Cats are known for their independent and often mysterious nature, which can make it challenging to spot when they’re not feeling their best. As responsible pet owners, it’s crucial to be vigilant and attentive to your feline friend’s well-being.
Recognizing the 10 Warning Signs Your Cat May Be Sick can make a significant difference in their overall health and happiness. In this blog post, we’ll discuss ten common indicators that your cat might be unwell and when it’s time to seek veterinary care.
10 Warning Signs Your Cat May Be Sick!
- Changes in Appetite:
One of the earliest signs that your cat may be feeling under the weather is a change in their appetite. A decrease in appetite or refusal to eat can indicate various underlying issues, from dental problems to digestive disorders.
On the flip side, increased appetite and excessive thirst can also be red flags for conditions like diabetes or hyperthyroidism.
- Weight Loss or Gain:
Sudden or significant weight changes are cause for concern. If your cat is losing weight despite eating normally, it could be due to an underlying health issue, such as hyperthyroidism or gastrointestinal problems.
Conversely, unexplained weight gain may be a sign of conditions like diabetes or hypothyroidism.
- Lethargy:
Cats are known for their playful and active nature. If you notice your cat becoming unusually lethargic, spending more time sleeping, or not engaging in their usual activities, it’s a sign that something might be wrong.
Lethargy can be a symptom of various illnesses, including infections and organ diseases.
- Changes in Litter Box Habits:
Pay attention to your cat’s litter box behavior. Frequent urination, straining, or blood in the urine can indicate urinary tract issues, while diarrhea or constipation may point to gastrointestinal problems.
Changes in litter box habits can be early signs of underlying health concerns.
- Vomiting and Diarrhea:
Occasional vomiting may not be a cause for alarm, but if your cat is vomiting frequently or has persistent diarrhea, it could be indicative of food allergies, infections, or more severe conditions such as kidney disease or pancreatitis.
- Changes in Grooming Habits:
Cats are known for their meticulous grooming routines. A decrease in grooming, leading to a matted or unkempt coat, can signal discomfort or pain. Conversely, excessive grooming or fur loss might be an indication of skin problems or allergies.
- Respiratory Issues:
Coughing, sneezing, wheezing, or labored breathing should never be ignored. These symptoms can be signs of respiratory infections, asthma, or heart disease in cats. Prompt veterinary attention is crucial for respiratory issues.
- Behavioral Changes:
Sudden changes in behavior, such as aggression, hiding, or excessive vocalization, can be a cat’s way of signaling distress. These changes can be caused by pain, stress, or underlying medical conditions that require evaluation and treatment.
- Bad Breath:
Foul-smelling breath in cats is often a sign of dental disease, which can lead to severe health problems if left untreated. Dental issues can affect a cat’s overall well-being, so regular dental care is essential.
- Skin and Coat Issues:
Skin problems, such as itching, rashes, sores, or hair loss, can result from various underlying issues, including allergies, parasites, or infections. A healthy cat should have smooth, soft fur and healthy skin.
Make Sure You Look for Early Warning Signs!
As a loving cat owner, it’s your responsibility to monitor your feline companion’s health closely. While these ten warning signs can be indicative of various health problems, they are not an exhaustive list.
If you notice any unusual or concerning changes in your cat’s behavior, appetite, or physical condition, don’t hesitate to contact your veterinarian. Early detection and prompt treatment are key to ensuring your cat’s long and healthy life. Remember, your veterinarian is your best resource for addressing your cat’s health concerns and providing the care they need to thrive.
Looking For More Cat Resources to Read?
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Quick Guide to Indoor and Outdoor Cat Care – This guide helps you decide whether indoor or outdoor care is best for your cat.
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
This is such great information. Cats are so stoic. If you don’t keep an eye out, they can be sick without you even knowing it.
kathy downey says
Thanks for sharing these are all signs we should be watching for!
Debbie says
These are some great things to keep in mind for every cat owner. If you pay attention to your cat’s daily routine, it should be relatively easy to notice when something’s just “not right.” Thanks for sharing!
Tania B says
This is a really great post. My cat Sammy had a bout with pancreatitis and went off food for a day or two but I knew something was up because his pupils were very dilated. We took him the to vet and just needed to get some IV fluids and treat him symptomatically and give him some antibiotics just in case. Scary though!
Sarah says
A cats personality changes so much when they are sick. I always say the minute a cat stops acting like they are in charge is usually when you should start worrying, laugh.
Rachel says
What a great list to help cat owners. Sometimes it is hard for cat owners to know if a cat is in pain, so this is something all cat owners should read!
Pam Wattenbarger says
It is so important to realize when your cat is sick. If you catch it early it may not have a chance to get serious.
Jonna says
Great info. We just got three kittens in our family, and I’ve not had cats since I was a kid. Definitely need to brush up on my cat health signs. Thank you!
Claudia Krusch says
It is so important to know these signs if you have a cat. I always take my fur baby in for a checkup if I notice a sudden change in the litter box.
Elizabeth Matthiesen says
These tips will be welcomed by a lot of cat owners. 🙂
Joely Smith says
Thank you for sharing this info. Very wise advice and nice to have it bookmarked for all the signs in one place. Appreciate the help.
Shelby says
Always a good reminder! Especially about the changes in litter box usage. 🙂
Amy Desrosiers says
I remember when my husband’s cats passed away- they got so sick, so fast and stopped eating, and eventually had kidney failure. I think they ate something bad poor things.
