The 8 Most Common Health Problems in Cats

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Cats are the second most popular pet in the UK, with approximately 11 million pet cats living in roughly 26% of households. Unlike dogs, many pet cats are free to come and go as they please. This can make it harder to spot when something changes, meaning it’s not as easy to identify early signs that something is wrong. 

In this article we will discuss the most common conditions found in pet cats, explaining how to identify them and what to do. We will also share our tips for keeping your cat in the best health possible. Many cats live into their late teenage years so good healthcare is essential throughout their lives. 

The eight most common conditions diagnosed in pet cats in the UK have been found to be: 

  1. Dental disease
  2. Obesity 
  3. Dermatological problems 
  4. Weight loss
  5. Heart murmurs 
  6. Traumatic injuries 
  7. Kidney disease 
  8. Gastrointestinal problems 

 1. Dental Disease 

More than 70% of dogs and cats over 3 years old have dental disease, though this can vary from mild to severe. The mouth is naturally full of bacteria, which form a layer on the surface of the teeth known as plaque. This can be removed by brushing but reforms within a few hours. As plaque progresses it slowly becomes a thick, visible layer known as tartar. Over time, tartar causes inflammation of the gums (known as gingivitis) and, eventually, damage to the ligaments and bone that support the teeth.  

Some cats will have severe inflammation of the mouth known as chronic stomatitis. This is usually related to infection with viruses such as feline leukaemia virus, feline immunodeficiency virus, calicivirus and herpesvirus. 

Cats can also develop lesions known as feline oral resorptive lesions (FORLs). This is a gradual loss of the hard tissues of the teeth (such as the enamel) and can affect the visible tooth or the roots underneath the gums. FORLs are very painful, and cats often have several affected teeth. FORLs only affect cats and we do not know why they occur. 

Symptoms of dental disease include bad breath, slow eating, reduced appetite, and pawing at the face. Tartar can be seen as yellow discolouration on the teeth, while gingivitis looks like redness of the gums. FORLs can be seen as holes in the teeth but may be difficult to see if your cat is wriggly or sore. 

It is recommended that your cat’s teeth are checked by a vet or veterinary nurse every 6-12 months. If there are any signs of dental disease, they may recommend a dental procedure. This involves a short anaesthetic but allows the teeth to be properly assessed and fully cleaned. Teeth with severe disease, or FORLs, may need removing to prevent them causing your cat pain. 

2. Obesity 

Obesity means having excessive body fat that is a risk to health. Just like in people, obesity is linked to many other problems for our pets. Fat cells release several hormones and chemical markers, and as a result, obese cats suffer from chronic inflammation which affects many different body systems. Overweight cats have a greater risk of joint problems, airway disease, diabetes, pancreatitis, urinary tract blockage, and have shorter lifespans. 

Obesity is more common in neutered animals. Neutering reduces the amount of energy (food) your pet needs, as the body is no longer using “reproductive energy” to remain fertile. It is a common misconception that neutering itself causes weight gain, or prevents weight loss, and there is no evidence for this. 

Your cat’s weight can be assessed by looking and feeling them. You should be able to feel their ribs easily and see definition around the waist when they stand. Overweight cats often lack energy; they may spend more time sleeping, are less playful, and may struggle with climbing stairs or jumping up. Weight gain can happen gradually so consider whether your cat’s behaviour has changed over the past 6-12 months. 

Regular weight checks with a vet or veterinary nurse are recommended to prevent cats becoming obese. These should be every 6-12 months, but a higher frequency may be recommended in the first year after neutering. If your cat does gain weight, they will need a reduction in food to become healthy again. Weight loss can be a slow process, and needs to be done safely, so seeking the advice of a vet or veterinary nurse is strongly recommended. 

3. Dermatological Problems 

Dermatological problems involve the skin, hair and nails. The most common skin problems seen in pet cats are related to flea infestations and overgrown claws. 

Fleas 

Fleas are tiny insects about 3mm in length, which feed on your cat’s blood. Fleas are mostly found on cats and dogs but will also bite humans. Although fleas can’t fly, they can jump about 20cm into the air, and 30cm in distance! Flea bites are itchy and uncomfortable, and cats can cause further trauma to their own skin from chewing and scratching, often leading to secondary infections.  

