17 Cat Diseases That Are More Common Than You’d Think

Cats are masters at hiding their discomfort. That’s why it’s up to us to keep an eye out for signs that they might not be feeling their best. In this post, we’ll go over the most common cat diseases, how to spot them, and which cats are most at risk. We’ll also look at how tools like an Activity Tracker for cats can act as an early warning system to alert you to changes in your cat’s health.

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Here are some of the most common diseases in cats, including how they’re spread, what symptoms to watch out for, and which cats are more likely to develop it.

1. Feline upper respiratory infection (URI)

Just like a human cold, URIs in cats are most commonly caused by viruses or bacteria. These are most often spread when cats sneeze, cough, or groom near shared food or water bowls. Once infected, cats often carry these diseases for life and continually transmit them to others.

2. Feline diabetes

Diabetes in cats occurs when their bodies cannot produce or use insulin properly. Which results in hyperglycemia or high blood sugar, which can lead to worse health problems for your cat – including kidney disease, neurological diseases, and even other metabolic disorders.

3. Feline leukemia virus (FeLV)

FeLV is a contagious viral disease that can suppress the immune system. This virus usually doesn’t show many visible symptoms right away, but is commonly spread through bodily fluids, direct contact, shared litter boxes or food bowls, or even through bites and scratches.

4. Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD)

FLUTD can cause discomfort and difficulty urinating. Broadly, it describes a whole bunch of common bladder and urethra conditions that cats might develop at any age. Watch out if your cat is visiting the litter box multiple times but without much success.

5. Feline panleukopenia (Distemper)

A highly contagious and often fatal viral disease – but which is preventable through vaccination. Distemper spreads through direct contact with infected cats, contaminated food or water bowls, or even on surfaces touched by the virus.

6. Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)

FIV is a viral infection that compromises a cat’s immune system, making them more susceptible to other infections. It tends to spread primarily through bites and scratches that draw blood, but also from direct contact through grooming or shared food bowls. Neutering your male cat can be an important step to reducing the spread of FIV.

7. Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP)

FIP is a fatal viral disease caused by a mutation of the feline coronavirus. It has two forms – a wet form, which leads to fluid buildup in the abdomen or chest, and a dry form, which causes inflammation in the organs. FIP often spreads through infected feces or saliva.

8. Feline hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism is a common endocrine disorder in older cats. It’s when your cat’s thyroid gland is on overdrive, producing more of the thyroid hormone than usual. Treatment options include medication, dietary changes, and radiocative iodine therapy.

9. Chronic kidney disease (CKD)

CKD is a common condition in older cats where the kidneys gradually lose function. Sadly, these changes are often irreversible. Cats of any age can be affected.

10. Dental disease

Dental issues, including periodontal disease, are common in cats and can lead to significant pain and health problems. Between 50-90% of cats have some form of dental disease, often showing no symptoms until their condition worsens.¹

11. Rabies

Rabies is a fatal viral disease affecting the brain and spinal cord of all mammals. It can infect cats, dogs, and humans alike – but it’s preventable via vaccine. (Make sure to check your state laws regarding whether it’s mandatory.) It’s most often transmitted through bites and saliva from an infected animal, or through fresh open wounds.

12. Worms

Parasitic worms, such as roundworms and tapeworms, are common in cats. They can even pass via mother’s milk, infected feces, skin contact, or even the animals your cat hunts (like mice.) Staying on top of your anti-parasite treatment can help prevent these problems – since at least some of these worms can also pass on to humans.

13. Flea allergic dermatitis (FAD)

This condition is an allergic reaction to flea saliva. Fleas can cause itchy bites on cats, dogs, and humans too – even leading to anemia, in some serious cases. Regular flea prevention can help treat allergies and stop them from spreading.

14. Cat flu

Cat flu is a common viral infection causing cold-like symptoms. It’s caused by a whole bunch of viruses and bacteria, including the Herpes virus and Bordetella bronchiseptica. Cats of any age can be affected.

15. Pyometra

Pyometra is a life-threatening uterine infection in unspayed female cats. Symptoms usually begin within 6 weeks of your cat’s last heat cycle. This is an urgent condition and may necessitate surgical removal of your cat’s uterus.

16. Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease. With time and age, it causes the breakdown of cartilage in a cat’s joints, leading to pain and stiffness. Because the signs are so subtle, it often goes undiagnosed.

17. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a chronic condition where a cat’s gastrointestinal tract becomes inflamed because of an abnormal immune response. This inflammation makes it difficult for your cat’s body to absorb nutrients, which can leave your cat malnourished despite eating. IBD can be triggered by food allergies, infections, or even stress.

Common signs of illness or disease in cats

Your cat might not be able to complain to you that they’re feeling poorly – though not for lack of trying! Which is why you should drop by your vet if you notice:

• A drop in activity levels
  Cats that are normally playful or active might start spending more time sleeping or lying down.
• Changes in appetite
  Eating or drinking significantly less or more than usual could indicate a problem.
• Lethargy or weakness
  A sudden lack of energy is a red flag.
• Vomiting or diarrhea
  While occasional hairball-related vomiting is normal, persistent symptoms aren’t.
• Unexplained weight loss
  Gradual or sudden weight loss can point to underlying health issues.
• Changes in grooming habits
  A decrease in grooming or over-grooming specific areas might indicate discomfort or illness.
• Behavioral changes
  Increased hiding, aggression, or clinginess are worth noting.

Read more: 10 Signs Of Illness In Cats

Top tips on how to keep your cat healthy

Whether it’s a subtle change in behavior or a noticeable drop in activity, being proactive about your cat’s health can make all the difference. Here are some steps you can take to keep your cat healthy:

• Regular veterinary check-ups
  Schedule annual visits, or more frequently for senior cats, to catch potential issues early.
• Vaccination and deworming
  Ensure your cat is up to date on vaccinations and parasite prevention.
• Healthy diet & exercise
  Feed a balanced diet and engage your cat in regular play to maintain their ideal weight.
• Hygiene & grooming
  Brush your cat regularly and check for signs of fleas, ticks, or skin issues.
• Monitor behavior
  Keep a close eye on your cat’s activity, eating, and litter box habits for any unusual changes.
• Use an Activity Tracker for cats
  By monitoring your cat’s activity levels, you can spot trends that indicate a potential health issue – like a sudden drop in your cat’s active minutes. (Which could be an early sign they’re not feeling well.)

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And if you’ve liked this post, share it with a friend or a loved one – and let’s help build a safer, kinder world for our furry friends together.