This section begins with chapters on how to select and care for a cat and the behavior of cats. These are followed by chapters on diseases of specific body systems (for example, the digestive system, the brain and nervous system). Additional detailed information on these topics is also available in the Veterinary Content section of this website.
Cat Owners
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Description and Physical Characteristics of Cats
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Selecting and Providing a Home for a Cat
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Routine Care and Breeding of Cats
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Behavior of Cats
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Blood Disorders of Cats
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Bone, Joint, and Muscle Disorders of Cats
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Brain, Spinal Cord, and Nerve Disorders of Cats
- The Nervous System in Cats
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Parts of the Nervous System in Cats
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Nervous System Disorders and Effects of Injuries in Cats
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The Neurologic Evaluation in Cats
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Principles of Therapy of the Nervous System in Cats
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Congenital and Inherited Disorders of the Nervous System in Cats
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Disorders of the Peripheral Nerves in Cats
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Disorders of the Spinal Column and Cord in Cats
- Dysautonomia in Cats
- Facial Paralysis in Cats
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Central Nervous System Disorders Caused by Parasites in Cats
- Leg Paralysis in Cats
- Meningitis and Encephalitis in Cats
- Motion Sickness in Cats
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- Tick Paralysis in Cats
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Digestive Disorders of Cats
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Introduction to Digestive Disorders of Cats
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Congenital and Inherited Disorders of the Digestive System in Cats
- Dental Development of Cats
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Disorders of the Mouth in Cats
- Disorders of the Pharynx in Cats
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Disorders of the Esophagus in Cats
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Disorders of the Stomach and Intestines in Cats
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Disorders Caused by Bacteria of the Digestive System in Cats
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Gastrointestinal Parasites of Cats
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Disorders Caused by Protozoa of the Digestive System in Cats
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Disorders of the Pancreas in Cats
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Disorders of the Liver and Gallbladder in Cats
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Disorders of the Rectum and Anus in Cats
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Ear Disorders of Cats
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Eye Disorders of Cats
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Eye Structure and Function in Cats
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Disorders of the Eyelids in Cats
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Disorders of the Nasal Cavity and Tear Ducts in Cats
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Disorders of the Conjunctiva in Cats
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Disorders of the Cornea in Cats
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Disorders of the Anterior Uvea in Cats
- Glaucoma in Cats
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Disorders of the Retina, Choroid, and Optic Disk (Ocular Fundus) in Cats
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Disorders of the Optic Nerve in Cats
- Prolapse of the Eye in Cats
- Chlamydial Conjunctivitis in Cats (Feline Pneumonitis)
- Eyeworm Disease (Thelaziasis) in Cats
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Cancers and Tumors of the Eye in Cats
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Heart and Blood Vessel Disorders of Cats
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Introduction to Heart and Blood Vessel Disorders in Cats
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Heart Disease and Heart Failure in Cats
- Diagnosis of Cardiovascular Disease in Cats
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Treatment of Cardiovascular Disease in Cats
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Congenital and Inherited Disorders of the Cardiovascular System of Cats
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Acquired Heart and Blood Vessel Disorders in Cats
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Blood Clots and Aneurysms in Cats
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Hormonal Disorders of Cats
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Immune Disorders of Cats
- The Immune System of Cats
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Disorders Involving Anaphylactic Reactions (Type I Reactions, Atopy) in Cats
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Disorders Involving Cytotoxic Antibodies (Type II Reactions) in Cats
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Disorders Involving Immune Complexes (Type III Reactions) in Cats
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Disorders Involving Cell-mediated Immunity (Type IV Reactions) in Cats
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Immune-deficiency Diseases in Cats
- Immune System Tumors in Cats
- Gammopathies in Cats
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Kidney and Urinary Tract Disorders of Cats
- The Urinary System of Cats
- Detecting Disorders of the Kidneys and Urinary Tract of Cats
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Congenital and Inherited Disorders of the Urinary System of Cats
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Infectious Diseases of the Urinary System of Cats
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Noninfectious Diseases of the Urinary System of Cats
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Lung and Airway Disorders of Cats
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Introduction to Lung and Airway Disorders of Cats
- Accumulation of Fluid or Air in the Chest Cavity of Cats
