10 Common Cat Health Problems Every Owner Should Know

Quick answer: The 10 most common cat health problems are dental disease, urinary tract disease (FLUTD), chronic kidney disease, obesity, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, upper respiratory infections, parasites, skin allergies, and gastrointestinal issues. Most are manageable or preventable with regular vet visits, proper nutrition, and an attentive eye for early symptoms.

Reviewed by Dr. James Chen, DVM — Board Certified in Feline Practice

Meowing Goods is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more

Cats are stoic animals. Thousands of years of evolution have taught them that showing weakness makes them a target, so they instinctively mask pain and illness. By the time most cat owners notice something is wrong, the condition may have been developing for weeks or months.

That’s why understanding common feline health problems — their early warning signs, causes, and prevention strategies — is one of the most important things you can do as a cat owner. You don’t need a veterinary degree. You just need to know what to watch for and when to act.

In this guide, we’ll walk through the 10 health issues that veterinarians see most frequently in cats, from the near-universal problem of dental disease to the sneaky onset of hyperthyroidism in senior cats. For each condition, we’ll cover what it is, how to spot it early, and what you can do to reduce your cat’s risk.

1. Dental Disease

Dental disease is the single most common health problem in cats. According to the Cornell Feline Health Center, an estimated 50-90% of cats over the age of four have some form of dental disease. It ranges from mild gingivitis (inflamed gums) to severe periodontal disease that can lead to tooth loss, chronic pain, and systemic infections affecting the heart, kidneys, and liver.

Symptoms to Watch For

• Bad breath (halitosis) that persists beyond normal cat-food smell
• Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
• Difficulty eating, dropping food, or chewing on one side
• Drooling or pawing at the mouth
• Reluctance to be touched around the face
• Visible tartar buildup (yellow-brown deposits on the teeth)

Causes and Risk Factors

Plaque — a sticky film of bacteria — builds up on the teeth after every meal. When plaque mineralizes, it becomes tartar, which irritates the gum line and creates pockets where bacteria thrive. Over time, this leads to infection, bone loss, and tooth decay. Cats who eat exclusively soft food, cats with crowded teeth, and cats with certain immune conditions are at higher risk.

A particularly painful condition unique to cats is feline tooth resorption (previously called FORLs), where the tooth structure erodes from the inside out. Roughly 20-60% of cats develop this condition, and the cause is still not fully understood.

Prevention and Treatment

• Annual dental exams as part of your cat’s regular vet visit
• At-home dental care — brushing your cat’s teeth with cat-specific toothpaste (never human toothpaste). Start gradually and make it a routine. See our cat grooming tips for techniques.
• Dental treats and water additives approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VHOC) can help reduce plaque
• Professional dental cleaning under anesthesia when your vet recommends it — this is the gold standard for removing tartar below the gum line

2. Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD)

FLUTD is an umbrella term for a group of conditions affecting the bladder and urethra. It affects an estimated 1-3% of cats each year, but in certain populations — indoor, overweight, stressed cats — the incidence is significantly higher. Male cats are at particular risk for urethral obstructions, which can be life-threatening within 24-48 hours if untreated.

Symptoms to Watch For

• Straining to urinate or spending excessive time in the litter box
• Crying or vocalizing while urinating
• Blood in the urine (pink or reddish discoloration)
• Urinating outside the litter box
• Frequent trips to the litter box with little or no output
• Excessive grooming of the genital area
• Emergency sign: A male cat who is straining to urinate and producing nothing — this could indicate a urethral blockage. Get to an emergency vet immediately.

Causes and Risk Factors

FLUTD encompasses several conditions including feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC, the most common cause — essentially a stress-related bladder inflammation), urinary crystals or stones, urethral plugs, and urinary tract infections (less common in young cats, more common in seniors). Risk factors include obesity, low water intake, stress, a sedentary lifestyle, and a dry-food-only diet.

