For many chronic diseases, early detection means better and more effective treatment options! Unfortunately, it isn’t always easy to tell when something is wrong! Cats are especially good at hiding symptoms when they’re sick. Because our feline friends can’t tell us how they feel, it’s crucial to know the signs and symptoms of common cat diseases.
What Makes These Common Cat Diseases “Silent” Killers?
Some illnesses have obvious symptoms. For example, cats with an upper respiratory infection will sneeze and be congested. Other diseases have few (if any) clinical symptoms until they’ve become life-threatening. Because these common cat diseases can develop undetected for months or even years, annual exams and regular bloodwork are an important piece of your cat’s wellness plan.
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
Chronic kidney disease (CKD), is one of the most common diseases in older cats. According to the Cornell Feline Health Center, CKD affects up to 40% of cats over the age of 10 and 80% of cats over the age of 15. CKD is an irreversible and progressive condition. Over time, cats with CKD will gradually lose kidney function, eventually leading to acute kidney failure. In many cases, kidney damage has occurred over several months or years (chronic) before the disease is diagnosed.
Symptoms of CKD
Healthy kidneys help filter the blood, make urine, and regulate blood pressure. As the kidneys “wear out,” the body has to compensate. Often, it takes a kidney losing 70-75% of its function before there are changes to your cat’s behavior and routine blood work.
Symptoms of this common cat disease vary widely depending on how advanced the disease is. Common symptoms include:
- Changes in appetite/refusing to eat
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Weight loss
- Increased thirst and urination
- Changes in behavior (grumpy, sleeping more, withdrawing from the family)
With early detection and management, cats can live with Chronic Kidney Disease for months or even years! That’s why we recommend annual—or semi-annual for seniors 7+—lab checks for cats. Routine blood tests for creatinine, BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen), and SDMA (Symmetric Dimethylarginine) help detect early function loss.
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is an overproduction of thyroid hormones (known as T3 and T4). It’s usually caused by a benign tumor in the thyroid gland. Less commonly, it can be caused by a malignant tumor, like adenocarcinoma.. Hyperthyroidism is the most common hormonal disease in middle-aged and senior cats, with the average age of diagnosis being around 13 years old.
Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism
One of the thyroid’s main functions is regulating metabolism. Cats with increased thyroid hormones have an increased metabolic rate. Essentially, their system is in hyperdrive all the time. Unfortunately, hyperthyroidism shares a lot of symptoms with other common cat diseases, including CKD and diabetes. These include:
- Weight loss, even with an increased appetite
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Increased thirst and urination
- Rapid breathing or difficulty breathing
- Hyperactivity or restlessness
- Rapid heart rate or a heart murmur
- Enlarged thyroid glands (swelling in the neck)
Though hyperthyroidism is fatal if left untreated, we have several treatment options that can reduce symptoms and keep your cat living better for longer. If you notice any of the above symptoms in your older kitty, let us know! Your veterinarian will want to request a specific diagnostic test to check your cat’s thyroid function.
Diabetes Mellitus
Diabetes mellitus is a condition in which a cat’s pancreas can’t produce as much insulin as it needs. It can also be caused by insulin resistance (AKA the body can’t use the insulin it makes). Cats most commonly develop diabetes due to obesity, high-carbohydrate diets, and lack of exercise. In fact, overweight cats are up to four times more likely to develop diabetes. Senior cats and cats with other diseases, like pancreatitis, hyperthyroidism, or Cushing’s disease, are also at higher risk.
Symptoms of Diabetes
Whenever your cat eats, the pancreas releases insulin to help move glucose (blood sugar) from the blood into the body’s cells for energy. When the pancreas isn’t releasing enough insulin, blood sugar builds up in the bloodstream, causing chronically high blood sugar. Over time, consistently high glucose levels can damage the heart, kidneys, and even cause eye issues.
Just like the other “silent” killers, symptoms of diabetes can start subtle and become more extreme as the disease progresses. These symptoms include:
- Increased thirst and urination
- Weight gain or weight loss
- Loss of appetite or increased appetite
- Lethargy, sluggishness, or weakness
- Muscle wasting, especially around the spine
- Vomiting
With proper care, cats with diabetes can do well. However, diabetes is a lifelong condition that requires ongoing treatment. If left untreated, diabetes is always fatal. Treatments include regular insulin injections and, often, dietary changes.
Early Detection = Better Outcomes!
As the old saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of medicine. Like we mentioned, many of these life-threatening conditions can go undetected for months or even years. By the time cats show symptoms, it’s sometimes too late to help.
That’s why routine exams and blood work are an essential part of caring for your feline friend. Many tests can detect these diseases long before pets show symptoms. Finding problems early means earlier treatment, which can help your pet enjoy many more years!
Educating Cat Owners About These “Silent” Killers
At Pine Point Animal Hospital, we rely on vigilant, educated owners and advanced labs to diagnose these common cat diseases. If your cat has shown any of the above symptoms, be sure to let your veterinarian know! We’re honored to be your partners in diagnosing and managing your pet’s chronic conditions.