- Allergic Pneumonitis in Cats
- Bronchitis in Cats
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Cancers and Tumors of the Lung and Airway in Cats
- Diaphragmatic Hernia in Cats
- Emphysema in Cats
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Feline Respiratory Disease Complex (Feline Herpesviral Rhinotracheitis, Feline Calicivirus)
- Laryngitis in Cats
- Lung Flukes in Cats
- Lungworm Infection in Cats
- Nasopharyngeal Polyps in Cats
- Paralysis of the Larynx in Cats
- Pharyngitis in Cats
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- Pulmonary Edema in Cats
- Rhinitis and Sinusitis in Cats
- Tonsillitis in Cats
- Tracheobronchitis (Bronchitis, Bronchial Asthma) in Cats
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Metabolic Disorders of Cats
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Reproductive Disorders of Cats
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Skin Disorders of Cats
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- Dermatitis and Dermatologic Problems in Cats
- Diagnosis of Skin Disorders in Cats
- Treatment of Skin Disorders in Cats
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Congenital and Inherited Skin Disorders of Cats
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- Eosinophilic Granuloma Complex in Cats
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- Hair Loss (Alopecia) in Cats
- Hives and Rashes (Urticaria) in Cats
- Itching (Pruritus) in Cats
- Lice of Cats
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Mite Infestation (Mange, Acariasis, Scabies) of Cats
- Parasitic Worms of the Skin in Cats
- Photosensitization in Cats
- Pox Infection in Cats
- Pyoderma in Cats
- Ringworm (Dermatophytosis) in Cats
- Ticks of Cats
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- Basal Cell Tumors and Carcinomas
- Benign Fibroblastic Tumors
- Benign, Nonviral, Wart-like Tumors
- Blood Vessel Tumors
- Keratinized Skin Cysts
- Lipomas and Liposarcomas
- Lymphoid Tumors of the Skin
- Mast Cell Tumors
- Melanomas
- Neurofibromas and Neurofibrosarcomas
- Sebaceous Gland Tumors
- Soft Tissue Giant Cell Tumors (Fibrous Histiocytomas)
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- Squamous Cell Carcinomas
- Sweat Gland Tumors
- Tumors of the Hair Follicle
- Tumors Originating Outside the Skin (Metastatic Tumors)
- Undifferentiated and Anaplastic Sarcomas
- Warts (Papillomas)
- Whole-body Disorders that Affect the Skin in Cats
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Disorders Affecting Multiple Body Systems of Cats
- Introduction to Disorders Affecting Multiple Body Systems of Cats
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Congenital and Inherited Disorders Affecting Multiple Body Systems of Cats
- Amyloidosis in Cats
- Anthrax in Cats
- Ehrlichiosis and Related Infections in Cats
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- Feline Panleukopenia
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- Glanders (Farcy) in Cats
- Leishmaniasis in Cats
- Lyme Disease (Lyme Borreliosis) in Cats
- Melioidosis in Cats
- Nocardiosis in Cats
- Peritonitis in Cats
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- Q Fever in Cats
- Tetanus in Cats
- Toxoplasmosis in Cats
- Trichinellosis (Trichinosis) in Cats
- Tuberculosis in Cats
- Tularemia in Cats
Cat Owners Sections (A-Z)
Behavior of Cats
Behavioral medicine is the scientific study of everything animals do, whether the animals are insects, birds, mammals, fish, or humans. The field of animal behavior is concerned with understanding the causes, functions, development, and evolution of behavior. Behavior refers to the actions or reactions of an organism. Behavior is usually in relation to the environment, and is controlled by the endocrine and nervous systems. The complexity of animal behavior is related to the complexity of the animal’s nervous system. Generally, animals with complex nervous systems have a greater capacity to learn and thus adjust their behavior.
Blood Disorders of Cats
Also see professional content regarding introduction to blood.
Bone, Joint, and Muscle Disorders of Cats
Also see professional content regarding the musculoskeletal system.
Brain, Spinal Cord, and Nerve Disorders of Cats
Also see professional content regarding the nervous sytem.
Description and Physical Characteristics of Cats
People have associated with cats for thousands of years. Cats were first domesticated in Egypt between 1600 and 1500 bc. Even earlier, they were worshiped as gods: the Egyptian gods of fertility and war were given feline personalities. Feline images can also be found on early Greek and Roman vases, statues, and coins.
Digestive Disorders of Cats
Also see professional content regarding the disgestive system.
Disorders Affecting Multiple Body Systems of Cats
There are many disorders that can affect multiple parts of the body. These may be caused by bacteria, viruses, poisonous or toxic substances in the environment, and other health hazards. Disorders affecting multiple body systems can also be inherited or develop while the animal is still in the womb. Diseases or conditions that involve multiple organ systems may also be described as systemic or generalized.
Ear Disorders of Cats
Eye Disorders of Cats
Also see professional content regarding eye structure and function.
Heart and Blood Vessel Disorders of Cats
Also see professional content regarding heart and blood vessel disorders.
Hormonal Disorders of Cats
Also see professional content regarding the endocrine system.
Immune Disorders of Cats
Also see professional content regarding the immune system.
Kidney and Urinary Tract Disorders of Cats
Also see professional content regarding the urinary system.
Lung and Airway Disorders of Cats
Also see professional content regarding the respiratory system.
Metabolic Disorders of Cats
Also see professional content regarding metabolic disorders.
Reproductive Disorders of Cats
Also see professional content regarding the reproductive system.
Routine Care and Breeding of Cats
Selecting and Providing a Home for a Cat
Cats do not require the same level of attention or activity often demanded by dogs. This makes them excellent pets for people who have decreased mobility, a busy lifestyle, or limited living space (such as apartment dwellers). However, as with dogs, you should consider temperament, breed characteristics, age, and other factors when deciding whether cat ownership is right for you.
Skin Disorders of Cats
Also see professional content regarding structure of the skin in animals.
Also of Interest
Test your knowledge
Most urinary tract pathogens are not considered zoonotic. However, which of the following organisms is most likely to be transmitted via infected urine from animals to humans?