Prevention and Treatment

• Increase water intake — Feed wet food, use a water fountain, and place multiple water stations throughout the house. Hydration is the single most important preventive measure.
• Reduce stress — Environmental enrichment, consistent routines, and multi-resource households reduce FIC episodes
• Maintain a healthy weight — Overweight cats have a higher risk. See our guide on choosing the right cat food for calorie management tips.
• Multiple clean litter boxes — Follow the n+1 rule (one box per cat, plus one extra) and scoop daily
• Prescription diets — Your vet may recommend a urinary-health diet that controls mineral levels and encourages water consumption

3. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

Chronic kidney disease is the leading cause of death in senior cats, affecting approximately 30-40% of cats over age 10 and up to 80% of cats over age 15. The kidneys gradually lose their ability to filter waste from the blood, leading to a buildup of toxins that affects the entire body.

Symptoms to Watch For

• Increased thirst and urination (often the first noticeable sign)
• Weight loss despite a normal or even increased appetite (early stages)
• Decreased appetite and nausea (later stages)
• Bad breath with a chemical or ammonia-like smell
• Lethargy and weakness
• Poor coat quality
• Vomiting and diarrhea
• Mouth ulcers

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact cause of CKD is often unknown, but contributing factors include aging, chronic dehydration, dental disease (bacteria entering the bloodstream), previous kidney infections or obstructions, certain medications, and genetic predisposition. Some breeds, including Persians and Abyssinians, have a higher incidence.

Prevention and Treatment

• Regular blood work — SDMA and creatinine levels can detect kidney disease before symptoms appear. Annual blood panels for cats over 7, twice-yearly for cats over 10.
• Hydration — Wet food and water fountains support kidney function. Dehydration accelerates kidney damage.
• Appropriate diet — Once CKD is diagnosed, your vet may prescribe a kidney-support diet with controlled protein, phosphorus, and sodium levels. Quality nutrition throughout life also helps — see our Blue Buffalo Tastefuls Indoor review for a food that supports overall health.
• Subcutaneous fluids — In later stages, many cat owners learn to administer fluids at home under veterinary guidance
• Medications — Anti-nausea drugs, phosphorus binders, and blood pressure medications as needed

CKD is not curable, but early detection and management can add months to years of quality life.

4. Obesity

Obesity is arguably the most preventable health problem on this list, yet it affects an estimated 60% of cats in the United States, according to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention. Excess weight is not just a cosmetic concern — it is a direct risk factor for diabetes, joint disease, urinary problems, liver disease, and a shorter lifespan.

Symptoms to Watch For

• Inability to feel your cat’s ribs when running your hands along their sides
• Loss of a visible “waist” when viewed from above
• A pendulous belly (though some cats have a normal primordial pouch)
• Difficulty jumping, climbing, or playing
• Excessive panting after minimal activity
• Difficulty grooming the back half of their body

Causes and Risk Factors

The math is simple: too many calories in, not enough calories burned. Free-feeding dry food, high-calorie treats, and a lack of physical activity are the primary drivers. Spayed and neutered cats have a lower metabolic rate and are more prone to weight gain. Indoor cats, who lack the natural exercise of hunting and roaming, are at particular risk.

Prevention and Treatment

• Measured meals — Stop free-feeding. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cup and follow feeding guidelines based on your cat’s ideal weight, not their current weight.
• Choose the right food — Indoor and weight-management formulas have controlled calories. See our guide on how to choose cat food.
• Interactive play — At least 15-30 minutes of active play daily. Wand toys and chase games mimic natural hunting activity.
• Puzzle feeders — Make your cat work for their meals. This slows eating, provides mental stimulation, and burns some calories.
• Gradual weight loss — Cats should lose weight slowly (1-2% of body weight per week). Rapid weight loss can trigger hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease), a potentially fatal condition. Always work with your vet on a weight loss plan.

