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Cat Health
Based on WSAVA, ABVP and ACVIM standards — 29 questions
According to the WSAVA 2022 guideline, the core vaccines are Panleukopenia (FPV), Herpesvirus (FHV-1), and Calicivirus (FCV), usually given as the FVRCP combination. Typical timing is the first dose at 6-8 weeks, the second at 10-12 weeks, and the third at 14-16 weeks. Adult booster: after 1 year, then every 3 years. Rabies vaccination is legally required in Turkey and may be annual or every 3 years depending on the product. Non-core vaccines are used according to risk, such as FeLV (feline leukemia) and, more controversially, FIP. The vaccination plan should always be individualized by a veterinarian.
FLUTD (Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease) is a very common group of urinary tract disorders in cats. Signs: frequent urination, straining, blood in the urine, and obstruction, especially in male cats. Main causes: idiopathic cystitis (55-65%), struvite stones, and calcium oxalate stones. Prevention: encourage adequate water intake, preferably with wet food, reduce stress, choose a diet that supports an appropriate urinary pH, use food with lower magnesium levels when indicated, and provide multiple water bowls. Urinary blockage is an emergency and requires immediate veterinary care.
The recommended age is 5-6 months for female cats and 5-7 months for male cats. Benefits: in females, the risk of mammary tumors drops by 91% if the procedure is done before the first heat, and pyometra is prevented. In males, testicular cancer is prevented and territorial marking and aggression often decrease. Potential downside: the risk of obesity increases, so portion control and a diet formulated for sterilized cats are recommended.
Dental disease, especially periodontal disease, affects 70-80% of cats over 3 years of age. Prevention methods: 1) Daily toothbrushing is the most effective measure; use toothpaste made for cats, because human toothpaste is toxic. 2) VOHC-approved dental diets. 3) Dental treats and appropriate chew toys. Annual veterinary dental checks are recommended. Untreated dental disease can contribute to kidney, heart, and liver problems.
Internal parasites such as Toxocara cati, Ancylostoma, Giardia, and Toxoplasma matter for both feline and human health. Typical protocol: kittens are dewormed at 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks of age. Adult cats are treated 2-4 times per year depending on lifestyle. Cats that go outdoors are often treated every 3 months, while strictly indoor cats may be treated every 6 months. Toxoplasma carries zoonotic risk, so pregnant women should avoid direct contact with cat feces.
Fleas and ticks matter both because they are irritating and because they can transmit disease. Fleas: flea allergy dermatitis (FAD) is the most common skin disease associated with them, and the environment must be treated as well. Ticks: they are also relevant in Turkey as vectors for serious disease. Effective products: spot-on treatments such as imidacloprid, fipronil, and selamectin, or oral options such as fluralaner and sarolaner. Important warning: permethrin products made for dogs are extremely toxic and potentially fatal for cats.
CKD is one of the most common diseases in cats and affects 30-40% of cats over 15 years of age. The IRIS staging system (Stage 1-4) is used. Nutritional management: phosphorus restriction is the single most important dietary measure to slow progression. A higher moisture intake, usually through wet food, is helpful. Omega-3 supplementation (EPA/DHA) may also be beneficial. Medical management: blood pressure control, often with amlodipine, phosphate binders when indicated, and regular blood and urine monitoring are all critical.
Hyperthyroidism is the most common endocrine disease in older cats, usually those over 10 years of age. Typical signs: weight loss despite a good appetite, hyperactivity, increased urination and drinking, vomiting, and a fast heart rate. Diagnosis: an elevated serum T4 level. Treatment options: 1) Methimazole for lifelong medical management. 2) Radioactive iodine (I-131), which is the most effective and most definitive option. 3) Surgery. 4) A low-iodine prescription diet such as Hill's y/d. Without treatment, heart and kidney damage can develop.
Feline diabetes often resembles insulin-resistant diabetes, similar to type 2. Risk factors: obesity, male sex, older age, and inactivity. Signs: increased urination and drinking, weight loss, increased appetite, and hindlimb weakness from diabetic neuropathy. Treatment: insulin therapy, usually with glargine or PZI, together with a low-carbohydrate, high-protein diet. The carbohydrate content should ideally be below 10% on a dry matter basis. Remission is possible: with early treatment and an appropriate diet, 50-90% of cats may go into remission.
