Catching health issues early can make a big difference in your cat’s recovery and long-term well-being. Cats tend to hide pain or illness, so you have to look closely for signs that something might be wrong. This guide walks you through key symptoms to watch for, what they might mean, and when to contact your vet.
Changes in Eating and Drinking Habits
Decreased Appetite
If your cat suddenly stops eating or eats much less than usual, it could point to several issues. Illness, dental pain, stress, or gastrointestinal trouble may be the cause. Skipping a meal isn’t always urgent, but if your cat refuses food for more than 24 hours, call your vet.
Increased Appetite
On the other hand, if your cat suddenly starts eating more than normal, it may be related to conditions like hyperthyroidism or diabetes. You might notice your cat acting hungrier but still losing weight.
Changes in Thirst
Increased thirst can signal kidney disease, diabetes, or urinary tract issues. You might notice your cat spending more time at the water bowl or drinking from unusual places like the faucet or toilet. Decreased drinking, especially in hot weather or when your cat isn’t eating much, can also lead to dehydration.
Changes in Litter Box Habits
Urinating More or Less
If your cat is urinating more often, or the litter box is wetter than usual, it might be related to diabetes or kidney disease. Straining to urinate or only producing small amounts could indicate a urinary tract infection or blockage, which is a medical emergency.
Diarrhea or Constipation
Loose stools can result from food intolerance, infections, or parasites. Constipation may show up as small, dry stools or straining without much result. Both should be monitored. If either issue lasts more than two days, call your vet.
Going Outside the Box
If your cat suddenly stops using the litter box, it could be a behavioral issue, but medical causes should be ruled out first. Urinary infections, arthritis, or even stress can make a cat avoid the box.
Changes in Behavior or Energy
Hiding or Withdrawal
A cat that starts hiding more than usual, especially one that’s normally social, may be feeling unwell. Many cats retreat to quiet spots when they’re in pain or sick.
Aggression or Irritability
If your cat starts acting aggressively when touched or approached, this could be a response to pain or discomfort.
Lethargy
A cat that sleeps more than usual, avoids playtime, or seems uninterested in things they normally enjoy could be sick. While cats do sleep a lot, noticeable changes in activity levels should be taken seriously.
Changes in Weight
Sudden Weight Loss
Weight loss without a change in diet can signal chronic illness such as kidney disease, diabetes, cancer, or hyperthyroidism. This can happen gradually, so it helps to weigh your cat regularly.
Weight Gain or Obesity
While gaining weight is not always urgent, it can lead to other health issues. If the weight gain is rapid, it might be linked to fluid buildup or another underlying condition.
Changes in Grooming Habits
Overgrooming
Excessive licking or biting at one area could mean allergies, parasites, pain, or anxiety. You might see bald spots or irritated skin.
Lack of Grooming
A cat that stops grooming altogether may be depressed, in pain, or physically unable to reach certain spots due to arthritis or obesity. A greasy, unkempt coat is usually a sign something is wrong.
Breathing Changes
Labored Breathing
Open-mouth breathing, fast breathing at rest, or loud, wheezy breathing may indicate respiratory or heart problems. These are serious symptoms that require immediate veterinary care.
Coughing or Sneezing
Occasional sneezing or coughing isn’t always a concern. But if it becomes frequent or is accompanied by discharge, lethargy, or appetite loss, it might signal an infection.
Vomiting
Occasional vs. Frequent
Cats vomit now and then, often due to hairballs or eating too fast. But repeated vomiting, vomiting blood, or bringing up food that hasn’t been digested points to something more serious.
What to Watch For
If your cat vomits more than once in a day or continues for more than a day, call your vet. Also look for other signs like lethargy, loss of appetite, or diarrhea.
Eye and Nose Discharge
Watery or Cloudy Eyes
Eye discharge, redness, squinting, or cloudy appearance can mean conjunctivitis, injury, or other eye problems. Any sudden changes in your cat’s eyes should be checked by a vet.
Nasal Discharge
Discharge from the nose, especially if it’s thick or discolored, could mean an upper respiratory infection. If your cat also has trouble breathing or isn’t eating, seek veterinary care.
Bad Breath or Drooling
Dental Issues
Bad breath is usually caused by dental disease. If your cat drools, paws at their mouth, or seems reluctant to eat, they could have a tooth abscess, gingivitis, or oral injury.
Other Causes
Drooling can also come from nausea, toxins, or even oral tumors. A vet should check any unexplained drooling, especially if it’s a new symptom.
Coat and Skin Problems
Hair Loss
If your cat is losing fur in patches, it might be from overgrooming, parasites, allergies, or infection. Skin that looks red, flaky, or irritated should be looked at by a vet.
Lumps or Bumps
Not all lumps are dangerous, but it’s best to have any new or changing growths examined. Some may be benign cysts, while others could be tumors.
Signs of Pain
Subtle Signs
Cats often hide their pain. You might notice them moving more slowly, being more cautious with jumps, or avoiding being touched in certain areas.
More Obvious Signs
Limping, crying out, or refusing to walk or climb are clearer signs of discomfort. Some cats may even stop using the litter box if it’s too painful to get in and out.
Behavioral Changes
Vocalization
Increased meowing, especially if it sounds distressed, may be a sign of discomfort, anxiety, or disorientation. Older cats may vocalize more due to cognitive decline or pain.
Confusion or Disorientation
Walking in circles, staring at walls, or getting stuck in corners can be signs of neurological issues or age-related cognitive decline.
When to Call the Vet
Emergency Signs
Go to the vet right away if you see:
- Difficulty breathing
- Inability to urinate
- Seizures
- Collapse
- Vomiting or diarrhea with blood
- Sudden paralysis
Non-Emergency but Concerning Signs
Call your vet during regular hours for:
- Persistent vomiting or diarrhea
- Appetite changes lasting more than 24 hours
- Weight loss
- Coughing or sneezing that won’t go away
- Changes in behavior or mobility
What to Expect at the Vet
Physical Exam
Your vet will check your cat’s temperature, heart rate, breathing, hydration, and other basic signs.
Diagnostic Tests
They might recommend blood work, a urinalysis, or imaging (like X-rays or ultrasound) depending on the symptoms.
Follow-Up
You may need to give medications, return for follow-up visits, or adjust your cat’s care routine. Be ready to report back any changes.
Tips for Monitoring Your Cat’s Health
Keep a Journal
Write down changes in appetite, litter box habits, weight, or behavior. This can help your vet see patterns over time.
Regular Weigh-Ins
Weigh your cat monthly using a baby scale. Sudden weight changes can be the first sign of illness.
Look Closely During Grooming
Bathing or brushing your cat is a good time to check for bumps, hair loss, or signs of fleas.
Routine Vet Visits
Even if your cat seems fine, annual or semi-annual check-ups help catch problems early.
Final Thoughts
You know your cat best. If something seems off, it’s better to act early. Many illnesses are easier to treat when caught quickly. By watching for these common signs of illness and working with your vet, you can give your cat the best care possible. Keep notes, trust your instincts, and never hesitate to ask questions—you’re your cat’s best advocate.
