5 Silent Killers Affecting Cats in 2025 – Are You Missing the Signs?
Support Your Cat’s Health with Ultimate Feline Formula
Dr. Jones’ Ultimate Feline Health Formula is an all-natural supplement designed to boost your cat’s health and promote graceful aging. It helps with digestive issues, joint mobility, immune strength, and a healthy coat. Whether your cat is young or aging, this formula improves their vitality and quality of life, reducing discomfort from vomiting, diarrhea, and urinary issues.
Holistic, Natural Care for Cats
Non-GMO, gluten-free, and free from artificial additives, Ultimate Feline is a safe, easy-to-use powder you can mix with food or treats. It supports healthy aging, weight management, and overall wellness, and is safe for cats with chronic renal issues. Available in 30-day or 180-day supplies, it’s the perfect way to keep your cat healthy at every stage of life.

Top 5 Silent Cat Killers in 2025 – (And How to Prevent Them!)
One of my most important roles is to help cat owners understand the hidden dangers that can harm their cats, often without them even realizing it. In fact, I’ve recently adopted a new cat, Cassian, and as I learn about his health, I’ve become even more aware of these silent threats. Today, I want to share the five most common, hidden dangers that could be harming your cat, and most importantly, what you can do to prevent them.
1. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is one of the most common and devastating diseases in older cats. In fact, it’s estimated that over one-third of cats over the age of 13 will develop CKD. Unfortunately, by the time clinical signs appear, as much as 75% of the kidneys can already be severely damaged. Early signs of CKD include:
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Increased drinking
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Increased urination
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Larger clumps in the litter box
Initially, your cat might seem a little off—slightly lethargic with a reduced appetite. As the disease progresses, these signs worsen, and cats may stop eating completely. Oral ulcers, foul-smelling breath, and vomiting can also occur as toxins build up in the bloodstream.
How to Prevent CKD in Cats:
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Limit Vaccinations: There seems to be a correlation between frequent vaccinations and kidney damage. Over-vaccinating may stimulate the immune system inappropriately, which can lead to kidney damage.
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Hydration is Key: Encourage your cat to drink more water. Water fountains are an excellent way to increase water consumption.
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Switch to High-Quality Canned Food: Avoid dry kibble, as it’s dehydrated and may contribute to kidney strain. Canned food is preferable, especially those low in phosphorus (a key contributor to kidney damage).
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Phosphorus Binders: Consider phosphorus binders or calcium supplements to reduce the phosphorus load in your cat’s body.
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Probiotics: A specific veterinary probiotic, such as Aidil, can help reduce uremic toxins and improve kidney function.
2. Hypothyroidism (Hyperthyroidism)
Hyperthyroidism is a condition caused by thyroid tumors, which overproduce thyroid hormone. This leads to an increased metabolic rate, which causes symptoms such as:
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Weight loss despite an increased appetite
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Increased drinking and urination
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Vomiting and diarrhea
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Unkempt fur coat
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Racing heart rate (you may even feel it by gently touching the cat’s armpits)
If untreated, hyperthyroidism can lead to heart disease (hypertrophic cardiomyopathy), high blood pressure, and even sudden collapse.
How to Prevent Hyperthyroidism in Cats:
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Limit Vaccinations: As with CKD, over-vaccination may increase the risk of thyroid issues. Reduce unnecessary vaccines.
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Avoid Soy: Soy-based proteins are linked to an increased risk of hypothyroidism. Choose foods with animal proteins like turkey or chicken.
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Choose PFC-Free Cans: Many cat food cans are sprayed with PFCs (perfluorocarbons), which can damage the thyroid. Look for high-quality, PFC-free cans.
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Holistic Support: Herbs like lemon balm, amino acids like carnitine, and homeopathics like Natrum Muriaticum (Nat-mur) can help support thyroid health.
