Six Health Problems Every Cat Owner Should Know

In this guide

Cats are generally good at looking after themselves, but even the most fastidious cat cannot avoid every health issue that comes its way.

1. Vomiting

A very common problem with a wide range of possible causes, from eating something poisonous or inedible, such as string, to infection, urinary tract disease, diabetes, or hairballs. Symptoms are usually obvious, including drooling and heaving of the abdomen. Vomiting can quickly lead to dehydration, so persistent vomiting, or a cat that seems generally unwell, calls for a prompt call to the vet. Bringing along a sample of the vomit can help with diagnosis.

2. Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease

Some estimates suggest around three per cent of cats seen by vets have feline lower urinary tract disease, often shortened to FLUTD, an umbrella term covering several conditions with different underlying causes. It affects both male and female cats and is more common in those that are overweight, unfit, or fed mainly on dry food. Stress, life in a multi-cat household, and sudden changes at home can all raise the risk. Treatment depends on the specific type involved. Symptoms include:

• Drinking more than usual
• Straining to urinate
• Blood in the urine
• Urinating outside the litter tray
• Crying while urinating
• Licking around the urinary area, often due to pain
• Low mood or depression
• Dehydration
• Reduced appetite
• Vomiting

A cat that cannot urinate at all is always an emergency and needs an immediate call to the vet.

3. Fleas

A very common external problem, though a manageable one once identified. Signs of fleas include:

• Flea dirt on the skin, appearing as tiny black specks
• Constant scratching
• Frequent licking
• Red or irritated skin
• Hair loss
• Skin infections or hot spots

Fleas can survive for more than a year, and a heavy infestation risks anaemia, so prompt treatment and ongoing prevention matter. A vet can advise on the best option among oral medication, powders, foams, and topical treatments.

4. Tapeworms

Tapeworms live in the small intestine and can grow up to around two feet long, though they are segmented and usually break apart before being expelled, meaning a full worm is rarely seen. Segments are far more commonly spotted. Symptoms can be subtle, sometimes including vomiting and weight loss. Checking the faeces, the area around the anus, and bedding for small white segments resembling grains of rice or sesame seeds is the easiest way to confirm an infection, and these often appear while a cat is sleeping or relaxed. Treatment options include injection, oral, or topical medication. Since cats usually pick up tapeworms by swallowing an infected flea, dealing with any flea problem first matters before treating the tapeworms themselves.

5. Diarrhoea

Many things can trigger diarrhoea in cats, including intestinal parasites, spoiled food, allergies, infection, liver disease, and cancer. Symptoms are loose, watery stool, and the duration can range from a single day to several months depending on the cause. Plenty of fresh water helps guard against dehydration, and withholding food for no more than twelve hours can help settle things. A vet visit is warranted if diarrhoea continues beyond a day, or immediately if there is vomiting, dark or bloody stool, fever, lethargy, reduced appetite, or straining to defecate.

6. Eye Problems

Possible causes include conjunctivitis, a corneal ulcer, cataracts, glaucoma, trauma, viral infection, inflammation, and retinal disease. Symptoms worth watching for include watery eyes, tear-stained fur, cloudiness, red or white eyelid linings, discharge in the corners of the eye, squinting, pawing at the eye, or a visible third eyelid. Since the underlying cause is rarely obvious from the outside, eye problems are best treated as an emergency, with a vet appointment made straight away.

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