• Addison's disease can occur in young cats.cat image by John Hofboer from Fotolia.com
  
  Addison's disease, also called hypoadrenocorticism, occurs when the adrenal glands no longer produce adequate amounts of hormones. The Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine says the adrenal glands help maintain the cat's balance of salt, water and sugar. The adrenal glands are responsible for producing hormones including the stress hormone cortisol. For this reason, a cat with Addison's disease may show increased symptoms during times of stress. Addison's disease is uncommon in felines but has occurred in young to middle-aged cats.
  
  

Digestive Symptoms

• Addison's disease can affect the digestive system in cats. The most common symptoms include vomiting and diarrhea. These symptoms may come and go or they can be chronic. In some cases the vomiting and diarrhea can be severe. If these symptoms are severe enough and go untreated, dehydration can quickly occur. The University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine says the cat also may show signs of pain from the abdominal area. Symptoms from this pain may include growling or hissing when the cat's abdomen is touched. These symptoms are common in a number of diseases, like pancreatitis and parasitic infestation, and require a veterinarian's diagnosis.
  
  

Behavioral Symptoms

• Cats with Addison's disease may display a change in behavior. This change may be slow to develop or it may appear quite suddenly. Common behavioral changes include lethargy and a depressed attitude. In severe cases, the lethargy and weakness can cause collapse. Behavioral changes may be in part because of blood-sugar imbalances.
  
  

Physical Symptoms

• Cats with Addison's disease may appear to shiver because of a drop in their internal temperature. Hypothermia and weak pulse can be side effects of Addison's disease. In addition to outward behavioral changes, the cat's body shape and muscle tone may appear to decline. A veterinarian should be consulted when these symptoms of wasting are present.
  
  

Changes in Appetite and Thirst

• Addison's disease can cause anorexia, or a lack of appetite. The cat also may appear to be constantly thirsty. This is related to the disruption of the cat's internal balance of water and salt. Although the cat may be drinking copious amounts of water, dehydration still can occur because of the retention of potassium and excretion of sodium. Cats with Addison's disease also may suffer from rapid weight loss. The Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine says Addison's disease may be mistaken for kidney disease.