We’re passionate about helping you keep your cat healthy. That’s why we’ve created this page to help you learn more about the most common infectious diseases affecting cats. Understanding these illnesses can help you spot early symptoms, seek treatment quickly, and take preventive measures to protect your furry friend. However, please note that this list is intended for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If you're unsure about any symptoms or your cat’s condition, always consult your veterinarian.
Feline Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (URTIs)
These are very common and usually caused by:
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Feline Herpesvirus Type-1 (FHV-1)
Cause: Virus
Symptoms: Sneezing, nasal discharge, conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers.
Prevalence: Isolated in 45–65% of cats with upper respiratory disease. Common in shelters and catteries.
Note: Can become latent and reactivate with stress.
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Feline Calicivirus (FCV)
Cause: Virus
Symptoms: Sneezing, nasal discharge, oral ulcers, fever, loss of appetite.
Prevalence: Found in 10–40% of cats with upper respiratory disease. Up to 25% of healthy cats may be asymptomatic carriers.
Note: FCV is a common and highly contagious. It can be more severe in kittens or unvaccinated cats.
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Bordetella bronchiseptica
Cause: Bacteria
Symptoms: Coughing, sneezing, nasal and eye discharge.
Prevalence: Detected in 5–10% of cats with respiratory disease.
Note: More common in shelters or catteries.
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Chlamydia felis (CF)
Cause: Bacteria
Symptoms: Conjunctivitis, sneezing, nasal discharge.
Prevalence: Found in 15–25% of cats with conjunctivitis.
Note: More common in multi-cat environments.
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Mycoplasma felis
Cause: Bacteria-like organism
Symptoms: Conjunctivitis, mild respiratory symptoms.
Prevalence: Found in 30–50% of cats with conjunctivitis.
Note: Common in cats with upper respiratory infections and often occurs alongside other pathogens like FHV or FCV.
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Feline Panleukopenia (Feline Parvovirus)
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Cause: Virus
Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, severe dehydration
Note: Highly contagious and potentially fatal, especially in kittens
Prevention: Vaccination is highly effective.
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Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)
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Cause: Lentivirus (like HIV in humans)
Symptoms: Immunosuppression, chronic infections, weight loss
Transmission: Mainly through bite wounds
Note: Common in outdoor, unneutered male cats.
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Feline Leukaemia Virus (FeLV)
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Cause: Retrovirus
Symptoms: Immunosuppression, anaemia, lymphoma
Transmission: Close contact, grooming, sharing food bowls
Note: Less common than FIV in Australia but very serious.
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Toxoplasmosis
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Cause: Toxoplasma gondii (parasite)
Symptoms: Usually asymptomatic; can cause fever, lethargy, neurological signs in severe cases
Note: Zoonotic; cats are the definitive host.
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How can you protect your cat?
Many of these infections are highly contagious and spread easily in multi-cat environments. Early detection and diagnosis are essential for effective treatment. At VetPoint Bio, we offer diagnostic kits that help identify these infections quickly, so you and your vet can take action early.
If your cat shows any of the symptoms listed above, or if you’re simply curious about their health status, check out our mail-in diagnostic tests designed for easy home collection.
