Cat Health Conditions, Medications, and Vet Terms Explained
This glossary is your go-to guide for understanding common cat health conditions, veterinary terms, medications, and procedures, without needing a degree in veterinary medicine or a second browser tab full of Google searches.
Every entry is clearly explained in plain English, based on trusted veterinary sources. Whether your cat’s just been diagnosed with something confusing or you’re trying to understand a new prescription, you’re in the right place.
🐾 Wondering what the vet just said? We’ve got your back (and your cat’s tail).
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🩺 Conditions & Diagnoses
These are the most common illnesses, diseases, and medical issues that affect cats—organized A to Z so you can find what you’re looking for fast.
A–F
- Abscess
- Anemia
- Arthritis
- Asthma (Feline)
- Atopy (Allergic Dermatitis)
- Bladder Stones
- Cancer (General)
- Cardiac Hypertrophy
- Chronic Kidney Disease in Cats (CKD)
- Cholangitis
- Coccidia
- Constipation
- Cushing’s Disease
- Dental Disease
- Diabetes Mellitus
- Diarrhea (Chronic)
- Ear Mites
- Ear Infection (Otitis)
- Eosinophilic Granuloma Complex
- Feline herpesvirus (FHV-1)
- Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)
- Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)
- Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)
- Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD)
- Feline Panleukopenia
- Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis
- Flea Allergy Dermatitis
G–Z
- Giardia
- Gingivitis
- Hairballs
- Heart Disease in Cats
- Heartworm Disease
- Hepatic Lipidosis (Fatty Liver Disease)
- Hyperthyroidism
- Hypothyroidism
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
- Liver Disease in Cats
- Lymphoma
- Mange (Demodectic, Sarcoptic)
- Mast Cell Tumor
- Obesity
- Osteosarcoma
- Pancreatitis
- Parvovirus
- Pyometra
- Ringworm
- Seizure Disorder
- Stomatitis
- Tapeworm
- Tooth Resorption
- Toxoplasmosis
- Triaditis
- Upper Respiratory Infection
- Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
- Vestibular Disease
- Vomiting (Chronic)
- Worms (General)
- Zoonotic Disease
💊 Medications & Treatments
This section covers the most commonly prescribed medications and treatments for cats, including what they’re used for and what side effects to watch for.
A–F
- Advantage II
- Amoxicillin
- Apoquel
- Baytril (Enrofloxacin)
- Buprenorphine
- Cerenia
- Clindamycin
- Convenia
- Dexamethasone
- Dewormer (Broad Spectrum)
- Doxycycline
- Famciclovir
- Feliway
- Fluoxetine (Prozac)
- Frontline Plus
G–Z
- Gabapentin
- Hydrocodone
- Ivermectin
- Lactulose
- Meloxicam
- Metronidazole
- Miralax
- Onsior
- Orbax
- Prednisolone
- Probiotics (General)
- Revolution
- Selamectin
- Seresto Collar
- Simparica
- Sucralfate
- Subcutaneous Fluids
- Trazodone
- Tresaderm
- Vetmedin
- Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) for Cats
- Zyrtec (Cetirizine)
🧪 Procedures & Tests
A helpful reference for understanding the tests and procedures your vet might recommend—and what they mean for your cat.
- Abdominal Ultrasound
- Anesthesia
- Biopsy
- Blood Panel
- Cytology
- Dental Cleaning
- Ear Cleaning
- Echocardiogram
- Fecal Exam
- Fine Needle Aspirate
- IV Fluids
- Radiographs (X-rays)
- Spay
- Neuter
- Subcutaneous Injection
- Urinalysis
- Vaccine Schedule
- Veterinary Exam (Wellness vs. Sick Visit)
- Euthanasia (Compassionate Care Guide)
🧬 Medical Terms & Vet Jargon
We decoded common veterinary lingo into real-world explanations so you can better understand your cat’s condition or medical records.
- Ataxia
- Bilirubin
- Bradycardia
- Dehydration
- Edema
- Hematuria
- Hyperglycemia
- Hypoglycemia
- Icterus (Jaundice)
- Lesion
- Lethargy
- Palpation
- Polydipsia
- Polyuria
- Pyrexia (Fever)
- Tachycardia
- Tumor vs. Cyst
- Vital Signs (HR, RR, Temp)
- Zoonosis
👇 What’s Next?
We’re actively building out each entry, one at a time, with full explanations, treatment options, FAQs, and real-world guidance for cat owners. Click any term to learn more!