30 Essential Cat Health Questions Every Owner Should Ask
Ask key questions and stay ahead of your cat’s care with veterinarian insights.
Cats are a beloved part of millions of families, but their mysterious nature and unique health needs can leave owners with plenty of questions. From nutrition and weight concerns to disease prevention, behavior, and emergency care, understanding feline health is vital for a long, happy life together. Below you’ll find expert answers to the 30 most common questions veterinarians wish every cat owner would ask, helping you stay informed and proactive about your cat’s wellbeing.
1. Why is My Cat Losing Weight Even Though She Eats Well?
Unexpected weight loss in cats, particularly seniors, signals possible underlying health problems. For outdoor cats, parasites such as roundworms and tapeworms are common culprits, treatable with oral medications after stool testing. Indoor older cats may suffer from hyperthyroidism, which accelerates metabolism and leads to both weight loss and poor coat quality. Your vet can diagnose this with a blood test, and treatments include medication or, in some cases, surgery. Regardless of your cat’s age or lifestyle, unexplained weight loss should prompt a prompt veterinary visit.
2. Is Fresh Salmon Healthier Than Canned Cat Food?
While fresh salmon might appeal to your cat, it is not as nutritionally complete as quality commercial cat food designed for feline dietary needs. Commercial formulas provide balanced protein, vitamins, and minerals, with low carbohydrates. It’s best to feed your cat reputable commercial brands to ensure all nutrient requirements are met.
3. Does My Indoor Cat Need the Feline Leukemia Vaccine?
Feline leukemia is transmitted through saliva, during licking, biting, or grooming. Even strictly indoor cats can have occasional risk of exposure, especially if your household includes other cats or if your cat escapes outside. Vaccination is recommended for every cat, regardless of lifestyle.
4. How Can I Prevent My Cat From Getting Diabetes?
- Genetics: Some cats are predisposed and prevention may not be possible.
- Diet: Feed a low-carbohydrate, high-protein diet to minimize risk.
- Exercise: Daily play sessions using interactive toys encourage healthy weight and lower risk.
Overweight cats are at greater risk, so regular weigh-ins and monitoring body condition are important.
5. Is My Cat Overweight?
- Check for excess fat: You should feel, but not see, your cat’s ribs easily.
- Observe shape: An overweight cat will lose its ‘waist’ and look rounder from above.
- Consult your vet: For a clear assessment and tailored advice.
Obesity leads to joint stress, diabetes risk, and other health problems; adjust feeding and exercise routines with veterinary guidance.
6. How Often Should My Cat See the Vet?
- Annual Checkups: For healthy adult cats, yearly exams suffice.
- Senior Cats: Twice-yearly visits recommended after age 7.
- Kittens: Multiple visits during the first year for vaccinations and growth monitoring.
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Regular exams catch subtle changes early and keep vaccinations up to date.
7. What Are the Warning Signs of Internal Parasites?
- Diarrhea and vomiting
- Coat looking unkempt
- Weight loss despite normal eating
- Visible worms in stool or around anus
Request a stool analysis yearly, and promptly if these symptoms appear.
8. How Important Is Oral Hygiene for Cats?
Poor dental health can lead to pain, difficulty eating, and systemic diseases. Brush your cat’s teeth with feline-safe toothpaste and offer dental treats or kibble. Annual professional cleanings are advised for most cats.
9. What Should I Know About Feline AIDS?
Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is spread through bites, not casual contact. It’s more common in outdoor/intact male cats prone to fighting. Test new cats before integrating them, and keep your cats indoors to lower risk.
10. How Can I Tell if My Cat Has Feline Leukemia?
- Persistent infections (respiratory, urinary)
- Pale gums
- Weight loss, lethargy
A vet can confirm with a blood test. Disease is highly contagious among cats.
11. What’s the Best Way to Prevent Hairballs?
- Brush your cat regularly
- Feed hairball-control formula food
- Increase hydration: Add water to wet food or provide a fountain
Frequent vomiting of hairballs warrants a vet visit to rule out gastrointestinal issues.
12. Can Cats Have Food Allergies or Sensitivities?
Cats can suffer food allergies (immune response) or food intolerance (digestive upset). Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, excessive itching, poor coat, and weight loss. Work with your vet to trial elimination diets and pinpoint triggers.
13. What’s the Best Way to Feed My Cat?
- Schedule: Two meals daily for adults, three-four for kittens.
- Free-feeding: Can lead to obesity, especially in single-cat homes.
- Portion control: Use measuring cups and monitor body condition; adjust as needed.
Consult your veterinarian for personalized dietary recommendations.
14. Should My Cat Live Indoors or Go Outside?
- Indoors: Greater protection from injury, disease, and parasites.
- Outdoors: Increased exercise and stimulation, but also higher risks.
Consider offering safe outdoor experiences with a leash/harness or enclosed catio.
15. How Can I Keep My Cat’s Coat Healthy?
- Regular brushing (daily for longhaired breeds)
- Appropriate diet rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids
- Prompt treatment of fleas and skin infections
Sudden changes in coat quality may signal underlying medical issues.
16. What Vaccinations Does My Cat Need?
- Rabies
- Feline distemper (panleukopenia)
- Feline herpesvirus
- Calicivirus
- Feline leukemia (see above)
Your vet will tailor a vaccination schedule based on lifestyle and regional risks.
17. What Should I Do If My Cat Has an Emergency?
- Call your vet or emergency clinic immediately
- Transport in a secure carrier
- Bring medical history and medication information
Know the signs of emergencies: difficulty breathing, severe bleeding, collapse, seizure, inability to urinate.
18. How Can I Prevent Urinary Tract Issues?
- Keep litter box clean and in a quiet area
- Encourage hydration by offering wet food
- Watch for signs of straining, blood in urine, or increased frequency
Some cats require prescription diets for recurring urinary health concerns.
19. What Changes Should I Expect as My Cat Ages?
- Reduced mobility; arthritis is common
- Possible kidney disease or diabetes
- Lower activity and playfulness
Senior cats need closer monitoring and possibly dietary adjustments for chronic conditions.
20. Which Behaviors Signal My Cat Isn’t Feeling Well?
- Hiding or reduced socialization
- Changes in grooming, litter box habits
- Aggression or sudden behavioral shifts
These subtle signs mean your cat should be examined by a veterinarian.
21. Is Spaying/Neutering Really Necessary?
Spaying and neutering prevent unwanted litters, reduce certain cancer risks, and can have positive behavioral effects. Many shelters and vets recommend the procedure at 6–9 months of age.
22. How Can I Prevent Fleas, Ticks, and Other Pests?
- Monthly topical or oral preventative medication
- Frequent grooming
- Home cleaning to eliminate pests
Even indoor cats can get pests if other pets or humans bring them inside.
23. Are There Risks to Cat Vaccinations?
Most cats tolerate vaccines well; rare side effects include lethargy or mild swelling. Severe allergic reactions are uncommon but serious – observe your cat after vaccinations and report any distress to your vet.
24. How Do I Introduce a New Cat to My Household?
- Quarantine new arrivals for health screening
- Allow gradual, supervised introductions
- Provide separate resources: food bowls, litter boxes, beds
Patient, slow integration reduces stress and illness risk for all cats.
25. Why Is My Cat Not Drinking Water?
- Try offering fresh, running water with a fountain
- Add water to wet food
- Monitor for signs of dehydration (lethargy, sunken eyes)
Lack of drinking can signal dental pain, kidney issues, or stress.
26. What If My Cat Refuses the Litter Box?
- Check for cleanliness and proper location
- Consult your vet to rule out medical causes
- Address stress or environmental changes
Persistent issues may relate to urinary tract conditions or behavioral stressors.
27. What Is Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)?
IBD is a chronic condition causing vomiting and diarrhea due to intestinal inflammation. Possible causes include food allergies, infections, or idiopathic inflammation. Symptoms may be intermittent: loose stools, poor appetite, weight loss. Diagnosis is through elimination and biopsy; diet changes and medication are typical treatments. Untreated IBD can lead to lymphosarcoma in rare cases.
28. Why Is My Cat’s Skin Itchy or Flaky?
- Common causes: parasites, allergies, fungal infections
- Patchy hair loss or scabs warrant a vet visit
- Special shampoos or prescription treatments may be needed
Feline skin disease often relates to underlying allergy or systemic illness.
29. How Does My Own Behavior Affect My Cat’s Health?
Owner personality impacts cat wellbeing. Overly anxious caretaking may lead to increased vet visits, stress, and potentially unnecessary interventions, while authoritarian and unpredictable caretaker styles can heighten feline anxiety, stress, and compromised immune function. Regular, calm routines benefit both mental and physical health.
30. What Are the Keys to Feline Wellbeing?
- Balanced diet tailored for cats
- Regular play and exercise
- Routine veterinary care and vaccinations
- Safe, enriched environment
- Consistent, loving interactions
Attentive care, proper nutrition, and understanding feline communication are the foundations for a long, healthy, and happy life with your cat.
Feline Health FAQ
- How often should my indoor cat be vaccinated? Annually for core vaccines; your veterinarian may recommend others based on exposure risks.
- Can I feed my cat homemade food? Only with veterinary guidance; most homemade diets lack crucial nutrients.
- What should I do if my cat stops eating? Contact your vet within 24 hours; lack of appetite indicates illness.
- Should I be worried about hairballs? Occasional hairballs are normal; frequent vomiting requires veterinary attention.
- How do I know if my cat is in pain? Look for withdrawal, vocalizations, or altered body posture – cats hide pain well.
| Concern | Symptoms | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Weight Loss | Unkempt coat, increased appetite, lethargy | Visit vet for parasite testing and thyroid evaluation |
| Diabetes | Frequent urination, thirst, weight loss | Schedule exam for fasting glucose and diet planning |
| IBD | Vomiting, diarrhea, loose/odorous stools | Workup for food allergies and inflammation, diet trial |
| Dental Disease | Bad breath, drooling, reluctance to eat | Professional cleaning, brushing, wellness exam |
| Urinary Tract Issues | Straining, blood in urine, frequent attempts | Immediate vet visit for urinalysis and possible diet change |
Your cat’s health is a partnership between you and your veterinarian. By asking the right questions, observing subtle changes, and staying proactive, you’ll ensure years of companionship filled with purrs, play, and wellness.
References
- https://www.countryliving.com/life/kids-pets/tips/g1260/cat-health-questions/
- https://ccah.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/cats/cat-health
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6363285/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7415653/
- https://www.countryliving.com/uk/wildlife/pets/a33509822/pet-questions-the-yorkshire-vet/
- https://jsmcah.org/index.php/jasv/article/view/71
- https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/pan3.10073
- https://healthforanimals.org/animal-health-in-data/parasites-diseases/global-trends-parasite-control-in-pets/
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