Common Cat Health Problems: Urinary, Dental, Kidney and Skin

Most cats live long, healthy lives, but some problems are very common — particularly as cats age. Knowing the early signs helps you catch them while they're easiest to treat. This guide is an overview; your vet can diagnose and treat each condition.

Urinary problems (FLUTD)

"Feline lower urinary tract disease" is an umbrella term for problems of the bladder and urethra.

• Causes: idiopathic cystitis (bladder inflammation linked to stress — the most common cause in young adult cats), urinary crystals and stones (struvite, calcium oxalate), infection (more common in older cats) and, in males, urethral obstruction.
• Signs: straining, frequent small urinations, blood in urine, crying, urinating outside the box, licking the genital area.
• Prevention: increase water intake (wet food, fountains — see cats and water), keep weight healthy, reduce stress, provide enough clean litter boxes.

Dental disease

Dental disease is among the most common problems vets find in adult cats.

• Gingivitis and periodontal disease — plaque and tartar lead to inflamed gums and eventually tooth loss.
• Tooth resorption — a painful condition where the tooth structure breaks down, affecting a significant share of adult cats. It often needs dental X-rays to diagnose.
• Signs: bad breath, red gum line, drooling, dropping food, chewing on one side, pawing at the mouth — or often no obvious signs at all.
• Prevention: daily tooth brushing with cat toothpaste, dental diets or treats with a recognized seal of efficacy (such as VOHC in the US), and regular dental checks. See ears, eyes and teeth.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD)

CKD is very common in older cats.

• Signs: drinking and urinating more, weight loss, poor appetite, vomiting, poor coat, bad breath.
• Management: early diagnosis through blood tests (including SDMA) and urine tests at senior check-ups; a kidney diet (see special diets), good hydration, blood pressure control and other treatments. Many cats live comfortably for years with CKD when it's managed well.

Hyperthyroidism

An overactive thyroid gland, usually caused by a benign growth, common in cats over about 10.

• Signs: weight loss despite a big appetite, increased thirst, restlessness, vocalizing at night, vomiting, a scruffy coat, fast heart rate.
• Treatment: daily medication, an iodine-restricted diet, surgery or radioactive iodine therapy (often curative).

Diabetes mellitus

• Risk factors: obesity, inactivity, age, and some breeds (Burmese in some regions).
• Signs: increased thirst and urination, increased appetite with weight loss, walking flat on the hocks (back legs).
• Treatment: insulin, a high-protein low-carbohydrate diet and weight loss. Some cats go into remission if treated early and well.

Vomiting and hairballs

Occasional hairballs are common in long-haired cats, but frequent vomiting is not normal, even in cats.

• See your vet if your cat vomits more than once or twice a month, loses weight, or vomits with other signs.
• Regular brushing reduces hairballs — see brushing, shedding and hairballs.
• Common causes of chronic vomiting include food intolerance, inflammatory bowel disease, and eating too fast.

Hair loss and skin problems

• Fleas and flea allergy are the most common cause of itching and hair loss. See parasites.
• Allergies to environmental allergens or food.
• Ringworm — a contagious fungal infection causing circular patches of hair loss and scaling; it can spread to people.
• Over-grooming from stress, boredom or pain (psychogenic alopecia is diagnosed only after medical causes are ruled out).
• Seasonal shedding is normal; bald patches, scabs, redness and intense itching are not.

Upper respiratory infections ("cat flu")

Caused mainly by herpesvirus and calicivirus. Signs: sneezing, runny eyes and nose, mouth ulcers, fever, loss of appetite (cats that can't smell often won't eat). Vaccination reduces severity. Kittens and shelter cats are most affected.

Obesity

Arguably the most common preventable problem. See overweight cats and neutering.

Heart disease

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common heart disease in cats and can occur in any cat, with certain breeds at higher risk. Many cats show no signs until they develop breathing difficulties or a blood clot. A heart murmur or gallop found at a check-up may prompt an ultrasound.

Prevention in a nutshell

• Yearly check-ups (twice yearly for seniors)
• Vaccinations and parasite prevention
• A lean body weight
• Plenty of water and some wet food
• Dental care
• Low stress, daily play and enrichment