Cat Health Guide
Learn about common health issues, symptoms to watch for, and how to keep your feline friend healthy
Emergency Signs - Seek Immediate Veterinary Care
If your cat shows any of these signs, contact your veterinarian or emergency animal hospital immediately:
Common Health Issues
Understanding these common conditions can help you recognize symptoms early and seek appropriate care
Dental Health
Dental disease is one of the most common health issues in cats. Regular teeth cleaning and dental check-ups are essential.
Common Symptoms
Bad breath- Difficulty eating
- Drooling
- Red or swollen gums
Prevention Tips
- Regular teeth brushing
- Dental treats and toys
- Annual dental check-ups
- Quality diet
Kidney Disease
Chronic kidney disease is common in older cats. Early detection through regular vet visits is crucial.
Common Symptoms
- Increased thirst
- Frequent urination
- Weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting
Prevention Tips
- Provide fresh water daily
- Quality diet
- Regular vet check-ups
- Monitor litter box habits
Obesity
Over 50% of cats are overweight or obese, leading to various health problems including diabetes and arthritis.
Common Symptoms
- Difficulty grooming
- Reduced activity
- Difficulty jumping
- Visible weight gain
Prevention Tips
- Portion control
- Regular exercise and play
- Avoid table scraps
- Use puzzle feeders
Upper Respiratory Infections
Cat flu and other respiratory infections are common, especially in multi-cat households or shelters.
Common Symptoms
- Sneezing
- Nasal discharge
- Eye discharge
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
Prevention Tips
- Keep vaccinations current
- Reduce stress
- Good hygiene
- Isolate sick cats
Parasites
Internal and external parasites can affect cats of all ages. Regular prevention is key.
Common Symptoms
- Visible worms in stool
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Weight loss
- Bloated belly
- Excessive scratching
Prevention Tips
- Monthly preventative medication
- Regular vet check-ups
- Keep litter box clean
- Flea prevention
Heart Disease
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common heart disease in cats and can be life-threatening.
Common Symptoms
- Difficulty breathing
- Rapid breathing
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Weakness in hind legs
Prevention Tips
- Regular vet exams
- Breed-specific screening
- Healthy diet
- Monitor for symptoms
Hyperthyroidism
Common in older cats, hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland produces too much hormone.
Common Symptoms
- Weight loss despite eating well
- Increased appetite
- Hyperactivity
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
Prevention Tips
- Regular senior cat check-ups
- Blood work for older cats
- Monitor behavior changes
Diabetes
Feline diabetes is manageable with proper care, diet, and sometimes insulin therapy.
Common Symptoms
- Increased thirst
- Frequent urination
- Weight loss
- Increased appetite
- Lethargy
Prevention Tips
- Maintain healthy weight
- Regular exercise
- Quality diet
- Regular vet check-ups
Urinary Issues
Urinary tract infections and blockages can be life-threatening and require immediate attention.
Common Symptoms
- Straining to urinate
- Blood in urine
- Frequent small urinations
- Urinating outside litter box
- Crying when urinating
Prevention Tips
- Fresh water available
- Clean litter box
- Reduce stress
- Quality diet
- Regular vet visits
Preventive Care Schedule
Kittens (0-1 year)
- Multiple vet visits for vaccinations
- Deworming every 2-3 weeks
- Spay/neuter at 4-6 months
- Start flea/tick prevention
Adults (1-7 years)
- Annual wellness exam
- Vaccination boosters as needed
- Annual dental cleaning
- Year-round parasite prevention
Seniors (7+ years)
- Twice-yearly wellness exams
- Annual blood work
- Blood pressure monitoring
- Regular dental care
Need More Information?
Explore our cat care tips or find the perfect breed for your family