Common Feline Health Problems

As with any pet, cats are part of our families, so it’s no surprise that your cat’s health and longevity is a priority. From spotting illnesses to eventual medical treatments and recoveries, your cat’s wellness is dependent on your awareness and ability to address anything detrimental to their health. 

By knowing the basics of cat health and understanding the common ailments cats experience, you can provide the best possible pet health care for your feline. To start, the following are some of the most common cat health issues that you should watch out for.

Illness: Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD)

Symptoms:

• Difficult urination
• Bloody urine
• Lack of appetite
• Licking the urinary area
• Urinating around the house

Cats can contract FLUTD for a variety of reasons, including stress, a new cat in the house, and dietary changes. Overweight cats and those who eat dry food are more susceptible. If your cat starts showing symptoms of this condition, take them to the vet for diagnosis or treatment. 

Illness: Fleas

Symptoms:

• Flea dirt (tiny black dots on skin)
• Skin irritation
• Frequent licking and scratching
• Hair loss
• Visible fleas

Barn cats and other outdoor cats are particularly vulnerable to fleas. While fleas are certainly irritating for your cat, they can also be harmful. These little pests can increase your cat’s risk for anemia, so it’s important to eliminate them as soon as possible. Once your vet starts treatment, talk to them about preventative care.

Illness: Kidney Disease

Symptoms:

• Weight loss
• Vomiting
• Lethargy
• Diarrhea

Kidney disease makes it more difficult for your cat to eliminate toxins through urination, so this can actually make their blood toxic. It can be caused by age, cancer, infections, kidney stones, exposure to toxins, and other factors. Your vet will first figure out what exactly is causing the kidney disease and then move forward with treatment.

Illness: Vomiting 

Symptoms:

• Abdominal heaving
• Drooling
• Diarrhea

Vomiting is especially prevalent in cats, and it’s important to know that it’s usually not cause for concern. When your cat just vomits once, it’s usually because they ate something they should not have eaten. If they act ill on top of that, or vomit multiple times, it’s time to take them to the vet.

If you are a new cat owner, consult cat health specialists and online resources if you have any questions. As with any type of animal care, it all starts with the right knowledge.