Top 5 Health Concerns for Cats — From the Welleby Doctors 

As your veterinarian, we want to help you keep your cats happy and healthy. Cats are curious and independent companions, but they can be prone to certain health issues you should be aware of. Here are the top five concerns and how we can help monitor and manage them:

1. Dental Disease in Cats

Cats are prone to dental disease. Their teeth can accumulate plaque and tartar, leading to inflammation of the gums (gingivitis), periodontal disease, and eventually tooth loss if left untreated.

Bad breath is often the first sign that dental disease is developing. As the condition worsens, cats may show signs of pain, drooling, difficulty eating, or reluctance to groom themselves. Untreated oral infections can also spread bacteria to other organs, such as the heart and kidneys, causing more serious health problems. Consistent preventive care is key to keeping your cat’s mouth, and overall health, in top condition.

How we can help:

• Oral exam – We examine your cat’s teeth and gums for plaque, tartar buildup, signs of inflammation, loose or broken teeth, and any abnormalities in the mouth. We also look for signs of Feline Odontoclastic Resorptive Lesions (FORLs), which are painful tooth root lesions that are common in cats and can lead to tooth loss if untreated.
• Dental X-rays – These allow us to look below the gumline to detect hidden problems like infected tooth roots, bone loss, abscesses, or FORLs that can cause pain and infection but aren’t visible during a routine exam.
• Professional cleaning – Cats benefit from regular dental cleanings performed under anesthesia by a veterinarian. This thorough cleaning removes plaque and tartar and allows us to address any teeth that need extraction, including those affected by FORLs. Regular professional care is essential for preventing serious dental disease and maintaining your cat’s overall health.
• Home care guidance – We can provide advice on brushing techniques, recommend dental diets or treats formulated to reduce plaque, and discuss other products that help keep your cat’s mouth healthy between veterinary visits.

2. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

Chronic Kidney Disease is a common health issue in older cats, where the kidneys gradually lose their ability to filter the blood. This condition often develops slowly and may not show obvious signs until it’s more advanced.

Early symptoms can include increased thirst and urination, decreased appetite, weight loss, and lethargy. As CKD progresses, cats may develop dehydration, vomiting, oral ulcers, or even seizures. Because the kidneys play a vital role in overall health, untreated CKD can lead to serious complications, so it is best to uncover it early.

How we can help:

• Physical exam – We assess your cat’s general health and look for signs of CKD such as weight loss, dehydration, and changes in behavior or appetite.
• Blood tests – Bloodwork is essential to evaluate kidney function by measuring values such as creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and protein levels. We recommend annual bloodwork on all cats and semi-annual bloodwork in senior cats since kidney disease is so common.
• Urine tests – Cats with CKD are more prone to urinary tract infections (UTIs). Urinalysis helps assess urine concentration and protein levels, and detects signs of infection or other urinary issues. If a urinary tract infection is suspected, a urine culture can identify the bacteria involved and guide antibiotic treatment.
• Blood pressure monitoring – High blood pressure is common in cats with CKD and can cause further kidney damage and other complications.
• Treatment planning – We can recommend dietary changes, medications, and fluid therapy tailored to your cat’s stage of CKD to help manage symptoms, improve quality of life, and slow disease progression.

3. Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism is a common hormonal disorder in older cats caused by an overproduction of thyroid hormone. This excess hormone speeds up the body’s metabolism and can affect many organs. Early signs include increased appetite, weight loss, increased thirst and urination, hyperactivity, poor hair coat, and sometimes vomiting or diarrhea. If untreated, hyperthyroidism can lead to serious complications like high blood pressure, heart disease, and organ damage.

How we can help:

• Physical exam and history – We evaluate your cat’s overall condition and look for signs such as weight loss despite a good appetite, increased heart rate, behavioral changes, and sometimes a lump on the thyroid gland.
• Blood tests – Measuring thyroid hormone levels (T4) is key to diagnosing hyperthyroidism and assessing its severity.
• Blood pressure monitoring – High blood pressure is common in hyperthyroid cats and can cause additional health problems.
• Imaging – Ultrasound or other imaging may be used to evaluate the heart and kidneys, as both organs can be affected by hyperthyroidism.
• Treatment options – We can discuss various treatments including medication to control thyroid hormone levels, dietary therapy, radioactive iodine therapy, or surgery, depending on your cat’s needs.

4. Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes mellitus is a common metabolic disorder in cats where the body cannot properly regulate blood sugar levels due to insufficient insulin production or insulin resistance. Obesity is a major predisposing factor, as excess weight can make it harder for the body to use insulin effectively. Common signs include increased thirst and urination, increased appetite with weight loss, lethargy, and sometimes vomiting. If left untreated, diabetes can cause serious complications like infections, nerve damage, and diabetic ketoacidosis, a potentially life-threatening condition.

How we can help:

• Physical exam – We assess your cat’s overall health, paying close attention to weight and signs like excessive thirst and behavioral changes.
• Blood tests – Measuring blood sugar (glucose) levels helps diagnose diabetes. We also check liver and kidney function because diabetes can affect these organs and complicate treatment.
• Urine tests – Checking for glucose and ketones in the urine provides additional information about blood sugar control and helps detect complications. Diabetic cats are more prone to urinary tract infections, so we also look for signs of infection.
• Treatment planning – We work with you to develop a management plan that may include insulin therapy, dietary changes, weight management, and regular monitoring so we can keep your cat feeling good and living a long, healthy life.

5. Respiratory Issues

Upper respiratory infections (URIs) are common in cats, especially in multi-cat households, shelters, or outdoor cats. These infections are caused by viruses or bacteria and affect the nose, throat, and eyes, leading to symptoms similar to a human cold. Common signs include sneezing, nasal congestion or discharge, coughing, watery eyes, eye redness or discharge, and sometimes fever or loss of appetite. While many URIs resolve on their own, some cats may develop more severe symptoms or secondary bacterial infections.

Asthma and heart disease can also be causes of respiratory signs in cats showing coughing, increased respiratory effort, or lethargy. It’s essential to differentiate between infections, inflammatory airway disease, and cardiac conditions to ensure proper treatment.

How we can help:

• Physical exam – We assess your cat for nasal discharge, sneezing, eye inflammation, enlarged lymph nodes, fever, or increased respiratory effort. We also assess for abnormal heart or lung sounds, dehydration, and body condition to help guide our diagnosis.
• Infectious disease testing – Swabs can be submitted for PCR testing to detect viruses and bacteria commonly associated with feline upper respiratory infections. This is especially helpful in persistent or multi-cat situations.
• Blood tests – Bloodwork helps identify markers of inflammation or infection. It also helps evaluate organ function. If heart disease is suspected, we may also recommend a specific test called NT-proBNP, which can help screen for underlying heart conditions.
• X-rays – These are important to distinguish upper respiratory infections from conditions like asthma, pneumonia, or heart disease. X-rays allow us to assess the lungs for airway inflammation, heart enlargement, or fluid buildup.
• Supportive care – Depending on the cause, treatment may include antibiotics, antiviral medications, eye drops, appetite support, or anti-inflammatory therapies. Cats with asthma or heart disease may need specialized medications. Severe cases might require hospitalization or oxygen therapy.
• Preventative care – We can discuss how to keep your cat healthy by creating a clean, low-stress environment. Vaccines are also important for preventing many common illnesses, even for indoor cats who can still be exposed through shoes, clothes, or other pets.

We’re here to care for your cat like one of our own. Schedule a visit today by calling us at (954) 748-2002 so we can work together to keep your loyal, energetic companion happy, healthy, and thriving.