1. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
Symptoms:
Increased thirst and urination, weight loss, poor appetite, vomiting, lethargy, bad breath (ammonia-like smell)
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2. Dental Disease (Gingivitis, Periodontitis)
Symptoms:
Bad breath, drooling, red or bleeding gums, difficulty eating or chewing, pawing at the mouth, weight loss
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3. Obesity
Symptoms:
Excess body fat (ribs not easily felt), difficulty grooming or jumping, shortness of breath, fatigue, joint stress or limping
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4. Hyperthyroidism
Symptoms:
Weight loss despite increased appetite, hyperactivity or restlessness, vomiting, diarrhea, increased heart rate, unkempt coat
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5. Diabetes Mellitus
Symptoms:
Increased thirst and urination, increased or decreased appetite, weight loss, lethargy, weak hind legs (neuropathy), vomiting
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6. Upper Respiratory Infections (URIs)
Symptoms:
Sneezing, nasal discharge (clear or colored), eye discharge, coughing, fever, loss of appetite
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7. Parasites (Fleas, Ticks, Intestinal Worms)
Symptoms:
Scratching or biting skin, hair loss or scabs, visible fleas or flea dirt, worms in stool or around anus, vomiting or diarrhea, bloated abdomen
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8. Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD)
Symptoms:
Straining to urinate, frequent urination in small amounts, blood in urine, urinating outside the litter box, crying in pain while urinating, licking the genital area excessively
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9. Cancer (Various Types)
Symptoms:
Lumps or swellings, weight loss, loss of appetite, sores that won’t heal, lethargy Difficulty breathing or eating (depending on tumor location)
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10. Heart Disease (e.g., Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy)
Symptoms:
Rapid or labored breathing, lethargy, coughing (rare in cats), weakness or collapse, loss of appetite, sudden hind leg paralysis (blood clot)
As always, if your kitty experiences any of these, your veterinarian is the one you should consult for professional advice.