Cat Illnesses, Cat Diseases
And General Cat Health Problems

Before cat illnesses can be recognized, it's important that you know the signs of a healthy cat. Once you understand this, it's much easier to spot when your cat is ill.

1) Healthy overall demeanor

• Shiny coat, which he grooms regularly
• Clear, bright eyes (click here for some fascinating facts about cat eyes)
• Active, energetic and curious
• Healthy, supple skin
• Resistance to disease, quick recovery from illnesses

2) Healthy digestive system

A healthy kitty's poops will be "normal" (for want of a better expression!) Diarrhea or constipation either indicate a health problem or a diet problem.

3) Healthy skin and fur

Healthy skin is supple, smooth, dandruff-free and free of spots, scabs etc. Healthy fur is shiny, sleek and free of tangles.

4) Healthy teeth and gums

Healthy teeth are white (though they may yellow a bit as your cat ages), and they're tartar-free. Healthy gums are pink (not red), don't bleed and are tartar-free.

5) Healthy bones and joints

A cat with healthy bones and joints will have a good posture and will be able to do all the normal kitty activities such as climbing, jumping etc.

6) Healthy body size and shape

A healthy cat isn't too fat or too thin. You should be able to feel his ribs, but not see them. Also, when you look at him from above, you should be able to see a waistline below his ribs. If your kitty is long haired, you may not be able to see his waistline, but you should be able to feel it.

Once you know what a healthy cat should be like, it's easier to recognize when a cat is ill. I've listed some of the most common cat diseases and illnesses. For advice about any of these, please click on the text links below. Click here for advice on health insurance for your cat.

Click here to ask a vet online about any cat health or illness related questions you have.

Brain Disorders

• Cat Cerebellar Hypoplasia

Cat Urine Problems

• Cat Urinary Tract Infection
• Cat Diabetes
• Feline Diabetes Symptoms
• Acute Cat Renal Failure
• Chronic Cat Kidney Failure
• Cat Bladder Stones

Digestive System Disorders

• Cat Distemper
• Cat Enteritis
• Cat Hairballs
• Feline Distemper Symptoms

Eye Disorders

• Cat Blindness
• Cat Eye Problems

Parasites

• Cat Fleas
• Cat Flea Treatment Methods
• Kitten Fleas
• Cat Worms
• Cat Ear Mites and Other Cat Ear Problems

Skin Disorders

• Cat Skin Problems
• Feline Allergies

Viruses

• Cat Flu
• Cat Leukemia
• Feline Leukemia Symptoms
• Feline Leukemia Test
• Feline Leukemia Treatment
• Feline Leukemia Vaccine
• Feline Immunodeficiency Virus