Urinary Tract Infections (UTI)

Bacterial infections more common in older cats, particularly females.

Symptoms

• Frequent trips to the litter box with little output
• Straining or crying while urinating
• Blood in the urine (hematuria)
• Urinating outside the litter box
• Excessive licking of the genital area

Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD)

An umbrella term for various conditions, including urinary crystals, stones, and idiopathic cystitis (inflammation without infection).

Symptoms

• Straining to urinate
• Producing only small amounts of urine
• Blood in urine
• Vocalizing in the litter box
• Increased agitation or hiding

Urinary Blockage (A True Emergency)

A life-threatening obstruction, most common in male cats due to their narrow urethra.

Symptoms

• Repeated straining with no urine production
• Visible pain, crying, or restlessness
• Vomiting
• Lethargy progressing to collapse

When to Seek Emergency Care

GO IMMEDIATELY. A complete blockage is fatal within 24-72 hours without treatment.

Prevention

• Incorporate wet food into the diet to boost hydration.
• Provide multiple sources of fresh, clean water.
• Use stress-reduction techniques (pheromone diffusers, quiet spaces).
• Maintain a healthy weight through diet and exercise.
• Keep litter boxes impeccably clean.

Dental Disease

Types of Dental Problems

Gingivitis

• Red, inflamed, and bleeding gums
• Persistent bad breath (halitosis)
• The precursor to more severe periodontal disease

Periodontal Disease

• Infection and destruction of the tissues and bone supporting the teeth
• Can lead to tooth loss and allow bacteria to enter the bloodstream, affecting major organs

Tooth Resorption

• A painful condition where the tooth structure breaks down
• Affects an estimated 30-70% of cats, especially those over five years old

Symptoms

• Bad breath that isn't normal "cat breath"
• Drooling or dropping food
• Difficulty chewing, favoring one side, or refusing hard food
• Pawing at the mouth or face
• Unexplained weight loss

When to See a Vet

• Schedule annual dental checkups.
• Remember: Bad breath is a sign of disease, not a normal state.
• Any difficulty eating warrants a prompt veterinary visit.

Prevention

• Gold Standard: Daily tooth brushing with feline toothpaste.
• Use veterinary-approved dental diets, treats, and water additives.
• Schedule regular professional dental cleanings under anesthesia.

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

Overview

A progressive, irreversible condition extremely prevalent in senior cats, affecting 30-50% of cats over age 12.

Symptoms

• Markedly increased thirst and water consumption
• Markedly increased urine volume and litter box use
• Gradual weight loss and muscle wasting
• Decreased or picky appetite
• Intermittent vomiting
• Bad breath with a chemical (ammonia-like) odor
• Lethargy and poor coat quality

Stages

1. Stage 1: Kidney damage with normal function (detected via blood/urine tests).
2. Stage 2: Mild kidney failure with slight clinical signs.
3. Stage 3: Moderate kidney failure; medical management required.
4. Stage 4: Severe, end-stage kidney failure.

When to See a Vet

• All senior cats (7+) should have annual blood work and urinalysis.
• Any noticeable increase in thirst or urination is a primary indicator for testing.
• Early diagnosis and intervention can significantly extend quality of life.

Management

• Prescription renal diets (low phosphorus, high-quality protein).
• Subcutaneous fluid therapy at home to maintain hydration.
• Medications to control nausea, blood pressure, and phosphorus levels.
• Regular veterinary monitoring to adjust the treatment plan.

Hyperthyroidism

Overview

An overproduction of thyroid hormone, one of the most common endocrine disorders in older cats.

Symptoms

• Weight loss despite a ravenous appetite
• Hyperactivity, restlessness, or increased vocalization
• Increased thirst and urination
• Vomiting and/or diarrhea
• Unkempt, greasy, or matted coat
• Rapid heart rate (tachycardia)

Diagnosis

• Confirmed by a blood test showing elevated thyroid hormone (T4).
• Additional tests (blood pressure, heart ultrasound) are often recommended.

Treatment Options

1. Daily Oral Medication: Methimazole pills or transdermal gel to control hormone production.
2. Radioactive Iodine (I-131) Therapy: A single, curative treatment that destroys abnormal thyroid tissue.
3. Surgical Thyroidectomy: Surgical removal of the affected thyroid gland(s).
4. Prescription Diet: A strictly iodine-restricted food (e.g., Hill's y/d).

