Spotting the Signs – Common Health Issues in Cats and How to Address Them

We all want the best for our pets; looking after them daily is an important part of ownership. They are, after all, beloved family members. So understanding the common health issues in cats become extremely important. 

Unfortunately, many different issues can develop in cats; sometimes, symptoms may not show until something is wrong. To help, below, we’ll explain a few to look out for, including subtle changes in their behavior. 

In many cases, your vet will be your go-to when looking to investigate further, if needed. Provide medical attention. So, what are some of the common health issues cats may have?

10 Common Health Issues in Cats 

Regarding health issues in cats, here are a few common health problems that can affect your cat’s health. So it is important that you know about these health problems so that you are one step ahead of them. 

Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD)

First on the list is FLUTD. This is one of the most common health issues in cats. It includes common conditions like cystitis that affect your cat’s bladder and/or urethra.

Often, these conditions cause discomfort, difficulty urinating, or increased frequency of urination. Your cat may cry, pass bloody pee, or strain to urinate when using the restroom.

Increased hostility is another sign that your cat is in discomfort. FLUTD can affect cats of any age. However, it may be more common in middle-aged or overweight cats.

Stress, diet, and dehydration can all have an impact on this, which can result in the development of kidney stones or crystals.

The reason could be a bacterial infection or a cancer of the bladder or urethra. Sometimes, it’s difficult to identify the underlying cause. Most of the time, you must go to the vet immediately.

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

Chronic kidney disease can be common health issues in older cats and may become apparent to owners if they see symptoms. Such as increased thirst, weight loss, general lethargy, and decreased appetite. 

Unfortunately, there isn’t a cure for CKD, where the kidneys slowly stop working properly. But it is manageable to help reduce symptoms by your vet. It can develop in a few different ways. 

Such as polycystic kidneys, bacterial infections such as the Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), or even poisoning. Still, it can be difficult for your vet to determine exactly what causes CKD.

Dental Disease

Whilst this is one of the most common diseases for cats, you can easily prevent dental diseases with a good oral hygiene routine. As cats age, they can become more prone to symptoms like gingivitis, plaque, and tartar buildup. 

So, monitoring their dental health from an early age is important. They may develop bad breath, have mouth or tooth pain, struggle to eat or chew when having issues, and have swelling around the gums, jaw, and cheeks. 

Other diseases like FIV can lead to gingivitis, while having misaligned teeth may mean more tartar buildup. Regular dental check-ups with your vet and dental care at home will ensure monitoring.

Obesity

Just like in humans, being overweight can affect your cat in numerous ways and can easily happen if their diet isn’t monitored and they are not getting enough exercise. 

While your cat is slightly heavier, it may not initially seem an issue. It can lead to them being more at risk of diabetes, joint pain or arthritis, and even urinary conditions.

Monitoring your cat’s diet is important to prevent issues from developing. Every cat may have a slightly different ideal weight, so visiting the vet can help advise what’s best for your feline. 

Signs of obesity to look out for include noticeable weight gain. A reluctance to move or exercise normally and difficulty feeling the ribs under the fat.

Cat Flu

Yes, your cat can catch the flu-like us, affecting the upper respiratory tract. feline herpes virus or feline calicivirus are usually the reasons behind this. Additionally, other cats can also spread this through coughing and sneezing, making it a common condition. 

Symptoms you’ll notice alongside these include dribbling, runny nose or eyes, loss of appetite, sleeping more, and even mouth ulcers. A trip to the vet is needed if any of these become apparent, and fortunately. 

The flu is treatable with antibiotics and other medication if serious. If your cat only shows mild symptoms, medication may not be necessary. 

Cat Acne

Cat acne is a common problem among felines at every stage of life. Like humans, cat acne looks small, with bumps of skin color on the whole body, chin, and the skin next to the lips. 

If the condition worsens, the cat may develop swelling on the chin, pustules, pain, and itching. The acne doesn’t require any treatment in mild cases, but antibiotics can stop the infection in severe cases.  

Eosinophilic Granuloma Complex (EGC)

The EGC is an umbrella condition stemming from a group of skin reactions that occurs in felines, normally secondary to an underlying allergy. 

The most common problem is erosion and ulcers on the lips. The lesions can also be thickened, raised, and red in certain areas on the inner things, abdomen, anus, and under the footpads. They are usually itchy and quite uncomfortable. 

