Common Cat Health Problems & What To Do
Important: If your cat has labored breathing, collapse, seizures, or is straining to urinate with little or no output, seek emergency care immediately.
1.General warning signs
- Hiding, reduced appetite, or drop in activity
- Weight loss or sudden weight gain
- Vomiting more than once a week, or diarrhea
- Coughing, wheezing, or noisy breathing
- Changes in thirst/urination, or accidents outside the box
2.Digestive issues
Vomiting & diarrhea
Causes range from dietary indiscretion to infections or systemic disease. Persistent symptoms, blood, or lethargy warrant a vet visit.
Hairballs
Frequent hairballs can signal overgrooming, diet issues, or GI problems. See Grooming for Long-Haired Cats and How to Read Cat Food Labels for grooming and diet tips.
3.Urinary problems
Straining, frequent trips, or blood can indicate infection, stones, or feline lower urinary tract disease. Male cats can obstruct
4.Dental disease
Bad breath, drooling, and pawing at the mouth suggest dental pain. Routine dental checks and gentle home care help. See Signs of a Healthy Cat (mouth & teeth basics)
5.Parasites
Fleas, ticks, mites, and internal parasites (roundworms, tapeworms) can cause itch, anemia, or GI signs. Use cat‑safe preventives; keep litter boxes clean and scooped daily.
6.Upper respiratory infections
Sneezing, eye/nose discharge, and mild fever are common. Isolate from other cats, keep the nose/eyes clean, run a humidifier, and seek vet care if appetite drops or breathing worsens.
7.Obesity & diabetes risk
Portion control and appropriate calorie targets are key. See How to Read Cat Food Labels
8.Senior cat red flags
- Increased thirst/urination (possible kidney or endocrine disease)
- Night yowling, disorientation, or altered sleep
- Stiffness, difficulty jumping, or matted coat from reduced grooming
9.When to see a vet (quick guide)
NOW / ER — go immediately
- Trouble breathing or open-mouth breathing at rest
- Blue or very pale gums, collapse, seizures > 5 min or repeated
- Hit by car, high fall, heavy bleeding, or severe pain
- Cannot urinate / strong straining with little output (especially male cats)
- Known/suspected poison (lilies, string/thread, chemicals), or swallowed string
- Repeated vomiting with lethargy; belly swollen and firm
- Heatstroke signs; body temperature > 104°F or < 99°F
Within 24–48 hours:
- Not eating or not drinking for > 24 h; hiding + low energy
- Vomiting/diarrhea > 24 h, or any blood in stool/vomit
- Coughing/sneezing with fever or yellow/green discharge
- Red/painful eye or injury; ear infection signs; limping or bite/abscess
- Frequent urination, accidents, strong urine odor; constipation > 48 h
- Itching/rash, hair loss, or visible parasites (fleas/ticks/worms)
- New or growing lump; sudden behavior change
Routine / next check-up:
- Vaccines and parasite prevention
- Dental care/cleaning; weight checks; diet plan
- Microchip; spay/neuter guidance
- Senior cats: wellness exam every 6 months; blood/urine tests if advised
- Rechecks for chronic issues (kidney, diabetes, thyroid)
Kitten note: kittens dehydrate fast—if not eating for 12 hours, or with diarrhea/vomiting, call a vet the same day.
Medical disclaimer: This guide is educational only. If you’re worried, call your vet—sooner is safe
10.Prevention checklist
- Balanced diet and measured portions
- Fresh water access (consider a fountain)
- Litter box hygiene: 1 box per cat + 1 extra; scoop daily
- Cat‑safe parasite prevention year‑round where indicated
- Enrichment: play sessions, scratching posts, safe vertical space
- Wellness exams—at least annually; every 6 months for seniors
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