The Big Picture: Why Feline Health Matters
Your cat relies on you to keep them healthy and happy. Unlike dogs, cats are masters at hiding symptoms of sickness. This instinct for survival makes it harder for owners to notice problems early. Knowing these cat diseases can help, and you can learn from their warning signs before small problems become big health emergencies.
Millions of cats visit veterinarians each year for preventable diseases. Cat diseases can spread rapidly, while others take years to develop. The good news? There are several common cat illnesses that can be treated easily if caught early. You will be in a better position to advocate for your pet’s care if you know about these conditions.
This guide takes on seven health issues that can impact cats of all ages and breeds. You’ll find out what causes each illness, how you can tell if these symptoms might be present and which treatments are the most effective. Whether you’ve got a young kitten or an elderly cat, this data will enable you be better equipped as pet owners.
The Cat Cold: What Is It?
Upper Respiratory Infections (URIs) in cats are similar to the human cold. They are also quite common and transmit readily among cats, particularly in shelters, boarding facilities or multi-cat homes.
What Causes These Infections?
Two primary villains are responsible for the majority of upper respiratory ailments in cats. Feline herpesvirus (FHV-1) is responsible for approximately 50% of cases. The other common cause is feline calicivirus or FCV. Both are spread by sneezing, coughing and shared food bowls.
Bacteria such as Bordetella and Chlamydia can also cause respiratory infections. Cats and kittens, as well as older cats, stressed by crowding or poor nutrition, are at greater risk because their immune systems are less robust.
Symptoms to Watch For
Cats that are under the weather usually have wet eyes and sneeze continuously. You might notice:
- Discharge from the nose and eyes, clear or colored
- Loss of appetite caused by diminished sense of smell
- Fever and lethargy
- Mouth sores or drooling
- Rapid breathing or coughing
Treatment and Prevention
The majority of cats will recover in one to three weeks with supportive treatment. If bacteria are a player, your vet might prescribe antibiotics. Keep your cat hydrated, with warm food to induce appetite, and gently remove discharge.
Vaccination protects against the worst symptoms of these common cat illnesses. The FVRCP prevents herpesvirus, calicivirus and other respiratory viruses. Keep indoor cats separated from outdoor strays to minimize exposure risk.
Chronic Kidney Disease: The Silent Killer
One in three cats over the age of ten are affected by chronic kidney disease (CKD). The kidneys are responsible for filtering waste from blood, but as cats get older these organs start to fail progressively. This is also considered one of the serious cat diseases that requires vigilant monitoring.
How Kidney Disease Develops
The kidneys are made up of millions of small filters called nephrons. These filters get over activated and as they fail over time. The causes are not well understood, but genetics, infections and high blood pressure can all contribute.
By the time you notice, your cat can lose 70% of his or her kidney function. The best chance your cat has for a comfortable life depends on early detection, through routine blood testing.
Warning Signs of Kidney Problems
These are some mild changes in your cat’s behavior to watch out for:
- Excessive thirst and frequent urination
- Weight loss despite normal eating
- Bad skin and fur
- Vomiting or loss of appetite
- Chemical odor to the breath
- Lethargy and increased sleep time
Managing Kidney Disease
There’s no cure, but treatment allows cats to live for months or years after being diagnosed. Your vet will recommend:
- Special low-protein and low-phosphorus diets for kidneys
- Blood pressure and nausea medications
- Administration of fluids to help keep cats hydrated
- 2-3 times a year blood testing to check up on the kidneys
Feeding wet instead of dry food will help increase water consumption too! Some owners learn to provide subcutaneous fluids at home, to make their cats feel better.
Diabetes Mellitus: When Blood Sugar Goes Awry
Diabetes is when a cat’s body isn’t able to use glucose for energy the way it’s meant to. This metabolic disease is becoming more frequent with the rise in the feline obesity epidemic. As with the human form of it, most diabetic cats have type 2 diabetes.
