It is essential to recognize potential signs that your cat may be unwell. It can be challenging to determine whether subtle changes in your cat’s behavior or appearance indicate a health issue. Cats are experts at hiding illness, a survival instinct that protects them from predators or other cats in the wild. Common signs that your cat may be sick include vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, lethargy, increased thirst, and more.
Signs That Your Cat Is Sick
When you notice something unusual about your cat, it’s important to understand that the problem may have been developing for some time. Pay attention to your cat’s attitude and body language. Does something seem off? Learn what is normal for cats in general and what is normal for your specific cat. Never ignore obvious signs of illness. If you’re unsure, contact your veterinarian for advice.
Vomiting
Occasional vomiting in cats is not necessarily a cause for concern. However, keep track of the timing and frequency to identify any patterns. Frequent or persistent vomiting, especially if it occurs more than occasionally, requires a visit to the veterinarian.
Loss of Appetite
While it’s normal for cats to skip a meal occasionally, a prolonged loss of appetite should not be ignored. If your cat skips a meal but otherwise eats normally, there’s likely no cause for alarm. However, if your cat stops eating entirely or only eats very small amounts, consult your veterinarian. A lack of food intake, even for a few days, can lead to a serious condition called hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease).
Increased Appetite
A sudden increase in appetite, especially in older cats, can be a sign of illness. Hyperthyroidism is a common cause, but your veterinarian will need to perform tests to confirm. Increased appetite should not be ignored, even in younger cats, as it can lead to overeating and obesity.
Diarrhea
Diarrhea can indicate food poisoning, intestinal parasites, or a variety of other health issues. Left untreated, it can lead to dehydration and further intestinal inflammation, causing significant discomfort for your cat. Schedule a visit to the veterinarian and, if possible, bring a stool sample for analysis.
Weight Changes
Fluctuations in weight, whether weight loss or gain, can be signs of underlying health problems. Weight loss is often more urgent in the short term, while weight gain can be harmful over the long term. If you’re unsure about your cat’s weight, schedule a check-up with your veterinarian for an evaluation.
Lethargy
Persistent fatigue in a cat is always a sign of illness. A cat that is constantly tired, even if the symptom seems subtle, may have an underlying health issue. Contact your veterinarian if your cat appears to lie around more than usual, sleeps excessively, or has low energy levels.
Increased Thirst
Increased thirst in cats can indicate several health problems, most commonly kidney disease or diabetes. Many cat owners rarely see their cats drinking water, so if you notice your cat drinking more frequently than usual, contact your veterinarian.
Changes in Urination
Changes in urination are always a sign that something is wrong. These changes often indicate a urinary tract issue or kidney problem. If you notice changes in frequency, amount, or inappropriate urination, or if there is blood in the urine, schedule a visit to the veterinarian. If your cat strains to urinate and nothing comes out, this could be an emergency, especially in male cats. Seek immediate veterinary care.
Breathing Changes
Wheezing, rapid breathing, difficulty breathing, or hoarse breathing are all signs that your cat is not in optimal health.
Eye or Nasal Discharge
Your cat may have a respiratory infection, which can make them feel unwell and reduce their appetite. Respiratory infections can also be contagious to other cats in the household. Your veterinarian may recommend medications to help your cat recover more quickly.
Ear Discharge
If you notice discharge from your cat’s ears, it could indicate an ear infection or even parasites like ear mites. Delaying treatment can affect the eardrum and cause significant discomfort for your cat.
Skin Irritations or Hair Loss
These signs may indicate allergies, external parasites, or other skin conditions. They can also be painful and cause itching. Don’t let your cat suffer unnecessarily. Your veterinarian can provide treatment options.
Increased Vocalization
Excessive meowing or crying can mean your cat is sick, in pain, stressed, or simply bored. It’s important to rule out a health issue before exploring behavioral causes.
Excessive Grooming
While not necessarily a sign of physical illness, excessive grooming can indicate a behavioral issue or a skin problem. Your veterinarian can help determine the cause and recommend appropriate treatment.
Personality Changes
Personality changes can be normal if they occur gradually, especially as your cat ages. However, if your friendly cat becomes aggressive or your confident cat suddenly becomes fearful, it’s important to investigate further with your veterinarian. If your cat seems confused or disoriented, the situation is even more urgent.
Limping or Difficulty Jumping
These are clear signs that your cat is in pain, possibly due to conditions like arthritis. Don’t assume your cat isn’t in pain just because they eat and behave normally otherwise. Consult your veterinarian for proper treatment.
Swelling
Never ignore swelling on any part of your cat’s body. It could be an abscess from a wound or even a tumor. Monitor the swollen area closely. If it’s painful, warm to the touch, or doesn’t improve within a day or two, consult your veterinarian.
Bad Breath
Bad breath (halitosis) is often a sign of dental problems. Mild bad breath may not be urgent, but it’s a sign that your cat’s teeth should be checked soon. Severe bad breath requires prompt treatment. Also, watch for excessive drooling or bleeding from the mouth, as oral infections can spread bacteria to other organs, including the heart.
Emergency Situations for Your Cat
Some health issues in cats are emergencies and require immediate veterinary attention. Keep information about after-hours veterinarians handy in case you need urgent care. If you notice any of the following emergency signs, don’t delay—seek immediate veterinary care:
- Trauma (e.g., falling from a height or being hit by a car)
- Difficulty breathing
- Gums that appear blue, white, or very pale
- Collapse, unconsciousness, or lack of responsiveness
- Seizures
- Dizziness, imbalance, or walking in circles
- Inability to walk
- Moderate to heavy bleeding
- Straining to urinate without producing urine
- Exposure to a toxic substance
- Severe pain (manifested by loud crying or aggressive behavior when touched)
- Body temperature above 104°F (40°C) or below 99°F (37°C) (normal is typically between 100.5°F–102.5°F or 38°C–39.2°C)
- Refusal to eat or drink
How to Prevent Illness in Cats
Many cat owners underestimate the importance of routine veterinary care. Some wait years before taking their cats for check-ups, or worse, only visit the vet when their cat is already sick. While it’s understandable to want to avoid stressing your cat, it’s better to find a low-stress veterinary clinic and prioritize regular care.
Annual Veterinary Exams
Annual exams are essential for cats. Senior cats may benefit from semi-annual check-ups and regular lab tests. These visits allow your veterinarian to detect minor abnormalities before they develop into serious health issues. Early detection can lead to timely intervention and better outcomes.
A Healthy Diet
A healthy diet can help your cat avoid obesity and a range of other health problems. Many veterinarians recommend wet diets that are high in protein and low in carbohydrates.
A Happy Environment
Provide a low-stress, happy environment for your cat. Always ensure fresh water is available and that litter boxes are clean and accessible. In smaller homes or multi-cat households, provide vertical space like cat trees or wall shelves.
How to Comfort a Sick Cat
Cats are solitary creatures, especially when they’re not feeling well. While you may want to cuddle your sick cat, they may not appreciate it as much as you think. The best way to comfort a sick cat is to provide a warm, quiet place to rest, ensure easy access to food, water, and the litter box, and allow them to relax.
If you notice any other concerning signs, it’s better to be cautious. Call your veterinarian or an emergency vet for advice on whether the situation requires urgent attention.