5. Diabetes Mellitus

Feline diabetes occurs when the body either doesn’t produce enough insulin or can’t use it effectively, leading to elevated blood sugar. It most commonly affects middle-aged to older cats, overweight cats, and male cats. The good news: unlike in dogs, feline diabetes can sometimes go into remission with early, aggressive treatment.

Symptoms to Watch For

• Increased thirst and urination
• Increased appetite with weight loss
• Lethargy and weakness, especially in the hind legs
• Walking flat on the hocks (plantigrade stance) — a sign of diabetic neuropathy
• Poor coat condition
• Recurrent urinary tract infections

Causes and Risk Factors

Obesity is the number one risk factor for feline diabetes — obese cats are four times more likely to develop the condition. Other risk factors include age (most commonly diagnosed after age 7), physical inactivity, chronic pancreatitis, and long-term corticosteroid use. Burmese cats have a higher genetic predisposition.

Prevention and Treatment

• Weight management — Keeping your cat at a healthy weight is the single best prevention strategy
• High-protein, low-carbohydrate diet — Cats are obligate carnivores and process carbohydrates poorly. Diets high in protein and low in carbs help regulate blood sugar.
• Insulin therapy — Most diabetic cats require twice-daily insulin injections. Your vet will teach you the technique — it’s easier than it sounds.
• Blood glucose monitoring — Home glucose monitoring with a pet glucometer helps optimize insulin doses
• Remission is possible — With early diagnosis, appropriate diet, and insulin therapy, some cats achieve diabetic remission and no longer need insulin. The earlier treatment begins, the higher the chance of remission.

6. Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism is the most common hormonal disorder in cats, primarily affecting cats over age 10. An overactive thyroid gland produces excess thyroid hormone, which cranks up the body’s metabolism to damaging levels. Left untreated, it can cause heart failure, kidney damage, and dangerous weight loss.

Symptoms to Watch For

• Weight loss despite a ravenous appetite (the hallmark symptom)
• Hyperactivity and restlessness
• Increased thirst and urination
• Vomiting and diarrhea
• Rapid heart rate
• Poor coat quality and unkempt appearance
• Behavioral changes — irritability, nighttime vocalization

Causes and Risk Factors

In most cases, hyperthyroidism is caused by a benign tumor (adenoma) of the thyroid gland. The exact trigger is debated, but research has suggested potential links to canned food (possibly related to BPA in can linings), flame-retardant chemicals in the environment, and iodine levels in the diet. Age is the primary risk factor — the condition is rare in cats under 8 years old.

Prevention and Treatment

• Regular screening — Thyroid levels (T4) should be part of routine blood work for all cats over age 7
• Medication — Methimazole (oral or transdermal) controls thyroid hormone production. It’s effective but requires lifelong daily dosing and regular monitoring.
• Radioactive iodine therapy (I-131) — Considered the gold standard treatment. A single injection destroys the abnormal thyroid tissue while sparing healthy tissue. Curative in 95%+ of cases.
• Surgery — Thyroidectomy (removing the affected gland) is an option but carries anesthetic and surgical risks in older cats
• Prescription diet — Hill’s y/d is an iodine-restricted diet that controls thyroid levels, though it must be the cat’s sole food source

7. Upper Respiratory Infections (URI)

Upper respiratory infections are extremely common in cats, especially kittens, shelter cats, and cats in multi-cat households. Think of them as the feline equivalent of the common cold — though some cases can become serious if left untreated. According to the AVMA, URIs are one of the most frequent reasons for veterinary visits in cats.

