Our feline friends are masters of disguise, especially when it comes to hiding pain and illness. As dedicated cat owners, being able to recognize the subtle signs of common health problems is our first line of defense. This guide will walk you through the 20 most frequent health issues in cats, their symptoms, and what you can do to help your beloved pet live a long, healthy, and happy life.
1. Dental Disease
What it is: A buildup of plaque and tartar leading to gingivitis (inflamed gums) and periodontitis (infection of the structures supporting the teeth).
Signs to Watch For: Bad breath, drooling, difficulty eating, pawing at the mouth, red or bleeding gums, and visible tartar (brown/yellow buildup on teeth).
What to Do: Regular veterinary dental check-ups, daily tooth brushing with cat-specific toothpaste, and dental treats or diets.
2. Obesity
What it is: Excess body weight, a major risk factor for diabetes, arthritis, and other serious conditions.
Signs to Watch For: Inability to feel ribs, no visible waist, lethargy, difficulty grooming the back, and a waddling gait.
What to Do: Measure food portions, avoid free-feeding, encourage play and exercise, and consult your vet for a weight management plan.
3. Fleas
What it is: Infestation by external parasites that feed on your cat’s blood.
Signs to Watch For: Excessive scratching, licking, or biting; visible “flea dirt” (black specks) in the fur; hair loss; and skin irritation.
What to Do: Use veterinarian-recommended monthly flea prevention year-round for all pets in the household.
4. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
What it is: A progressive, irreversible loss of kidney function, common in older cats.
Signs to Watch For: Increased thirst and urination, weight loss, decreased appetite, bad breath, and lethargy.
What to Do: Regular senior blood and urine screenings are crucial. Management includes special prescription diets, increased water intake, and medication.
5. Urinary Tract Issues (FLUTD)
What it is: Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease encompasses conditions like cystitis (bladder inflammation), urinary stones, and blockages.
Signs to Watch For: Straining to urinate, crying in the litter box, frequent trips with little output, blood in urine, and urinating outside the box. A BLOCKAGE IS A LIFE-THREATENING EMERGENCY!
What to Do: Ensure plenty of fresh water, provide a clean litter box, and seek immediate veterinary care if symptoms appear.
6. Vomiting & Diarrhea
What it is: Gastrointestinal upset from various causes, including hairballs, dietary indiscretion, parasites, or more serious illnesses.
Signs to Watch For: Repeated vomiting, loose or watery stools, lethargy, or blood in vomit or stool.
What to Do: Withhold food for 12-24 hours (consult your vet first), then offer a bland diet. See a vet if it persists for more than a day or is accompanied by other symptoms.
7. Hyperthyroidism
What it is: An overproduction of thyroid hormone, speeding up the cat’s metabolism.
Signs to Watch For: Weight loss despite a ravenous appetite, hyperactivity, increased thirst and urination, vomiting, and an unkempt coat.
What to Do: This is a treatable condition. Your vet can diagnose it with a blood test and discuss treatment options like medication, a special diet, or radioactive iodine therapy.
8. Diabetes Mellitus
What it is: The body’s inability to produce or respond to insulin, leading to high blood sugar.
Signs to Watch For: Similar to kidney disease and hyperthyroidism: increased thirst/urination, weight loss despite a good appetite, and lethargy.
What to Do: Treatment often involves insulin injections, a strict diet, and weight management.
9. Heartworm Disease
What it is: A serious and potentially fatal disease caused by parasitic worms transmitted by mosquitoes.
Signs to Watch For: Often there are no early signs. Later stages can include coughing, asthma-like attacks, vomiting, lethargy, and sudden collapse.
What to Do: Prevention is key! Use a monthly heartworm preventative prescribed by your vet.
10. Arthritis (Osteoarthritis)
What it is: Degeneration and inflammation of the joints, causing pain and stiffness.
Signs to Watch For: Reluctance to jump, limping, stiffness after rest, difficulty using the litter box, and irritability when touched.
What to Do: Provide ramps or steps, use low-sided litter boxes, offer soft bedding, and ask your vet about pain management and joint supplements.
