Top 5 Reasons Cats Visit the Veterinarian

Our curious, independent, rascally feline friends are wired to be hunters and may seem indestructible. Showing signs of illness makes them easy prey. Cats hide signs of illness and injury as long as possible.¹

At least, that’s how feline reasoning goes. We know they’re not in danger in our territory. It’s up to us to watch our kitties and address health issues right away. 

The top 5 reasons cats visit their veterinarian, and the cost of treatment in the first month, are^2,1:

Vomiting and diarrhea are signs of stomach and intestine inflammation and irritation. They may clear up quickly with the proper care, or, they could be signs of a more serious problem.^3,4

Cats lose fluid through vomiting and diarrhea. This can lead to dehydration, which means there is not enough fluid in the body. If dehydration is severe, veterinary care is needed. In kittens or very old cats, vomiting and diarrhea rapidly cause dehydration and emergency care is needed.

Causes of vomiting and diarrhea in cats include:

• Parasties
• Infections
• Adverse reactions to medication
• Diet
• Systemic disease
• Digestive tract disease
• Cancer

Your veterinarian will evaluate stool, blood and urine samples, and X-rays to find the cause. Treatment usually resolves mild cases quickly and may be done at home under your vet’s guidance. Sicker cats need in-hospital care with fluids, electrolytes, and other medications.

Painful problems in the bladder and urethra (the tube from the bladder to the outside) are called feline lower urinary tract disease, or FLUTD. It can occur in any cat at any age, but is most common in young-to-middle-aged cats.^5,6

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) causes kidney failure. It usually affects middle‑aged and older cats. The kidneys filter blood, make urine, and do other important jobs. There are no signs of a problem until 75% of kidney function is lost.^7,8

The signs of kidney failure include:

• Weight loss
• Increased thirst and urination
• Poor appetite
• Vomiting
• Acting tired, moving slowly

Your veterinarian will evaluate blood and urine samples, measure blood pressure, and order X-rays or an ultrasound to determine the extent of kidney damage.

Without treatment, chronic kidney disease may quickly get worse and cause death. The earlier it’s caught, the better chance of slowing it down. The goal of treatment is to slow the progression of kidney disease and maintain good quality of life so your cat lives better, longer.

Your vet will guide treatment, which may include a kidney-friendly diet, fluids, medicine to control vomiting and blood pressure, and other supportive care.

Dental disease is common and painful in cats. Dental disease in cats can become very serious before they show any clear symptoms.^9,10

Signs of dental disease in cats include:

• Pawing at the mouth
• Head shaking
• Head tilting while eating
• Picky eater
• Jaw chattering
• Dropping food
• Drooling, facial swelling
• Reluctance to eat
• Bad breath

The main dental issues in cats include:

1. Gingivitis - gum irritation and swelling from plaque buildup at the base of the teeth. Regular tooth brushing with veterinary-approved products will stop and reverse it. However, without proper brushing and care, it will get worse, leading to periodontitis.
2. Periodontitis - a serious problem with bacteria and inflammation under the gums, which is permanent and is managed with professional cleaning and sometimes tooth extraction.
3. Tooth Resorption - the most common reason for tooth loss in cats, and we don’t know what causes it. Affected teeth slowly break down and resorb. Treatment involves managing symptoms with pain medication, special food, and removal of teeth, if possible.

Regular visits to the veterinarian for a physical exam and dental cleanings with X-rays will help identify, treat, and prevent these problems. Routine tooth brushing, a healthy and complete diet, mental and physical stimulation, and lots of love can stretch the time between cleanings.

Arthritis, a painful and chronic joint problem, occurs commonly in cats. Over time, the joints break down. Some cat breeds are prone to arthritis. Others develop it due to obesity, injuries, or aging. Roughly 70 to 90% of cats over twelve years old have arthritis.¹¹

Symptoms of arthritis in cats include:

• Changes in sleeping, resting, and eating posture
• limping/lameness
• Loss of interest in playing/running/jumping
• Swollen joints
• Less grooming, matted coat

Diagnosis includes pet owners noticing symptoms, a physical exam by your veterinarian, and X-rays. 

The goal of treatment is to control pain and treat issues that make arthritis worse, such as obesity. Pain medication, weight management, and joint-protecting supplements such as glucosamine/chondroitin are the mainstays of treatment. Laser or physical therapy, and acupuncture are other ways to decrease pain. In rare cases, joint surgery may be considered. 

Cats are wired to hide their pain so it’s up to pet parents and veterinarians to watch for signs of trouble. At wellness visits once or twice a year, your veterinarian can identify, treat, and prevent problems. 

You know your cat best, so if something feels “off,” it is always best to call your veterinarian. Quick attention to early signs—whether it is bad breath, extra trips to the litter box, or a change in appetite—can make a big difference in both outcome and cost.

Vetericyn’s mission is to help care for the animals that are such a big part of our lives and bring cutting-edge animal wellness products to animal owners everywhere.  Visit our website to learn more about our feline health products that are gentle, non-staining, and proven to work. We’ve got your cat covered from head to toe.

Sources:

1. Yankowicz S. Feline health trends revealed through insurance claims | dvm360. dvm360. May 24, 2024. Accessed January 7, 2026. https://www.dvm360.com/view/feline-health-trends-revealed-through-insurance-claims   
2. What is most likely to send your pet to the veterinarian? Nationwide. March 19, 2025. Accessed January 7, 2026. https://news.nationwide.com/what-is-most-likely-to-send-your-pet-to-the-veterinarian/   
3. Weir M, Hunter T, Ward E. Gastroenteritis in Cats. VCA Animal Hospitals. December 31, 2021. Accessed January 7, 2026. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/gastroenteritis-in-cats
4. Price M. Gastroenteritis in Cats: Types, Symptoms, and More | PetMD. PetMD. Updated 2025. Accessed January 7, 2026. https://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/digestive/gastroenteritis-cats-types-symptoms-and-more
5. Lovejoy J, Koehler R. Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD). PetMD. December 11, 2025. Accessed January 7, 2026. https://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/urinary/feline_idiopathic_lower_urinary_tract_disease
6. Hunter T, Ward E. Cystitis and Lower Urinary Tract Disease in Cats. vcahospitals.com. Updated 2021. Accessed January 7, 2026. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/cystitis-and-lower-urinary-tract-disease-in-cats
7. Weir M, Panning A, Ward E. Chronic Kidney Disease in Cats. VCA Animal Hospitals. Updated 2021. Accessed January 7, 2026. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/kidney-failure-chronic-in-cats
8. Case J, Morrison B. Kidney Failure in Cats: Symptoms, Stages and Causes. PetMD. July 30, 2024. Accessed January 7, 2026. https://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/urinary/kidney-failure-in-cats
9. Cornell Feline Health Center, Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine. Feline Dental Disease. vet.cornell.edu. Accessed January 7, 2026. https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/feline-dental-disease
10. Barnes C, Weir M, Hiscox L, Bellows J. Dental Disease in Cats. VCA Animal Hospitals. Accessed January 7, 2026. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/dental-disease-in-cats
11. Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Colorado State University. Arthritis Management and Prevention. Colorado State University. Accessed January 7, 2026. https://vetmedbiosci.colostate.edu/vth/services/orthopedic-medicine/arthritis-management-and-prevention/