- Parasites (Fleas, Ticks & Worms)
External parasites like fleas and ticks, and internal parasites like intestinal worms, are extremely common in cats. Fleas cause itching and can even lead to flea allergy dermatitis (FAD) – the most common skin disease in cats​. Heavy infestations, especially in kittens, can cause anemia as the parasites suck too much blood​. Ticks can transmit diseases, and mosquitoes can transmit heartworms to cats. Internal worms (roundworms, tapeworms, etc.) often cause diarrhea, vomiting, a pot-bellied appearance, or weight loss. In fact, roundworms are the most common intestinal parasite in cats, found in up to 25–75% of cats (higher in kittens)​.
What to do: Keep your cat on a regular parasite prevention schedule. Use veterinarian-recommended flea/tick preventives year-round and deworm cats periodically or as directed by your vet. Check your cat’s coat for fleas or ticks if they go outdoors. Keeping cats indoors and away from flea-infested environments can help, but indoor cats aren’t immune (fleas can hitchhike on clothing or other pets). If you notice signs of worms (such as rice-like tapeworm segments near the anus or in stool), see your vet for a dewormer. Regular fecal exams can catch internal parasites early. By preventing parasites, you also prevent the skin irritation, anemia, and diseases they cause.
- Hyperthyroidism (Overactive Thyroid)
Hyperthyroidism is the most common endocrine disease in older cats (usually over 8 years old)​. In this condition, a benign tumor on the thyroid gland causes excess thyroid hormone production. This revs up the cat’s metabolism. Signs to watch for include weight loss despite a good (even ravenous) appetite, increased thirst and urination, hyperactivity or restlessness, vomiting, and a poor coat appearance. You might notice your senior cat eating voraciously yet getting skinnier – a classic red flag. High thyroid levels can also lead to high blood pressure and stress on the heart if untreated.
What to do: If you see these signs, have your vet perform bloodwork – a T4 thyroid level test – to diagnose hyperthyroidism. The good news is that hyperthyroidism is highly treatable. Options include daily medication (anti-thyroid pills or transdermal gel), a special prescription diet, or definitive treatments like surgical removal of the thyroid tumor or radioactive iodine therapy (which cures the condition). Your vet will guide you on the best treatment based on your cat’s age and health. With treatment, hyperthyroid cats usually return to a healthy weight and demeanor. Always address hyperthyroidism – uncontrolled, it can cause heart and organ damage over time.
- Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
Kidney failure is very common in older cats. In fact, chronic kidney disease is one of the most common diseases in senior cats​, with prevalence increasing with age​. The kidneys slowly lose function over months or years. Early on, there may be no obvious signs. As CKD progresses, classic symptoms appear: increased thirst and excessive urination (you’ll notice the water bowl emptying faster and larger clumps in the litter box), weight loss, poor appetite or nausea, vomiting, and lethargy​. The cat’s coat may become dull, and they may have bad breath with a “uremic” odor.
What to do: If you observe these signs – especially in a cat over 7 or 8 years old – see your vet for blood and urine tests. Early detection is key. While CKD can’t be cured, it can be managed to give your cat a good quality of life. Treatment focuses on slowing progression and alleviating symptoms: a prescription kidney-friendly diet, fluid therapy (either IV fluids at the clinic or periodic subcutaneous fluids at home to combat dehydration), and medications to manage nausea, blood phosphorus, blood pressure, and anemia if needed​. Regular monitoring is important; your vet may recommend check-ups every 3–6 months. With attentive care, many cats live months to years after a kidney disease diagnosis. Always provide plenty of fresh water and consider multiple water sources (bowls or fountains) to encourage hydration for cats with CKD.
- Upper Respiratory Infections (“Cat Flu”)
Cats, especially kittens, are prone to contagious upper respiratory infections (URIs) – essentially the feline versions of a cold or flu. These are often caused by feline herpesvirus (FVR) and calicivirus, and sometimes bacteria like Bordetellaor Chlamydophila. URIs are very common in cats in shelters or multi-cat environments​. Symptoms include sneezing, nasal discharge (runny nose), eye discharge or conjunctivitis, coughing, congestion, and mouth ulcers (with calicivirus). You might notice a kitten with goopy eyes and a snotty nose – classic “cat flu” signs​. A severely affected cat may be lethargic and lose appetite (because they can’t smell their food). Kittens are most at risk, and in young kittens URIs can occasionally become serious or lead to pneumonia​.