11. Ear Infections
What it is: Inflammation or infection of the outer, middle, or inner ear, often caused by mites, bacteria, or yeast.
Signs to Watch For: Head shaking, scratching at ears, odor, black or yellow discharge, and redness or swelling.
What to Do: Have your vet diagnose the cause. Never use cotton swabs; only clean ears with a vet-recommended solution.
12. Upper Respiratory Infections (Cat “Colds”)
What it is: Contagious viral or bacterial infections, like feline herpesvirus and calicivirus.
Signs to Watch For: Sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, watery eyes, coughing, fever, and loss of appetite.
What to Do: Keep your cat hydrated, use a humidifier, and ensure they are eating. Severe cases require veterinary care for antibiotics or supportive fluids.
13. Constipation
What it is: Infrequent or difficult passage of stool.
Signs to Watch For: Straining in the litter box, hard/dry stools, vocalizing in pain, and decreased appetite.
What to Do: Increase water intake with wet food and water fountains. Chronic constipation can lead to megacolon, which requires veterinary treatment.
14. Hairballs (Trichobezoars)
What it is: Wads of undigested hair that accumulate in the stomach from self-grooming.
Signs to Watch For: Retching, gagging, and vomiting a cylindrical mass of hair.
What to Do: Regular brushing is the best prevention. Hairball remedies (like gels or specific diets) can help. If vomiting is frequent, see a vet to rule out other issues.
15. Skin Allergies
What it is: An overreaction of the immune system to allergens like flea saliva, food ingredients, or environmental factors (pollen, dust).
Signs to Watch For: Itchy skin, excessive grooming, hair loss, scabs, and skin infections.
What to Do: Strict flea control is the first step. Your vet can help identify the allergen through elimination trials or testing.
16. Intestinal Parasites
What it is: Worms like roundworms, tapeworms, and hookworms that live in the digestive tract.
Signs to Watch For: Diarrhea, vomiting, a pot-bellied appearance, visible worms in stool or near the anus (tapeworms look like rice grains), and weight loss.
What to Do: Administer regular, vet-recommended dewormers and keep your cat indoors to reduce exposure.
17. Eye Problems (Conjunctivitis, Corneal Ulcers)
What it is: Inflammation of the eye lining (conjunctivitis) or a scratch on the cornea.
Signs to Watch For: Redness, swelling, squinting, discharge (clear, yellow, or green), pawing at the eye, and cloudiness.
What to Do: Any eye issue is urgent. See your vet promptly, as delays can lead to vision loss.
18. Heart Disease (Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy)
What it is: A condition where the heart muscle thickens, making it harder for the heart to pump blood.
Signs to Watch For: Often silent until advanced. Look for labored breathing, lethargy, hiding, and sudden hind-leg paralysis (a medical emergency).
What to Do: Some breeds are predisposed. Your vet may detect a heart murmur during a routine exam and recommend further testing like an echocardiogram.
19. Cancer (Lymphoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma)
What it is: The uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells. It can affect almost any part of the body.
Signs to Watch For: Lumps or bumps that change size, non-healing sores, persistent weight loss, lethargy, difficulty eating or swallowing, and bleeding.
What to Do: Early detection is vital. Report any unusual changes to your vet immediately. Treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation.
20. Stress & Anxiety
What it is: A psychological and physiological response to changes or threats in their environment.
Signs to Watch For: Hiding, inappropriate urination/defecation, excessive vocalization, aggression, over-grooming, and decreased appetite.
What to Do: Identify and minimize stressors. Provide safe hiding spots, use synthetic pheromone diffusers (like Feliway), and ensure a predictable routine. For severe cases, consult your vet about behavioral therapy or medication.
Your Most Important Tool: The Vet Visit
The single best thing you can do for your cat’s health is to schedule regular veterinary check-ups—at least once a year for adult cats and twice a year for seniors. Your veterinarian is your partner in preventative care and can often detect problems long before you notice any symptoms at home. By being observant, proactive, and maintaining a strong relationship with your vet, you are giving your cat the best possible chance for a vibrant and healthy life.