Symptoms Caused by Common Kittenhood Diseases
Symptom
Possible Cause
Sneezing
rhinotracheitisvirus, calicivirus,
Conjunctivitis
rhinotracheitis virus, calicivirus, chlamydia
Scratching
fleas, ringworm
Head shaking
ear mites
Diarrhea
roundworms, hookworms, coccidia, Giardia, Panleukopenia virus
Bloated abdomen
roundworms, hookworms, FIP
Pale gums (anemia)
hookworms, feline leukemia virus, Mycoplasma haemofelis (formerly called Hemobartonella)
Kittens are susceptible to a host of illnesses.
The following chart should help alert kitten owners
as to possible indications that something may be
amiss in regard to their kitten’s health.
Anne Sinclair, DVM, President and CEO of Cat
Sense Feline Hospital and Boarding, Inc., recommends that kitten owners perform their own
regular, brief physical examination on their kitten,
looking for anything abnormal or unusual. Dr. Sinclair’s signs of good health are listed below.
The Signs of Good Health:
Skin and coat
The coat should look sleek and glossy, and the
skin should be free of scratches, cuts, or fight
wounds. There should be no evidence of fleas,
redness, or hairloss.
Eyes
Both eyes should be clear and bright, with no discharge. If the “third eyelid” is showing, the kitten
may be sick.
Ears
The ears should be clean and pink inside. There
should be no accumulation of wax or dark crusty
material.
Nose
The nose should feel damp, soft, and “velvety” to
the touch, and have no discharge or crusty material on the surface.
Mouth, teeth, and gums
The gums should be pale pink, and the breath
should have very little smell. As the baby teeth
get replaced by the permanent teeth, you may
occasionally see loose teeth when you examine a
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Kittycat Issue 1 January/February 2014
young cat’s mouth. By six months, all of the permanent
teeth should be present.
Rear end
Cats and kittens keep the area under the tail very clean.
There should be no evidence of soreness or diarrhea.
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