Health Guide

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

Kidney function gradually declines with age; more common in cats than dogs. It can't be reversed, but progression can be slowed.

Diabetes

Insulin deficiency or poor response disrupts blood sugar control; risk is higher in middle-aged, senior, and overweight cats and dogs.

Heart Disease

Cats commonly develop hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM); dogs commonly develop mitral valve disease (MVD) or dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Certain breeds have notably higher risk.

Joint & Bone Disease

Joint cartilage wears down faster with age or obesity; signs are subtler and more easily overlooked in cats than in dogs.

Skin Lumps & Tumors

The appearance of a skin lump can't tell you if it's benign or malignant — only a vet needle biopsy can. The "Pea Rule" is a practical guide for when to get one checked.

Heartworm

A mosquito-borne parasitic disease that mainly infects dogs; prevention is far safer and simpler than treatment.

Vaccination

The most effective way to prevent infectious disease, scheduled by core/non-core classification; cats have a unique injection-site sarcoma risk to watch for.

Upper Respiratory Infection (Runny Nose)

The most common cause of a runny nose in cats and dogs is a viral respiratory infection. Vaccines reduce severity but can't guarantee full prevention — most cases recover with supportive home care.

FeLV / FIV (Feline Leukemia / Feline Immunodeficiency Virus)

Two viral infections in cats that weaken the immune system; testing and vaccination are recommended for multi-cat households and cats that go outdoors.

Toxic Foods

Chocolate, grapes, onions/garlic, and xylitol are common hazards — the toxic dose for cats and dogs is far lower than most people think.

Toxic Plants and Household Items

Lilies are the #1 killer for cats — common houseplants like pothos/dieffenbachia, bulb flowers, antifreeze, and human medications can all be fatal.

Home Safety

Window fall prevention, linear foreign body ingestion, essential oil diffusers, cleaning products — household risks unrelated to poisoning that can be just as deadly.