Most Common Cat Illnesses in the UAE

🏜️ Introduction

The United Arab Emirates is a paradise of modern convenience, but for our feline companions, the desert heat, dust, and urban lifestyle can pose a series of health risks. From heatstroke and parasites to respiratory infections, the UAE’s environment can make cats more vulnerable to certain illnesses that cat owners must watch out for. Cat Illnesses in the UAE

Whether you’re a seasoned cat parent or a first-time adopter, understanding the most common feline illnesses in the UAE is essential to ensuring your pet lives a long, healthy, and happy life. Timely veterinary care and early detection can make all the difference.

At Paradize Kitties Home, we not only provide loving, healthy kittens for adoption — we also help UAE residents navigate the realities of cat health in this unique climate.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the top 11 cat illnesses frequently seen in the UAE, along with symptoms, treatments, and prevention tips — all tailored to this region. Cat Illnesses in the UAE

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☀️ Section 1: Why the UAE’s Climate and Environment Impact Cat Health

Before we look at individual illnesses, it’s helpful to understand why cats in the UAE are particularly prone to certain health challenges.

🏝️ The Environment:

• Extreme summer heat: Temperatures above 40°C can cause dehydration, respiratory stress, and heatstroke in cats — especially those left in unshaded or uncooled spaces.

• Dust and sand: Common in desert regions, dust particles can irritate the respiratory system and cause eye and skin infections.

• Urban stress: Indoor-only cats in high-rise apartments or villas may lack stimulation, which can lead to obesityand stress-related illnesses.

• Stray populations: Interactions between outdoor cats and strays increase exposure to contagious illnesses and parasites.

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🤧 Section 2: Upper Respiratory Infections (URIs)

🌬️ What It Is:

URIs are among the most common feline illnesses in the UAE, especially in young kittens and shelter cats. These viral or bacterial infections affect the nose, throat, and sinuses, and are highly contagious. Cat Illnesses in the UAE

🔍 Causes:

• Feline herpesvirus (FHV-1)

• Feline calicivirus (FCV)

• Bacterial agents like Chlamydia felis and Bordetella bronchiseptica

• Stress, overcrowding, and poor ventilation

⚠️ Symptoms:

• Sneezing

• Runny nose and eyes

• Fever

• Lethargy

• Loss of appetite

• Mouth ulcers (especially with calicivirus)

💉 Treatment:

• Antibiotics (for secondary infections)

• Antiviral medications

• Fluids and nutritional support

• Steam inhalation therapy or nebulization

✅ Prevention:

• Vaccinate kittens at 8–12 weeks

• Keep your cat indoors and away from strays

• Ensure good indoor air quality

• Isolate new cats before introduction

At Paradize Kitties Home, we ensure all kittens receive core vaccinations and are kept in sanitized environments to reduce infection risk.

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🌡️ Section 3: Feline Heatstroke and Dehydration

🔥 What It Is:

Heatstroke is a medical emergency that can occur when a cat’s body temperature exceeds 39.5°C due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures without adequate cooling or hydration. Cat Illnesses in the UAE

🔍 Causes:

• No access to shade or AC

• Lack of water

• Trapped in cars, balconies, or unventilated spaces

• Overexertion in high heat

⚠️ Symptoms:

• Excessive panting or drooling

• Rapid heartbeat

• Red gums

• Vomiting or diarrhea

• Weakness or collapse

🏥 Emergency Action:

• Move cat to a cool room

• Apply cool (not cold) wet towels to paws and body

• Offer water or electrolyte solution

• Seek veterinary care immediately

✅ Prevention:

• Never leave your cat in balconies or cars

• Provide fresh water in multiple spots

• Keep cats indoors in air-conditioned rooms

• Use cooling mats or fans

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🪲 Section 4: Parasites (Fleas, Ticks, and Worms)

🐛 What It Is:

Parasites thrive in warm climates, making the UAE an ideal breeding ground for fleas, ticks, and intestinal worms like roundworms, tapeworms, and hookworms. Cat Illnesses in the UAE

🔍 Causes:

• Contact with stray animals or infested environments

• Contaminated food or water

• Ingesting infected prey or feces

⚠️ Symptoms:

• Excessive scratching or grooming

• Red, irritated skin

• Hair loss

• Scooting or licking anus

• Worms in stool

• Weight loss or poor coat condition

🧪 Treatment:

