| Just like any other mammal, there are hundreds of | | | | pancreatic diseases. Wet FIP occurs when fluid is |
| different diseases that are common to each species. | | | | dispersed throughout the body and presses on the |
| The focus of this article will be a few common feline | | | | cat's lungs causing severe respiratory discomfort. |
| diseases. However, if you have any specific health | | | | Other symptoms of wet FIP may include jaundice, |
| concerns related to your cat, contact your veterinary | | | | anemia, enlargements of lymph nodes and neurological |
| clinic immediately. Also, please remember that many of | | | | and ocular problems. |
| these feline diseases can be vaccinated; this means | | | | 2. Feline Immunodeficiency Virus |
| you must vaccine your feline before contraction of the | | | | This virus occurs when a cat's immune system has |
| disease. Otherwise, your cat's immune system will not | | | | become impaired and ineffective. Feline |
| have had the correct preparations in order to fight a | | | | Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) enters the body generally |
| particular disease. | | | | through open sores or wounds that have been cause |
| 1. Feline Infectious Peritonitis | | | | by other cats who have the disease. Once FIV is |
| This disease has the potential to be fatal once it is | | | | contracted, the lifespan of the feline is roughly around |
| contracted. Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) is generally | | | | 2 years. Though the cat's death is not directly a result |
| found in young adult cats, though it may be discovered | | | | of FIV, the infections or viruses the cat contracts due |
| in at any age. There are two common types of FIP: | | | | to FIV can be fatal. It is imperative that a cat with FIV |
| dry FIP and wet (effusive) FIP. Wet FIP tends to be | | | | be kept indoors and away from other animals, as this |
| more common, however both forms do exist. Dry FIP | | | | may increase the feline's lifespan. It is also important |
| is an infection in which the cat has a high fever and | | | | that cats with FIV see their vet regularly and often so |
| demonstrates symptoms such as depression, anemia, | | | | they can receive treatment for infections. |
| weight loss, and fever. Other diseases may develop | | | | 3. |
| from this form of FIP, such as kidney, liver, and | | | | |