Common cat health queries

Cats are notoriously mysterious creatures, leaving many owners typing their odd behaviours into search bars. To save you the guesswork, we’ve used search data to find the most commonly asked cat health queries in the UK and answer them here. 

The most commonly asked cat health queries   

‘When do cats stop growing?’ 

According to our research, the most burning question UK cat parents ask on Google is about how their cats grow. 

Cats typically reach their full adult size between 10 months to two years of age. But the exact timing can vary depending on things like breed, genetics, diet, and overall health. After adulthood, cats may continue to gain weight but their overall size will remain relatively stable. Watch your cat’s growth and speak with your vet if you have any concerns about their development or size. Some cats might have health issues that could cause size abnormalities, from diabetes to respiratory diseases. 

‘Why do cats eat grass?’ 

Cats seem to have a similar fixation on eating grass as dogs do. But why the love for eating turf? 

Like with dogs, eating grass could fulfil a behavioural instinct to reduce worms, get mental stimulation, or stop boredom. While grass is generally safe for cats in small quantities, some plants can be toxic. 

Reach out to your vet If your cat is overeating grass or is getting poorly afterwards. 

‘Why do cats sleep so much?’ 

With 19,200 searches each year, UK cat parents are curious about their felines’ sleeping habits. Then again, who doesn’t love a good nap? 

Cats are natural hunters which involves short bursts of intense activity followed by long rest. Sleeping allows cats to conserve energy for when they need it most. They’re most active during dawn and dusk. They have adapted to this lifestyle by sleeping for extended periods during the day and night to conserve energy for their peak hunting times. 

‘How long can cats go without food?’ 

Food and appetite are popular topics for many cat parents, asking questions like ‘what human foods can cats eat?’ and ‘why is my cat always hungry?’. 

Cats should ideally be fed once or twice a day. 

Cats should visit a vet if they don’t eat for more than 24-36 hours, especially if they’re overweight or have an illness 

Cats may have more appetite due to upping their exercise or a health issue like hyperthyroidism or diabetes. 

Reduced appetite could suggest resistance to a change in their diet, stress, gastrointestinal problems, or diseases like kidney disease. 

Any worries about your cat’s eating habits should be discussed with your vet, in person or via video call if offered by your pet insurance. 

‘Why does my cat keep sneezing?’ 

With 12,000 searches on the topic each year in the UK, cats sneezing frequently is a popular concern among cat owners. 

Cats can sneeze when they breathe in something, just like humans. 

Your cat may have a respiratory infection or cat flu if sneezing excessively. 

Make sure your cat has regular vaccinations to protect them against common viruses. Consult your vet if your cat is sneezing regularly or sneezing with symptoms like coughing, fatigue, or nasal discharge. 

Remember that if your cat does fall ill at some point in the future, cat insurance can help you give them quality care without the financial stress. 

What steps should I take if I am concerned about my pet? 

It can be hard to know what to do if you’re concerned about your pet’s health or wellbeing. While heading to Google may give you basic info or guidance, it’s always better speaking directly with a vet.  

Taking a preventative approach is the best way to move beyond the search bar and ensure your cat stays happy and healthy for years to come.