Why Cats Develop Diabetes
Insulin is a hormone produced in the pancreas, which allows cells to absorb sugar from circulating blood. In diabetic cats, the pancreas either doesn’t produce enough insulin or the cells are responsive to it. Risk factors include:
- Obesity (the biggest risk factor)
- Male cats (male more common than female)
- Age over seven years
- Inactive lifestyle
- Previous steroid medications
Recognizing Diabetes Symptoms
The four classic signs form a clear pattern:
- Excessive thirst (polydipsia)
- Frequent urination (polyuria)
- Increased appetite but weight loss
- Lethargy and weakness
Some cats with diabetes step flat-footed behind, rather than on their toes. This occurs when high blood sugar injures nerves.
Treatment Approach
The vast majority of diabetic cats receive daily insulin injections but don’t panic—the needles are small and cats in general tolerate them quite well. Your veterinarian will show you the best way to do this.
Diet changes are crucial. Foods high in protein low in carbs help keep blood sugar stable. There are a lot of cats eating dry food that have made dramatic improvements just by being switched to canned food.
Frequent checks of your blood sugar let you know when to make a change in your insulin on the go. Some cats even go into remission when they are thin and eat the correct diet, especially if treated early.
Hyperthyroidism: The Overactive Gland
Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland makes too much hormone. It accelerates practically everything the body does. It is one of the most commonly diagnosed cat diseases, and is most prevalent in middle aged to older cats.
The Thyroid Connection
The thyroid gland is in the neck and regulates metabolism. In hyperthyroid cats, their gland forms benign tumors that make it work overtime. These tumors are almost never cancerous.
The cause of these tumors is not well understood by scientists. Some of the research suggests chemicals used in the lining of cans, or fire retardants that are found in house dust.
Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism
Cats with hyperthyroidism seem as if they’re stuck in fast-forward:
- Overeating but losing weight
- Hyperactivity, restlessness, or irritability
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Rapid heartbeat
- Increased thirst and urination
- Poor coat condition
- Swollen thyroid gland (felt as a lump in the neck)
Treatment Options
There are four primary treatment options for hyperthyroidism:
Daily medication (methimazole) inhibits the production of thyroid hormone. This requires lifelong pills but is effective with many cats.
Radioactive iodine treatment kills off the overactive thyroid tissue. One treatment usually cures the disease, permanently, but for a few days cats have to remain at a special facility.
Thyroidectomy is curative but contains surgical risk.
Prescription diet (y/d) restricts iodine, a substance the thyroid uses to generate hormones. Cats have to eat nothing else but this food, regardless of treats or table-scraps.
Build a healthy daily routine for your pet 🕒 Learn how here.
Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease: Peeing Outside the Box
Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD), or feline urologic syndrome (FUS) is a general term for a variety of conditions affecting the bladder and urethra. These issues can result in painful urination and may progress to medical emergencies, especially for male cats.
What Causes FLUTD?
Multiple factors trigger urinary problems:
- Bladder stones or crystals in the urine
- Bacterial infections (in cats more rarely than in dogs)
- Stress and anxiety
- Obesity and lack of exercise
- Highly concentrated urine due to dehydration
- Cystitis of unknown origin (inflammation without a known cause)
Unfortunately, male cats are in unique danger of this because their urethra is exceedingly long and narrow. Crystals or mucus can also completely occlude it and obstruct urination.
Critical Warning Signs
Do not take these symptoms lightly—they reflect some common cat diseases that need veterinary attention now:
- Straining in urination with scanty amount passing urine
- Crying in pain while in the litter box
- Blood in the urine
- Urinating outside the litter box
- Over-grooming around the genitals
- Loss of appetite and hiding
A “blocked” cat is a medical emergency. If left untreated for 24 to 48 hours, toxins accumulate and result in kidney failure and death.
Treatment and Prevention
Management is based on the underlying cause. Your vet may prescribe:
- Pain medications and anti-inflammatory drugs
- Antibiotics for bacterial infections
- Dietary modification to dissolve crystals or prevent stones
- More fluid due to wet food or fountains
- Stress reduction techniques
For blocked cats, emergency catheterization unblocks them. For some cats, surgery is necessary if the blockages happen again.