Feline Injection Site Sarcoma (FISS) is a rare but serious tumor that can develop at an injection site. Its reported prevalence is approximately 1 in 1,000 to 10,000 vaccinations. WSAVA recommendations: give injections in a limb or tail region rather than between the shoulders, and document the injection site carefully. Any swelling that persists longer than 4 weeks or any mass larger than 2 cm should be biopsied. Using non-adjuvanted vaccines when appropriate may help reduce risk.
FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus): spreads mainly through bite wounds between cats. It does not infect humans. FIV-positive cats may remain clinically well for years with good supportive care. FeLV (Feline Leukemia Virus): spreads through saliva and close contact and can lead to leukemia and significant immune suppression. Vaccination is available, especially for cats that go outdoors. When adopting a new cat, testing for both viruses is strongly recommended.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common heart disease in cats. Predisposed breeds: Maine Coon, Ragdoll, British Shorthair, and Persian. Signs: many cats remain asymptomatic for a long time, but some present with sudden breathing difficulty, hindlimb paralysis from aortic thromboembolism, or sudden death. Diagnosis: echocardiography is the gold standard. Genetic testing: MYBPC3 mutation testing is available in Maine Coon and Ragdoll cats. In predisposed breeds, annual echocardiographic screening is recommended.
Cats are extremely sensitive to stress. Common signs: inappropriate urination, overgrooming, loss of appetite, hiding, aggression, and flare-ups of FLUTD. Management: synthetic feline pheromone diffusers such as Feliway, adequate resources in the home (the 1+1 rule per cat for litter trays, feeding stations, water bowls, and scratching areas), vertical space, play, and environmental enrichment. In more severe cases, medications such as fluoxetine or buspirone may be prescribed by a veterinarian.
Obesity affects roughly 25-40% of cats. Main risks: diabetes, FLUTD, joint disease, hepatic lipidosis, and a shortened lifespan. Management: calculate daily calorie intake, use measured feeding rather than free feeding, choose a high-protein and lower-carbohydrate diet, and increase activity through play. A safe target is 0.5-1% body weight loss per week. Important warning: rapid weight loss can trigger hepatic lipidosis.
Cats are generally considered senior from 11 years of age. Common problems in older cats: hyperthyroidism, CKD, HCM, hypertension, diabetes, arthritis, cognitive dysfunction, and dental disease. Geriatric care plan: veterinary examinations every 6 months, annual blood and urine testing, blood pressure measurement, echocardiography in predisposed breeds, and consideration of omega-3 supplementation. Early detection significantly improves both quality and length of life.
In Turkey, rabies vaccination is legally mandatory for cats. The first dose is given from 3 months of age, followed by a booster after 1 year and then either annually or every 3 years depending on the vaccine product. Rabies is a fatal zoonotic disease transmitted through bites. Outdoor cats are at higher risk. For travel to EU countries, rabies vaccination and a valid pet passport are required.
Cat flu is a common infectious syndrome usually caused by FHV-1 (feline herpesvirus) and FCV (feline calicivirus). Signs: nasal discharge, eye discharge, sneezing, fever, reduced appetite, and oral ulcers, especially with FCV. Treatment: supportive care including hydration and nutritional support, antibiotics if a secondary bacterial infection develops, and antivirals such as famciclovir for FHV-1 when indicated. Important: FHV-1 remains latent and may reactivate during stress. FVRCP vaccination is the most effective preventive measure.
Cats are the definitive host for Toxoplasma gondii. Human risk: the infection is particularly important for pregnant women and immunocompromised people. Prevention for people: clean the litter box daily because oocysts usually become infective after 24-48 hours, pregnant women should avoid cleaning litter trays, raw meat should be avoided, and gloves should be used during gardening. For cats: most infected cats remain asymptomatic. When treatment is needed, clindamycin is commonly used.
Panleukopenia (FPV) is an extremely contagious and potentially fatal viral disease. In unvaccinated kittens, mortality can reach 50-90%. Signs: fever, loss of appetite, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, and a marked drop in white blood cell count. Transmission: through feces, urine, saliva, and contaminated environments. The virus can survive in the environment for up to 1 year. Prevention: the FVRCP vaccine is the most important core protection.
Hypertension is common in cats and is often associated with CKD or hyperthyroidism. Target organ damage: retinal detachment leading to sudden blindness, neurologic signs, cardiac enlargement, and kidney injury. Diagnosis: systolic blood pressure is generally considered normal below 150 mmHg, while persistent readings above 160 mmHg are concerning for hypertension. Treatment: amlodipine is the first-line drug, and telmisartan may be used especially when CKD is also present. Sudden blindness is an emergency and requires urgent veterinary care.
Hepatic lipidosis is a serious liver disease that is particularly important in cats. Main cause: not eating for more than 2-3 days, which leads to mobilization of body fat into the liver. Risk factors: obesity, stress, concurrent disease, and abrupt diet change. Signs: jaundice, anorexia, vomiting, and lethargy. Treatment: aggressive nutritional support is essential, often through an esophagostomy tube, together with IV fluid therapy. Prognosis is good with early treatment, with reported recovery rates of 80-90%. Rapid weight loss in overweight cats should always be avoided.
Osteoarthritis (OA) may affect up to 90% of older cats, although many cases are never formally diagnosed. Signs: difficulty jumping, reduced activity, poor grooming, and reluctance to enter the litter tray. Treatment: meloxicam in carefully selected cases with kidney monitoring, gabapentin for pain management, glucosamine/chondroitin, omega-3 fatty acids, weight reduction when needed, and environmental modification such as low-entry litter trays and ramps. Solensia (frunevetmab), an anti-NGF biologic, is also available in many settings.
Feline chronic gingivostomatitis (FCGS) is a severe and painful oral disease in cats. Signs: marked oral inflammation, difficulty eating, halitosis, and weight loss. Cause: not fully understood, but it is thought to be immune-mediated and may be associated with FCV or FHV-1. Treatment: full-mouth dental extraction is the most effective option, with reported improvement in 60-80% of cases. Immunosuppressive therapy such as prednisolone or cyclosporine may also be needed. Early and assertive treatment is recommended.
Epilepsy is less common in cats than in dogs. Possible causes: idiopathic epilepsy, brain tumors, infections such as FIP or toxoplasmosis, metabolic disease, or toxicity. During a seizure: stay calm, protect the cat from injury, and never place anything in the mouth. Any seizure lasting more than 5 minutes (status epilepticus) is an emergency. Treatment: phenobarbital is often the first-line medication, with levetiracetam or zonisamide used in selected cases.
FIP is a serious disease that develops after mutation of feline coronavirus. Historically, it was considered almost uniformly fatal. Forms: the wet form causes fluid accumulation in the abdomen or chest, while the dry form causes granulomatous inflammatory lesions. Major recent development: treatment with GS-441524 has led to reported recovery rates of 85-90% since 2019. Access may still be limited depending on country and regulation. Treatment planning should always be supervised by a veterinarian.
Claw care matters both for the cat's welfare and for household safety. Claw trimming: usually every 2-3 weeks. Only trim the clear tip and avoid the pink quick. Declawing (onychectomy): is considered ethically unacceptable in many countries, including Turkey. WSAVA and AVMA do not support the procedure because it can cause pain, gait changes, and behavioral problems. Alternatives: regular claw trimming, scratching posts, and soft nail caps such as Soft Paws.
The most common mistakes are: 1) free feeding, which promotes obesity; 2) feeding only dry food, which may reduce water intake and raise FLUTD risk; 3) feeding dog food, which can cause taurine deficiency, blindness, and heart disease; 4) raw meat diets, which increase the risk of Salmonella and Toxoplasma; 5) giving milk even though most adult cats are lactose intolerant; 6) offering toxic foods such as onion, garlic, chocolate, and xylitol; and 7) relying heavily on fish-based diets, which may contribute to thiamine deficiency and struvite risk.
Common feline eye diseases: conjunctivitis causing redness and discharge, often linked to FHV-1 or Chlamydia; corneal ulcers causing pain and squinting; uveitis associated with FIV, FeLV, or FIP; retinal detachment, often from hypertension and sometimes causing sudden blindness; and glaucoma due to increased intraocular pressure. Emergency signs: sudden blindness, a painful red eye, or marked eyelid swelling. Diagnosis: ophthalmoscopy, intraocular pressure measurement, and fluorescein staining. Early veterinary assessment is essential to prevent permanent vision loss.
Common feline skin diseases: flea allergy dermatitis (FAD), which is the most common; food allergy causing chronic itching and skin lesions; atopic dermatitis triggered by environmental allergens; dermatophytosis (ringworm/Microsporum), which is zoonotic; and eosinophilic granuloma complex, which is immune-mediated. Diagnosis: skin scrapings, fungal culture, and elimination diets are commonly used. Treatment: depends on the cause and may include parasite control, antifungal therapy, elimination diet trials, corticosteroids, or cyclosporine.
The information on this page is prepared by WSAVA 2022, ABVP and ACVIM guidelines by Doç. Dr. Mehmet ÇOLAK prepared. Consult your veterinarian for individual diagnosis and treatment.
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