Cat Illnesses Symptoms For Liver Disease, Rabies and Tapeworms

By Paul Kramer

What are liver diseases? The liver regulates the chemicals in the body, controls metabolism, processes fats and carbohydrates, and rids the body of toxins. It also manufactures proteins, bile, and blood clotting factors. Liver function slows as cats' age, and liver disease is common in older cats.

Liver failure is life threatening. With aging, the risk of developing liver problems increases. Causes of liver disease include parasitic infections, dietary deficiencies, tumors and hepatitis. Signs of liver disease or failure include lack of appetite, a distended abdomen, increased thirst, dark urine, vomiting, weight loss and diarrhea.

What are rabies symptoms? Rabies is a deadly virus that attacks the nervous system, spinal cord, and brain. It is transmitted through saliva when the victim is bitten but can also enter the bloodstream through a scratch. Symptoms can appear one week to one year after the initial bite and include aggression, headaches, and trouble swallowing.

A rabid animal may attack anything or anyone who comes too close. Make sure that your cats are vaccinated against rabies, especially if they go outside and could have contact with other animals.

What are tapeworms' symptoms? Tapeworms are long, flatworms that release their eggs into feces of infected animals. These parasites live in the intestines if kittens and cats and rob the body of nutrients. If left untreated, a tapeworm infestation can be fatal to a small kitten. Tapeworms cause anemia, diarrhea, abdominal pain, an increased appetite, weight loss and lethargy.

A cat who has fleas also may have tapeworms, and he could swallow tapeworms eggs when he grooms himself. If you suspect that your cat has a tapeworm, lift the tail and check the area around the anus. If you spot white or yellow rice like worms moving under the base of his tail or anus, take him to the vet and ask for a deworming treatment.

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