eyes and nose clean and clear of discharge. Make sure the room your cat is staying in is warm, well ventilated, and well lighted.

Pneumonia should be closely monitored for the sudden development of labored, difficult breathing, which may require oxygen therapy. Oxygen therapy is the administration of oxygen through a facemask. It may be helpful to use a humidifier, or put the cat in a bathroom while the hot shower is running. This helps break up the mucus in the upper airway.

Antiviral medications haven't proven beneficial for cats with calicivirus. To treat secondary infections and arthritic pain, the following medications may be prescribed:

• Antibiotic eye ointments to treat secondary bacterial infections in the eye that can cause conjunctivitis
• Oral antibiotics to prevent or treat secondary bacterial infections
• Pain medication for arthritis
• Vaccination to prevent the progression of the disease

Feline Chlamydiosis

Description:

Chlamydiosis is a relatively mild, chronic upper respiratory disease caused by the bacterium Chlamydia psittaci. Chlamydiosis is part of the feline upper respiratory infection (URI) complex, a group of viral and bacterial infections (e.g., feline rhinotracheitis, feline calicivirus) that affects the nose and eyes and manifests similar symptoms. Chlamydiosis accounts for about 10% to 15% of all feline URI cases and often occurs with another URI. Chlamydiosis occurs worldwide and affects about 5% to 10% of the cat population. It is especially common in kittens (2 to 6 months old), in multi-cat households, and in pet adoption shelters.

Symptoms:

The main symptom is conjunctivitis. Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin, transparent membrane that lines the inside of the eyelid. The inflammation leads to discharge, swelling, and pain; the cat's eyes may be red and weepy. This is the main symptom of chlamydiosis and usually occurs initially in one eye and eventually affects both eyes. Rarely, it becomes chronic. The infection can also cause nasal discharge, sneezing, and pneumonia. Chlamydiosis is symptomatic only in the respiratory tract and eyes. The infection may not cause any symptoms, unless another URI is present. When symptoms do appear, the most common include the following:

• Anorexia (loss of appetite; may occur as the disease progresses)
• Coughing
• Difficulty breathing
• Fever (may occur as the disease progresses)
• Pneumonia (in young kittens 2 to 4 weeks old, which could be fatal)
• Runny nose (rhinitis)
• Sneezing
• Watery eyes due to conjunctivitis (either one or both eyes)

Although C. psittaci colonizes the reproductive tract, it doesn't cause symptoms. It's not clear whether it affects pregnancy. Sometimes kittens that are born to infected mothers develop severe conjunctivitis at, or shortly after, birth.

Clinical symptoms of chlamydiosis are similar to those of other feline upper respiratory infections.

Transmission:

The bacteria that cause chlamydiosis can spread from upper respiratory tract secretions. Common methods of transmission include the following:

• Contact with contaminated objects, such as cages, food and water bowls, litter pans, pet owner's clothing, and pet owner's hands
• Contact with an infected cat's mouth, nose, or eye discharge
• Sneezing and coughing that propels the bacteria as far as 4 feet

Carrier cats that don't show symptoms but harbor the bacteria in their conjunctiva can shed the bacteria in their eye discharge. The likelihood that bacteria will be present in the discharge is greater after stressful events. (e.g.,introduction of a new cat into the household).

Though uncommon, there have been reported cases of mild human conjunctivitis caused by feline Chlamydia psittaci.

Prognosis/Treatment:

Chlamydiosis usually is mild enough to be treated with antibiotics on an outpatient basis. Tetracyline eye ointment is usually prescribed to treat the infection. Cats generally need to be treated for several weeks, sometimes as long as 6 weeks. In cases of chlamydiosis outbreaks in multi-cat households or pet adoption shelters, all the cats may need to be treated. Pet owners should keep their cat's eyes and nostrils clean and clear of discharge.

Infected cats should be separated from other cats and kept indoors to prevent the spread of infection, and to minimize the cat's exposure to outdoor stressors, like fights with other cats. Supportive nutritional therapy (e.g., feeding the cat through a tube or intravenously) generally isn't necessary unless the infection occurs with another URI, and the cat becomes anorexic.

Chlamydiosis is a mild disease, and the prognosis is generally very good; however, left untreated, the infection tends to become chronic, lasting weeks or months.

Feline Distemper (Feline Parvovirus, Panleukopenia, “Panleuk”)

Description:

Panleukopenia is an infection so severe that it was referred to as "Cat Plague" in earlier times when infections would nearly wipe out cat populations in certain geographical areas. It is a highly contagious, severe parvovirus that causes bowel, immune system and nervous system disease. This parvovirus is very small and hardy, with several different strains.

