Signs of Common Diseases in Cats
As cats age, more chronic disease processes and cancers starting to take place. Screening for organ dysfunction and cancer during senior years will find disease before clinical signs appear. Early detection offers the best chance for treatment, limiting a disease process, as well as increasing lifespan and quality of life for your cat.
Early detection improves your cat’s quality of life and saves you money! If detected early, 63% of common diseases in cats can be managed by dietary modifications alone.
Kidney disease is one of the major causes of illness and death in dogs, however symptoms do not usually appear until 60%-70% of kidney function has been lost. If caught early and managed properly, your pet can comfortably live with this condition for many years.
If you are concerned about any of the following symptoms in your pet, please call your local animal hospital to schedule a Senior Checkup right away.
Top 10 Common Signs of Cancer in Cats
- Abnormal swellings that persist or continue to grow
- Sores that do not heal
- Weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Bleeding or discharge from any body opening
- Offensive mouth odor
- Difficulty eating/swallowing
- Hesitation to exercise/loss of stamina
- Persistent lameness/stiffness
- Difficulty breathing, urinating, or defecating
At-A-Glance:
Common Warning Signs of Disease in Older Cats
Kidney Disease
- Decreased appetite
- Increased thirst
- Increased urination
- Decreased or no urination
- Poor hair coat
- Vomiting
- Sore mouth
Urinary Tract Disease
- Increased urination/spotting or ‘accidents’ in the house
- Straining to urinate
- Blood in urine
- Weakness
Heart Disease
- Coughing
- Difficulty breathing
- Decreased tolerance of exercise
- Decreased appetite
- Vomiting