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)

FIV, or Feline Immunodeficiency Virus, is an immunosuppressive virus. It can spread between cats through their wounds. The tricky part of this disease is the fact that it is very difficult to detect.

Why? Well, that’s mainly because the cat usually doesn’t show symptoms for months or years, even after the infection. 

Cats that have FIV progress to have immunodeficiency syndrome, also known as feline AIDS, which puts them in danger of certain secondary diseases. 

Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)

FIP, or Feline Infectious Peritonitis, is quite a fatal and serious viral disease among cats caused by a certain strain of the feline coronavirus. This is a common problem among cats or kittens under the age of 2 years, though most cats are susceptible to the disease as well. 

Male, purebred household cats in high-density facilities like catteries and shelters are at high risk of getting affected by FIP. 

The initial symptoms of cats that cat parents should be aware of are weight loss, lethargy, fever, and depression.  

Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)

When it comes to the most common and infectious feline diseases, Feline Leukemia is among the most infectious. About 2-3% of cats in the United States are affected by this disease. 

This virus usually spreads through bite wounds and mutual grooming or even sharing the same dish and litter box, even though it is rare.

But kittens are most vulnerable to this disease. While cats with FeLV are more susceptible to cancer, secondary infections, and other blood disorders.   

The Importance of Visiting Your Vet

When any common hea;th issue affects your cat, this can be stressful for them and you – no one wants to see their feline in pain or discomfort. So naturally, you’ll want to help them as soon as possible. 

According to the Cats Protection Annual Report 2024, 62% of cat owners routinely take their cats to the vet yearly. However, 58% of owners say they do not visit the vet as often as they would like. 

This can lead to a gap in monitoring for any early signs of an issue. This can mean opportunities to prevent more serious conditions from developing can be missed.

There can be many reasons for not going regularly, and cost can be a significant factor. Whilst routine check-ups are not usually covered, having a comprehensive pet insurance policy will help you cover vet fees for emergency treatment, ensuring you’re not left deciding between helping your cat and your finances if it becomes very poor. 

When choosing a policy, it’s best to compare options thoroughly and go for one that covers everything you need while being affordable. 

Preventative Measures to Help Your Cat

Prevention is the best protection in many situations relating to your cat’s health. If you can ensure your cat lives its best life every day, this can help stop many common illnesses and diseases from having a severe impact. 

Visiting the vet regularly for check-ups is recommended at least once a year. It is the best way to detect many serious conditions before symptoms develop. 

If you’re new to being a pet parent, registering with a vet as soon as possible is important. This way, you can ensure your pet receives the necessary vaccinations to protect it from serious cat flu symptoms, Feline Parvovirus (FPV), and Feline Leukaemia Virus (FeLV).

Other preventative measures include treatments for fleas, ticks, and worms. Which can cause significant health issues if left unchecked. These issues can also be discussed and treated. 

You’ll also be able to learn more about neutering and how it can protect your cat from other issues while talking about any concerns you may have with their weight and how to provide a balanced diet.

How to Monitor Your Cat’s Health at Home 

Your vet can only do so much, so one of the main responsibilities of being a cat owner is ensuring you are vigilant and helping your cat be healthy at home every day. 

Following your vet’s advice is important, as is being aware of any changes in your cat’s behavior.

• Anything related to their appetite, whether they eat more or less, and their activity levels can be early indicators of health issues. If you spot anything unusual, there could be an underlying issue.
• Weight checks are also important. Sudden weight loss or increased weight shouldn’t be ignored, so visit your vet if you have any doubts.
• Keep an eye on your cat’s litter box habits, too. The easiest way to do so is when cleaning the tray. If you notice any changes in how often they go, the consistency or color of urine and stool, or if they are going to the toilet anywhere else in the house. This can signal problems like FLUTD or kidney disease.
• You should also maintain a regular grooming routine. Not only will this keep your cat looking ready to impress (especially long-haired breeds), but it also gives you the perfect opportunity to check for anything unusual. Look for lumps, bumps, or skin issues, and take note of your cat’s coat condition – a dull coat can indicate health problems.
• Along with brushing their coat, check their teeth and claws. Look for any issues with their gums and mouth, too. Choose a quiet moment to do this, and if they are not relaxed enough for you to check these sensitive areas, stop and try again later.

Bottom Line

You should speak to your vet if you notice any concerning changes to the above. In most situations, your cat should be healthy and happy without any ongoing issues to worry about. However, speaking to or visiting your vet can ensure anything urgent can be dealt with quickly.