Panleukopenia virus affects three major body systems in the cat. The system it chooses is dependent on the age of the cat at time of infection.

1. Blood/Lymphatic System -- specifically depression of the white blood cells (called WBCs) and thus the immune system. This happens in all cases and is unique to this virus.
2. Gastrointestinal System -- specifically attacks the rapidly reproducing cells lining the intestines of the gut.
3. Nervous System -- specifically affects the rapidly reproducing cells of the portion of the brain called the cerebellum and the retina of the eye when they are in their developing stage.

Panleukopenia virus will attack and destroy white blood cells in cats. The more severe the white blood cell loss, the poorer the prognosis for that individual. The steady decline of white blood cells begins about three days after infection, and by the fourth to the sixth day it may be hard for the veterinarian to find them at all in a blood sample.

The gastrointestinal form of Panleukopenia occurs when the virus attacks the rapidly growing cells that line most of the intestines.

If the infection is severe or the infected cat is very young, death can occur so quickly (eight to 12 hours) that a seemingly healthy individual is dead for no apparent reason! Death in kittens can be so rapid that postmortem exam would show little because many of the disease characteristics would not have developed yet.

Symptoms:

The first symptom is a fever, with depression and lack of appetite, which lasts about 24 hours. The temperature will return to normal for a short period before rising very high again, with severe depression, vomiting, no appetite and rapid dehydration, followed later by diarrhea. This makes the disease difficult to spot at first, as it may seem as though the kitten just had a bad day of adjusting and then felt fine.

These symptoms can vary from none at all in healthy adults to full high fever and sudden death in kittens. If death does not occur rapidly (with the first temperature increase), then the second time the fever rises depression will be severe and the cat/kitten will lay with its head dropped between its legs and belly to the floor (VERY TYPICAL). Often these cats/kittens will also hang their heads above the water bowl. Diarrhea usually follows the second fever's rise, but in many fatal cases, the cat/kitten does not make it to this stage.

Transmission:

Cats must come in contact with the Panleukopenia virus to become infected. This virus must be taken in internally through the eyes, nose or mouth.

1. Direct Contact: Direct contact is from a sick or active carrier cat directly to another cat, usually once they come in contact with each other. In catteries, multiple cat households and shelters, the chances of this happening are high, and the virus is passed around rapidly. This may happen many times over during the course of infection, so that each time the "other" cat takes in more of the virus.

2. Indirect Contact: A cat deposits virus all over other cats, litter pans, furnishings, food and water bowls, the environment in which it lives, through its body secretions (urine, saliva, feces and nasal secretions). This is, by far, the most common way for a cat to become infected with Panleukopenia - a cat comes in contact with virus-contaminated objects and takes in a dose of virus from them, rather than directly from the cat that put it there. People also spread this virus from cat to cat through their hands and clothing. Fleas can also spread the virus when they feed from multiple hosts.

Panleukopenia virus is an extremely hardy virus and survives most temperatures and disinfectants. It is possible for a cat to get infected both directly and indirectly at the same time, but the hardiness of the virus makes both ways equally infective. The cat that is shedding virus could have done so a long time before the next cat comes across it and becomes infected as well.

3. In-utero: Unborn kittens will be infected from the mother during pregnancy.

The worst shedders of viruses are cats/ kittens currently ill with the virus. Due to the ability of the virus to survive so well in extreme temperatures in the environment, the infective secretions from these cats can be present for up to a year at room temperature.

Prognosis/Treatment:

Supportive care is dependent upon which symptoms and which form of the disease was produced.

1. Blood/ Lymphatic System: WBCs will be markedly reduced in all cases, and this makes the individuals susceptible to all infections as well as Panleukopenia. Whole blood transfusions can be used to help replace WBCs.
2. Gastrointestinal System: Treatment is usually aimed at symptoms such as severe dehydration through nutrient support and warmth and supportive care to return "the will to live." Vitamin supplementation with vitamins B, C and A is used frequently (in specified amounts) and antibiotics are given to reduce the risk of secondary infection.
3. Nervous System: There is no treatment for this form of the disease. By the time it becomes evident, the damage is done.

If a cat/kitten is older than 16 weeks and survives the first 48 hours, the chances of recovery are much improved. If death still has not occurred in five to seven days, then recovery is rapid with proper care. Mortality is up to 90% in kittens less than six months old. Older cats are more resistant, but death rates can approach 50% in susceptible adults as well.

Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)

Description:

Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a serious, nearly always fatal systemic viral disease of wild and domestic cats caused by a coronavirus, a type of virus that afflicts pigs, dogs, and in some forms, humans; however, the specific virus that causes FIP—the FIP virus—does not infect humans. The clinical name for the virus that causes FIP is feline coronavirus. (FcoV).

A common, relatively benign form of feline coronavirus is the feline enteric coronavirus (FECV). When FECV mutates into a disease-causing form, it is called FIPV (feline infectious peritonitis virus). If a cat's immune system responds poorly, the mutant FECV may cause the systemic infection called FIP. FIPV probably affects less than 1% of the cats brought to veterinarians for treatment.

The onset of feline infectious peritonitis may be sudden, especially in kittens. The disease often develops so gradually that the infection is well established before overt symptoms appear. When FIP symptoms become apparent, they often include small tissue abscesses in the liver, kidneys, and the membrane that lines the abdomen (peritoneum); and fluid accumulation within body cavities.

Coronavirus infections are common in cats, especially those in catteries and shelters where large numbers of kittens and adult cats share living space. It has been estimated that 80% to 90% of all the animals in multi-cat households where FECV is present become infected. The prevalence of FIPV, on the other hand, remains low in the wild and domestic cat populations, probably less than 2%. In multi-cat households or catteries where the disease is present, it can be as high as 10%. In some shelters and catteries, the disease rate can be as high as 20% over a period of several months.

FIP manifests in two forms: effusive, or "wet", and non-effusive, or "dry". The wet form comprises 60% to 70% of all cases and has a more rapid progression than dry FIP.

In wet FIP, fluid accumulates in body cavities—typically in the abdominal cavity, where it causes progressive, but generally painless, swelling; or in the thoracic (chest) cavity, where it causes respiratory distress due to compression of the lungs and fluid backing up into the airways.

In dry FIP, fluid buildup is minimal and symptoms depend on which organs are affected by lesions. About half of all dry cases produce eye inflammation or neurological problems: paralysis, unsteady gait, and seizures. Other lesions may cause kidney or liver failure. Weight loss, pancreatic disease, depression, anemia, and fever are usually present.

Despite these differences, wet and dry FIP are not two different diseases. The strength of a cat's immune system response appears to determine which form of the disease it develops. If the immune system reacts poorly, the cat probably will develop the wet form. A stronger response might result in the dry form. When the cat's immune system responds optimally, the animal develops neither form but may become a virus carrier for several years. A carrier cat whose immune system weakens over time eventually may develop the full-blown disease.

Experts agree that feline infectious peritonitis occurs more often in young kittens (3 months to 5 years) and older cats (10 to 14 years). Kittens may be most vulnerable to FIP, particularly those under 16 weeks of age, as they have incompletely developed immune systems. Males and females are affected equally. Purebred cats in general are regarded as being at higher risk, and certain breeds, notably Persians and Burmese, seem to be most susceptible to FIP. One study of pedigree and health data from 10 generations of cats in purebred catteries suggests the existence of a genetic predisposition to the development of FIP. Researchers found inherited susceptibility to FIP may be as high as 50%.

About 95% of cats with coronavirus remain healthy. In some cats, the infection begins a cascade of genetic mutations within the coronavirus that results in FIP. Cats do not "catch" FIP, but develop it from their own mutation of the coronavirus.

Symptoms:

Most cats initially are asymptomatic, but the virus is at work. After ingestion, the virus immediately begins to replicate in the cat's pharynx and small intestine. From there it moves into the throat, lungs, stomach, and large intestines. About 1 to 10 days later, it can be spread to other cats. During this time, cats may display the symptoms of a mild upper respiratory infection: sneezing, watery eyes, and nasal discharge. Others give the appearance of having intestinal problems: diarrhea, weight loss, and lethargy. Many cats have nonspecific symptoms: intermittent loss of appetite, depression, rough hair coat, weight loss, and fever. Most cats that undergo the primary infection recover fully, although some may become virus carriers.

A small percentage of exposed cats develop lethal FIP weeks, months, and even years after primary infection. In some cats, especially kittens, the onset of symptoms may be sudden. In others, FIP symptoms may appear and increase in severity over a period of weeks. When the classic symptoms of full-blown FIP appear, the disease typically is diagnosed as wet (effusive) or dry (non-effusive), and many cats present symptoms of both.

