Upper Respiratory Infection (URI)

This common illness is often seen in cats that are housed in large numbers, such as in animal shelters, pet stores and catteries. It is roughly comparable to a bad head cold in humans, and fortunately is rarely a serious problem. Symptoms included sneezing, colored discharge from the eyes and nose, lethargy, dehydration, and lack of energy and appetite. Like a human cold, feline URI is caused by a virus, so there is no specific 'cure'. Antibiotics are sometimes prescribed to help combat a secondary bacterial infection, until the illness has run its course. Feline URI is contagious to other cats, but not to humans or other animals therefore, infected cats should be kept isolated from healthy cats.

Intestinal Parasites (Tapeworm, Roundworms, Coccidia, and others)

Symptoms of these common parasites include diarrhea, bloody stools, lots of eating but little weight gain and a general lack of energy. Often times, however, there are no symptoms. Most parasites can be easily detected by a fecal exam and treated with a dewormer or other medication prescribed by a vet. Most are contagious to other cats, and some to people and other animals. Infected cats should be kept isolated from other animals, and caretakers should wash their hands thoroughly after handling the cat and her litter box. Also, since many cats show no symptoms, all new cats should be checked for parasites.

Feline Leukemia (FeLV) and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)

Both of these incurable diseases are contagious to other cats, though not to humans. Because they both involve a weakened immune system on the part of the cat, FeLV and FIV can be expressed as many different symptoms, as well as sometimes having no symptoms at all. Fortunately, there is a simple blood test that can detect Feline Leukemia in all cats and FIV in any cat over 6 months of age. Neither disease can be cured, though supportive care can lead to a good quality of life. Infected cats should be kept isolated from healthy cats.

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

Symptoms include straining or crying while urinating, blood in the urine, and urination out of the litter box. Failing to use the box is sometimes the only visible symptom of a UTI. An untreated urinary tract infection can lead to a blockage, which can quickly be fatal to the cat. Therefore, if you see any of the symptoms, call your vet immediately. Most UTIs can be cured with antibiotics and a change in diet. UTIs are not contagious to other animals.

Hairballs

Most cats will simply pass the hair that they ingest while grooming, but some will vomit it back up.  Hairballs are not contagious and can usually be prevented by regular grooming (which removes excess loose hair) and a high quality diet (which results in better skin tone and less shedding).  Hairball remedy such as Petromalt can also be useful.

Hazardous Substances

Animals

• Bees
• Bufo toads
• Certain lizards and snakes
• Fire ants
• Rattlesnakes
• Spiders
• Wasps

Household Substances

• Ammonia products
• Animal and plant poisons
• Antifreeze
• Antiperspirants
• Bar soap
• Bath oils
• Brake fluid
• Carburetor cleaners
• Caulking compounds
• Coal and wood tar derivatives
• Detergents
• Deoderants
• Engine cleaners/frost removers
• Eye makeup
• Fabric softeners
• Gasoline
• Hair products
• Lacquer thinners
• Laxatives
• Liniments
• Lubricants
• Nail cosmetics
• Oil paints
• Ointments
• Paint and varnish solvents, cleaners
• Perfumes
• Phenol disinfectants
• Photographic chemicals
• Pine oil disinfectants (such as PineSol)
• Radiator cleaners
• Shaving lotions
• Suntan lotions
• Tire repair products
• Turpentine
• Windshield washer fluid
• Wood preservatives

Medicines

• Acetaminophen
• Athlete's foot remedies
• Aspirin
• Corn removers
• Citrus oils and pennyroyal
• Diet pills
• Iodoform (topical antimicrobial)
• Medicated products intended for dogs
• Sleeping pills
• Some naturopathic and homeopathic (herbal) preparations

Plants

• Amaryllis
• Azalea
• Castor bean
• Daffodils (Narcissus)
• Dieffibachia (dumbcane)
• Elephant ear (Colocasia)
• Foxglove
• Grass
• Honeysuckle
• Hyacinth
• Iris
• Japanese yew
• Lilies
• Lily of the valley
• Mistletoe
• Oleander
• Philodendron
• Pine
• Poinsettias
• Rhododendron
• Shamrock plants
• Spider plants