Feline distemper
Overview:
Caused by the feline parvovirus, feline distemper, or panleukopenia, is a serious and potentially fatal disease. In its most severe form, feline distemper kills the white blood cells that fight off disease and infection. The disease also can destroy the cat's digestive tract, preventing the intestines from digesting food and absorbing liquids and nutrients. Vomiting and diarrhea can result in severe or fatal dehydration. In addition, affected cats can succumb to secondary bacterial infections because of the reduced number of white blood cells. Because their immune systems are not fully functional, kittens and cats with impaired immune systems are more likely to show severe signs or die from the disease. Healthy, mature cats may show only mild or no symptoms at all.
Diabetes, sugar
Overview:
Often suspected because of the presence of the classic signs of increased thirst, more frequent urination, and a greater appetite, diabetes mellitus is one of the most common endocrine diseases in cats. There are two types of diabetes mellitus in cats. The more common form, type I, or insulin dependent diabetes mellitus, is characterized by a lack of adequate insulin secretion by the pancreas and usually requires insulin injections for treatment.
Dental disease
Overview:
Dental disease is a common feline illness, but it often goes undetected. Few cats are willing to keep their mouths open long enough for their owners to search for evidence of a potential problem. It is essential to take a cat to the veterinarian for regular check-ups so that any signs of dental disease will be identified while in their earliest stages.
Declawing
Overview:
Declawing is the permanent surgical removal of an animal's front toenails. Although many animal welfare organizations strongly discourage declawing, some pet owners have their cats declawed in order to avoid having to give up their pets. Owners often opt for this procedure in order to curtail a cat's persistent scratching of furniture or people, climbing up window treatments, or other damage caused by a cat's natural instinct to mark its territory. Declawing is also used in less common cases requiring the surgical removal of one or more digits, such as infection or trauma.
Kidney failure, renal insufficiency, renal disease
Overview:
Because the kidneys are vital, life-sustaining organs, chronic kidney failure can compromise a cat's health greatly. When working properly, the kidneys filter waste products from the blood stream into the urine. A cat with poorly functioning kidneys may drink increased amounts of water and urinate more often -- in an attempt to flush out those waste products in its blood stream that the kidneys are no longer capable of eliminating into the urine.