Cats can get colds through a bacterial or viral infection, allergic reactions, or parasitic worm infections.  Symptoms of cats experiencing a cold are very similar to those suffered by humans.  They experience the same coughing, sneezing, wheezing, and mucous secretion from their nose or mouth as their human owner.

Cats are more susceptible to colds during the summer.  Breathing becomes an issue, as well as cold sore type ulcers, and red watery eyes.  These conditions will last for a very long time in the cat’s respiratory tract.  In some cases, they may suffer from numerous episodic flare-ups.

When a cat’s immune system is weak or overstressed their cold can be passed quickly and easily to other cats.

Even though cats may consider colds an annoyance, they must be monitored very closely.  When congestion leads to a loss of smell, cats will often lose their appetite and stop eating.  Refusal to eat can rapidly lead to dehydration and malnutrition.  Loss of appetite and its effects on the body is a major cause of death in cats.

Feline influenza affects thousands of cats every year.  The virus is highly contagious and flourishes in settings where there are a large number of felines.  It affects cats of all ages and all breeds.  Humane societies, catteries, feral colonies, and animal shelters are often the scene of feline influenza outbreaks.

The most common signs indicative of feline influenza can be found in the eyes, which become red and swollen.  A discharge may be present and often the membranes of the eyes will become inflamed.  Occasionally, mouth and eye ulcers may be seen in conjunction with drooling.

Nasal linings often become inflamed, emitting a clear fluid that can turn thick and green as the condition worsens.  This can lead to sneezing and an eventual loss of smell.

Depending upon the severity of the influenza virus; signs of dehydration, depression, fever, lethargy, and reluctance to eat may also be seen in infected cats.  As the infection progresses to an advanced stage, a secondary bacterial infection, such as pneumonia can occur, causing the virus to become a life-threatening illness.

Pregnant felines will often abort their kittens or the kittens that are born will most certainly be born with the infection.

Urinary tract infections can affect cats of any age, although male cats and older cats are at highest risk.  These infections are caused by a bacterial infection.  There are many factors indicating a cat is experiencing a urinary tract infection.

Most cats with urinary tract infections will act in similar ways depending upon the severity of the infection.  Symptoms can vary, but are very noticeable and can include, but are not limited to:

• Blood in the urine
• Strong urine smell
• Crying or straining while trying to urinate
• Urinating outside of the litter box
• Not using the litter box
• Urinating in bathtubs or sinks
• Frequent trips to the litter box, with little results
• Licking and redness in the bladder area

Urinary infections in cats can lead to extremely crucial health issues and should not be overlooked.  A cat displaying any or all of these symptoms should be examined by a veterinarian as soon as possible.  With an early diagnosis, the condition can be treated, although if left untreated can lead to permanent damage or death.

There are many factors contributing to urinary tract infections in cats.   Older cats and male cats are at an increased risk for developing urinary tract infections.   One of the first indications of a problem is the lack of using the litter box.  A cat will often make several trips to the litter box with prolonged attempts to urinate.  Each trip may only result in a small amount of urine being passed.  Sometimes a cat will urinate on the floor outside the box or in a bathtub or sink.

Occasionally, there will be traces of blood in the urine and the presence of a strong odor.  Many things play a role in causing a cat to develop a urinary tract infection.  Urinary tract infections can be the result of diet, environment, or stress.

Cats suffering from urinary tract infections usually exhibit signs of lethargy, a decrease in appetite, excessive licking, redness in the bladder area, and noticeable changes in behavior will be apparent.

If left untreated, feline urinary tract infections can lead to permanent kidney damage, urinary tract damage, or death.  An appointment with a veterinarian should be made as soon as possible to obtain a proper diagnosis.  A urine sample can be tested to confirm the presence of a urinary tract infection and a treatment plan can be implemented.

Various irritants can set off a feline asthma attack.  Many of these triggers can be removed from a cat’s environment in an attempt to lessen the frequency of asthmatic attacks.  Some natural remedies can be easily done such as:

(1.)  Humidity levels can drop to ten percent in some homes due to the use of an air conditioner.  In this instance, it is advisable to use a humidifier or vaporizer to maintain the humidity levels at thirty to forty per cent.

(2.)  If obesity is an issue, discuss a weight loss plan with the pet’s veterinarian and take the necessary action to follow through with the program.

(3.)  Take precautions to provide a smoke-free environment for a cat with asthma.  Refrain from smoking, as it will trigger an asthma attack.

(4.)  Consult a veterinarian about the possibility of giving natural supplements or antioxidant vitamins to a cat suffering from asthma.

(5.)  Discontinue the use of cosmetic products if they cause an asthma attack.

(6.)  The home of an asthmatic feline should be kept dust free.

(7.)  Keep an asthmatic cat inside during pollen season.

(8.)  Litter pans should be kept clean and free of dust.

(9.)  Feed a diet that is free of colorants and preservatives.

