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Cats - Common Diseases and Health Problems

Health problems can develop in cats of all ages and breeds, whether they are indoor cats or outdoor cats. Cat owners can do many things to keep their cat healthy, from providing a healthy diet and clean drinking water to getting them routine vaccinations and regular veterinary care. Even with the best care, however, cats are susceptible to a wide variety of illnesses and diseases.

There are numerous illnesses and diseases that may affect cats as they age from kittens to seniors, but some are more common than others. The following list identifies some of the most common illnesses and disease seen in cats. With the appropriate treatment and veterinary care, many of these health problems can either be managed or cured to help improve and prolong the life of your cat.

Common Cat Health Problems

  • Skin Problems - Cats with skin problems are often suffering from dry, flaky skin; red, irritated skin; hair loss; dull, dry-looking fur; and excessive scratching or licking. Skin disorders can be caused by a variety of factors, such as allergies, diabetes, fleas, mites, or fungal and bacterial infections. A veterinarian will need to examine your cat to diagnose the cause the skin problem and determine appropriate treatment.
  • Ear Infections - Ear infections in cats may be either fungal or bacterial. Your cat may alert you to an ear infection by excessive ear rubbing or scratching, or excessive head shaking. You may also notice discharge or a bad smell from the ears. Treatment of ear infections involves antibiotics, medicated ear drops, and ear cleaning with a medicated solution.
  • Diabetes - Diabetes is a chronic disease caused by a deficiency of the hormone insulin. It most often develops in cats that are either middle aged or older, or overweight. Symptoms include excessive drinking, increased urination, and weight loss. Treatment involves insulin shots, oral medications, dietary change, exercise, and weight control. In some cats, diabetes can be reversed.
  • Urinary Problems - Two urinary problems commonly seen in older cats are Feline Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD) and Feline Urinary Infection (FUI). While FLUTD is usually due to bladder stones, FUI is most often caused by a bacterial infection. Watch for changes and problems with urination, as this may indicate a urinary problem. A veterinary exam is necessary to determine the cause and right treatment.
    • Cat Health Problems
    Many common cat health problems can be prevented with a healthy diet, regular exercise, vaccinations, and routine veterinary care.
  • Kidney Failure - Kidneys assist in the maintenance of blood chemicals and filter out waste products through the urine. When kidney failure occurs, toxins build up in the body, a life-threatening situation. Kidney failure in cats may be caused by ingested toxins (tainted pet food, poisons), infection, or hereditary factors. Early symptoms include increased drinking and urination, and vomiting. Immediate veterinary care is essential.
  • Hairballs - Hairballs are formed when hair swallowed during grooming mixes with undigested fat in the stomach and turns into a tight ball. An occasional hairball is common, but more than one or two a month and steps should be taken to minimize the problem. Hairballs pose a potential danger as they can block the passage of digested food in the intestines, causing an impaction. Brushing your cat can help reduce this painful condition in your cat.
  • Upper Respiratory Infections - Much like a cold in humans, cats can get an infection that affects the area of the nose, sinuses, throat, and upper airway passages. These infections can be caused by several organisms, both bacteria and virus, and are very contagious. Upper respiratory infections are common, especially in areas that are overcrowded and unsanitary.
  • Obesity - Cats get fat when they eat more food than they need to meet their daily energy requirements on a regular basis. As obesity can cause many other serious health conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, and breathing problems, weight management is necessary for your cats health. In rare cases, a metabolic disease may contribute to obesity. A veterinarian can examine your cat for any underlying diseases and help you plan a healthy diet and exercise program.
  • Cancer - Cat cancer can affect the skin, bones, and internal organs. Leukemia, which is cancer of the white blood cells, accounts for half of all cat cancers. Just like in people, the cause of cancer is largely unknown and cannot be prevented. Treatment options include surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Early diagnosis increases the success rate of treatment.
  • Eye Inflammation - Eye inflammation, known as conjunctivitis, is a common eye problem in cats. It may be caused by many varying factors, including a viral or bacterial infection, irritant stuck in eye, disease, tear duct abnormalities, or trauma. Symptoms include redness, discharge, swelling, squinting, or excessive blinking. While many cases of eye inflammation are not preventable, most are treatable with appropriate veterinary care.