6 Common Cat Health Problems Every Owner Should Know
If you live with a cat, you already know how good they are at hiding discomfort. Cats are masters at acting fine even when something isn’t right. I learned this the hard way with my first cat. By the time I noticed something was off, the issue had already progressed.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through seven common cat health problems, the symptoms to watch out for, and what you can do as a responsible cat owner. I’ll keep things simple, practical, and based on real-world experience.
1. Parasites in Cats
Parasites are one of the most common health issues cats face, especially kittens, outdoor cats, or cats that live with other animals. Even indoor cats are not completely safe.
Parasites fall into two main groups, internal and external.
Intestinal Worms in Cats
Intestinal worms are more common than many owners realize. Kittens often get them from their mother, while adult cats may pick them up from contaminated food, water, litter boxes, or fleas.
Common signs of intestinal worms include:
- A bloated or pot-bellied stomach, especially in kittens
- Diarrhea or loose stool
- Vomiting
- Weight loss despite eating well
- Dehydration
- Worms visible in stool or around the anus
Sometimes the signs are subtle. Your cat may just seem tired or slightly off.
What helps most is early treatment. Different worms require different medications, so guessing is not a good idea. A vet can run a stool test and prescribe the right dewormer.
Prevention tips from experience:
- Keep litter boxes clean
- Wash hands after handling litter
- Use vet-recommended deworming schedules
- Control fleas, since fleas spread some worms
Fleas and Mites
External parasites are easier to spot but can still cause serious problems.
Fleas can cause:
- Constant scratching
- Hair loss
- Red or irritated skin
- Flea dirt, which looks like black pepper
In severe cases, fleas can cause anemia, especially in kittens.
Ear mites are another common issue. They look like dark debris inside the ear and cause intense itching. Cats may shake their heads or scratch until they injure themselves.
What I’ve learned is that home remedies only go so far. A flea comb or gentle bath helps, but long-term control requires proper medication.
Never use dog flea products on cats. Some are toxic to cats and can be deadly.
2. Upper Respiratory Infections (URIs)
Upper respiratory infections in cats are very similar to a human cold, but they can be much more serious.
They are usually caused by viruses like feline herpesvirus or calicivirus, sometimes combined with bacterial infections.
Cats can catch URIs easily in shelters, boarding facilities, or multi-cat homes.
Symptoms of Upper Respiratory Infections
Watch closely for:
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Watery or thick eye discharge
- Squinting or swollen eyes
- Loss of appetite
- Fever
- Difficulty breathing
Some cats carry these viruses for life and may have flare-ups during stressful times, such as moving or introducing a new pet.
How URIs Are Treated
Treatment depends on severity but often includes:
- Antibiotics for secondary infections
- Eye drops or ointments
- Steam therapy or nebulization
- Antiviral medications in some cases
I’ve seen lysine supplements help some cats with herpes flare-ups, but always talk to your vet before starting anything new.
Keeping your cat hydrated and eating is crucial. Warm, smelly foods can encourage them to eat when their nose is blocked.
3. Heartworm Disease in Cats
Many people think heartworm is only a dog problem. I used to think the same, until a vet explained how dangerous it can be for cats.
Heartworm is spread by mosquitoes, so even indoor cats are at risk.
Why Heartworm Is Dangerous for Cats
In cats, heartworm usually affects the lungs rather than the heart. Even a single worm can cause serious damage.
Symptoms may include:
- Coughing
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
- Difficulty breathing
- Sudden collapse
Some cats show no signs at all until the disease becomes severe.
Prevention Is the Best Option
Unlike dogs, heartworm treatment in cats is very limited and risky. That’s why prevention matters so much.
Monthly heartworm preventatives are safe and effective. If you live in an area with mosquitoes, this is something worth discussing with your vet, even for indoor cats.
4. Feline Leukemia (FeLV)
Feline leukemia is one of the most serious diseases cats can face. It weakens the immune system and makes cats vulnerable to infections and other illnesses.
How FeLV Spreads
FeLV is spread through:
- Saliva
- Bite wounds
- Mutual grooming
- Shared food and water bowls
- From mother to kittens
Not all infected cats show symptoms right away, which is what makes it so dangerous.
Symptoms of Feline Leukemia
Common signs include:
- Lethargy
- Pale gums
- Weight loss
- Poor appetite
- Frequent infections
- Difficulty breathing
There is no cure for FeLV, but supportive care can improve quality of life.
If you bring a new cat into your home, testing for FeLV is one of the most important first steps. FeLV-positive cats should be kept separate from FeLV-negative cats to prevent spread.
5. Ringworm Infection in Cats
Despite the name, ringworm has nothing to do with worms. It’s a fungal infection, and it’s highly contagious.
Cats can pass ringworm to humans and other pets, which makes early treatment very important.
Signs of Ringworm in Cats
Look for:
- Circular patches of hair loss
- Red or scaly skin
- Itchy ears
- Broken hairs
Kittens are especially vulnerable, and long-haired cats may carry it without obvious symptoms.
Treating Ringworm
Treatment often includes:
- Topical antifungal creams
- Medicated baths
- Oral antifungal medication in severe cases
- Thorough cleaning of bedding, furniture, and surfaces
I’ve learned that patience is key here. Ringworm takes time to clear, and cleaning your home is just as important as treating the cat.
6. When to Call the Vet Immediately
One mistake many cat owners make is waiting too long. Cats don’t complain loudly, so changes are often subtle.
Call your vet if you notice:
- Sudden weight loss or gain
- Changes in thirst or urination
- Vomiting or diarrhea lasting more than a day
- Refusing food
- Labored breathing
- Lethargy or hiding behavior
- Changes in litter box habits
Trust your instincts. If something feels off, it usually is.
Final Thoughts
Owning a cat is a long-term commitment, and their health depends heavily on us noticing the small things. You don’t need to panic over every sneeze, but you should stay aware.
From parasites to viral infections, most common cat health problems can be managed or prevented with early care, patience, and consistency. The more you understand your cat’s normal behavior, the easier it becomes to spot when something isn’t right.
Your cat may not say thank you out loud, but a healthy, comfortable life is the best gift you can give them.
