Common Cat Health Issues Every Owner Should Know

November 2, 2025

Cats are masters of disguise. In the wild, showing weakness makes them vulnerable, so they instinctively hide pain and illness. This means that by the time a cat exhibits obvious symptoms of a health problem, the condition is often advanced. For cat owners, vigilance is not just recommended—it is essential.

Understanding the subtle cues your cat gives and knowing the symptoms of common feline diseases can lead to early detection, which is critical for successful treatment and a better prognosis. In this comprehensive guide, we focus on three prevalent health issues that frequently affect felines, especially as they age. By recognizing the early warning signs and implementing preventative lifestyle changes, you can become your cat's most effective health advocate.

1. The Silent Epidemic: Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

Chronic Kidney Disease is one of the most frequently diagnosed conditions in aging cats, with up to one-third of senior felines affected. The kidneys perform the vital task of filtering waste products from the blood and maintaining proper hydration. When they fail, waste builds up, and the cat loses its ability to conserve water.

Key Symptoms to Watch For:

Increased Thirst (Polydipsia) and Urination (Polyuria): This is often the first noticeable sign. The cat drinks significantly more water and urinates larger volumes, requiring the litter box to be cleaned more often. The urine itself will appear very pale or dilute.
Weight Loss and Muscle Wasting: Despite potentially eating the same amount, the cat gradually loses weight due to the metabolic strain of the disease.
Lethargy and Poor Coat Quality: As toxins accumulate in the bloodstream, the cat may become lethargic, sleeping more, and showing less interest in play. Grooming may decline, resulting in a dry, dull, or matted coat.
Bad Breath (Halitosis) and Vomiting: A foul, sometimes ammonia-like, odor to the breath, often accompanied by vomiting or nausea, signals advanced toxin buildup.

Prevention and Management:

While CKD is not curable, it is manageable. Early intervention focuses on slowing its progression. Regular senior wellness checks with blood work (including the SDMA test) and urinalysis are crucial. Management includes prescription renal diets (low in phosphorus and controlled protein) and ensuring constant access to fresh water, often supplemented by at-home fluid therapy prescribed by a veterinarian.

2. The Stress Link: Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD)

Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease is an umbrella term for conditions affecting the cat's bladder and urethra. It is a common, painful, and potentially life-threatening issue. The most frequent diagnosis is Feline Idiopathic Cystitis (FIC), where inflammation occurs without a known bacterial cause, often linked to stress.

Key Symptoms to Watch For:

Straining or Difficulty Urinating (Stranguria): The cat repeatedly enters the litter box but only produces small amounts of urine, or cries out in pain while attempting to urinate.
Urinating Outside the Box (Periuria): The cat urinates in unusual places, especially cool, smooth surfaces like the bathtub, sink, or tile floor. This is not defiance; the cat associates the painful urination with the litter box.
Blood in Urine (Hematuria): The urine may appear pinkish or reddish.
Excessive Licking: Frequent, aggressive licking of the genital area due to irritation and pain.

Urinary Blockage Emergency: Urethral obstruction, which occurs almost exclusively in male cats, is a life-threatening emergency. If your cat strains repeatedly but produces no urine, seek immediate veterinary care.

Prevention and Management:

Management often involves reducing environmental stress (Environmental Enrichment), increasing water intake (wet food and water fountains are recommended), weight control, and, in some cases, prescription diets to manage crystal or stone formation.

3. The Metabolism Accelerator: Feline Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism is common in older cats and is caused by a non-cancerous tumor on the thyroid gland that produces excessive amounts of the thyroid hormone. This hormone acts like an accelerator for the entire body's metabolism.

Key Symptoms to Watch For:

Ravenous Appetite (Polyphagia) with Weight Loss: This is the classic, paradoxical symptom. The cat is constantly hungry, yet progressively loses weight because their metabolism is running too fast.
Increased Thirst and Urination: Similar to CKD, the overactive metabolism affects kidney function, leading to increased fluid turnover.
Hyperactivity and Irritability: The cat may be restless, pacing, or exhibit increased vocalization (especially at night). They often have a rapid heart rate and a poor, unkempt coat.
Gastrointestinal Distress: Frequent episodes of vomiting or diarrhea can occur.

Prevention and Management:

Hyperthyroidism is diagnosed via a simple blood test measuring T4 hormone levels. It is highly treatable through several methods: oral medication, radioactive iodine therapy (the curative option), or a prescription iodine-restricted diet. Early diagnosis is important because chronic, untreated hyperthyroidism can lead to secondary damage to the heart and kidneys.

Conclusion

A cat's health is a fragile balance, and their silent nature means owners must be proactive, observant, and committed to preventive care. By recognizing the subtle behavioral or physical changes associated with Chronic Kidney Disease, FLUTD, and Hyperthyroidism—from a slight increase in thirst to a sudden change in litter box habits—you can drastically improve your cat’s outcome. Never hesitate to call your veterinarian if you notice a persistent change in appetite, drinking, or urination. Regular physical examinations and routine senior blood work are the best tools an owner has to catch these common conditions in their earliest, most manageable stages.