UK cats
Cat Health
Feline diseases, vaccinations, behaviour and emergency signs — vet-reviewed cat health guidance for UK owners.
What preventive care do UK cats need?
Core vaccinations (parvovirus, calicivirus, herpesvirus), flea and worm treatment, dental monitoring, neutering from 4 months, and microchipping. The Cat Group recommends annual health assessments even for indoor cats.
Popular cats guides
UK reference sources
We check our guides against publicly available advice from these organisations. Links are for further reading — they do not mean these bodies endorse PETHEALTH+.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How often should cats visit the vet in the UK?
- Adult cats should have annual health checks and vaccinations. Kittens need vaccines at 9 and 12 weeks. Cats over 10 years benefit from 6-monthly checks including blood pressure and kidney monitoring.
- What are the most common cat health problems in the UK?
- Dental disease (present in most cats over 3 years), chronic kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD), obesity, and respiratory infections.
- When should I take my cat to the vet urgently?
- Emergencies include straining to urinate without producing urine (blocked bladder in males), open-mouth breathing, not eating for 24+ hours, seizures, and trauma. Cats hide illness — behavioural changes warrant prompt checks.