What to do: Most cat colds are mild. Keep the cat warm and wipe any nasal/eye discharge with a damp cloth. Ensure they keep eating and hydrated – warming up pungent food or offering stinkier foods (like fish-based diet) can entice a congested cat to eat when they can’t smell well. Never give human cold medicines, as many are toxic to cats. If the infection is bacterial, antibiotics from the vet will help; otherwise it’s mainly supportive care. When to see the vet: if your cat or kitten has stopped eating, is very dehydrated, is having trouble breathing, or if the discharge becomes green/yellow (indicating secondary infection). Kittens sometimes need fluid therapy or nutritional support if a “flu” is severe​. Prevention: The core FVRCP vaccine (the “cat flu” vaccine) protects against herpesvirus and calicivirus. Make sure your cat is vaccinated – this greatly reduces severity of URIs. Keep new cats quarantined from resident cats for a week or two to prevent spread of any sneezes. With care, most cats recover from URIs in one to two weeks.
- Dental Disease
Dental and gum problems are extremely common – in fact, over 70% of cats show signs of dental disease by age 3​. Cats can develop tartar buildup, gingivitis (gum inflammation), and painful dental infections or resorptive lesions. Signs of dental disease can be subtle: bad breath, yellow-brown tartar on the teeth, red or bleeding gums, difficulty chewing or dropping food, and pawing at the mouth. Many cats won’t obviously act in pain – they may just become pickier eaters or lose weight. Dental issues, if untreated, can lead to tooth loss and bacteria entering the bloodstream, affecting organs over time. One particularly common issue is feline odontoclastic resorptive lesions (FORL) – essentially cavities in the cat’s teeth that are very painful​. Because cats hide pain, you might not realize your senior cat has several bad teeth.
What to do: Regular dental care is crucial. Ideally, brush your cat’s teeth frequently (daily or a few times a week) with a pet-safe toothpaste – this helps remove plaque before it hardens into tartar. Brushing can significantly reduce dental disease​. Start slow and make it positive (many cats will accept tooth brushing if introduced gently with flavored toothpaste). Also provide dental treats or diets approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) – these can help reduce plaque. Have your vet check your cat’s mouth at each exam; professional dental cleanings under anesthesia are recommended if tartar or gingivitis is present. During a cleaning, the vet can also extract any bad teeth causing pain. Never ignore dental problems – untreated dental disease is by far the most common medical issue in cats​ and can seriously affect their quality of life. After proper dental care, owners often notice their cat is more playful and eating better, clearly feeling relief.
- Obesity
Feline obesity is an epidemic – nearly 60% of domestic cats are overweight or obese​. While a chubby cat may look cute, the extra pounds put stress on the cat’s body. Obesity increases the risk of diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, and liver disease in cats​. Even moderately overweight cats have shorter lifespans – studies showed obese cats (aged 8-12) had a 2.8-fold increasein mortality compared to lean cats​. How do you know if your cat is obese? You should be able to feel the ribs easily under a thin fat layer and see a visible waistline from above. Overweight cats often have no waist and may develop a round belly that swings (the “primordial pouch” enlarged by fat). They may be less active or have trouble grooming their back.
What to do: Preventing obesity is far easier than treating it. Monitor your cat’s body condition and weight; ask your vet for guidance on your cat’s ideal weight. Avoid free-feeding unlimited food. Instead, measure out appropriate portions (check the feeding guidelines on your cat food as a starting point, then adjust). Limit high-calorie treats. Encourage exercise and play daily – chase toys, laser pointers, or get a cat tree for climbing. For indoor cats, feeding some kibble from puzzle feeders or treat balls can make them work for it and burn energy. If your cat is already overweight, consult your vet to create a safe weight-loss plan (too-fast weight loss can be dangerous for cats). A prescription weight management diet may help in stubborn cases. Aim for gradual weight loss (no more than 1-2% of body weight per week). Important: Never crash-diet a cat – cats that stop eating are at risk of fatty liver disease. With patience, you can help Tubby Tabby trim down. The payoff is huge: a longer, healthier life and a cat that can jump and play more comfortably.
- Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD)
Urinary tract problems – often grouped as Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD) – are a frequent cause of litter box issues and vet visits. One common form is cystitis (bladder inflammation), which can cause a cat to strain to pee, have blood-tinged urine, or urinate outside the litter box. Stress is a major contributor to feline cystitis. More dangerously, male cats in particular can suffer a urethral blockage (often due to crystals or mucus plugs) – this is life-threatening. Signs of urinary trouble include: frequent trips to the litter box with little output, straining or yowling in the box, licking the genital area excessively, urinating in unusual spots, or any evidence of blood in the urine. Never ignore a cat straining to pee or unable to pass urine – a blocked urethra can cause kidney failure and death within 24-48 hours. According to International Cat Care, FLUTD affects about 1–3% of cats each year​, and it can affect cats of any age (though young to middle-aged adults in stressful multi-cat homes are often seen).
What to do: Any time you notice litter box straining or accidents, have the cat examined by a veterinarian promptly. The vet will likely do a urinalysis and possibly X-rays. If it’s a blockage in a male cat, that’s an emergency – the cat will need catheterization to relieve the obstruction. For non-blocked cases (often called feline idiopathic cystitis), treatment focuses on relieving pain (pain meds), reducing inflammation, and reducing stress. Increase water intake – feed wet food and provide fresh water sources or a fountain to dilute the urine. Your vet may prescribe a special diet that reduces crystal formation if crystals are present. Environmental enrichment and stress reduction are key for prevention: provide enough litter boxes (the rule is one per cat plus one extra, in different areas), keep boxes very clean, and minimize conflicts in multi-cat homes. Products like feline pheromone diffusers (Feliway) can help create a sense of calm. Playing with your cat and providing hiding spots or perches can relieve stress that contributes to cystitis. Supplements (like glucosamine or stress-reducing supplements) may be recommended for recurring cases. Monitor your cat’s urinary habits – catching issues early can save your cat’s life, especially for male cats. Always treat a urinary blockage as an emergency – if your male cat can’t urinate, get to a vet immediately.
- Cancer
Cancer becomes more common as cats age. Cancer is a leading cause of death in cats, accounting for approximately 32% of deaths in cats over 10 years old​. Cats can develop various cancers, such as lymphoma (common in cats and often associated with feline leukemia virus), oral cancer (squamous cell carcinoma in the mouth), skin tumors, and others. Signs of cancer can be subtle and vary: any persistent lump or bump, especially if growing; unexplained weight loss; chronic vomiting or diarrhea; sores that don’t heal; difficulty eating or swallowing (for oral tumors); or just general lethargy and decline. In many cases, owners might just notice their cat isn’t “acting right” or has lost their normal appetite and energy. Because cats hide illness, cancers may not be obvious until advanced. Regular vet check-ups can sometimes catch issues early (your vet feeling an abdominal mass, for example).
What to do: If you notice a lump on your cat or any worrying chronic symptoms, have your vet examine the cat. They may perform tests like fine-needle aspirates or biopsies, X-rays, or ultrasound to diagnose cancer. Not all tumors are malignant – some may be benign and easily removed. If cancer is diagnosed, options depend on type and extent: surgery to remove tumors, chemotherapy (cats often tolerate chemo better than humans do), or radiation therapy (available at specialty centers). For example, a small skin tumor might be cured with surgical removal, while lymphoma is often treated with chemotherapy. Many cancers in cats can be managed to extend good quality of life. Prevention notes:Spaying drastically reduces the risk of mammary (breast) cancer in female cats – especially if done before their first heat – as unspayed females have a much higher incidence of malignant mammary tumors later in life. Similarly, keeping your cat indoors and away from tobacco smoke and excessive sun exposure (for white-eared cats prone to ear tip cancer) can reduce risk. While a cancer diagnosis is scary, remember that some are treatable. The key is to get any suspicious lumps or illnesses checked out sooner rather than later. Early detection and treatment can make a big difference for your cat.