3. Diabetes in Cats
Diabetes in cats is primarily Type 2, where the pancreas still produces insulin but the cells become resistant to it. Clinical signs include:
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Increased drinking and urination
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Weight loss despite a ravenous appetite
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Muscle wasting
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Lethargy and vomiting
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A characteristic low, “hunched" walk due to diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage)
The biggest culprit in diabetes development is high-carbohydrate foods, such as dry kibble.
How to Prevent Diabetes in Cats:
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Eliminate Carbs: Stop feeding your cat high-carb dry kibble. Instead, feed a high-protein, high-quality canned food or raw food.
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Chromium: This mineral helps regulate blood sugar and is found in brewer’s yeast. A small amount (about ¼ teaspoon twice daily) can help prevent and manage diabetes.
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CoQ10: Coenzyme Q10 has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity, reduce fasting blood glucose levels, and improve overall health. Give 10-20 mg per cat daily.
4. Heart Disease in Cats
Heart disease can go undetected in cats because up to 50% of cats with heart disease don’t have any obvious signs like a heart murmur. However, when heart disease goes undiagnosed, it can lead to sudden collapse or even death.
Symptoms of Heart Disease:
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Rapid or open-mouth breathing
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Sudden weakness or collapse
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Pale or blue gums
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Difficulty walking, dragging the rear legs (due to blood clots)
How to Prevent Heart Disease in Cats:
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Treat Underlying Conditions: Ensure that conditions like hypothyroidism are treated to prevent heart disease.
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Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Supplementing with omega-3 fatty acids has been shown to support heart health and reduce inflammation.
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CoQ10 Supplementation: CoQ10 is vital for heart muscle health, as it helps with oxygen supply. Consider adding this antioxidant to your cat’s daily routine.
5. Cancer in Cats
Cancer rates in cats are on the rise, with lymphoma, particularly gastrointestinal lymphoma, being one of the most common. Early signs include:
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Weight loss
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Vomiting and diarrhea
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Lack of appetite
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Lethargy
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A rapidly growing mass
Cancer is often linked to chronic inflammation, poor diet, and toxins like pesticides or heavy metals.
How to Prevent Cancer in Cats:
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Limit Vaccinations: Excessive vaccinations, particularly those given in the shoulder blades, can increase the risk of fibrosarcomas, a type of cancer.
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Improve Diet: Avoid feeding your cat dry kibble, which is high in carbohydrates and often contains toxins like cadmium, arsenic, and zinc. Feed a high-quality animal protein-based diet.
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Omega-3 Fatty Acids: As with heart disease, omega-3 fatty acids help reduce inflammation and lower the risk of cancer.
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Immune Support: Supplements like colostrum (mother’s first milk) have been shown to help prevent and treat cancer. Consider adding it to your cat’s diet.
Conclusion
These five silent killers—Chronic Kidney Disease, Hypothyroidism, Diabetes, Heart Disease, and Cancer—are all common but often hidden dangers in cats. By understanding the early signs and taking preventive steps, you can significantly reduce the risk of these diseases and ensure your cat stays healthy and happy.
Remember, regular check-ups with your veterinarian, along with a balanced, high-quality diet, can help you detect and prevent these conditions early.
Thanks for watching and taking an active role in your cat’s health!
Dr. Andrew Jones, DVM

Support Your Cat’s Health with Ultimate Feline Formula
Dr. Jones’ Ultimate Feline Health Formula is an all-natural supplement designed to boost your cat’s health and promote graceful aging. It helps with digestive issues, joint mobility, immune strength, and a healthy coat. Whether your cat is young or aging, this formula improves their vitality and quality of life, reducing discomfort from vomiting, diarrhea, and urinary issues.
Holistic, Natural Care for Cats
Non-GMO, gluten-free, and free from artificial additives, Ultimate Feline is a safe, easy-to-use powder you can mix with food or treats. It supports healthy aging, weight management, and overall wellness, and is safe for cats with chronic renal issues. Available in 30-day or 180-day supplies, it’s the perfect way to keep your cat healthy at every stage of life.