• Flea/tick spot-on treatments (Frontline, Revolution)

• Deworming medications (Drontal, Milbemax)

• Regular grooming and cleaning of bedding

✅ Prevention:

• Deworm every 3–6 months

• Use monthly parasite preventives

• Keep litter boxes clean

• Regularly vacuum your home

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🦠 Section 5: Feline Panleukopenia Virus (FPV)

☣️ What It Is:

Panleukopenia, or “feline distemper,” is a highly contagious and deadly virus especially dangerous for kittens. It attacks the immune system and intestinal lining, leading to life-threatening symptoms. Cat Illnesses in the UAE

🔍 Causes:

• Spread via contaminated surfaces, bowls, litter, or direct contact

• Highly resilient — can survive on surfaces for months

⚠️ Symptoms:

• Vomiting and severe diarrhea

• High fever

• Dehydration

• Lethargy or sudden collapse

• Death (especially in unvaccinated kittens)

💉 Treatment:

There is no cure — only supportive treatment including:

• Fluids to counter dehydration

• Anti-nausea meds

• Nutritional support

• Intensive vet care

✅ Prevention:

• Vaccinate kittens starting at 8 weeks

• Disinfect surfaces and isolate sick animals

• Avoid adopting from non-verified sources

Tip: Always adopt from reputable breeders or shelters like Paradize Kitties Home, where health checks and FPV vaccinations are mandatory. Cat Illnesses in the UAE

🦷 Section 6: Feline Calicivirus (FCV) and Herpesvirus (FHV-1)

🧫 What It Is:

FCV and FHV-1 are the two most common viral infections that cause upper respiratory tract disease in cats. Both are highly contagious and often part of the “cat flu” complex, especially in shelters or multi-cat households. Cat Illnesses in the UAE

🔍 Causes:

• Direct contact with infected cats

• Sharing bowls, toys, litter trays

• Airborne droplets (sneezing, coughing)

⚠️ Symptoms:

• Sneezing and nasal congestion

• Eye discharge (watery or yellow-green)

• Mouth ulcers (FCV-specific)

• Conjunctivitis and eye inflammation

• Fever and lethargy

💉 Treatment:

• Antibiotics (for secondary infections)

• Eye drops or antivirals

• Soft, palatable food

• Nebulization or steam therapy

✅ Prevention:

• Annual vaccination

• Isolation of sick cats

• Regular cleaning of food bowls and living areas

These viruses can persist for life — prevention through early vaccination (like we ensure at Paradize Kitties Home) is key. Cat Illnesses in the UAE

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💧 Section 7: Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

🧪 What It Is:

CKD is a progressive and irreversible condition where a cat’s kidneys gradually lose the ability to filter waste. It’s particularly common in older cats, though any age group can be affected. Cat Illnesses in the UAE

🔍 Causes:

• Age (common after age 7)

• High-sodium diets

• Previous dehydration or urinary infections

• Toxin ingestion (e.g., lilies, certain medications)

⚠️ Symptoms:

• Increased thirst and urination

• Weight loss

• Vomiting or bad breath

• Loss of appetite

• Lethargy

💊 Treatment:

• Special renal diets (low protein, low phosphorus)

• Subcutaneous fluid therapy

• Appetite stimulants or anti-nausea meds

• Regular blood and urine tests

✅ Prevention:

• Always provide fresh water

• Feed wet food to aid hydration

• Schedule annual checkups for early detection

Note: CKD is manageable if caught early — many Dubai vets now offer early screening packages. Cat Illnesses in the UAE

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🍬 Section 8: Feline Diabetes

🍭 What It Is:

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder where the body can’t produce or respond to insulin properly. It’s increasingly diagnosed in indoor cats in Dubai, often due to high-carb diets and obesity. Cat Illnesses in the UAE

🔍 Causes:

• Obesity

• Sedentary lifestyle

• Genetics

• Certain medications (e.g., steroids)

⚠️ Symptoms:

• Excessive thirst and urination

• Weight loss despite eating

• Weakness in hind legs

• Lethargy

• Sweet-smelling breath (ketoacidosis)

💉 Treatment:

• Insulin injections (twice daily)

• Low-carb, high-protein diets

• Weight loss and exercise

• Frequent glucose monitoring

✅ Prevention:

• Maintain ideal weight

• Choose grain-free or low-carb food

• Avoid overfeeding dry kibble

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🚽 Section 9: Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD)

🩺 What It Is:

FLUTD is a term for various urinary issues — including bladder inflammation, stones, and blockages. This condition is especially common in neutered males in Dubai due to dehydration and indoor lifestyles. Cat Illnesses in the UAE

🔍 Causes:

• Dehydration

• Stress

• Obesity

• Diets high in magnesium or ash

⚠️ Symptoms:

• Straining to urinate

• Frequent visits to the litter box

• Blood in urine

• Crying during urination

• Licking the genital area

⚠️ Emergency: A complete blockage is life-threatening. Seek vet help immediately if your cat can’t urinate.

💊 Treatment:

• Pain relief and anti-inflammatories

• Urinary-friendly diets (e.g., Hill’s C/D)

• Increased water intake

• Stress reduction (enrichment, pheromone diffusers)

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🤢 Section 10: Gastrointestinal Issues – Vomiting & Diarrhea

🥴 What It Is:

Mild vomiting or diarrhea is common in cats, but persistent symptoms may indicate parasites, viruses, IBD (inflammatory bowel disease), food allergies, or even poisoning. Cat Illnesses in the UAE

🔍 Causes:

• Sudden food changes

• Hairballs

• Parasites

• Toxins (e.g., houseplants, cleaning agents)

• Viral infections (Panleukopenia, FCV)

⚠️ Symptoms:

• Repeated vomiting or diarrhea

• Blood in stool or vomit

• Weight loss

• Loss of appetite

💉 Treatment:

• Fasting followed by bland diet (boiled chicken & rice)

• Deworming or antibiotics

• Probiotics and hydration therapy

• Stool tests or ultrasounds if symptoms persist

✅ Prevention:

• Feed consistent, high-quality diets

• Avoid table scraps or sudden food switches

• Monitor for hairball buildup

🧴 Section 11: Skin Allergies and Dermatitis in Cats

🐾 What It Is:

In the UAE, feline skin allergies are increasingly common due to environmental irritants like dust, dry air, pollen, and even household chemicals. These allergies can lead to dermatitis, which includes red, inflamed, and itchy skin. Cat Illnesses in the UAE

🔍 Common Causes in the UAE:

• Environmental allergens: Sand, pollen, mold spores, cleaning chemicals

• Food allergies: Often to chicken, beef, or grains in commercial food

• Parasites: Flea bites are the most common allergen

• Fungal infections: Like ringworm (very contagious, especially among kittens)

⚠️ Symptoms:

• Constant scratching or licking

• Hair loss (especially around neck, belly, and base of tail)

• Scabs or sores

• Greasy or flaky skin

• Red, inflamed ears

🧪 Diagnosis & Treatment:

• Skin scrapings or allergy testing (done by your local vet)

• Antihistamines or anti-itch sprays

• Medicated shampoos

• Dietary elimination trials

• Flea prevention (even for indoor cats)

✅ Prevention:

• Bathe your cat with hypoallergenic or oatmeal-based shampoos

• Use air purifiers to reduce airborne allergens

• Wash bedding weekly with mild detergents

• Feed a grain-free, limited ingredient diet for suspected food allergies

At Paradize Kitties Home, we educate adopters about feline skin health and offer food recommendations to minimize allergy triggers.

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⚖️ Section 12: Obesity and Joint Issues in UAE Cats

🍗 What It Is:

Obesity is one of the leading preventable illnesses in cats in the UAE — often due to indoor lifestyles, overfeeding, and free-feeding dry kibble. Over time, excess weight can lead to arthritis, diabetes, liver disease, and reduced lifespan. Cat Illnesses in the UAE

📈 Risk Factors:

• Indoor-only cats without exercise routines

• Neutered/spayed cats (lower metabolism)

• High-carb commercial diets

• Lack of stimulation or toys

⚠️ Signs of Obesity:

• Loss of visible waist or abdominal tuck

• Difficulty jumping or moving

• Lethargy or lack of interest in play

• Fat deposits over ribs, spine, or limbs

🩺 Related Illnesses:

• Arthritis and hip/joint pain

• Feline diabetes (covered earlier)

• Urinary tract issues due to inactivity

• Heart and liver stress

🧘 Prevention & Management:

• Switch to measured meals (not free feeding)