When to See a Vet

• Any senior cat experiencing unexplained weight loss requires evaluation.
• Annual senior wellness blood panels are key to early detection.

Diabetes Mellitus

Overview

A metabolic disorder where the body cannot properly regulate blood sugar (glucose), increasingly linked to feline obesity.

Types

• Type 1: Insulin-dependent (rare in cats).
• Type 2: Insulin resistance, where the body doesn't respond properly to insulin (most common and often reversible).

Symptoms

• Excessive thirst and urination
• Weight loss despite a good (or even increased) appetite
• Lethargy and weakness
• Poor coat condition
• Plantigrade stance (walking on hocks)

Risk Factors

• Obesity
• Physical inactivity
• High-carbohydrate diets
• Male gender
• Certain breed predispositions (e.g., Burmese)

When to See a Vet

• The classic triad of increased thirst, urination, and weight loss is a major red flag.

Management

• Insulin Injections: Typically administered twice daily.
• Dietary Management: Transition to a high-protein, low-carbohydrate prescription diet.
• Weight Loss: Gradual, controlled weight loss for overweight cats is critical.
• Regular Monitoring: Home blood glucose curves and veterinary checkups.

Positive Note: With aggressive early management, many cats can achieve diabetic remission.

Heart Disease

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)

The most prevalent heart disease in cats, characterized by a thickening of the heart muscle.

Symptoms (Often Subtle or Absent)

• May show no symptoms for years.
• Rapid breathing or effort while at rest.
• Lethargy and reduced activity.
• Acute difficulty breathing (a sign of congestive heart failure).
• Sudden paralysis of the hind legs due to a blood clot (saddle thrombus).
• Sudden death in severe, undiagnosed cases.

Screening

• Annual cardiac screening (listening for murmurs) is advised, especially for at-risk breeds (Maine Coon, Ragdoll, Sphynx).
• Definitive diagnosis requires an echocardiogram (heart ultrasound).

When to Seek Emergency Care

• Any difficulty breathing or open-mouth breathing.
• Sudden collapse or inability to use hind legs.
• Pale or blue-tinged gums.

Cancer

Common Types in Cats

Lymphoma

The most frequent feline cancer, often affecting the gastrointestinal tract but can occur anywhere.

Mammary Cancer

• Primarily affects unspayed females.
• Spaying before the first heat cycle reduces the risk by over 90%.

Skin Cancer

• Squamous cell carcinoma, often on ears/nose of white or light-colored cats.
• Injection-site sarcomas (a rare but aggressive tumor linked to vaccines/injections).

General Symptoms

• Unexplained, progressive weight loss
• Any new lump or bump that changes in size
• Non-healing sores or wounds
• Persistent changes in appetite
• Lethargy and hiding
• Difficulty eating, swallowing, or breathing

When to See a Vet

• Have any new mass evaluated promptly—early biopsy is key.
• Investigate any unexplained weight loss.
• Note and report significant behavioral shifts.

Parasites

External Parasites

Internal Parasites

Skin Conditions

Allergies

• Food Allergies: Cause itching (often face/neck), gastrointestinal upset.
• Environmental Allergies (Atopy): Seasonal or year-round itching, often on feet, face, and ears.
• Flea Allergy Dermatitis: Severe itching from just one or two flea bites.

Ringworm

• A contagious fungal infection, not a worm.
• Causes circular patches of hair loss, scaling, and crusting.
• Requires antifungal treatment and thorough environmental cleaning.

Mange

• Caused by microscopic mites (e.g., Demodex, Notoedres).
• Leads to intense itching, hair loss, and crusting.
• Diagnosis requires skin scrapings; treatment is prescription-only.

Gastrointestinal Issues

Vomiting

Occasional hairballs can be normal. Frequent vomiting (more than once a week) is not.

Potential Causes

• Dietary indiscretion (eating something they shouldn't)
• Food intolerance or allergy
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
• Pancreatitis
• Intestinal obstruction (foreign body)
• Systemic diseases (kidney, liver, hyperthyroidism)

Diarrhea

Acute (short-term): Often due to diet change, parasites, or infection. Chronic (ongoing): Requires diagnostic workup for conditions like IBD, parasites, or food allergies.