Many cats are allergic to flea saliva, so experience a much more severe reaction. Even one or two bites can cause intense itching, which rapidly leads to sores and scabs throughout their coat. This is known as flea allergic dermatitis (FAD). Prevention is much better than cure, and we recommend regular flea treatment to avoid infestations developing. Your vet will be able to prescribe an appropriate product and advise how often it should be given. 

Overgrown claws 

A cat’s claws are sharp and designed to help them climb and hunt. Cats that spend most, or all, of their time indoors will not wear down their nails. The claws continue to grow, and this can lead to the claws growing round and cutting into the foot pads.  

Ingrown claws are very painful and can become infected. If your cat does not wear down their claws, they may need trimming every few months to prevent them overgrowing. This can be done by a veterinary nurse, or they will be happy to show you how to do it yourself at home.   

4. Weight Loss 

Weight loss is a common problem in older cats, and it is usually a sign that something else is wrong. You may notice your cat looking or feeling thinner, or that they are eating less than normal. Some cats may lose weight despite having a normal or increased appetite. In the first instance, make sure your cat is being fed the correct amount, and that there is no reason they are unable to access food as normal, such as other cats in the household eating more than their share. 

If there is not an obvious cause for the weight loss, it is strongly recommended to have your cat checked by a vet. They will perform a physical examination and may also advise a blood test to check how the organs are functioning. There are many causes of weight loss in cats including dental disease, kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, liver disease and some cancers. The underlying cause will need to be identified before treatment options can be considered. 

Regular weight checks with a vet or nurse are not just useful to prevent weight gain! Having your cat weighed every 6-12 months will allow early detection of weight loss, and hopefully an earlier diagnosis of the cause. 

5. Heart Murmurs 

Heart murmurs are commonly found in cats, often during a routine examination such as those before vaccinations. When a vet listens to the heart with a stethoscope, they hear two noises for each heartbeat as the heart valves close. A heart murmur is extra noise (in addition to the normal heart sounds) and is caused by blood not flowing in the right direction (known as turbulent flow).  

Common causes of heart murmurs include a valve that is leaking, narrowing of a major blood vessel, or a change to the shape or thickness of the heart chambers. Some cats have what is known as a dynamic murmur, where the heart is healthy, but blood flow changes when the heart beats very quickly (such as at the vets!). 

Murmurs are graded from 1 to 6, with a grade 1 murmur being barely audible, and a grade 6 murmur being much louder than the normal heart sounds. The grade of a heart murmur does not tell us how bad the underlying problem is, however, a murmur that suddenly gets louder is concerning so the grade will be recorded each time the vet listens to your cat’s heart.   

Not all causes of heart murmurs will need treating, however the only way to diagnose the cause of a heart murmur is with an ultrasound scan of the heart. Heart disease does not cause symptoms until the changes have progressed, so it is important to have your cat’s heart listened to at least once a year – this is generally performed during their vaccination appointment. 

6. Traumatic Injuries 

Cats that have access outdoors are at risk of traumatic injuries, either due to accidents or fighting with other animals. Superficial cuts and grazes will often heal without treatment, though you can bathe them in salt water if you need to clean them. Large or deep cuts may need stitching under anaesthetic, so if in doubt, have any wounds checked by a vet as soon as possible. 

Cats can be territorial and often dislike each other. The number of pet cats in the UK means they are often living much closer together than they would naturally choose to, resulting in fights between cats in the same area. Cat bites are usually found around the head and feet (caused during a head-on fight), or around the tail and lower back (inflicted when one cat is running away). Cats’ canine teeth are thin but sharp, and often cause one or more small puncture marks. Sometimes these cause swelling, pain or limping immediately after the injury. In some cases, the teeth transfer bacteria deep into the tissue but the skin wound quickly heals. This can turn into an abscess and will swell up and become very painful. If untreated they will often burst, releasing a thick yellow discharge. Cat bite abscesses usually need treatment by a vet. 

Less commonly, trauma can be very serious such as being hit by a car or falling from a height. If your cat has experienced a major trauma, they should be examined by a vet as soon as possible. Be very careful handling them, as animals that are in pain may behave differently and are more likely to bite. Both road traffic accidents and cat fight injuries are more common in male cats, especially those that aren’t neutered. 

