While cats may seem low maintenance, they’re prone to several health problems that can escalate if overlooked. In this blog, we’ll cover the most common health issues in cats, what causes them, how to recognise the signs, and how to help your cat stay healthy for the long haul. 

1. Vomiting

A multitude of aspects can cause vomiting in cats, which include eating something inedible or poisonous, infection, intestinal parasites such as tapeworms, urinary tract diseases or even hairballs. Symptoms of vomiting usually include excess drooling and abdominal heaving. Vomiting can leave your cat extremely dehydrated, and if it doesn’t stop, take your cat to the vet immediately. Some ways to prevent vomiting include:-

1. Treat your cat for fleas: Fleas can cause intestinal parasites such as tapeworms, which can cause vomiting. 

2. Hairballs: Provide regular grooming to your cat, and upon a vet’s consultation, you can even try laxatives formulated for hairballs.

3. Right Food and Diet: Avoid dairy and undercooked meats.

4. Keep non-edible items out of reach.

2. Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD)

FLUTD is a common problem in cats, which can be caused by being unfit or by consuming unhealthy dry foods, stress, living in a multi-cat household and sudden changes can also increase the chances of FLUTD. Symptoms include:

1. Drinking more water

2. Straining to urinate

3. Increase in frequency of urination

4. Bloody urine

5. Urinating in unusual places

6. Crying while urinating

7. Licking the urinary area because of pain

8. Depression

9. Dehydration

10. Lack of appetite

11. Vomiting

It’s best to contact a vet if your cat is struggling to urinate. To lessen the chances of your cat having FLUTD, you can:-

1. Make fresh water available at all times

2. Consult your vet for the best diet

3. Give frequent small meals

4. Reduce the source of stress

5. Clean the litter box in a quiet corner of the house

3. Fleas

Signs that your cat has fleas include:-

1. Flea dirt or tiny black dots on the skin

2. Constant scratching

3. Frequent licking

4. Red or irritated skin

5. Hair loss

6. Skin infections

Fleas can live for more than a year and can cause anaemia if not treated. Consult your vet for flea medication. (IMPORTANT NOTE: One must never medicate a cat with anti-parasite medication without a vet’s consultation, as this can lead to various health complications.)

To reduce the chances of flea infestation, you can:-

1. Keep your cat inside

2. Vacuum your floor, rugs, carpets, etc.

3. Wash your cat’s bedding in warm, soapy water at least once a week.

4. Tapeworms

Tapeworms are a common feline health problem. They live in your cat’s small intestine and can grow up to 2 feet. The easiest way to tell if a cat has tapeworms is by inspecting your cat’s anus and poop. If your cat’s anus or poop has small white worms or what seems to be grains of rice, then your cat has tapeworms. Symptoms of tapeworms include:-

1. Infection in anus

2. Weight loss

3. Vomiting

4. Anemia

5. Dehydration

Cats get tapeworms by ingesting the larvae while they clean themselves. Kittens are more likely to get tapeworms if they have fleas. Tapeworms can be prevented by:-

1. Controlling the carriers: Eliminating fleas and ticks, as well as rodents and mice, which carry tapeworm larvae.

2. Deworming: Deworm your cat regularly with the necessary medication prescribed by your veterinarian.

3. Dispose cat waste daily: Scoop out the poop, throw away the urine clumps and use a pet-friendly disinfectant for your cat’s litter box.

5. Diarrhoea

Diarrhoea can be caused by:-

1. Poor or a change in diet

2. Stress

3. Presence of parasites such as tapeworms

4. Allergies

5. Infections

6. Liver or Kidney disease

7. Cancer

Symptoms of diarrhoea includes:- 

1. Runny and watery poop 

2. Yellowish or grayish 

3. Poop with a bad smell

4. Lack of appetite

5. Vomiting

6. Bloody stools

7.  Fever

8. Sluggish movement

If your cat has diarrhoea, then you should give them plenty of water to prevent dehydration and not give them food for 12 hours. If the problem persists, then it is best to take them to a vet.

6. Eye Problems

Symptoms of eye problems in cats include:-

1. Watery eyes

2. Buildup of discharge

3. Tear stains on the fur around the eyes

4. Cloudy eyes

5. Red or white eyelid linings

6. Excessive squinting

7. Pawing at the eyes

8. Visible third eyelid

These can be caused by:-

1. Trauma

2. Viruses

3. Inflammation

4. Conjunctivitis or pinkeye

5. Corneal ulcers

6. Cataracts

7. Glaucoma

8. Retinal diseases

This can be prevented by keeping your cat’s eyes cleaned with the help of a cotton ball dampened in warm water, but if you notice any eye problems in your cat, then it is best to make an appointment with your vet immediately.

While some cat health issues might seem minor at first, they can escalate quickly if left untreated. Always monitor your cat for changes in behavior, appetite, or bathroom habits. Early intervention makes a big difference. If you notice any symptoms mentioned above—or anything unusual—don’t hesitate to consult your vet. Your cat’s well-being depends on prompt, professional care.