Common Cat Health Problems: Signs, Vet Timing & Prevention Guide
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 (FLUTD). Male cats can obstruct—this is life-threatening.
- Typical signs: frequent small pees, vocalizing in the box, licking the genital area, strong urine odor, accidents.
- Red flags (ER): repeated straining with tiny/zero urine, vomiting, lethargy, big painful belly—go now.
- Common causes: stress-related cystitis, crystals/stones, infection (more in seniors), dehydration, obesity, low activity.
What helps at home (alongside vet care): more water options (bowls in different rooms; consider a fountain), wet food to boost moisture, scoop boxes daily (1 box per cat + 1), quiet/private box location, and routine play to lower stress.
At the vet: urinalysis (including specific gravity), culture when infection suspected, imaging for stones; diet and pain control are common tools. Recurring cases benefit from stress-reduction plans and weight management.
4.Dental disease
Bad breath, drooling, dropping food, pawing at the mouth, or avoiding hard kibble suggest dental pain. Most cats develop gum disease by adulthood.
- Gingivitis → periodontitis: plaque turns to tartar; gums inflame then tissues/teeth get damaged.
- Tooth resorption: common, very painful lesions often hidden below the gumline—dental X-rays catch them.
- Home care: introduce cat-safe toothpaste on a finger, then a soft brush; go slow, reward often. Dental diets/treats can help but don’t replace cleaning.
- Vet care: exam yearly (twice for seniors); professional cleaning and X-rays as advised; extractions when painful teeth are found.
See Signs of a Healthy Cat (mouth & teeth basics).
5.Parasites
Fleas, ticks, mites, and internal parasites (roundworms, tapeworms) cause itch, skin sores, anemia, pot-belly in kittens, scooting, or rice-like segments near the tail.
- Fleas/ticks: indoor cats can still get them (via people/other pets). Look for black “flea dirt.” Use cat-safe preventives only.
- Intestinal worms: vomiting/diarrhea, weight loss, dull coat. Kittens need a deworming series; adults need periodic fecal checks.
- Ear mites: coffee-ground debris, head shaking—usually in young or shelter-adopted cats.
What helps: year-round prevention where indicated, vacuum/clean bedding during treatment, scoop litter daily, and follow vet dosing by weight. Never use dog products containing permethrin on cats.
6.Upper respiratory infections
Common culprits are feline herpesvirus (FHV-1) and calicivirus. Typical signs: sneezing, runny eyes/nose, mild fever, reduced appetite.
- Course: most mild cases improve within 7–10 days; some cats become chronic “snufflers,” especially with FHV-1.
- Home care: wipe eyes/nose with warm damp cotton, run a humidifier/steam room, offer warmed smelly food, ensure fluids.
- When to see the vet: breathing effort, not eating > 24 h, thick yellow/green discharge, mouth ulcers, or very young/senior cats.
- Prevention: core vaccinations, reduce stress, separate new/sick cats, good hygiene.
7.Obesity & diabetes risk
Extra weight stresses joints and organs and raises diabetes risk. Aim for slow, steady weight loss under vet guidance.
- Is my cat overweight? You should feel ribs with light pressure, see a waist from above, and a tummy tuck from the side.
- Feeding tips: measure meals, use scheduled feeding (or controlled auto-feeder), choose appropriate calories/protein, and limit treats (<10% daily calories).
- Move more: 2–3 short play bursts/day (wand toy → catch → small snack) build muscle and burn energy.
- Diabetes watch-outs: increased thirst/urination, bigger appetite with weight loss, lethargy. Screen with your vet if you notice these.
See How to Read Cat Food Labels for label basics and portion sense.
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 safer than waiting and worrying.
Final thoughts: It’s impossible to memorize every cat disease, and you don’t have to. If you use this guide as a quick checklist—“what am I seeing, and how urgent is it?”—you’ll already be one step ahead. Bring your notes and questions to your vet visit, and remember: you know your cat’s normal better than anyone. If something feels off, it’s always okay to ask for help.
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
11.References
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