 A number of chronic, non-infectious diseases are being diagnosed more and more often, especially in indoor cats. A number of studies have shown that behavioral problems, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, kidney disease, obesity, separation anxiety disorder and various forms of lower urinary tract disease are more common in indoor cats. More recent research indicates that, for some cats at least, environmental factors may be at work here.
To understand how a cat's environment may impact their health you have to understand something about the unique behavior of the cat. Cats are much different than dogs. Many of us don't realize just how different cats are and how this affects their world view and response to their home environment.
Cats are solitary hunters of small prey and when you bring a solitary hunter indoors you have to be cognizant of the fact that you have now created his world and he is dependent on you for a stimulating yet non-stressful environment. The wrong type of environment can lead to chronic stress and chronic stress can lead to chronic disease in susceptible cats.
 Equally stressful would be a home devoid of any stimulus. Even without the presence of dogs, cats need to be cats and if their owners don't provide the basic for environmental enrichment, chronic stress can lead to chronic disease in these cats, as well.
Though not all cats respond to these stressors by developing chronic bladder disease or hyperthyroidism, the increase in diagnosis of these conditions makes many indoor cats more susceptible if we don't pay attention to providing a safe and engaging indoor environment.
Overall, indoor cats need required vaccines and regular health check ups. Regular vet care can help prevent disease and a good relationship with a vet is essential if you ever find yourself in an emergency situation.
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