Quick Answer: Cats can suffer from several infectious diseases, including Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV), Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (herpesvirus and calicivirus), Giardia, Ringworm, Toxoplasmosis, and Rabies. These conditions are caused by viruses, bacteria, parasites, or fungi and can spread between cats—and in some cases, to humans.
🐾 Common Infectious Diseases in Cats
| Disease | Cause | Transmission | Key Symptoms | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) | Virus | Bite wounds (saliva) | Fever, swollen lymph nodes, later immune suppression | No cure; lifelong infection |
| Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) | Virus | Saliva, blood, urine, milk | Anemia, immune suppression, reproductive issues | Major cause of feline deaths |
| Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (Herpesvirus & Calicivirus) | Viruses | Sneezes, close contact | Sneezing, runny eyes, nasal discharge, ulcers | Accounts for ~90% of cat respiratory infections |
| Giardia | Protozoan parasite | Contaminated water, feces | Diarrhea, vomiting (sometimes asymptomatic) | Can reinfect via cysts on fur |
| Ringworm | Fungus (dermatophyte) | Direct contact or spores | Bald patches, scaly skin, broken hairs | Zoonotic—can spread to humans |
| Toxoplasmosis | Protozoan parasite (Toxoplasma gondii) | Ingesting contaminated food, prey | Often asymptomatic; may cause fever, lethargy | Zoonotic risk for pregnant women |
| Rabies | Virus | Bite from infected animal | Neurological signs, aggression, paralysis | Nearly 100% fatal once symptoms appear |
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