Skip to main content

Internal Medicine

Cats experience a wide range of internal health conditions, and many go unnoticed until they become serious. Dr. Brittney Kilgore knows how easily these conditions get missed, and at Cat Care of Fayette, that awareness shapes every exam and care decision we make for your cat.

Our approach goes beyond treating obvious symptoms. We take a close look at how your cat’s organs and systems are actually working. Our team offers conventional, integrative, and holistic options for both short-term illnesses and complex chronic conditions, always with your individual cat in mind.

Request Appointment

Why Feline Internal Conditions Are Frequently Missed

Cats are wired to hide pain and discomfort. It’s a survival instinct, and it makes early detection difficult. By the time obvious symptoms appear, a condition may have progressed significantly. Relying only on visible signs often leads to delayed diagnoses and missed chances to treat a problem early.

Conditions affecting the liver, kidneys, heart, or hormonal system rarely announce themselves with clear, immediate symptoms. They tend to show up as small changes: a slight drop in appetite, extra trips to the water bowl, or more sleep than usual. These signals are easy to write off as quirks, yet they are often the first signs that something more serious is developing.

The Feline Internal Conditions We Specialize In

From immune health to respiratory care, here are the conditions we see and treat.

Request Appointment

Behavioral

Behavior problems in cats are rarely simple mischief. They often point to stress, anxiety, or an imbalance in your cat’s environment, and sometimes to an underlying medical cause. We address temperament concerns and stress-related behaviors with environmental enrichment strategies and behavior modification plans. We look at your cat’s full picture to find what’s driving the behavior and how to change it.

Immunology

The immune system plays a central role in your cat’s overall health, and when it’s out of balance, the effects can be wide-ranging. We diagnose and manage immune system disorders, including feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), feline leukemia virus (FeLV), autoimmune diseases, and allergies. Finding these conditions early and managing them carefully can improve your cat’s quality of life.

Cardiology

Heart disease is more common in cats than many owners realize, and symptoms can stay subtle until the condition is advanced. We provide heart disease detection and management, including evaluation of murmurs and arrhythmias. Catching problems early gives us the best chance to slow progression and keep your cat comfortable.

Hepatic

Liver disease is common in cats, which makes liver care an important part of our services. We offer thorough diagnosis along with individualized treatment plans built around your cat’s specific needs. Many cats with liver conditions go on to live comfortably when they get the right support.

Endocrinology

Hormonal imbalances can affect how your cat feels and functions day to day. We diagnose and manage endocrine disorders such as diabetes and hyperthyroidism, both of which are common in cats as they age. Proper management can help bring back your cat’s energy and appetite.

Gastroenterology

Digestive problems in cats range from an occasional upset stomach to chronic conditions that need ongoing attention. We treat a broad spectrum of disorders affecting the digestive tract. Our goal is to find the cause, not only to treat the symptoms, so your cat can eat, digest, and absorb nutrients the way they should.

Neurology

Neurological conditions can be frightening to witness, but many are manageable with an accurate diagnosis and a clear care plan. We evaluate and treat conditions of the brain and nervous system, including seizure disorders and other neurological dysfunction. A careful workup helps us understand what’s happening and how best to support your cat.

Reproductive

Reproductive health matters for cats that are intact and for those that have been spayed or neutered. We care for a range of concerns, including health monitoring and post-surgical follow-up. Whatever your cat’s status, we’re here to answer questions and address problems as they come up.

Oncology

A cancer diagnosis is never easy, and it helps to have a knowledgeable team beside you. We diagnose and treat cancer across all body systems, with a focus on compassionate care and realistic options. Our goal is to support both you and your cat at every stage of the process.

Urology

Urinary problems are among the most common reasons cats see the vet, and they can escalate quickly if left untreated. We evaluate urinary tract health, urinary blockages, and kidney disease, then begin targeted treatment promptly. A urinary system that works well is essential to your cat’s comfort and longevity.

Pulmonology

Respiratory conditions like asthma and lung infections can make it harder for your cat to breathe comfortably and stay active. We diagnose and manage these conditions with appropriate therapies. Many cats with respiratory problems improve significantly once they have a treatment plan that fits them.

How We Approach Your Cat’s Internal Medicine Diagnosis and Treatment

Finding Out What's Going On

We start by looking at the full scope of your cat’s health, not only the symptom that brought you in. Dr. Kilgore does a thorough physical exam and gathers a detailed health history, including any behavior changes, appetite shifts, or patterns you’ve noticed at home. This first assessment shapes every decision that follows, so nothing gets missed.

