Common Cat Diseases: A Comprehensive Overview
Common Cat Diseases
1. Toxoplasmosis in Cats
Pathogen: This zoonotic disease is caused by Toxoplasma gondii, a protozoan that resides within a cat's cells.
Symptoms: Cats act as intermediate hosts, and their symptoms can be categorized into acute and chronic forms.
2. Cat Roundworms
Pathogen: This nematode disease is characterized by the presence of Toxocara cati and Ascaris lumbricoides in a cat's small intestine, leading to diarrhea and weight loss.
Manifestations: The migration of larvae can cause peritonitis, pneumonia, and meningitis. Adult worms in the small intestine not only rob the cat of nutrients but also irritate the intestines, leading to symptoms such as intestinal bleeding, digestive dysfunction, vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, stunted growth, bloating; excessive worms can cause intestinal obstruction. Additionally, the worms secrete various toxins, which can lead to neurological symptoms and allergic reactions in cats.
3. Cat Hookworm Disease
Pathogen: This parasitic disease is caused by the smallheaded hookworms that寄生 in a cat's small intestine.
Symptoms: Digestive issues may arise, with alternating diarrhea and constipation, bloody or greasy black stools, occasional vomiting, weakened constitution, anemia. Severe cases can lead to the death of the cat.
4. Cat Scabies
Pathogen: This parasitic disease is primarily caused by the Notoedres cati mite, which resides on a cat's skin.
Manifestations: The infection is most common on the cat's ears, face, eyelids, and neck. Infected skin may feel itchy, become red and scaly, and lead to hair loss. In severe cases, the skin may crack. Sometimes, the infected skin can become infected with bacteria, leading to abscesses.
5. Ear Mite Disease
Pathogen: This disease is caused by the cat ear mite, which parasitizes the skin in a cat's ears.
Dr. Oxygen Pet Tips: Click on "Prevention Methods for Pet Infectious Diseases" to learn about preventive measures for cat infections.