Veterinarians from the Royal Veterinary College have identified the 30 most common diseases seen in domestic cats. The findings were reported by a major news outlet, DailyMail, and they provide a practical snapshot for cat owners across North America to understand what health issues tend to recur in feline companions. The study highlights that dental disease, obesity, overgrown nails, fleas, and heart murmurs are among the issues most frequently encountered in everyday clinical practice. It also points to a spectrum of other conditions that affect cats at varying ages and with different life histories, including general weakness, hair growth disorders, chronic kidney disease, osteoarthritis, and cystitis, among many others. These insights serve as a reminder that regular preventive care, early detection, and timely treatment can have a meaningful impact on a cat’s quality of life and longevity.
Researchers compiled data from 18,249 cats living in the United Kingdom to build a broad picture of disease prevalence. The top dog breeds in the sample included the British Shorthair, which accounted for about 3 percent of the cats studied, followed by the Ragdoll at roughly 1.8 percent and the Bengal at around 1.2 percent. Other breeds represented in the dataset included the Maine Coon, Persian, and Siamese, with smaller shares that reflect the diverse feline population in households across the country. The takeaway for North American readers is that while breed representation varies by region, the overall pattern of common ailments tends to mirror daily veterinary observations: frequent dental problems, body weight concerns, skin and coat issues, joint and urinary tract conditions, and heart-related findings are consistently seen across many populations.
On average, the data indicate that a cat receives at least one disease diagnosis each year, underscoring the ongoing nature of preventive healthcare in feline practice. The analysis also reveals notable differences linked to sex and age. Male and older cats show higher susceptibility to a range of illnesses, while female cats demonstrate greater risk for certain postoperative wound complications, increased sensitivity to flea bites, hyperthyroidism, and overgrown nails. These patterns help clinicians tailor preventive strategies to individual cats and guide owners in prioritizing routine checkups, vaccinations, dental care, weight management, and environmental controls. Across the board, dental health emerges as a central concern, with gum disease and obesity repeatedly highlighted as drivers of related problems such as heart murmurs and metabolic strain. The results reinforce the value of regular veterinary assessments, early dental interventions, and ongoing lifestyle management to support feline wellness in households from coast to coast.