Kristen says
I am so sorry to hear this Amy. I have lost many cats to kidney disease and it never gets easier….
valmg @ Mom Knows It All says
A good cat owner will know how to read their cat. These are all good signs that something is changing or may potentially be wrong even if not necessarily sick.
Jonnie says
Great information! It is so hard to tell with pets sometimes if it’s just an off day or of there’s really something wrong.
Chelley @ A is For Adelaide says
SAVING THIS! We are hoping to get a cat this year, and I have so much to learn.
Dawn McAlexander says
My husband says that another way to tell is by the color of their tongue. If it isn’t a bright pink, then that could be a sign that they are sick.
Shelley R Zurek says
The odor is a great tip. Wouldn’t have thought of that one.
Tara says
This is great to know. I hate it when any of our pets get sick. Knowing what to watch for really helps.
Shayla says
Great advice! Everyone should have a good idea of what to look for in their pets!
Hali @daytodayMOMents says
I don’t have pets, but these are very important tips to keep in mind. I can see how easily you might not notice them.
Toni | Boulder Locavore says
These are really useful tips! It’s important that we are aware when our cats are sick. Will have to share this with my friends.
Heather Wallace says
Wonderful guide to detecting illness in your cat. My cat used to disappear and hide when he was feeling poorly. I believe this is an instinct where weakness in the wild means becoming an easy target. I see this often in dogs and horses as well. Very important information to have.
Stephanie LaPlante says
Thanks for sharing these awesome tips with the world. I have 8 beautiful rescues and I watch for absolutely everything. My vet probably thinks I’m paranoid but we always enjoy our visit and sense of relief.
Lola The Rescued Cat says
These are good tips cat owners need to remember. Sometimes we may not notice a subtle change that could delay veterinary care.
Jana Rade says
I’m always happy to see blogs that are helping people to understand how to see when something isn’t right. So often initial signs are ignored only to have a problem “explode.”
Kamira Gayle says
This is a great list. Yep. Been there. I remember seeing the lethargy and more frequent hair balls syndrome in my cat too. Best to take you pet to the vet even if you think it’s “nothing”. It can really make all the difference.
Ruth Epstein says
Great information, I have been learning so much about cats from the blogs that I wish I had known when I had them, thank you
AD says
This is great info! I will have to share this with my cat-parent friends.
Sweet Purrfections says
Thank you for sharing this information. I was familiar with everything except the dilated eyes. Truffle and Brulee’s eyes are dilated a lot because there is little natural light in my home and it’s dark.
Robin says
Cats are very good at hiding pain and illness. I urge anyone who sees one of the signs that you’ve listed to investigate the cause. Go to the veterinarian for help. Get wellness check-ups so the veterinarian can see the early signs of developing problems. My angel kitty, Cinco, had no signs of his cancer until it was too late. I tend to beat myself up because I passed on getting some tests done (for financial reasons) at his last wellness exam that could have told us he was in trouble. He seemed perfectly healthy all of his 10 years until suddenly one day he wouldn’t eat. I had to help him to the bridge 2 days later.
Kristen says
I am so sorry Robin. I have been there myself. They hide it so well.
Dolly the Doxie says
In my experience with cats we’ve experienced most of those symptoms. There’s nothing worse than being woken up in the middle of the night by a cat’s projectile vomiting. But, my tortie Saffie hid her oral cancer from us for months. It was only after I had to say goodbye that I could see all the signs that something was wrong but it was too late.
Kristen says
I am so sorry Dolly. I lost my Aurora the same way and by the time it was found, it was too late. I miss her everyday.
Karen says
It’s the subtle signs we have to watch for, as you point out. Long ago, I used to think litter box issues were always behaviorial, but when people ask litter box questions now, I ask them to rule out medical issues first. One of the biggest ways cats let us know something isn’t right. When my Bo was aging, how I wish I’d known then what I know now, could’ve done so much more to help him.
Kristen says
We all have those regrets Karen. Our cats are so good at hiding their pain and we figure it out too late so often. You will snuggle Bo again one day, I promise!
Talent Hounds says
I lost Nala to kidney disease at 19+ and I did not really realize she was so sick until she peed pink on a white carpet shortly before she passed- she never had accidents so straight to the vet.
Kristen says
I am so sorry to hear this. It happens to the best of us. They hide it so well. I have lost many cats to kidney disease.
Tenacious Little Terrier says
Beyond all the obvious physical signs, Mr. N also gets super clingy when he feels sick. That’s usually how I know.
Kitty Cat Chronicles says
Cats really are so good at masking pain and illness. That’s why it so important to keep a close eye on them so we can notice even the smallest of changes. Thanks for this list warning signs!
kathy downey says
You always have to be aware of anything different with your Cat,after our cat was not moving around much for a few days a trip to the vet and we found out his front paw joint was being attacked by micro-organisms ,a quick operation to clean out the joint and some steroids and he should be fine in a few days,but been told it could flare up again but maybe not for years.
CALVIN F. says
Very simple diagnostics that work most of the time! 😀
Linda H says
A great list of things to watch for in a cat. Our cat would hide on us when he was sick- we even missed a vet apt while trying to find him in the house. We did finally find him and take him in and it was an infection in his mouth and a couple days of antibiotics and he was back to normal.
Rebecca Gardner says
It’s good to know that our cat may be sick if they’re normally awake but start sleeping constantly, or vice versa. My husband has had some time home from work and said our oldest cat started sleeping an abnormal amount over the weekend. Thanks for letting me know that we should get her checked out at an animal hospital soon for peace of mind!