Prevention is aimed at keeping urine diluted. Provide multiple sources of water, feed wet food and keep litter boxes very clean. Eliminate stress by keeping routines.
Dental Disease: It’s Not Just Stinky Breath
Dental disease is the most common health issue in cats over three years of age, with up to 85% affected. And although it may not feel as serious as other diseases, dental disease causes lifelong pain and can result in infections that pose a threat to the heart, liver and kidneys.
How Dental Disease Progresses
It begins with bacteria producing plaque on teeth. Plaque turns to tartar in 24-48 hours if not brushed. Tartar builds up below the gum line, it irritates the area, the gum becomes inflamed and you have gingivitis.
As the disease progresses, gums pull away and teeth become loose. Bacteria gets into the bloodstream through inflamed gums, infecting vital organs. Pet cats, too can suffer from tooth resorption as the tooth structure erodes starting in the core of tooth.
How Do You Know if Your Cat Has Dental Problems
Cats are not prone to displaying overt signs of pain, so be on the look-out for subtle ones:
- Bad breath that smells rotten
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
- Tartar – yellowish brown deposits on teeth
- Salivation or pawing at the mouth
- Difficulty eating or dropping food
- Favoring of soft over dry food
- Weight loss or decreased grooming
Dental Care Solutions
Professional anesthesia cleaning scrapes tartar above and below the gum line. Your vet removes damaged teeth that are doing harm. Most cats will eat better after surgery than they did prior to tooth extraction because the pain is gone.
At-home care prevents disease progression:
- Brush your cat’s teeth daily with a feline toothpaste (never use human toothpaste, as it contains poison)
- Provide plaque-reducing dental treats and toys
- Feed dental diet foods with unique surfaces that clean teeth
- Schedule annual veterinary dental exams
Begin dental care as early as possible so that young kittens will allow you to brush their teeth.
Obesity-Related Complications: The Hidden Epidemic
Obesity isn’t one disease but a major risk factor for several serious conditions. More than 60 percent of domestic cats in the developed world are overweight or obese. Excess weight is a burden on every body system and leads to dramatically shorter life spans.
Why Weight Matters
Every extra pound of fat on the animal is significant. A 15-pound cat meant to weigh 10 pounds is akin to a person who should weigh 150 pounds tipping the scales at 225.
Obesity is behind several common cat diseases:
- Type 2 diabetes
- Arthritis and joint pain
- Heart disease
- Liver disease (hepatic lipidosis)
- Lower urinary tract disease
- Difficulty grooming
Assessing Your Cat’s Weight
You should be able to feel your cat’s ribs easily without pressing firmly. If viewed from above, cats should have a well-defined waist behind the ribs. The belly should tuck up a little from the side.
If your cat is starting to look like a football with legs, consider working towards weight control. Use a body condition scoring chart from your vet to evaluate your cat objectively.
Safe Weight Loss Strategies
Weight loss needs to be gradual in cats – 1-2% of their body weight or less per week. Deadly liver disease is the result of extreme weight loss.
Successful weight management includes:
- Portioning meals as opposed to free feeding
- Choosing high-protein, low-carbohydrate foods
- Feeding frequent small meals to increase metabolism
- Increasing activity through interactive play
- Using puzzle feeders to keep the cat working during eating
- Eliminating or limiting treats
Develop an individualized weight loss plan with your vet. Regular weigh-ins hold you accountable and allow for portion adjustment as needed.
Prevention: The Best Way to Avoid Common Cat Illnesses
Most of the many diseases that affect cats can be prevented through early care. Good habits are something that saves your cat as the years go by.
Essential Preventive Care
Of course, annual veterinary exams nip problems before symptoms arise. For senior cats (more than seven years old), twice-a-year checkups are recommended. A blood test screens for early signs of kidney disease, diabetes and hyperthyroidism.