Symptoms to Watch For

• Sneezing (often frequent and forceful)
• Nasal discharge (clear to yellow-green)
• Watery or goopy eyes
• Congestion and mouth breathing
• Decreased appetite (cats won’t eat what they can’t smell)
• Fever and lethargy
• Drooling or mouth ulcers (common with calicivirus)

Causes and Risk Factors

The two most common culprits are feline herpesvirus (FHV-1) and feline calicivirus (FCV), together accounting for roughly 80-90% of URIs. Bacterial infections (Chlamydophila, Bordetella, Mycoplasma) can be primary causes or secondary complications. Stress, overcrowding, poor ventilation, and immunosuppression increase susceptibility. Notably, feline herpesvirus establishes lifelong latency — once infected, a cat carries the virus forever and may experience flare-ups during stress.

Prevention and Treatment

• Vaccination — The FVRCP core vaccine protects against herpesvirus and calicivirus. It doesn’t prevent infection entirely but significantly reduces severity.
• Supportive care — For mild cases: keep the nose and eyes clear, use a humidifier, warm up food to increase its aroma, and ensure the cat stays hydrated
• Antibiotics — If a secondary bacterial infection develops, your vet may prescribe antibiotics. Antibiotics don’t treat the viral component.
• L-lysine — Previously recommended for herpesvirus, but recent research suggests it’s not effective. Discuss with your vet.
• Stress reduction — Since herpesvirus flare-ups are stress-triggered, maintaining a low-stress environment helps prevent recurrence

8. Internal and External Parasites

Parasites are a fact of life for cats, though indoor cats face significantly lower risk than their outdoor counterparts. Common feline parasites include intestinal worms (roundworms, tapeworms, hookworms), protozoa (Giardia, coccidia), and external parasites (fleas, ear mites, ticks).

Symptoms to Watch For

• Intestinal worms: Visible worms in stool or around the anus (tapeworm segments look like grains of rice), pot-bellied appearance (especially in kittens), weight loss, diarrhea, vomiting, dull coat
• Fleas: Excessive scratching, visible flea dirt (small black specks in the fur), hair loss, skin irritation, restlessness. Flea allergy dermatitis is a common secondary condition.
• Ear mites: Intense ear scratching, head shaking, dark brown or black waxy debris in the ears, ear odor
• Ticks: Visible attached ticks (check around the ears, head, and neck), lethargy, joint pain

Causes and Risk Factors

Outdoor access is the biggest risk factor for parasites. However, indoor cats can also get fleas (they hitchhike on humans and other pets), roundworms (from contaminated soil on shoes), and ear mites (from contact with other animals). Kittens often contract roundworms from their mother during nursing.

Prevention and Treatment

• Year-round parasite prevention — Monthly flea and tick prevention (topical or oral) is recommended even for indoor cats by the American Association of Feline Practitioners
• Regular deworming — Kittens need multiple deworming treatments. Adult cats should be tested annually via fecal exam.
• Fecal testing — Annual stool samples checked for intestinal parasites
• Environmental control — Wash bedding regularly, vacuum frequently, and treat the home environment during flea infestations (fleas spend most of their life cycle off the cat)

9. Skin Allergies and Dermatitis

Skin problems are among the top reasons cats visit the veterinarian. Allergic skin disease in cats can manifest differently than in dogs or humans — rather than the classic hives or rashes, cats tend to show a pattern of intense itching, overgrooming, hair loss, and the formation of small crusty bumps called miliary dermatitis.

Symptoms to Watch For

• Excessive grooming, licking, or chewing — especially of the belly, inner thighs, and flanks
• Hair loss (alopecia) in patches, often symmetrical
• Small, crusty bumps scattered across the skin (miliary dermatitis)
• Red, irritated skin
• Scabs, sores, or hot spots
• Head and neck scratching (common with food allergies)
• Ear infections (secondary to allergies)

Causes and Risk Factors

The three main categories of feline skin allergies are:

1. Flea allergy dermatitis (FAD) — The most common skin allergy. Cats with FAD are hypersensitive to flea saliva, and a single bite can trigger intense itching that lasts days. Even indoor cats can be affected.
2. Environmental allergies (atopy) — Allergies to pollen, dust mites, mold, and other environmental triggers. These often follow seasonal patterns.
3. Food allergies — The most common food allergens in cats are beef, fish, dairy, and chicken. Food allergies typically cause year-round symptoms.