• Increase playtime (laser pointers, puzzle toys)

• Use slow-feeder bowls

• Choose high-protein, low-carb diets

• Schedule annual weigh-ins with your vet

💡 Tip: Place litter boxes or feeding stations upstairs to encourage movement. Cat Illnesses in the UAE

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🛡️ Section 13: How to Prevent Cat Illnesses in the UAE

Prevention is more effective and less expensive than treatment. In the UAE, where heat, humidity, and urban living all impact pet health, a preventive care routine is crucial. Cat Illnesses in the UAE

🧾 Basic Prevention Checklist:

🐾 UAE-Specific Tips:

• Never let your cat walk barefoot on hot balcony tiles

• Use cooling pads or pet-safe fans in summer

• Keep indoor humidity between 40%–60%

• Avoid strong chemical cleaners in homes with cats. Cat Illnesses in the UAE

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🏡 Section 14: How Paradize Kitties Home Supports Cat Wellness

At Paradize Kitties Home, we go beyond adoption — we believe ongoing health education and care are key to long-term feline well-being. Here’s how we support UAE cat lovers:

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💉 Health-Checked Kittens

All kittens from our cattery:

• Are examined by licensed UAE veterinarians

• Receive core vaccinations, deworming, and flea control

• Come with health records and vaccination cards

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📚 Education for New Owners

We provide:

• First-time kitten care guides

• Food and litter recommendations

• Instructions on how to introduce cats to new homes

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💬 Post-Adoption Support

Our WhatsApp support team offers:

• Advice on spotting illness symptoms

• Help finding reputable UAE vets

• Recommendations for supplies, supplements, and diets. Cat Illnesses in the UAE

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🐱 Only Ethical Breeding & Adoption

We believe in responsible cat ownership and work hard to:

• Avoid overbreeding

• Place kittens in loving, informed homes

• Stay in touch with adopters to monitor long-term health. Cat Illnesses in the UAE

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📌 Section 15: Real Stories – Common Illnesses Reported by UAE Cat Owners

To paint a realistic picture, here are some anonymized reports from UAE cat owners that reflect real-world feline illnesses in this region:

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🐾 Case 1: Simba – The Apartment Cat with FLUTD

Simba, a 4-year-old Persian, developed FLUTD after several months of a dry kibble-only diet and limited exercise. He began urinating outside the litter box. After a vet visit, diet change, and water fountain installation, he recovered and is now healthy and active.

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🐾 Case 2: Lulu – Suffering from Heatstroke

Lulu, a rescue kitten, was found locked on a sun-exposed balcony during the summer. She was panting, drooling, and near collapse. A quick-thinking neighbor got her to the vet, where she received IV fluids and survived. Lulu now lives indoors and is thriving. Cat Illnesses in the UAE

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🐾 Case 3: Max – Victim of Ringworm at a Boarding Facility

Max came back from a pet boarding facility with bald patches and itchy, scaly skin. Diagnosed with ringworm, his treatment included antifungal shampoo and isolation. His owner now only uses vet-recommended boarding centers with strong hygiene standards.

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📝 Section 16: Conclusion & Call to Action

Caring for a cat in the UAE comes with unique challenges — from intense heat and indoor confinement to environmental allergens and dietary risks. But with knowledge, preparedness, and regular vet visits, you can help your cat avoid the most common illnesses and live a long, healthy, joyful life. Cat Illnesses in the UAE

🌟 Key Takeaways:

• Watch for early signs of illness — vomiting, coughing, scratching, hiding, or behavioral changes.

• Prioritize vaccinations, deworming, and quality food.

• Maintain hydration and keep indoor cats active and engaged.

• Keep parasite control and hygiene a monthly priority.

• Choose reputable sources when adopting — avoid backyard breeders or unverified sellers. Cat Illnesses in the UAE

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For expert guidance and healthy kittens ready for their forever homes, visit:

👉 Paradize Kitties Home — the UAE’s trusted destination for kitten adoption, care tips, and lifelong support.

We don’t just hand you a kitten — we walk with you through every stage of your pet’s life. Cat Illnesses in the UAE

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📚 Further Reading:

• How to Groom Long-Haired Cats in Dubai’s Heat

• Vaccination Schedules for Kittens in the UAE

• Mobile Vet Services in Dubai – A Guide for Busy Pet Parents