Vaccinations prevent serious infectious diseases. Core vaccines provide immunity against rabies, herpesvirus, calicivirus, and panleukopenia. Your vet will recommend vaccines according to your cat’s lifestyle and risk factors.
Preventative measures can help protect against parasites that cause diseases or carry infections, such as fleas, ticks and worms. Monthly preventives are less painful and far less expensive than treating infestations.
Good food is the base of good health. Feed a good-quality diet appropriate for your cat’s life stage and health status. Avoid free-feeding and obesity. For more expert tips on cat care and wellness, explore comprehensive resources that can help you become a better pet owner.
Prevent painful tooth and gum disease with dental care. First, begin brushing early and have regular professional cleanings as recommended.
Stress reduction strengthens immune function. Offer hiding places, vertical surfaces, regular schedules and good litterbox habits.
The Power of Observation
You are your cat’s first defense. Little subtleties in behavior frequently indicate health problems. Reliable intuition — if something feels off, take her to the vet. Early treatment is more successful, less expensive and easier to access.
Frequently Asked Questions
How frequently do I need to take my cat to the vet?
Annual exams are necessary for a healthy adult cat. Young kittens need many visits in their first year for vaccines and growth monitoring. Senior cats (7+ years) need to visit the vet twice a year because diseases tend to show up much more quickly in older pets.
Can cats that live inside be sick if they haven’t been exposed to other animals?
Yes. Indoor cats can contract illness such as diabetes, kidney disease, dental issues, and obesity without the exposure to other pets. Some diseases are genetic or age-related, not infectious. All cats should still see the vet regularly.
What if I could do just one thing to keep my cat healthy?
Being at a healthy weight reduces the risk of so many illnesses. Feed appropriate amounts of high quality food, exercise the cats regularly and refrain from overfeeding treats. A lean cat will be alive two years longer than an overweight one.
Do some cat breeds tend to develop certain diseases?
Yes. Kidney disease is also common in Persian cats. Maine Coons cats are at higher risk of heart disease. Siamese are mostly vulnerable to upper respiratory problems. However, any disease of cats can occur in mixed-breed cats as well, and all of the diseases are preventable with proper veterinary care regardless of breed.
Ensure your pet’s coat stays shiny and healthy ✨ See grooming tips.
How can I know if my cat is in pain?
Cats hide pain instinctively. Note subtle differences such as decreased activity, less grooming than normal, not jumping as she’s used to, a change in how often (or where) she uses her litter box and hiding more or sleeping excessively. If there is any change in behavior, a veterinary exam is warranted.
Is it worth it for the prevention of cat diseases?
Pet insurance won’t keep your pet alive, but it will make the treatment of disease more affordable. And it’s of the most value to buy it while your cat is still young and healthy, before any pre-existing conditions emerge. Carefully compare plans, as coverage can vary greatly.
Conclusion: A Proactive Cat Owner
Learning about the most common cat diseases makes you a proactive owner not a passive member when it comes to your cat’s health. The seven conditions addressed in this story — respiratory infections, kidney disease, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, urinary tract disease, dental disease along with obesity — afflict millions of cats annually.
Early detection is the best way to control these diseases. Cats are predators and thus veiled in health, so when signs develop it can be too late. Regular veterinary care, attention to the early signs of illness, and a good diet help make your cat as healthy as he can be.
Just always remember, you and your veterinarian are a team. Do not be afraid to question, or get a second opinion regarding serious diagnosis inquiries. You know your cat best of all, and the things you notice supply much-needed information for an accurate diagnosis from your vet.
It is always cheaper to prevent than to treat. Spend time on daily brushing of teeth, feeding portion control, interactive play and stress reduction. It doesn’t take much effort, but these simple practices reap tremendous rewards for your cat’s overall well-being and lifespan.
Finally, trust your instincts. If your cat is just off, even without the outward signs of a problem, call the vet. Early treatment of common feline illnesses can be the difference between easy therapy and complicated medical therapy. Your watchful eye and expertise will keep your cherished pet still purring by your side for years to come.