Prevention and Treatment

• Flea prevention — Year-round flea control eliminates the most common trigger
• Elimination diet — For suspected food allergies, your vet will supervise an 8-12 week elimination diet with a novel or hydrolyzed protein
• Allergy testing — Blood tests or intradermal skin testing can identify environmental triggers
• Medications — Anti-itch medications (oclacitinib), corticosteroids (short-term), and antihistamines provide relief. Immunotherapy (allergy shots) is an option for long-term environmental allergy management.
• Grooming support — Regular brushing removes allergens from the coat. See our grooming tips guide for gentle brushing techniques.

10. Gastrointestinal Issues

Gastrointestinal (GI) problems encompass a broad range of conditions including vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and pancreatitis. While the occasional hairball is normal for cats, frequent vomiting, chronic diarrhea, or significant changes in stool are not normal and warrant veterinary investigation.

Symptoms to Watch For

• Vomiting more than once a week (this is NOT normal, despite what many cat owners believe)
• Chronic or recurrent diarrhea
• Constipation — straining with small, hard stools or no stool for more than two days
• Blood or mucus in the stool
• Decreased appetite or refusal to eat
• Weight loss
• Flatulence and abdominal bloating
• Lethargy and hiding

Causes and Risk Factors

GI issues can result from dietary indiscretion (eating something they shouldn’t), food sensitivities, inflammatory bowel disease, intestinal parasites, hairballs, pancreatitis, intestinal lymphoma (the most common cancer in cats), bacterial or viral infections, stress, and foreign body ingestion (string, ribbon, and hair ties are frequent culprits).

Prevention and Treatment

• Consistent, quality diet — Frequent food changes upset the GI tract. Choose a high-quality, AAFCO-certified cat food and stick with it. Our Blue Buffalo Tastefuls Indoor review covers an option formulated for digestive health.
• Gradual food transitions — When switching foods, transition over 7-10 days
• Hairball prevention — Regular brushing (especially for long-haired breeds), hairball-control diets, and fiber supplementation
• Remove temptations — String, rubber bands, hair ties, and tinsel are extremely dangerous if swallowed. Linear foreign bodies can saw through intestinal walls and require emergency surgery.
• Veterinary workup — Chronic GI symptoms need investigation. Blood work, fecal tests, imaging (X-rays, ultrasound), and potentially biopsies help identify the underlying cause.
• Probiotics — Veterinary-formulated probiotics may support GI health, especially after antibiotic treatment or during stress

Building a Prevention Plan

You don’t need to worry about all 10 conditions at once. The best approach is a consistent prevention routine that covers the major bases:

For All Cats

• Annual vet visits with a thorough physical exam (twice yearly for cats over 7)
• Blood work — Complete blood count (CBC), chemistry panel, thyroid levels, and urinalysis at least annually for seniors
• Year-round parasite prevention — Flea, tick, and intestinal parasite control
• Dental care — Annual dental exams, at-home brushing, and professional cleanings when recommended
• Appropriate nutrition — High-quality, life-stage-appropriate food with adequate moisture. See our full nutrition guide.
• Weight management — Measured meals, daily play, and regular weigh-ins
• Vaccinations — Core vaccines (FVRCP, rabies) on your vet’s recommended schedule

For Senior Cats (7+)

All of the above, plus:

• Twice-yearly vet visits with comprehensive blood panels
• Blood pressure monitoring — Hypertension is common in older cats with kidney disease or hyperthyroidism
• Thyroid screening — T4 levels at every senior checkup
• Kidney monitoring — SDMA and creatinine levels to catch CKD early
• Weight tracking — Monthly weigh-ins at home to catch subtle weight loss

When to Call the Vet Immediately

Some situations require emergency veterinary care. Don’t wait for a scheduled appointment if your cat shows:

• Inability to urinate — Especially in male cats. This is a life-threatening emergency.
• Difficulty breathing — Open-mouth breathing, rapid shallow breaths, or blue-tinged gums
• Seizures — Any unprovoked seizure warrants immediate evaluation
• Sudden paralysis — Especially of the hind legs (may indicate a blood clot — aortic thromboembolism)
• Refusal to eat for more than 24 hours — In cats, prolonged fasting can trigger hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease)
• Ingestion of a toxic substance — Lilies, antifreeze, human medications, and many household chemicals are toxic to cats
• Trauma — Falls, car accidents, or animal attacks, even if the cat seems okay initially (internal injuries may not be immediately apparent)

Key Takeaways

• Dental disease affects the vast majority of cats and is largely preventable with at-home and professional dental care.
• FLUTD and kidney disease are both linked to dehydration — wet food and water fountains are your cat’s kidneys’ best friend.
• Obesity is the gateway condition to diabetes, joint disease, and a shorter life. Measured meals and daily play are non-negotiable.
• Hyperthyroidism is common in senior cats and highly treatable when caught early through routine blood work.
• Cats hide illness. Any subtle change in behavior, appetite, weight, or litter box habits deserves attention.
• Prevention beats treatment. Annual vet visits, proper nutrition, parasite control, and dental care address the root causes of most common conditions.
• Trust your instincts. You know your cat better than anyone. If something seems off, it probably is — and a vet call is always a good idea.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I take my cat to the vet?

Healthy adult cats should see a veterinarian annually for a wellness exam, vaccinations, and parasite screening. Senior cats (age 7+) should go every six months, as health issues can develop quickly in older cats. Kittens need more frequent visits — typically every 3-4 weeks until they’re about 16 weeks old for their initial vaccine series. Any sudden changes in behavior, appetite, litter box habits, or weight warrant an immediate vet visit regardless of schedule.

What are signs my cat is sick?

Cats are masters at hiding illness, so subtle changes matter. Watch for: changes in appetite or water consumption, unexplained weight loss or gain, changes in litter box habits (frequency, straining, blood in urine), increased hiding or withdrawal, decreased grooming or overgrooming, vomiting or diarrhea lasting more than 24 hours, bad breath, excessive drooling, limping, and changes in vocalization. Any persistent change from your cat’s normal behavior is worth a vet call.

What’s the most common cause of death in cats?

According to veterinary data, kidney disease (chronic kidney disease/CKD) is the leading cause of death in senior cats, affecting approximately 30-40% of cats over age 10. Cancer is the second most common cause, followed by heart disease (particularly hypertrophic cardiomyopathy). Regular veterinary checkups with blood work can catch kidney disease and other conditions early, when treatment is most effective at slowing progression and maintaining quality of life.

Are indoor cats healthier than outdoor cats?

Generally, yes. Indoor cats live significantly longer on average (12-18 years) compared to outdoor cats (2-5 years). Indoor cats avoid risks like traffic injuries, predator attacks, infectious diseases (FeLV, FIV), parasites, toxins, and extreme weather. However, indoor cats face their own health challenges: obesity (from inactivity), boredom-related stress, and urinary issues. The key is providing indoor cats with adequate enrichment, exercise, and regular veterinary care.

How can I tell if my cat is in pain?

Cats rarely vocalize when in pain. Instead, look for behavioral changes: hiding more than usual, decreased appetite, reluctance to jump or climb, aggression when touched in a specific area, changes in posture (hunched, head down), dilated pupils, rapid breathing, decreased grooming, and litter box avoidance. The Feline Grimace Scale — developed by veterinary researchers — shows that cats in pain often have squinted eyes, flattened ears, a tense muzzle, and pulled-back whiskers.

Sources

1. Cornell Feline Health Center
2. AVMA - Cat Owners
3. American Association of Feline Practitioners