Cats are masters at hiding illness — which makes it even more important for cat owners to know the warning signs of common health problems. Early detection and veterinary care can help keep your cat living a longer, happier life.
Here’s a guide to the 10 most common cat health issues, how to spot them, and what you can do to help.
1. Dental Disease
Symptoms: Bad breath, drooling, difficulty eating, pawing at the mouth, red gums.
Causes: Plaque buildup, periodontal disease, tooth resorption.
What to do: Schedule regular dental checkups and cleanings with your veterinarian under anesthesia, brush your cat’s teeth at home, and use dental treats or diets as recommended.
2. Kidney Disease (Chronic Kidney Disease, CKD)
Symptoms: Increased thirst and urination, weight loss, poor appetite, vomiting.
Causes: Aging, genetics, certain infections, toxins.
What to do: Kidney-friendly diets, hydration support, and medications can help manage this common senior cat condition.
3. Hyperthyroidism
Symptoms: Weight loss despite increased appetite, hyperactivity, vomiting, diarrhea, rapid heart rate.
Causes: Overproduction of thyroid hormone, usually due to a benign tumor.
What to do: Treatment options include medication, special diets, radioactive iodine therapy, or surgery.
4. Diabetes Mellitus
Symptoms: Increased thirst and urination, weight loss, increased appetite, lethargy.
Causes: Insulin resistance, often related to obesity.
What to do: Management usually involves insulin injections, dietary changes, and regular monitoring.
5. Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD / FIC)
Symptoms: Straining to urinate, frequent urination, bloody urine, licking the urinary opening, vocalizing in the litter box.
Causes: Stress, crystals or stones, urinary tract inflammation.
What to do: This can be an emergency — especially in male cats. Always consult your vet promptly. Management may include diet changes, stress reduction, and medications.
6. Vomiting and Diarrhea
Symptoms: Occasional hairballs or mild GI upset, or more serious chronic vomiting and diarrhea.
Causes: Hairballs, dietary indiscretion, parasites, infections, chronic diseases.
What to do: Mild cases may resolve with diet adjustments, but persistent or severe symptoms require veterinary attention.
7. Obesity
Symptoms: Excess weight, difficulty grooming, exercise intolerance.
Causes: Overfeeding, lack of exercise, indoor lifestyle.
What to do: Weight loss plans, portion control, interactive play, and prescription diets can help.
8. Heart Disease (Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, HCM)
Symptoms: Often none until advanced; sometimes difficulty breathing, lethargy, or sudden collapse.
Causes: Thickened heart muscle, often inherited.
What to do: Your vet may recommend monitoring, medications, or lifestyle adjustments.
9. Upper Respiratory Infections (URI)
Symptoms: Sneezing, nasal discharge, runny eyes, fever, lethargy.
Causes: Viral or bacterial infections, often in multi-cat homes or shelters.
What to do: Mild cases may resolve on their own, but severe infections may need antibiotics, antivirals, or supportive care.
10. Parasites (Fleas, Ticks, Worms, Ear Mites)
Symptoms: Itching, hair loss, scooting, weight loss, diarrhea.
Causes: Exposure to other animals, outdoor access.
What to do: Use year-round parasite prevention and have regular deworming as advised by your vet.
Preventive Care Tips
- Schedule annual wellness exams
- Keep up with vaccinations and parasite control
- Feed a balanced diet
- Provide daily enrichment and play
- Monitor your cat’s weight and behavior
When to See Your Veterinarian
If you notice sudden changes in your cat’s appetite, weight, activity level, litter box habits, or behavior, contact your veterinarian. Cats often hide illness, so early action is key. Yearly examinations with preventative care maintenance can catch things early and help with early intervention.
Conclusion
By understanding the most common cat health issues, you can take a proactive approach to your cat’s health. Regular veterinary visits and at-home care can go a long way toward keeping your cat happy and healthy for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the signs my cat is sick?
Look for changes in appetite, drinking more or less, weight loss, vomiting, diarrhea, hiding, decreased grooming, changes in litter box habits, coughing, or sneezing. Cats are good at hiding illness, so even subtle changes matter — if you’re unsure, call your veterinarian.
How can I prevent common health problems in my cat?
Preventive care is key: schedule regular vet exams, keep vaccinations up to date, use parasite prevention, maintain a healthy weight, provide a balanced diet, keep your cat indoors or supervise outdoor time, and reduce stress in their environment.
How often should my cat see the vet?
Healthy adult cats should have a wellness check once a year. Senior cats (over age 7) may benefit from checkups every 6 months. Kittens need more frequent visits for vaccines and spay/neuter surgery.
What are the most common senior cat health problems?
Older cats are prone to kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, arthritis, dental disease, and sometimes cancer. Regular bloodwork and exams help catch these problems early.
When should I call the vet if my cat is vomiting or has diarrhea?
Call your vet if vomiting or diarrhea is persistent (more than 24 hours), severe, accompanied by lethargy, dehydration, blood in stool or vomit, or if your cat stops eating or using the litter box.