Confirming the Diagnosis With the Right Tests

Once we have a clearer picture, we choose the tests most likely to answer the question for your cat’s specific situation. That may include bloodwork, urinalysis, imaging, or other targeted tests, depending on what the exam shows. Every test we recommend has a purpose. We skip unnecessary procedures and focus on what will help us reach a diagnosis.

Choosing the Most Effective Treatment

With a confirmed diagnosis in hand, we weigh the available options and select the approach that best suits your cat’s condition, age, and overall health. Dr. Kilgore walks you through the reasoning behind each recommendation so you can decide what’s best for your cat. Treatment may draw on conventional, integrative, or holistic methods, sometimes all three together.

Managing Your Cat's Condition Between Visits

What happens at home between appointments matters as much as what happens in the exam room. We give you clear, practical guidance on medications, diet, activity levels, and the specific symptoms to watch for while your cat adjusts to treatment. Knowing what to look for, and when to call us, keeps your cat’s care consistent and stops small setbacks from becoming bigger problems.

Reassessing and Adjusting the Plan Over Time

Your cat’s needs may shift as treatment progresses. Dr. Kilgore reviews your cat’s response at each follow-up and uses updated diagnostics when needed to measure progress accurately. If something isn’t working as expected, we adjust the plan so that your cat’s care keeps pace with their condition.

Why Choose Us

A cats-only practice changes how your cat is examined, diagnosed, and treated. Cats react to clinical environments very differently than dogs do, and stress alone can alter heart rate, blood pressure, and even lab results. A calm setting helps us get accurate information. That’s why Cat Care of Fayette is built around reducing feline anxiety, from the layout of the exam rooms to a waiting area with no barking.

That calm environment lets Dr. Kilgore work with a cat who is as relaxed as possible, which means more accurate readings, more cooperative exams, and more reliable diagnostic results. When a cat isn’t flooded with stress signals, small clinical findings are easier to detect, and in internal medicine, those small findings are often the most important ones. For your cat’s internal health concerns, choosing a cats-only practice shapes the quality of care they receive.

Cat Care of Fayette

Notice something off? Let’s Take a Look

Your cat depends on you to notice when something seems wrong. If it does, it’s worth getting checked, because internal conditions in cats tend to progress quietly. Dr. Kilgore and the team at Cat Care of Fayette are ready to give your cat careful, individualized attention. Call 770.716.5651 to schedule an appointment, and follow us on Facebook for updates, tips, and a closer look at the care we provide.

Request Appointment

FAQs

What is internal medicine for cats?

This specialized area of veterinary care focuses on diagnosing and treating conditions that affect the body’s internal organs and systems. It covers the heart, liver, kidneys, digestive tract, hormonal glands, lungs, and more. Care often involves advanced diagnostics and individualized treatment plans that go beyond routine wellness visits.

How do you correct bad behavior in cats?

Correcting unwanted behavior starts with understanding the cause, whether that’s stress, boredom, a change in the home, or an underlying medical issue. Behavior modification techniques, combined with environmental enrichment like climbing structures, hiding spots, and play, often help address the root cause. In some cases, a veterinary exam is the best first step to rule out health-related triggers before starting a behavior plan.

What is a heart murmur in cats?

A heart murmur is an abnormal sound heard during a physical exam, caused by turbulent blood flow through or near the heart. Murmurs are graded by severity and can range from harmless to a sign of underlying heart disease. Not every murmur needs immediate treatment, but all of them deserve regular monitoring, and many call for further testing such as an echocardiogram.

Do cats still have hormones after being spayed?

Yes. Spaying removes the ovaries, so estrogen and progesterone drop sharply, but the rest of the endocrine system keeps working. The thyroid, pancreas, and adrenal glands continue to produce their own hormones, which is why conditions like hyperthyroidism and diabetes can still develop in spayed cats. In rare cases, a small piece of ovarian tissue is left behind during surgery, a condition called ovarian remnant syndrome, and the cat may continue to show signs of heat.

Do cats have barbed reproductive organs?

Yes. Male cats have barbed penises covered in small, backward-facing spines made of keratin. The barbs are believed to stimulate ovulation in the female, since cats are induced ovulators that release eggs in response to mating. The spines tend to shrink after neutering, and mating can be uncomfortable for the female

Contact Info

3010 State Street
Peachtree City, GA 30269

Phone: 770.716.5651

Cat Care of Fayette

Office Hours

Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu & Fri:
-
Sat & Sun:
Closed

©2026 Cat Care of Fayette. Designed and Managed by ViziSites. Terms of Use. Website Accessibility.

Close Menu