When it comes to our precious kitties, it goes without saying that we want the best for their health. However, sometimes that is easier said than done. Of course, no cat is immune to the occasional flea, tick bite, or high fever, but there are a few cases in which cat owners can feel completely vexed about what’s going on with their cat’s health. When that happens, it is imperative that you visit a vet immediately to keep your cat disease free. However, in addition to that, it doesn’t hurt to learn about some of the more rare medical conditions that can affect your beloved feline.

Notoedric Mange

For anyone who’s ever rescued an animal in dire need, you may already be familiar with mange. Mange is caused by parasitic mites that jump around like fleas between animals, and aren’t picky about nesting in human skin, either. Gross. Notoedric mange causes cats to be intensely itchy, sore, and generally miserable. Cats who are affected by mange will have areas of thick, crusty skin, usually around the upper half of their body. If left untreated, kitties (and puppers) suffering from mange will also lose fur around the affected areas. But don’t worry! Mange is a treatable cat disease, and those affected are expected to make a complete recovery. There are even natural solutions for treating mange, such as a hydrogen peroxide bath followed by an application of olive oil and honey to soothe your animal’s sore spots.

Feline Acromegaly

Feline acromegaly is a cat disease caused by an excessive secretion of growth hormone via the pituitary gland. This causes cats living with acromegaly to be physically larger than normal cats (yay! BIG BOYS!), but can also cause some secondary no bueno conditions such as diabetes and heart disease (oh… not so yay). The specific type of diabetes that can sometimes affect a kitty who is suffering from acromegaly is an especially virulent strain, in that it can often be resistant to insulin. However, that shouldn’t deter a cat owner from seeking treatment. For the most part, it is possible to manage the secondary diseases of acromegaly while maintaining a good quality of life for your cat, and seeking out a specialist for support can yield positive results.

Feline Hyperesthesia

Kitties who suffer from feline hyperesthesia can exhibit a host of strange behaviors. This includes seemingly random bouts of anxiety and rippling of the skin when physical contact is made. (But who among us can judge a tiny ball of anxiety whose skin curdles when touched? Pretty relatable so far, if you ask me.) Cats with feline hyperesthesia may appear to be suffering from seizures when they go into a fit of agitation, however it’s not yet clear if these episodes are indeed seizures or not. The most dangerous hallmark of this cat disease, however, is the strange compulsion of it’s sufferers to bite and rip at their skin, for no apparent reason. If left untreated, a kitty with this disease may develop an infection around their self-inflicted wounds. It’s important to get an accurate diagnosis as quickly as possible. Luckily, the prognosis for this strange condition isn’t so bad, as wacky as it is. In many cases, anti-anxiety medication can keep the symptoms at bay, resulting in a good overall quality of life.

Chediak-Higashi Syndrome

This rare genetic disorder can actually be found in humans and animals alike. Symptoms of this condition include sensitivity to light, excessive bleeding when wounded, and watery eyes. Fortunately, treating Chediak-Higashi syndrome can be relatively simple. If diagnosed, supplementing your kitty’s diet with vitamin C will keep her in pretty good shape. Additionally, at the behest of Pet MD, “you will need to remain aware of your cat’s condition and maintain an environment that prevents accidents as much as possible so that your cat does not suffer an injury that would cause bleeding.” Making sure your cat doesn’t get into any scuffles may be easier said than done; making her strictly an indoor cat will rule out a lot of potential hazards to her health.

Feline Primary Glaucoma

Just like humans, kitties can develop glaucoma, or “eye guacamole”, as I used to call it, later in life. According to Cornell Feline Health Center, this cat disease is defined thusly: “Feline glaucoma, like human glaucoma, is a condition in which the watery fluid (aqueous humor) contained in the front part of the eye, just behind the lens, is unable to drain normally. The resulting accumulation of this fluid puts pressure on the optic nerve, which leads from the eye to the brain. Nerve damage caused by this pressure prevents normal vision and, if the condition progresses without treatment, is likely to result in partial or total blindness.” There are two types of glaucoma that can occur in cats: primary, which is a rare genetic condition, and secondary, which is much more common and can happen in either one eye or both. Although glaucoma is untreatable, it is easily manageable. Cats with the condition are expected to lead a normal (if not somewhat visually obscured) life. Additionally, kitties with glaucoma will develop a somewhat milky-look to their eyes, making them look like sage old wizards, filled with the arcane wisdom of the old gods. Bonus?

Once again, it is important to note that only a veterinarian can give your kitty an accurate diagnosis. When your cat is showing signs of discontentment, it doesn’t help to fall into the Web MD hole called “Everything Is Cancer”. Check with your vet if you think something funky is going on with your kitty, and take it from there!