It’s not always easy to tell when a cat is ill or injured. You might think that you’d be able to tell right away if your feline friend were in pain. Unfortunately, even the most attentive and loving pet parents often don’t know there is a problem until it becomes quite severe.

According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, roughly 60 percent of cats in the United States are overweight or obese. And while your feline friend looks pretty adorable with some chub, the health issues your chunky cat could suffer from due to their weight are far from cute.

So, you’ve taken on a litter of orphan kittens—now what? Hand-raising kittens can be a fun if not very-involved learning experience but can also quickly go sour without a few pointers. It is imperative to remember that while the idea of raising these cute, little furballs can be exciting, you are still now responsible for the health, well-being, and growth development of another living being. This article is here to help ensure this whole kitten care experience goes smoothly and without incident.

Heartworm disease is a serious illness that causes heart failure and lung damage in animals. It also damages other organs and, eventually, leads to death. While most common in dogs, this disease can also affect cats, so protecting your feline friend is crucial.

When we think of quiet and graceful house cats, it’s easy to forget that they were once fierce predators in the wild. Since cats rank among the smallest compared to their fellow feline species such as the cheetah, leopard, lion, and tiger, larger predators often targeted them, especially if they showed signs of age or weakness. Over time, this led to cats evolving to hide signs of illness or injury that might make them an even easier target. Today, domesticated cats continue to be stoic animals that rarely show symptoms of medical issues.

While February is Pet Dental Health Month and the “official” time to get serious about caring for your cat’s teeth, your feline friend needs proper dental care all year long. Like people, cats can suffer from tooth and gum disease due to insufficient dental care. Unlike people, though, our feline friends have mastered the art of hiding signs of pain and discomfort.

Part of being a responsible cat owner is knowing how to recognize when something isn’t right. While the thought of your beloved companion getting sick is a frightening one, no cat is immune to illness. Even if you are a perfect pet parent and do everything right when caring for your cat, they could suffer from a wide range of health problems.

Vaccinating your cat is the best way to protect them from a wide range of contagious — and potentially deadly — diseases. From Rabies to Feline Immunodeficiency Virus, your feline friend could fall victim to many illnesses if you fail to keep them up to date on essential vaccines. Even if you keep your cat strictly indoors, it’s vital to keep their vaccinations updated. It only takes seconds for a cat to slip out a door or window, and if mice or other pests find their way into your home, you never know what types of diseases they could be carrying.