Cats are masters at hiding illness, which makes proactive health care essential for their wellbeing. Understanding your cat's health needs can help you catch potential issues early and ensure your feline companion lives a long, healthy, and happy life. For more general pet care tips, check out our pet care basics guide.

This comprehensive guide covers everything from nutrition and preventive care to recognizing signs of illness and knowing when to visit the vet. Whether you're a new cat owner or an experienced feline enthusiast, you'll find valuable information to help you provide the best care for your cat. If you're just getting started with a new kitten, our kitten care guide has specific information for young cats.

Cat Nutrition Essentials

Proper nutrition is the foundation of your cat's health. Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they require nutrients found only in animal products. According to the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), cat food should meet specific nutritional standards to ensure complete and balanced nutrition.

Key Nutritional Requirements

• High-quality protein: Cats need more protein than dogs or humans. Check out our high-protein cat food selection for quality options.
• Taurine: An essential amino acid critical for heart and eye health that cats cannot produce themselves
• Fatty acids: Important for skin, coat, and overall health. Our cat supplements page includes omega-3 options.
• Limited carbohydrates: Cats have limited ability to digest carbs
• Adequate hydration: Cats naturally have low thirst drives. Consider a cat water fountain to encourage drinking.

Feeding Guidelines by Life Stage

Kittens (0-12 months): Require frequent meals (3-4 times daily) of high-protein, calorie-dense food to support growth. See our kitten food guide for recommendations.

Adult cats (1-7 years): Typically do well with 2 meals daily of maintenance-formula food. Check our adult cat food selection.

Senior cats (7+ years): May need specialized senior formulas with adjusted protein levels and joint support nutrients. Explore our senior cat food options.

Preventive Health Care

Regular preventive care can help catch health issues early and keep your cat healthy throughout their life. The American Veterinary Medical Association recommends annual check-ups for most cats.

Vaccinations

Core vaccinations for all cats include:

• FVRCP: Protects against feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia
• Rabies: Required by law in most areas
• FeLV: Recommended for outdoor cats or cats in multi-cat households

Parasite Prevention

Regular prevention for common parasites is essential. The Companion Animal Parasite Council provides guidelines for parasite control:

• Fleas: Can cause skin irritation and transmit tapeworms. Our flea prevention products can help.
• Ticks: Can transmit serious diseases
• Heartworms: Increasingly recognized as a threat to cats
• Intestinal parasites: Roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms

Common Cat Illnesses

Being aware of common feline health issues can help you recognize potential problems early. The Cornell Feline Health Center is an excellent resource for feline health information.

Urinary Tract Issues

Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD) encompasses several conditions affecting the bladder and urethra. According to the Cornell Feline Health Center, FLUTD affects approximately 1-3% of the cat population annually.

Symptoms to watch for:

• Straining to urinate
• Frequent trips to the litter box
• Blood in urine
• Crying out while urinating
• Urinating outside the litter box

Dental Disease

By age three, most cats have some evidence of dental disease. The American Veterinary Dental College provides excellent resources on feline dental health.

Signs of dental problems:

• Bad breath
• Red or bleeding gums
• Drooling
• Difficulty eating
• Pawing at the mouth

Kidney Disease

Chronic kidney disease is common in older cats and can be managed with early detection. The Feline CRF Information Center offers comprehensive information on managing kidney disease in cats.

Early warning signs:

• Increased thirst and urination
• Weight loss
• Decreased appetite
• Lethargy
• Poor coat condition

Diabetes

Feline diabetes is increasingly common, often related to obesity. The Cornell Feline Health Center estimates that diabetes affects between 0.5% and 2% of the feline population.

Symptoms include:

• Increased thirst and urination
• Increased appetite with weight loss
• Lethargy
• Sweet-smelling breath
• Hind limb weakness

Caring for Senior Cats

Cats are generally considered seniors at around 7 years of age. With proper care, many cats live well into their teens or even twenties. The American Animal Hospital Association provides guidelines for senior cat care.

Special Considerations for Older Cats

• More frequent vet visits: Biannual exams instead of annual. Learn more in our senior cat vet visits guide.
• Senior blood work: Regular screening for age-related conditions
• Joint support: Supplements or medications for arthritis. Check our joint supplement selection.
• Accessibility: Lower-sided litter boxes and easy access to favorite spots. Our senior cat products can help.
• Diet modification: Senior-formula foods with appropriate nutrient levels. Browse our senior cat food options.

Emergency Warning Signs

Knowing when to seek immediate veterinary care can save your cat's life. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) is available 24/7 for poison-related emergencies.

Signs Requiring Immediate Veterinary Attention

• Difficulty breathing or open-mouth breathing
• Straining to urinate or defecate without producing anything
• Seizures or collapse
• Significant trauma (fall, car accident, animal attack)
• Bloated, hard, or painful abdomen
• Excessive vomiting or diarrhea
• Not eating or drinking for 24 hours
• Sudden inability to use hind legs
• Exposure to toxins (antifreeze, lilies, human medications)

Making Vet Visits Less Stressful

Many cats find vet visits stressful, but there are ways to make the experience better for everyone. The American Association of Feline Practitioners offers cat-friendly handling guidelines.

Preparation Tips

• Carrier training: Leave the carrier out with comfortable bedding. Check our cat carrier selection for stress-free options.
• Familiar scents: Place a familiar blanket or item with your scent in the carrier
• Calming aids: Consider pheromone sprays or calming supplements. Our calming products can help.
• Practice runs: Take short car rides that don't end at the vet
• Positive association: Offer treats and praise during and after the visit