Medications prescribed for the treatment of feline asthma have the goal of controlling the release of secretions, improving the quality of airflow, and reducing the symptoms associated with this disorder.  Cats are generally treated with a series of medications given through an inhaler.  The inhaler allows the medication to reach directly into the lungs.

Albuterol the most commonly used inhaler, acts as a potent bronchodilator that can be easily inhaled through an inhaler.  Fluticasone can be essentially used as a strong inhaler offering immediate release for a cat suffering from severe breathing problems.  Oral forms of medication can be prescribed for an amount of time until the symptoms of asthma begin to recede.  Prednisone is a steroid commonly used in the treatment of feline asthma and can be given for ten to fourteen days.

An aerokat inhaler is prescribed when all other primary forms of treatment fail to give relief.  This inhaler is rich in bronchodilators and fluicasone, both of which are used for clearing the airways.  It is necessary to put a mask the nasal openings of the patient for a few seconds in order to administer the medications.

Radiographs are the primary method a veterinarian employs to confirm the presence of feline asthma.  X-rays will show signs of inflammation in the bronchial tubes and lungs.  A complete diagnostic test will then be run to rule out the possibility of other conditions that may exhibit the same clinical symptoms.  Other diseases with symptoms similar to those seen in asthma include lung cancer, heart disease, respiratory infections, heartworms, and lungworms.

A complete blood count is done to check for the presence of eosinophils, a type of white blood cell.  If the presence of eosinophils shows a higher than normal value, the chances of a bacterial or parasitic attack becomes apparent.  Blood work can also check the function of the heart, kidneys, and liver.  In very rare cases, a heartworm test can also be conducted to check for a heartworm infestation.

Bronchoscopy is another diagnostic measure used in diagnosing feline asthma.  When these measures have been exhausted and still fail to confirm the presence of asthma, a fiber-optic scope can be used to examine the airways.  This tool can also be used to gently swab mucous or other fluids collected in the bronchial tubes and airways to be used for further examination.

Asthma is a lung disorder that is caused due to an obstruction in the bronchial tubes.  These obstructions are caused by narrowing of the air passages, which leads to breathing problems.  Respiratory distress can be a result of the allergic reaction.  In some instances restriction of the air flow can be so severe; it can be life-threatening.  In cats, this condition is known as feline allergic asthma.

Cats in the age group between two to eight years of age are found to be most susceptible for developing this condition.  It has been well observed; that female cats are twice as likely to experience an outbreak of asthma as compared to male cats.  Feline asthma is not associated with any one disease.

Asthma can progress to a gradual chronic inflammation of the essential tissues present in the bronchial walls.  Inflammation of these tissues may be a result of a cat’s hypersensitivity toward infection or virus.  It shrinks the size of the air passages, which leads to the development of asthma like symptoms.  Allergies that typically trigger feline asthma including hairspray, feather pillows, and perfume increase the inflammation.  Asthma can cause permanent damage to a cat’s lungs.

Feline lymphoma is most prevalent in cats infected with the feline leukemia virus. It is an incurable disease.  The available methods of treatment can only control the lymphoma and the associated symptoms.  Chemotherapy therapy is the main course of treatment for feline lymphoma.  A series of injectable and oral medications are administered over a period of time.

Cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, prednisone, and vincristine are used in chemotherapy treatment.  A combination of these drugs is given over a period of several weeks.

During chemotherapy treatment, it is crucial to keep track of the number of red and white blood cells.  If the tumor is restricted to one site, surgery may be an option, as long as the tumor is easily accessible.  Surgery is also dependent upon the overall health of the cat.

In some instances, a veterinarian may recommend a combination of chemotherapy and radiation to offset the feline leukemia.  As an indication of high feline remission rates, cats respond well to chemotherapy treatment.  A cat in remission may have an increased life span of two or more years.  Cats that are not treated have a very limited prognosis for survival, with most living only a few more weeks.

Chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy treatment can make the patient appear tired or weak.  Pet owners will need to provide additional care during this time.

Feline lymphoma is a tumor affecting the lymphatic system.  The cells and tissues of the lymphatic system are present in various areas of the feline body.  Therefore, a tumor may occur in the lymph nodes, kidneys, eyes, or gastrointestinal tract.

This condition is associated with a viral infection caused by the feline leukemia virus and is most frequently seen in cats over nine years of age.

Feline lymphoma is categorized based upon the point where it occurs.  The multi-centric form of the disease occurs in multiple organs and lymph nodes, and is the most severe form of the disease.  The mediastinal form is found in areas including the thymus, lymph nodes, and chest cavity.

The third category, the alimentary form, as the name suggests affects the digestive tract of a cat.  Treatment of feline lymphoma usually involves chemotherapy treatment or a combination of chemotherapy and radiation therapy.  Approximately 70% of cats afflicted with this disease respond favorably to chemotherapy.  This can increase their life span by two or three years, especially if the cancer goes into remission.  Unfortunately, cats that do not respond to the treatment may only survive for a few months