Top 5 Health Concerns for Cats — From the Plantation Midtown Doctors

At Plantation Midtown Animal Hospital, we want to help your cat stay happy and healthy through every stage of life. Cats are often very good at hiding signs of illness, which makes routine veterinary care and early detection especially important. Here are five common health concerns we see in cats and how our team can help identify, monitor, and manage them.

1. Dental Disease

Dental disease is extremely common in cats. Over time, plaque and tartar can build up on the teeth, causing inflammation of the gums (gingivitis), periodontal disease, discomfort, and eventually tooth loss if left untreated.

Bad breath may be one of the first signs of dental disease. As problems progress, cats may experience pain, drooling, difficulty eating, changes in food preferences, or decreased grooming. Because cats can hide oral pain surprisingly well, regular dental evaluations are an important part of preventive care.

How we can help:

• Oral exam – We examine your cat’s teeth and gums for plaque, tartar, inflammation, loose or damaged teeth, and other abnormalities. We also look for feline tooth resorption, a common and painful condition that can damage the structure of the tooth.
• Dental X-rays – Dental radiographs allow us to evaluate below the gumline, where many painful dental problems cannot be seen during a routine examination. They can reveal infected roots, bone loss, abscesses, and tooth resorption.
• Professional dental cleaning – A thorough dental cleaning under anesthesia allows us to remove plaque and tartar above and below the gumline and fully evaluate each tooth. If diseased or painful teeth are identified, extractions may be recommended.
• Home dental care – Our team can recommend brushing techniques, dental diets, treats, and other products that may help support your cat’s oral health between visits.

2. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

Chronic Kidney Disease is particularly common in older cats and occurs when the kidneys gradually lose their ability to function normally. Because CKD often develops slowly, changes may be subtle in the early stages.

Signs can include increased thirst and urination, weight loss, decreased appetite, and lethargy. As kidney disease progresses, cats may experience dehydration, nausea, vomiting, and other complications. Detecting changes early gives us the opportunity to begin monitoring and treatment sooner.

How we can help:

• Physical exam – We evaluate your cat’s overall condition, including weight, hydration, muscle condition, appetite, and other changes that could indicate kidney disease.
• Blood tests – Bloodwork helps us evaluate kidney function and identify changes in values such as creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN). We recommend annual bloodwork for adult cats and more frequent testing for many senior cats.
• Urine tests – A urinalysis provides important information about how well the kidneys are concentrating urine and can identify protein, infection, and other abnormalities. A urine culture may also be recommended if infection is suspected.
• Blood pressure monitoring – High blood pressure can occur in cats with kidney disease and may contribute to additional health complications.
• Individualized treatment – Depending on the stage of kidney disease, treatment may include dietary changes, medications, fluid therapy, and ongoing monitoring to help maintain your cat’s comfort and quality of life.

3. Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism is a common hormonal condition in older cats caused by excessive production of thyroid hormone. The increased thyroid hormone speeds up the body’s metabolism and can affect several organ systems.

Common signs include weight loss despite a normal or increased appetite, increased thirst and urination, restlessness or hyperactivity, vomiting or diarrhea, and changes in the hair coat. Untreated hyperthyroidism can also contribute to high blood pressure and heart problems.

How we can help:

• Physical exam and history – We look for changes such as weight loss, an elevated heart rate, behavioral changes, and enlargement of the thyroid gland.
• Blood tests – Measuring thyroid hormone (T4) levels is an important part of diagnosing hyperthyroidism.
• Blood pressure monitoring – Because hypertension can accompany hyperthyroidism, monitoring blood pressure may be recommended.
• Additional diagnostics – Depending on your cat’s condition, additional bloodwork or imaging may be recommended to evaluate the heart, kidneys, and overall health.
• Treatment options – Treatment may include medication, dietary therapy, radioactive iodine therapy, or surgery. We can discuss the available options and help determine an appropriate plan for your cat.

4. Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes mellitus occurs when a cat’s body cannot properly regulate blood sugar because of inadequate insulin production or insulin resistance. Being overweight is an important risk factor because excess body fat can make it more difficult for the body to respond appropriately to insulin.

Common signs include increased thirst and urination, increased appetite accompanied by weight loss, lethargy, and occasionally vomiting. Without appropriate treatment, diabetes can lead to serious complications, including infections, nerve problems, and diabetic ketoacidosis.

How we can help:

• Physical exam – We assess your cat’s weight, body condition, hydration, and overall health while discussing any changes you have noticed at home.
• Blood tests – Blood glucose testing and other laboratory tests help diagnose diabetes and evaluate organ function.
• Urine tests – Urinalysis can detect glucose and ketones and help identify urinary tract infections, which can be more common in diabetic cats.
• Treatment and monitoring – Management may include insulin therapy, nutritional changes, weight management, and regular monitoring. Our goal is to develop a plan that works for both you and your cat while maintaining a good quality of life.

5. Respiratory Issues

Cats can develop respiratory problems for many different reasons. Upper respiratory infections are common, particularly in multi-cat households, shelters, and cats with outdoor exposure. Signs can include sneezing, nasal congestion or discharge, watery or irritated eyes, coughing, fever, and decreased appetite.

However, coughing, difficulty breathing, or increased respiratory effort can also occur with conditions such as feline asthma, pneumonia, or heart disease. Identifying the underlying cause is important so your cat receives the appropriate treatment.

How we can help:

• Physical exam – We evaluate your cat for nasal or eye discharge, sneezing, fever, dehydration, abnormal heart or lung sounds, and changes in breathing.
• Infectious disease testing – In certain cases, PCR testing may be recommended to identify viruses or bacteria associated with feline respiratory infections.
• Blood tests – Bloodwork can help identify signs of inflammation or infection and evaluate overall organ function. If heart disease is a concern, additional testing such as NT-proBNP may be recommended.
• X-rays – Chest X-rays can help us evaluate the lungs and heart and differentiate between conditions such as asthma, pneumonia, and heart disease.
• Treatment and supportive care – Depending on the diagnosis, treatment may include antibiotics, antiviral medications, eye medications, appetite support, anti-inflammatory therapy, or medications for asthma or heart disease. More serious cases may require hospitalization or oxygen support.
• Preventive care – Routine wellness visits and appropriate vaccinations can help protect your cat from several common illnesses. Even indoor cats can have exposure risks, so we can help determine which preventive care is appropriate for your cat’s lifestyle.

At Plantation Midtown Animal Hospital, we’re here to help your cat stay healthy from kittenhood through their senior years. Routine wellness visits and early diagnostic testing can help us identify changes before they become more serious and give your cat the best opportunity for a long, comfortable life. Give us a call at (954) 473-8090 to learn more!