Effusive (Wet) FIP

The hallmark of lethal wet FIP is the accumulation of fluid inside the abdomen and/or chest cavity. Some animals take on a "pot-bellied" appearance. Excessive fluid buildup compresses the lungs and backs up into the airways, making it difficult for the cat to breathe. The lining of the affected cavity, along with the liver and spleen, becomes coated with white, fibrous matter. Some lymph nodes may be enlarged.

Other signs of wet FIP include the following:

• Gastrointestinal and eye ulcers
• Jaundice (yellowing of the eyes)
• Mild anemia
• Neurological abnormalities
• Severe conjunctivitis

Noneffusive (Dry) FIP

Dry FIP usually develops slowly, with little fluid accumulation. Weight loss, depression, anemia, and fever are common. In young cats, growth may be stunted. Other symptoms depend on the organs affected and include the following:

• Increased water consumption and urination (kidneys)
• Jaundice (liver)
• Vomiting and/or diarrhea (pancreas)
• Ocular inflammation, conjunctivitis, and blindness (eyes)
• Brain inflammation, paralysis in the hind legs, weakness, shaking, vertigo, seizures, and personality changes (central nervous system)

The affected organs often develop a characteristic inflammation, in which the diseased tissue becomes thickened with an accumulation of white blood cells. The only definitive way to diagnose this form of FIP is by postmortem biopsy of the lesions.

Transmission:

Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) transmission occurs when a healthy cat comes in direct physical contact with an infected animal or with the feces of an infected animal. Infected cats shed coronavirus in their saliva and feces. Primary transmission occurs by ingestion of the virus by the fecal-oral route and, to a lesser extent, through saliva or respiratory droplets, followed by contact with an acutely infected animal that is shedding the virus. FIP viruses can survive for 2 to 3 weeks at room temperature on dry surfaces, including feeding bowls, toys, litter boxes, bedding, and clothing; and small particles of fecal material can adhere to the dust in cat litter. The virus conceivably could be spread via litter dust picked up on shoes, clothing, or another animal's fur.

If a mother cat is a coronavirus carrier, she can shed the virus to her kittens. Preventive measures, such as early weaning and isolation from the mother, are advised.

Prognosis/Treatment:

A diagnosis of FIP usually is based on the cat's clinical signs and symptoms, x-rays, routine laboratory tests, and an evaluation of the fluid in the abdominal or chest cavity. Some cases, however, are difficult to diagnose because the symptoms vary greatly and are similar to those of other diseases. In all cases, microscopic examination of a tissue sample (biopsy) is the only way to confirm a diagnosis of FIP. There is currently no known test to either predict or confirm the existence of the virus.

Tests that detect the presence of coronavirus antibodies in a cat cannot distinguish between the different antibodies for any feline coronavirus. A positive result only indicates that there has been exposure to some type of coronavirus, and a negative result does not rule out FIP. It is possible for a cat that has been vaccinated to have enough antibodies to produce a positive test. False positive readings may occur in up to 30% of tests. Results from one laboratory will not necessarily correspond with those from another, and labs do not use the same terms to describe results. There are no clinical standards for laboratories, no regulatory body to oversee them, and no requirements for validation of test results. For these reasons, pet owners are advised against placing too much emphasis on test results.

There is no cure for FIP. As with all terminal illnesses, the basic course of action is to provide supportive care. A combination of corticosteroids, cytotoxic drugs, antibiotics, good dietary maintenance, and proper fluid intake may relieve discomfort. Some veterinarians may recommend homeopathy, herbs, and dietary changes as well.

In most cases, by the time a veterinarian makes the diagnosis of FIP, the disease has progressed substantially. After clinical signs appear, cats with wet FIP may live a few days to a few weeks; some adults may linger for 6 to 8 months. Cats with dry FIP usually die within a few weeks; some survive for a year or more. As long as a cat is not in obvious pain or discomfort, there is no reason to euthanize it, but as the disease progresses, euthanasia becomes the only option.

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV, Feline Aids)

Description:

Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) causes an infectious disease in domestic cats similar to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV infection) in humans. It attacks and weakens the body's immune system, making the animal susceptible to infections and diseases that don't usually affect healthy cats. There is no cure for FIV, and the use of vaccines to prevent infection is somewhat controversial. FIV is a lentivirus, a virus that causes slowly developing disease. Though eventually fatal, an FIV-positive cat can live for many years without any signs of illness.

Symptoms: