The 10 Most Common Cat Health Problems and Holistic Remedies

Cats in the UAE face unique health challenges due to the hot climate, indoor living, dry food dependency, and low water intake. Many serious cat illnesses seen by vets in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah develop slowly, and most can be prevented early with the right care.

In this detailed guide, we’ll cover the 10 most common cat health problems in the UAE, why they happen, and safe, natural remedies you can use at home to keep your cat healthy for years.

Why Cat Health Issues Are Rising in the UAE

Several lifestyle factors increase disease risk in UAE cats:

• Extreme heat → dehydration
  
• Indoor-only lifestyle → obesity & stress
  
• Heavy reliance on dry kibble
  
• Low natural prey activity
  
• Overuse of vaccines & chemical flea treatments

Understanding these risks helps you prevent disease before it starts.

10 Most Common Cat Health Problems in the UAE

1. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) in Cats 

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is one of the leading causes of illness and death in older cats in the UAE. Cats over 10 years old are particularly at risk, and the hot, dry climate can worsen kidney damage due to dehydration. CKD develops slowly over months or years, meaning the kidneys gradually lose their ability to filter toxins, regulate water, and maintain mineral balance. Once kidney tissue is damaged, it cannot be restored, but early care can slow disease progression and improve quality of life.

Why CKD Is So Common in the UAE

CKD is widespread among UAE cats because several lifestyle and environmental factors increase kidney stress:

• Low water intake: Cats naturally drink very little, and UAE’s hot climate further reduces hydration.
  
• Dry kibble diets: Most dry foods have only 5–10% moisture and high phosphorus, which forces the kidneys to work harder.
  
• High phosphorus foods (especially fish-based): Phosphorus accelerates kidney damage, particularly in older cats.
  
• Repeated yearly vaccinations: Can slightly stress kidney function over time, especially in senior cats.

Tips: Once kidney damage occurs, it cannot be reversed, but proper care can significantly slow progression.

2. Natural Prevention & Home Care for CKD

• Eliminate Dry Food Completely
  • Almost zero moisture
    
  • High phosphorus
    
  • Plant-based fillers that the body cannot digest
• Feed High-Moisture Wet Food Daily
  
  • Single-protein chicken or turkey formulas
    
  • Non-fish formulas
    
  • Homemade or high-quality canned food
• Reduce Phosphorus Intake
  Avoid fish-heavy diets. Opt for low-phosphorus wet foods to protect kidney function.
• Add Omega-3 Fatty Acids
  Omega-3s, from fish oil or krill oil, reduce kidney inflammation and support immune health.
• Use Natural Phosphorus Binders
  Calcium carbonate (e.g., finely ground eggshells, vet-approved) can safely bind excess phosphorus and reduce kidney stress.

Cats drink even less water during the summer months. Wet food is essential, not optional, to prevent dehydration and slow CKD progression.

3. Dental Disease & Bad Breath in Cats

Bad breath in cats is not normal, and it is often a sign of bacterial overgrowth or dental disease. In the UAE, dental problems are extremely common due to lifestyle and environmental factors. Cats that eat mostly soft, processed foods or do not receive regular dental care are at higher risk. Poor oral microbiome (an imbalance of good and harmful bacteria in the mouth) also contributes to bad breath and more serious dental issues.

Dental disease can lead to:

• Pain while eating
  
• Gum inflammation
  
• Tooth loss
  
• Secondary infections affecting organs like the heart and kidneys

Early prevention and care are key to maintaining your cat’s oral health.

Why Dental Disease Happens in UAE Cats

Several factors make dental issues more common:

• Soft processed foods: Do not help clean teeth naturally
  
• Lack of dental care: Few cats receive regular brushing or vet check-ups
  
• Poor oral microbiome: Overgrowth of harmful bacteria leads to plaque and tartar

Natural Dental Care at Home

Even without brushing, there are effective ways to support your cat’s dental health naturally:

• Seaweed-Based Plaque Control
  • Natural seaweed supplements reduce harmful mouth bacteria safely
    
  • Supports overall oral health without harsh chemicals
• Probiotics for Oral Health
  • A healthy mouth depends on good bacteria
    
  • Open probiotic capsules and sprinkle the contents over wet food to help maintain oral balance
• Licking Bowls (Tongue Cleaning)
  • Textured bowls encourage repeated licking, which helps remove odor-causing bacteria from the tongue
    
  • Ideal for cats that dislike brushing or are hard to handle

Tip: While brushing is the gold standard, most cats tolerate these natural methods much better, making them realistic and effective for everyday use in UAE homes.

4. Fleas, Worms & External Parasites

Even indoor cats in the UAE are not completely safe from parasites. Parasites can affect cats’ skin, digestive system, and overall health. They can cause itching, discomfort, hair loss, digestive issues, and even serious diseases if left untreated.

Why Cats Get Parasites

Parasites are very common because they can spread easily in the environment. Even cats that never go outside can be affected due to:

• Shared buildings or apartments: Parasites can travel from other pets in nearby units.
  
• Grooming salons: Fleas or eggs can stick to cats during grooming sessions.
  
• Imported pets: Cats brought from other countries may carry worms or fleas.
  
• Other pets in the household: Dogs or other cats may bring fleas indoors.

Types of Common Parasites in Cats

• Fleas: External parasites that bite and feed on a cat’s blood. They cause itching, hair loss, and can transmit tapeworms.
• Worms: Internal parasites such as roundworms, tapeworms, and hookworms. They affect digestion, nutrition absorption, and overall health.
• Other external parasites: Mites and ticks can irritate skin and cause infections.

Natural Parasite Remedies for Cats

Even indoor cats can get fleas or worms. Safe, natural remedies can protect them without harsh chemicals.

• Food-Grade Diatomaceous Earth: Sprinkle lightly on fur or home corners to kill fleas naturally.
• Ground Pumpkin Seeds: Give daily for 7–10 days as a natural dewormer.
• Catnip Oil Spray: Lightly spray on fur or bedding to repel fleas.

Tips to Prevent Parasites:

• Keep your cat’s environment clean
  
• Wash bedding and toys regularly
  
• Limit contact with unknown animals
  
• Watch for itching, hair loss, vomiting, or visible worms

5. Feline Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD)

Feline Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD) is one of the most common emergencies in UAE veterinary clinics. Many cat owners panic when their cat shows urinary problems, but most cases are not caused by bacterial infections. Instead, stress, dehydration, and diet play the biggest roles.

Cats in indoor UAE environments are especially prone because hot weather and low water intake can concentrate urine, and indoor stress is common due to limited space and environmental stimulation.

Main Causes of FLUTD

Cats are at higher risk due to:

• Dry food diets: Low-moisture kibble concentrates urine and stresses the bladder.
  
• Concentrated urine: Poor hydration increases the risk of crystals and irritation.
  
• Indoor stress: Confined spaces, lack of hiding spots, or sudden changes can trigger urinary issues.
  
• Low water intake: Cats naturally drink little water, and the UAE heat worsens dehydration.

Prevention & Natural Support

Natural strategies can significantly reduce FLUTD risk and support cats already affected:

• Remove dry food completely: Switch to high-moisture wet food.
  
• Feed wet food only: Helps dilute urine and supports kidney and bladder health.
  
• Encourage hydration: Provide multiple water bowls, use water fountains, or add warm water/broth to meals.
  
• Reduce stress: Maintain a calm routine, provide hiding spots, and avoid sudden environmental changes.

Helpful Supplements

Certain vet-approved supplements can strengthen bladder health and reduce inflammation:

• Glucosamine & Chondroitine: Support and strengthen bladder lining.
  
• CBD (low dose): Helps reduce inflammation and anxiety, which can trigger urinary issues.

6. Vomiting, Diarrhea & Hairballs

Digestive issues are very common in UAE cats, particularly in long-haired breeds. Hairballs, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation can affect a cat’s comfort, appetite, and overall health. Often, these problems are linked to diet, dehydration, and stress.

Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning their digestive systems are designed for high-protein, meat-based diets. Feeding inappropriate food or dry kibble can upset their stomachs, slow digestion, and increase hairball formation.

Natural Digestive Support

You can support your cat’s digestion naturally with dietary adjustments and safe supplements:

• Proper Diet (High-Protein, Moisture-Rich Food)
  • Switch to wet or homemade high-protein meals
    
  • Moisture-rich food reduces gastrointestinal stress
    
  • Helps prevent vomiting and diarrhea
    
• Add Fiber if Needed
• Ground flaxseed:  Moves hairballs naturally through the digestive tract
  
• Slippery elm bark: Soothes stomach and intestines
  
  • Supports digestion during vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation
    
  • Extremely safe for regular use
    
• Probiotics
  • Restore gut balance, especially after antibiotics
    
  • Support nutrient absorption and overall digestive health

7. Chronic Respiratory Infections

Chronic respiratory infections are common in kittens and rescue cats in the UAE, particularly in multi-cat households or shelters. These infections often cause sneezing, nasal discharge, coughing, and eye irritation.

The main cause is usually feline herpes virus, which remains dormant in cats and can flare up during periods of stress, overcrowding, or weakened immunity. While these infections are rarely fatal, they can become chronic and affect a cat’s quality of life if left unmanaged.

Natural Respiratory Remedies

You can support your cat’s respiratory health with safe, natural remedies:

• Honey (Diluted)
  • Coats and soothes the airways
    
  • Acts as a natural antiviral and antibacterial agent
    
  • Can be added in small amounts to wet food
• Propolis
  • Strong natural antiviral
    
  • Concentrates in respiratory tissues
    
  • Helps reduce viral activity and inflammation
• L-Lysine
  • Suppresses herpes virus replication
  • Must be given consistently for 12–16 weeks for effectiveness
  • Can be mixed into food or given as a vet-recommended supplement

8. Obesity & Weight Gain in Indoor Cats

Indoor cats in the UAE are at high risk of obesity, especially neutered cats and those living in apartments with limited space for activity. Obesity can lead to serious health issues, including diabetes, arthritis, liver disease, and heart problems.

Why Weight Gain Happens

Several factors contribute to weight gain in indoor cats:

• Dry food addiction:  High-carb kibble encourages overeating.
• Lack of activity: Indoor cats often don’t get enough exercise.
• Carbohydrate overload: Cats are obligate carnivores; high-carb diets contribute to fat accumulation.

Natural Weight Management

To help your cat maintain a healthy weight naturally:

• Eliminate kibble: Remove dry food entirely from their diet.
• Feed high-protein wet food: Supports muscle mass and satiety.
• Encourage daily play: Interactive toys, climbing trees, and short play sessions keep cats active.

Helpful Natural Supports

• Green Tea: Boosts metabolism safely.
• Colostrum: Supports muscle mass and overall metabolic health.

Tip: Maintaining a healthy weight is not only about diet but also ensuring your indoor cat gets enough daily exercise, even in small apartments.

9. Diabetes in Cats

Diabetes is increasingly common in indoor cats in the UAE. It is strongly linked to dry, high-carb diets, which cats are not naturally designed to process. Over time, high carbohydrate intake can lead to blood sugar imbalances, weight gain, and insulin resistance.

Prevention Steps

To prevent diabetes or manage early-stage cases:

• Remove all dry food immediately: Dry kibble is high in carbohydrates that stress the pancreas.
• Feed protein-based wet food only: High-protein, low-carb diets help regulate blood sugar naturally.

Tip: Many diabetic cats show dramatic improvement after switching to wet food, even reducing the need for medication in some cases.

Natural Blood Sugar Support

• Brewer’s Yeast: Rich in chromium, supports glucose regulation, and is high in B vitamins to aid metabolism.
• Consistent meal times: Feeding small, frequent meals of high-protein wet food helps maintain steady blood sugar.
• Exercise & play:  Encourage activity to improve insulin sensitivity and prevent obesity.

10. Liver Disease

Fatty liver disease, also called hepatic lipidosis, is a serious condition in cats, especially overweight indoor cats in the UAE. It often develops when a cat suddenly stops eating, causing fat to build up in the liver and impairing its function. Early detection and prevention are crucial to avoid severe illness.

Prevention

To reduce the risk of liver disease:

• Keep cats at a healthy weight: Obesity is the main risk factor for fatty liver syndrome.
• Avoid sudden diet changes: Abrupt food changes can cause cats to refuse meals, triggering fat accumulation in the liver.
• Ensure daily food intake: Even a few skipped meals in overweight cats can be dangerous.

Indoor cats in hot climates may eat less during summer. Monitoring food intake daily is essential.

Natural Liver Support

Safe, natural supplements can help support liver function:

• Milk Thistle: Supports liver detoxification and regeneration.
• SAMe (S-Adenosylmethionine): Protects liver cells and improves liver enzyme levels.
• Dandelion Root: Promotes liver health and digestion naturally.

If liver disease occurs, ensuring the cat receives enough calories is critical. In severe cases, assisted feeding or vet-prescribed nutritional support may be necessary.

10. Cancer in Cats

Cancer in cats is becoming more common worldwide, including in the UAE. Both indoor and outdoor cats can be affected due to environmental toxins, overuse of chemical products, and weakened immunity.

Why Cancer Happens in Cats

• Excessive vaccines or unnecessary injections
• Frequent chemical flea treatments
• Weak or compromised immune system
• Environmental toxins (cleaning products, pollution, second-hand smoke)

Natural Remedies & Support

• Colostrum: Boosts immune function and helps the body fight disease
• Turkey Tail Mushroom: Supports immunity and has research-backed benefits for feline cancer
• Melatonin: Antioxidant that strengthens immune response
• Non-THC Cannabinoids: Helps control inflammation and improve overall quality of life

These remedies are supportive only. They do not cure cancer, but can help improve your cat’s health, immunity, and comfort.