7. Kidney Disease 

Kidney disease, also known as renal failure, is a common condition in middle-aged to older cats. Although some toxins can damage the kidneys, usually no cause is found. The kidneys filter waste products out of the blood into urine; when they are not working properly these waste products start to build-up in the blood, making the animal feel unwell.  

Common symptoms of renal disease include: 

  • Increased thirst and urination 
  • Decreased appetite 
  • Weight loss 
  • Lethargy 
  • Bad breath 
  • Vomiting 

Kidney disease is diagnosed by a vet using blood tests. Often the vet will also want to examine a urine sample and check your cat’s blood pressure. Although kidney disease is a progressive condition with no cure, treatment can help many cats to live comfortably for several years after diagnosis. The aim of treatment is to slow down deterioration and maintain quality of life, and it typically involves feeding your cat a prescription diet and encouraging water intake. Some cats will also require medication. 

8. Gastrointestinal Problems 

Gastrointestinal problems are anything affecting the stomach or intestines, generally causing vomiting and/or diarrhoea. Young, healthy cats may experience short bouts of vomiting or diarrhoea due to licking or eating something that upsets the stomach or experiencing a “stomach bug” like in people. As long as they are still bright in themselves and drinking water, this will usually resolve without specific treatment. It may be helpful to offer a bland diet for a few days, such as plain boiled chicken or white fish. Occasionally, vomiting or diarrhoea can be a sign of worms, so it is important to make sure your cat’s parasite control is up-to date. 

In older cats, vomiting and diarrhoea can be a sign of an underlying problem. Your cat should see a vet if: 

  • the vomiting or diarrhoea lasts for more than 3 days 
  • they are dull or lethargic, if they have lost weight 
  • they are drinking excessively 

More serious causes of vomiting and diarrhoea include kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, some cancers and inflammatory bowel disease. If you are unsure whether your cat needs an appointment with a vet, your veterinary practice will be happy to give you advice over the phone.   

Preventative Measures 

Although it is not possible to prevent all illnesses, keeping your cat in good health is the best way to reduce the chances of them becoming unwell. Making sure they are up to date with vaccinations and parasite treatments will help to ensure they are healthy, and neutering can reduce the risk of fighting and road traffic accidents. Cats should be fed a complete diet, appropriate for their life-stage, and this should be weighed daily to make sure the correct amount is being fed. 

Many of the common conditions described above have early symptoms, some of which can be difficult to spot at home. Having a check up with a vet or veterinary nurse every 6-12 months can help to track changes in weight, monitor for the development of dental disease, and screen for problems such as heart murmurs. In between, you should monitor at home for any changes in eating, drinking, activity levels or behaviour. 

Understanding Your Cat’s Behaviour 

We all know cat behaviour can be complicated and varies hugely between individuals.  Many health problems will cause changes in behaviour. For example, cats with hyperthyroidism often become more vocal, cats with urinary tract disease may urinate in inappropriate places, and cats with arthritis often stop jumping on to furniture. The most important consideration when assessing behaviour as a reflection of cat health is understanding what is normal for your cat and being aware of any changes. If a cat that follows you round like a shadow suddenly avoids being touched, this would suggest something is wrong, while other cats may prefer less contact, and this is normal behaviour for them. 

Cats that are unwell will often become less keen to interact and may hide away or sleep more. Similarly, sudden onset aggression can suggest the cat is uncomfortable physically or emotionally. If changes in behaviour persist for more than a day or two, they could suggest something else is wrong, and your cat would benefit from being checked by a vet. 

Conclusion 

Cats can experience a variety of illnesses, some of which can be prevented, or the risk lowered, by good healthcare. It is important to have your cat checked by a veterinary professional at least every 12 months to ensure they remain in good health. At home, being observant of your cat’s normal routines, feeding and toileting habits, and behaviour can be very helpful, as often changes in these can be early indicators that something is wrong. 

References 

UK Pet Population | UK Pet Food

Disease prevalence data for UK pet cats – Interactive Resources – Audio-Visual Resources – VetCompass – Royal Veterinary College, RVC 

Commonly diagnosed disorders in domestic cats in the UK and their associations with sex and age – Dan G O’Neill, Danièlle Gunn-Moore, Stephanie Sorrell, Harriet McAuslan, David B Church, Camilla Pegram, Dave C Brodbelt, 2023 (sagepub.com) 

Prevalence of disorders recorded in cats attending primary-care veterinary practices in England – PubMed (nih.gov) 

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