- Diabetes Mellitus
Cats, like people, can develop diabetes – most commonly a Type-II-like diabetes where the body becomes less responsive to insulin. Obesity is a major risk factor – an obese cat is 3-5 times more likely to develop diabetes​. It often strikes middle-aged to senior cats that are overweight, and male cats have a slightly higher risk. Signs of diabetes to watch for include increased thirst and urination (similar to kidney disease symptoms), increased appetite coupled with weight loss (because the body can’t use sugars properly, the cat is hungry but losing weight), and sometimes weakness in the back legs (diabetic neuropathy). You might notice your cat draining the water bowl and peeing large clumps, yet looking thinner than before – that’s a red flag. Untreated diabetes can lead to a life-threatening condition called ketoacidosis, so recognition is important.
What to do: If you suspect diabetes, your vet will do blood and urine tests to check glucose levels. Diabetic cats have high blood sugar and often sugar in the urine. The main treatment is insulin therapy – typically a cat gets insulin injections twice daily. This sounds daunting, but most owners find it becomes routine and cats generally tolerate the tiny needle poke well. Dietary management is also crucial: vets often recommend a low-carbohydrate, high-protein diet (often canned food) for diabetic cats to help regulate blood sugar. With weight loss and diet change, some cats actually go into diabetic remission and no longer need insulin (this happens in a significant number of cases). Always work closely with a vet to adjust insulin doses safely – too much insulin can cause low blood sugar which is dangerous. At home, you may learn to monitor your cat’s glucose (either with ear-prick blood tests or newer continuous glucose monitors) or at least monitor clinical signs and do regular check-ins. Also address obesity – weight loss can improve diabetes dramatically, since diabetes is often related to excess weight​. Encourage moderate exercise/play as your cat is able. Never ignore signs of diabetes; with treatment, diabetic cats can live many happy years, but without treatment, diabetes is ultimately fatal.
10. Cat “Colds” vs. Serious Illness – Knowing the Difference (Bonus issue)
(For our tenth issue, let’s summarize a common scenario: distinguishing minor ailments from serious ones.) Cats often hide illness, so any change in behavior or routine can be a clue. Many of the problems above start with nonspecific signs like poor appetite or hiding. As a cat owner, it’s crucial to pay attention to subtle changes. For instance, a “common cold” (URI) might cause sneezing and goopy eyes but typically the cat still eats and is active. If your cat has those symptoms but is otherwise bright, it’s likely a minor viral infection. On the other hand, if your cat is listless, refusing food, or hiding continuously, something more serious could be brewing (high fever, severe infection, organ disease, etc.). Know the red flags that always merit a vet visit: not eating for more than 24 hours, difficulty breathing, straining to urinate, repeated vomiting or diarrhea, jaundiced (yellow) gums or eyes, profound lethargy, or any sudden severe pain (crying, hissing when touched). A healthy cat’s vital signs: clear eyes and nose, pink gums, temperature around 100–102.5°F. If you suspect fever or see pale or very dark gums, those are concerns.
What to do: When in doubt, call your veterinarian. Cats tend to hide illness until advanced, so “acting sick” at all means they’re fairly unwell. Don’t delay exams for vague symptoms; catching conditions early (as with kidney disease or diabetes) can make treatment more effective. Preventive care is the cornerstone of keeping these issues at bay: keep your cat vaccinated (prevent the preventable, like cat flu and feline leukemia), spayed/neutered (to avoid reproductive cancers and roaming-related injuries/diseases), feed a balanced diet and maintain a healthy weight, and see the vet annually (or twice annually for seniors) for wellness checks. By staying informed of these common health problems and acting quickly when something seems off, you’ll greatly improve your cat’s chances of overcoming issues and living a long, healthy life. Cats can’t tell us when something’s wrong – they rely on our keen observation and care.
Sources:Â
Common disease prevalence data​ amcny.org
Flea/CBD skin disease​ vetster.com
Flea anemia risk​ vet.cornell.edu
Cornell Feline Health Center; “Hyperthyroidism is the most common endocrine disease”​ fda.gov
Best Friends Animal Society on CKD​ bestfriends.org
VCA Hospitals on obesity stats​ vcahospitals.com ;
Veterinary Practice News on elimination issues​ veterinarypracticenews.com
