Hairballs

Hairballs are a very common complaint because as cats groom themselves they swallow loose hair. Sometimes this hair forms into a ball and lodges in the cat's stomach.
More reading on hairballs
Hairballs in Cats which offers advice on how to deal with hairballs.

Cats are often infested with worms. Roundworms, tapeworms, and hookworms most commonly infect cats. Cats can occasionally develop heartworms, as well. Symptoms of worms can include weight loss, pot bellied appearance, poor coat appearance and vomiting. Worms are easily cured with a few doses of medication, but if left untreated, they can cause serious health problems.
More reading on worms:
Worming your cat or kitten- Worm Symptoms
Tapeworm in Cats
Ringworm in Cats
 

Vomiting

There can many varied reasons why a cat vomits, from a serious illness to eating something disagreeable. An occasional, isolated episode of vomiting is usually normal
Read More: Causes of Cats Vomiting

Urinary Tract Infections

Urinary tract infections are another common health problem in cats. Bladder diseases occur in both male and female cats, although males have a higher risk of life-threatening blockage of the urethra
More Reading on Urinary Tract Infections
Urinary Tract Disorders in Cats
Cystitis in Cats

Fleas

Fleas feed on your pet's blood and make your cat uncomfortable A heavy infestation can cause it to become anaemic and unwell. Flea infestations have been known to kill kittens. Some individual animals are allergic to flea saliva and this causes the pet abject misery with constant scratching and self mutilation. The most common allergy dermatitis in cats and dogs is a flea allergy. Fleas also spread tapeworm from one animal to another.
Read More:
How to get rid of fleas - House and Pet
Cat Fleas - Dog Fleas- Human Fleas
How to kill fleas on very young kittens
Sand Fleas - Not a problem for cats and dogs
 

Kidney Disease

Chronic Kidney Failure is the most common cause of death in older cats. Long-term feeding of an all dry food diet is suspected as a factor in Chronic Renal Failure. Often the first thing you notice with a cat suffering from feline kidney disease is that they have an increased thirst and drink more water.
Read More:- Kidney Disease Chronic Renal Failure

Conjunctivitis

Many cats have chronic problems with conjunctivitis (inflammation of the eye membranes). Often, the problem comes and goes. The eyes may be red, swollen, watery and crusty.
Read More:- Conjunctivitis in Cats

Cat Flu

Cat flu is the general name given to a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract in cats. It is a common disease in cats and can make them very sick and miserable. It can be fatal in kittens and immunosuppressed older cats
Read More:- Cat Flu Symptoms and Treatment

Ear Mites

Ear mite infestations in cats can be extremely uncomfortable. Ear mites can also cause disfigurement and severe ear infections
Read More: Ear mites in Cats

Feline Stress

Cats are sensitive creatures and are prone to stress.

Common Stress Symptoms

• Spraying (even in neuters)
• Inappropriate elimination
• Pacing back and forth at perimeters of fences
• Loss of appetite
• Pulling out of fur
• Trembling
• Excessive meowing
• Hiding from the world, under beds, behind curtains etc
• Physical symptoms and illness – some illnesses and disorders (such as acne) have been associated with stress. Stress can also be a response to physical illness, so it is most important to check with your vet to rule out a medical condition

Read More:- Feline Stress - Causes and Management

Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)

FIP is caused by a mutation of the corona virus. According to some experts, cats living in multi-cat environments tend to test positive for enteric corona virus. Cats can live with that virus remaining quietly in the intestines with no sign of disease for their entire lifetime. In other cases, probably a genetic pre-disposition, the virus mutates into FIP.

Once a cat has contracted FIP, it will display symptoms of a mild upper respiratory infection: sneezing, watery eyes, and nasal discharge. It may also have diarrhea, weight loss and lethargy. Most cats fully recover from this primary infection, although some may become virus carriers. A small percentage of exposed cats develop lethal FIP weeks or even years after the primary infection.

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus

FIV, or cat AIDS, is not always fatal. FIV decreases the ability of the cat's immune system to fight infections. Cats with FIV may remain free of symptoms for years. It is when the cat contracts other illnesses in the chronic stage of FIV infection that FIV is first suspected. This long list of illnesses includes oral-cavity infections, upper-respiratory infections, weight loss, ear infections, kidney disease, and many others. Although there is, as yet, no vaccine, all cats should be tested for the virus. The virus is transmitted through saliva, usually when a cat is bitten in a cat fight.

Feline Leukemia Virus

FLV was, until recently, the most common fatal disease of cats. But with a vaccine now available, the number of cases is dwindling. Although the name leukemia means cancer of the white blood cells, this is only 1 of the many diseases associated with this virus, such as other types of cancer, anemia, arthritis and respiratory infections. FLV is preventable if the cat is immunized before being exposed to the virus. Although the disease is not always immediately fatal, cats with FLV rarely have a long life expectancy. NEVER bring other cats into your household when you have a cat with FLV.

Lyme Disease

If your cat spends time outdoors, you should check him regularly for ticks. If you find a tick on your cat's body and he has been lethargic and acts as if he is in pain, ask your vet to test for Lyme Disease. This disease is transmitted to people and animals by deer ticks.

Some cats may show subtle symptoms while others may show none -- symptoms are hard to recognize and often may be confused with other illnesses or old age. Be observant of your pet's behavior. It is the only way to know if your pet has contracted Lyme disease if no tick was found. Some symptoms of Feline Lyme Disease include:

(a) lethargy,

(b) reluctance to jump or climb stairs,

(c) limping, or reluctance to put weight on a paw,

(d) loss of appetite.

The key to dealing with Feline Lyme Disease is prevention and early diagnosis and treatment. You should reduce the tick population around your home with simple landscape changes and spraying.

Abscess from cat bites or scratches

Cats have extremely tough skin which does not easily tear. Consequently, teeth or claws do not leave large open wounds in the skin. Instead they puncture deep into the muscle tissue under the skin through relatively small holes that quickly heal over. The bacteria present on the tooth or claw are seeded in the tissue under the skin where they thrive in the warm moist environment. An abscess is extremely painful and can cause your cat to become very ill.
Read More: Cat Abscess - Symptoms and Treatment

Toothache and Tooth Decay in Cats

Bad Breath in Cats

Although a cat's breath under normal circumstances is not the sweetest smell in the world you will certainly notice when it becomes foul smelling. Bad breath is usually an indictor that something is not right with your cat's health.

Read More: Possible Reasons for Bad Breath in Cats

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