Common Cat Health Problems and How to Prevent Them

❤ By Pawfect Cat Care Editorial Team • Updated: July 2025

⇒About this guide: Written by the Pawfect Cat Care editorial team and fact-checked with reputable veterinary sources. For educational purposes only—not a substitute for professional veterinary advice.

Cats are animals like other pets, although they do not require as much care as other animals due to their flexibility, they also face many health issues...

1. Obesity in Cats

⇛What Causes Obesity in Cats?

• Overeating:Especially when cats are given too much kibble or food is always available.
• Lack of exercise: Indoor cats that don’t play or move around enough are more likely to gain weight.

⇛Health Risks of Obesity

Obesity in cats can lead to serious health problems such as:

• Diabetes mellitus
• Arthritis and joint pain
• Heart disease
• Decreased life expectancy

⇛How to Prevent It

• Feed your cat a balanced, portion-controlled diet.
• Avoid overfeeding and limit treats.
• Provide daily playtime and interactive toys to encourage movement.

2. Dental Disease

⇛Why Dental Care Is Crucial

Dental disease affects up to 70% of cats over the age of three...

⇛Prevention Tips

• Brush your cat's teeth regularly using cat-safe toothpaste.
• Provide dental treats or special dental diets.
• Schedule annual vet cleanings if possible.

3. Parasites: Fleas, Ticks, and Worms

⇛Signs and Risks

External parasites like fleas and ticks can cause severe itching...

⇛Prevention and Treatment

• Use vet-recommended parasite preventatives year-round.
• Keep your cat’s environment clean.
• Schedule regular deworming as per your vet’s advice.

4. Upper Respiratory Infections (URIs)

⇛Symptoms to Watch For

URIs in cats are often caused by viruses like feline herpesvirus...

• Sneezing
• Runny nose
• Watery eyes
• Loss of appetite

⇛How to Prevent URIs

• Keep your cat’s vaccinations up to date.
• Avoid exposure to infected cats.
• Maintain a clean living space with good ventilation.

5. Kidney Disease

⇛Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

Common in older cats, CKD is a progressive condition that reduces kidney function...

⇛Prevention Strategies

• Provide fresh water at all times.
• Feed a high-quality, balanced diet.
• Schedule regular vet checkups to catch early signs.

6. Diabetes in Cats

⇛What Is It?

Feline diabetes occurs when a cat’s body cannot properly produce or respond to insulin...

⇛Prevention and Management

• Keep your cat at a healthy weight.
• Feed a consistent diet with controlled carbohydrates.
• Monitor for early symptoms like excessive urination and thirst.

7. Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD)

⇛Symptoms and Dangers

FLUTD is a group of conditions affecting the bladder and urethra...

• Difficulty urinating
• Blood in urine
• Urinating outside the litter box

⇛How to Prevent It

• Encourage hydration with wet food or water fountains.
• Maintain a stress-free environment.
• Feed urinary-supportive diets if recommended by your vet.

8. Hairballs

⇛What Are Hairballs?

Hairballs are clumps of fur that cats swallow during grooming...

⇛Prevention Tips

• Brush your cat regularly to reduce loose fur.
• Feed hairball-control cat food.
• Provide fiber supplements if necessary.

Conclusion

Prevention is better than cure, therefore I see that proactive care and early detection are the best means for your cat to enjoy good health...

Don’t forget:

• Schedule regular veterinary checkups
• Feed a high-quality diet
• Keep your cat active and mentally stimulated

A healthy cat is a happy cat. And a happy cat makes for a happy home!

⇛References

• Cornell Feline Health Center
• Merck Veterinary Manual – Cat Owners
• AAFP/FelineVMA Practice Guidelines
• AAHA Guidelines

• AAFCO – Reading Pet Food Labels
• WSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines
• Tufts Petfoodology

• ASPCA Animal Poison Control
• Pet Poison Helpline
• FDA – Recalls & Withdrawals (Pet Food)

• Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) – Accepted Products

Educational only — full disclaimer.