Cats are beloved companions, known for their independence and affectionate nature. However, even the most pampered indoor cat is vulnerable to a variety of health issues. While routine veterinary visits are essential, every cat owner should be familiar with common feline diseases, their warning signs, and how to prevent them.
In this comprehensive guide, we cover the 10 most common cat diseases that veterinarians see, including symptoms, prevention tips, and when to seek professional care.
1. Feline Upper Respiratory Infections (URIs)
Feline upper respiratory infections are among the most frequently diagnosed illnesses in cats, especially in shelters or multi-cat households.
Signs of URIs in Cats
- Frequent sneezing
- Nasal and eye discharge (clear, yellow, or green)
- Loss of appetite
- Coughing or wheezing
- Lethargy and fever
URIs are often caused by viruses, such as feline herpesvirus (FHV-1) or calicivirus, and in some cases, secondary bacterial infections can complicate the condition.
Prevention Tips
- Vaccinate your cat according to your vet’s schedule, especially against FHV and calicivirus.
- Isolate new or sick cats before introducing them to others.
- Maintain clean litter boxes, food bowls, and bedding.
- Reduce stress in your cat’s environment to help support their immune system.
2. Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD)
FLUTD refers to various conditions affecting the bladder and urethra, often resulting in painful urination and behavioral changes.
Symptoms of FLUTD
- Straining or crying during urination
- Urinating outside the litter box
- Blood in the urine
- Frequent attempts to urinate with little success
- Licking around the urinary opening
Prevention Tips
- Increase water intake by feeding wet food or using cat fountains.
- Maintain a calm, stress-free environment.
- Provide multiple clean litter boxes in multi-cat households.
- Feed a vet-recommended urinary health diet, especially for cats prone to crystals or stones.
3. Dental Disease in Cats
Dental disease affects up to 70% of cats over age three, leading to pain, tooth loss, and other systemic health issues.
Common Signs of Dental Issues
- Bad breath
- Difficulty chewing
- Red, inflamed, or bleeding gums
- Loose or missing teeth
- Drooling or pawing at the mouth
How to Maintain Your Cat’s Oral Health
- Brush your cat’s teeth 2–3 times per week with cat-safe toothpaste.
- Offer dental treats or prescription dental diets.
- Schedule annual veterinary dental cleanings.
- Watch for changes in appetite or chewing habits.
4. Kidney Disease
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is especially common in older cats and often progresses slowly, making early detection crucial.
Warning Signs of Kidney Disease
- Increased thirst and urination
- Vomiting and weight loss
- Poor coat condition
- Dehydration
- Lethargy or weakness
Prevention and Early Detection
- Schedule annual blood and urine tests, particularly for senior cats.
- Provide constant access to fresh water.
- Feed a renal-support diet under veterinary supervision.
- Treat infections or toxins early to avoid long-term kidney damage.
5. Diabetes Mellitus
Feline diabetes occurs when the body cannot properly produce or use insulin, usually due to obesity or pancreatitis.
Signs of Diabetes
- Increased thirst and urination
- Sudden weight loss despite increased appetite
- Lethargy
- Vomiting
- Sweet-smelling breath (in severe cases)
Tips to Prevent and Manage Diabetes
- Maintain your cat’s healthy weight by providing proper nutrition and regular exercise.
- Monitor for changes in eating or litter box habits.
- Feed a low-carb, high-protein diet.
- Administer insulin and monitor glucose levels if a diagnosis is confirmed.
6. Hyperthyroidism
A common endocrine disorder in older cats, hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland is overactive, leading to an increased metabolic rate.
Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism
- Weight loss despite a voracious appetite
- Hyperactivity or restlessness
- Increased heart rate
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Excessive thirst and urination
How to Reduce Risk
- Have your senior cat’s thyroid levels tested annually.
- Watch for behavioral changes or unexpected weight loss.
- Treat early to avoid heart and kidney complications.
- Options include medication, surgery, diet, or radioactive iodine therapy.
7. Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)
FeLV is a contagious viral infection that can severely weaken the immune system and lead to anemia or lymphoma.
How to Spot FeLV Symptoms
- Persistent fever
- Poor coat condition
- Weight loss
- Pale gums
- Recurring infections (respiratory, skin, or gastrointestinal)
Vaccination and Prevention
- Test new cats before introducing them to your home.
- Vaccinate cats at risk, especially if they go outside.
- Keep cats indoors to avoid contact with infected animals.
- Practice good hygiene and quarantine new arrivals.
8. Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)
Often likened to HIV in humans, FIV weakens a cat’s immune response, making them more susceptible to infections.
Signs of FIV
- Weight loss
- Chronic dental issues or mouth sores
- Recurrent infections
- Fever and lethargy
- Swollen lymph nodes
Reducing Risk
- Spay or neuter your cat to reduce territorial aggression and fighting.
- Keep your cat indoors to limit exposure to infected cats.
- Regularly monitor for signs of infection.
- FIV-positive cats can live long, quality lives with proper care and reduced stress.
9. Obesity in Cats
Obesity is a serious and often overlooked feline health issue linked to diabetes, arthritis, and heart disease.
Health Risks of Obesity
- Joint pain and arthritis
- Reduced mobility
- Type 2 diabetes
- Increased risk of urinary issues
- Decreased life expectancy
Prevention Tips
- Monitor daily food intake and avoid overfeeding.
- Choose low-calorie, high-protein cat diets.
- Provide regular physical activity through toys, climbing trees, or laser pointers.
- Schedule routine weight checks with your veterinarian.
10. Parasites (Fleas, Ticks, Worms)
Parasites aren’t just gross—they can carry diseases, cause allergies, and significantly impact your cat’s health.
Common Symptoms of Parasitic Infection
- Itching and hair loss
- Scooting or licking the anus
- Vomiting (from tapeworms)
- Weight loss or bloated abdomen
- Visible worms or flea dirt
How to Protect Your Cat
- Use vet-approved monthly preventatives.
- Clean litter boxes and bedding regularly.
- Groom your cat to check for ticks and fleas.
- Deworm regularly, especially for outdoor or rescued cats.
When to See a Vet
Don’t wait until symptoms become severe. If your cat shows any of the following signs, consult a veterinarian immediately:
- Persistent vomiting or diarrhea
- Sudden weight changes
- Behavioral shifts or hiding
- Lethargy or difficulty breathing
- Changes in litter box habits
Cats are naturally good at hiding pain or illness, which can make it tricky to know when something’s wrong. However, early diagnosis and intervention have a positive impact on treatment success and quality of life.
Routine checkups are just as important. Regular vet visits help catch potential issues early—before they become major health concerns. When in doubt, it’s always better to be safe and get your cat examined.
Talk to Your Vet
To be the best cat owner possible, you need to take the time to talk to your vet and make sure that you are prepared for all of the things that could come up with your cat. This includes knowing how to keep them healthy and use preventive care to stave off the biggest and worst conditions.
You’ll also want to take the time to make any changes in your cat’s lifestyle and eating habits to help improve their health and reduce their chances of developing these conditions. There is a lot that you can do if you are prepared. Now that you know better what to expect, it should be easy for you to help keep your cat healthy and get them through the tough times when they fall ill.