Common Cat Illnesses

 Common Cat Illnesses Every Owner Should Know About 🐱🩺🧼

Cats are masters at hiding pain and discomfort, which means early detection of illness is crucial. Whether you're a new cat parent or an experienced feline lover, knowing the most typical cat illnesses helps you keep your furry friend healthy and happy.

Below is a list of the most frequent feline health issues, their symptoms, and how to prevent or manage them.

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🦠 1. Upper Respiratory Infections (URIs)

URIs in cats are like the flu in humans—highly contagious and often caused by viruses like feline herpesvirus or calicivirus.

Symptoms:

• Sneezing and nasal discharge

• Watery eyes or conjunctivitis

• Coughing or mouth ulcers

• Loss of appetite

Prevention:

• Vaccinate regularly

• Avoid exposing indoor cats to infected cats

• Keep litter boxes and food areas clean

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😿 2. Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD)

FLUTD affects the bladder and urethra, and is especially common in overweight, stressed, or indoor cats.

Symptoms:

• Straining or crying while urinating

• Blood in urine

• Frequent or absent urination

• Peeing outside the litter box

Prevention:

• Keep your cat well-hydrated

• Provide a calm, stress-free environment

• Use wet food or urinary health diets if needed

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🪱 3. Intestinal Parasites

Worms such as roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms are common in cats, especially kittens or outdoor cats.

Symptoms:

• Diarrhea or vomiting

• Bloated belly

• Weight loss despite normal appetite

• Visible worms in feces

Prevention:

• Regular deworming (especially for kittens)

• Keep litter boxes clean

• Prevent flea infestations (tapeworms are often transmitted by fleas)

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🧫 4. Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)

FeLV is a serious viral infection that suppresses the immune system and can lead to cancer, anemia, and other conditions.

Symptoms:

• Chronic infections

• Poor coat condition

• Lethargy

• Weight loss

Prevention:

• Vaccinate your cat

• Keep infected cats separated from healthy ones

• Test new cats before introducing them to others

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🧠 5. Feline Hyperthyroidism

A common disease in older cats, caused by an overactive thyroid gland.

Symptoms:

• Weight loss despite increased appetite

• Restlessness or hyperactivity

• Increased thirst and urination

• Vomiting or diarrhea

Treatment:

• Medication

• Radioactive iodine therapy

• Surgery in some cases

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🦷 6. Dental Disease

Dental problems like gingivitis and tooth resorption are widespread in cats and often go unnoticed.

Symptoms:

• Bad breath

• Drooling or pawing at the mouth

• Difficulty eating or chewing on one side

• Red, inflamed gums

Prevention:

• Regular dental checkups

• Special dental diets or treats

• Professional cleaning if recommended by your vet

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🧪 7. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

CKD is very common in senior cats and involves the gradual loss of kidney function.

Symptoms:

• Increased thirst and urination

• Vomiting and poor appetite

• Weight loss

• Bad breath (ammonia-like smell)

Management:

• Special kidney diets

• Fluid therapy

• Regular bloodwork monitoring

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🐾 8. Obesity and Diabetes

Obesity can lead to diabetes mellitus, which requires lifelong management.

Symptoms of diabetes:

• Excessive thirst and urination

• Weight loss despite eating normally

• Weakness in the back legs

• Increased hunger

Prevention:

• Maintain a healthy weight

• Avoid overfeeding and free feeding

• Encourage exercise and play

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🦰 9. Hairballs and Digestive Issues

Long-haired cats and those that groom excessively can suffer from frequent hairballs, which may cause digestive discomfort or blockages.

Symptoms:

• Vomiting hair

• Constipation or loss of appetite

• Coughing or gagging

Prevention:

• Regular brushing

• Hairball control diets or supplements

• Hydration and fiber intake

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🔬 10. Cancer in Cats

Cats can develop various forms of cancer—such as lymphoma, skin cancer, or mammary tumors—especially in older age.

Symptoms:

• Lumps or swelling

• Sudden weight loss

• Unusual bleeding or wounds that don’t heal

• Behavioral changes

Note: Spaying female cats early greatly reduces the risk of mammary cancer.

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🧡 Final Thought: Early Detection Saves Lives

Cats are experts at hiding pain. Regular vet checkups, yearly bloodwork (especially for senior cats), and close observation of subtle behavior changes can help catch illness early—before it becomes serious.

🐈 A healthy cat is a happy cat—and knowing what to watch for makes you the best protector your feline friend could have.