Cat Facts

June 17, 2025

compiled by Nancy Kerr

F is for:

Farts are a normal part of cat digestion. Swallowing air while eating or issues with food can cause a gas buildup in the digestive system which causes the farting. This generally happens silently and may not smell. Excessive farting should be checked out by a veterinarian as it may be an indication of a digestive issue.

Feline Calicivirus Disease (FCV) occurs worldwide, affecting both domestic and exotic species of the cat family. Typical clinical signs include an upper respiratory infection involving the nose and throat such as sneezing, nasal congestion, conjunctivitis (inflammation of the membranes lining the eyelids), and discharge from the nose or eyes. Some strains of calicivirus may cause an infected cat to develop sudden painful lameness in one or more joints; this lameness occurs more frequently in kittens.

Feline Infectious Anemia (FIA) is a potentially life-threatening blood disorder caused by a group of bacteria known as Mycoplasma, which attach to red blood cells. The most common causes are M. haemofelis, Candidatus M. haemominutum, and Candidatus M. turicensis. It is possible for cats to have more than one type of mycoplasma that causes an infection. The disease can be transmitted through fighting, bites, and vectors like mosquitoes and fleas, as well as from mother cats to their kittens. Symptoms may include lethargy, pale gums, and weight loss.

Feline Panleukopenia (also known as feline distemper) is a highly contagious and often fatal viral disease caused by the feline parvovirus. It primarily affects the intestines and immune system of cats, leading to symptoms such as depression, anorexia, high fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and severe dehydration. Kittens are particularly vulnerable, and sudden death can occur. The virus spreads easily from cat to cat and can even be transmitted to kittens in the womb, so vaccination is crucial for prevention.

Fur mites (Lynx acarus radovskyi) are parasites that live on a cat’s hair shaft. They mainly cause a dull, dry hair coat. Most infected cats are not itchy. Infestations are rare and tend to occur in more tropical regions, such as Hawaii and the Florida Keys. The most commonly affected area is a cat’s hind end. The mites and their eggs may affect a cat’s coat in several ways: salt-and-pepper appearance, dull coat, dry coat, rust-colored coat, and hair that falls out easily. The intensity of itching can vary greatly, depending on the severity of the cat’s allergic response.