When to See a Vet

• Blood (red or black, tarry) in the vomit or stool.
• Diarrhea or vomiting lasting more than 24-48 hours.
• Symptoms accompanied by lethargy, pain, or fever.
• Any episode paired with a known toxin ingestion.

Constipation

Particularly common in older, dehydrated, or sedentary cats.

Symptoms

• Straining in the litter box with little or no production.
• Passing small, hard, dry stools.
• Crying or showing pain while defecating.
• Loss of appetite and lethargy.

Emergency Situations: When to Go to the ER Immediately

Life-Threatening Emergencies

1. Respiratory Distress: Difficulty breathing, choking, blue gums.
2. Suspected Urinary Blockage: Especially in male cats—straining with no urine.
3. Uncontrolled Bleeding: From any wound.
4. Collapse or Sudden Inability to Stand.
5. Seizures lasting more than a few minutes or multiple seizures in a row.
6. Major Trauma: Hit by car, high-rise fall, animal attack.
7. Known or Suspected Poisoning: Antifreeze, lilies, human medications, rodenticides.
8. Profuse Vomiting/Diarrhea with signs of dehydration (lethargy, dry gums).
9. Dystocia: Labor lasting over 60 minutes of active straining with no kitten produced.
10. Heatstroke: Panting, distress, high temperature.

Be Prepared

• Identify and save the contact info for your nearest 24/7 emergency veterinary clinic.
• Keep your cat's carrier easily accessible.
• Learn basic pet first aid and CPR.

Preventive Care: The Foundation of Feline Health

Regular Veterinary Visits

• Kittens: Every 3-4 weeks until 16 weeks old for vaccines and checks.
• Adults (1-6 years): Annual comprehensive wellness exams.
• Seniors (7+ years): Biannual exams with blood work and urinalysis.
• Geriatric (15+ years): Quarterly monitoring may be recommended.

Core Vaccinations

• FVRCP: Protects against panleukopenia, herpesvirus, and calicivirus.
• Rabies: Legally required in most areas; crucial for public health.
• FeLV: Recommended for cats with outdoor access or living with FeLV+ cats.

Parasite Prevention

• Use year-round, vet-recommended flea/tick/heartworm prevention.
• Discuss a deworming schedule with your vet, especially for hunters.

Dental Care Regimen

• Annual oral examinations.
• Schedule professional dental cleanings under anesthesia as advised.
• Implement a daily home care routine.

Weight Management

• Use a body condition score chart to assess ideal weight.
• Measure food portions; avoid free-feeding dry food.
• Encourage daily play and exercise.

Understanding Your Cat's "Normal"

Establish a Baseline

Know your individual cat's habits:

• Typical daily food and water intake.
• Normal frequency and consistency of urine and stool.
• Usual energy levels, playfulness, and sleeping spots.
• Regular grooming behavior and coat quality.

Track Changes Systematically

Keep a simple log or use an app to note:

• Appetite and water consumption changes.
• Litter box output (frequency, appearance).
• Monthly weight (use a baby scale).
• Any vomiting, diarrhea, or coughing episodes.
• Behavioral shifts (hiding, irritability, vocalization).

Conclusion

Proactive, informed care is the cornerstone of your cat's longevity and well-being. While vigilance is important, it's equally crucial to avoid unnecessary anxiety over every minor change. Strive for a balanced approach.

Key Takeaways:

• Cats are Stoic: Subtle changes in behavior or routine are often the first and only signs of illness.
• Prevention is Paramount: Consistent vet visits, vaccinations, parasite control, and dental care prevent major issues.
• Early Intervention Saves Lives: Many conditions are more manageable and less costly when caught early.
• You Are the Expert: You know your cat best. If something feels "off," trust your intuition and consult your veterinarian.
• Have an Emergency Plan: Know where to go and what to do before a crisis occurs.

By combining knowledge, preventive care, and a strong partnership with your veterinarian, you provide your feline companion with the best opportunity for a vibrant, healthy life.

When in doubt, always contact your veterinarian. It's better to err on the side of caution.

Related Articles:

• How to Tell If Your Cat Is Sick: 10 Subtle Warning Signs
• Cat Vomiting: Causes, Treatment, and When It's Serious
• Senior Cat Care: A Complete Guide for Aging Felines
• Pet Insurance for Cats: Is It Worth It?

Sources: American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP), Cornell Feline Health Center, International Cat Care, Veterinary Centers of America (VCA)

Last Updated: 2026