Cats are masters at hiding illness, an instinct inherited from their wild ancestors who needed to appear healthy to avoid predators. This survival mechanism means that by the time a cat shows obvious signs of illness, the condition may have progressed significantly. Learning to spot subtle warning signs can help you get your cat the care they need sooner.
Key Takeaway
You know your cat best. Any significant change in behaviour, appetite, or routine warrants attention, even if your cat doesn't appear obviously unwell.
Changes in Eating and Drinking Habits
A cat's relationship with food is one of the most reliable indicators of their health. A sudden decrease in appetite that lasts more than 24 hours is a concern, particularly in cats who are normally enthusiastic eaters. Complete food refusal is a veterinary emergency, especially in overweight cats who are at risk of hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease) after just a few days without eating.
Increased appetite, particularly when accompanied by weight loss, can indicate conditions like hyperthyroidism or diabetes. Both are common in middle-aged and senior cats. Similarly, changes in water consumption are significant. Increased thirst (polydipsia) often accompanies kidney disease, diabetes, and hyperthyroidism. You might notice your cat visiting the water bowl more frequently, drinking from unusual sources, or the water bowl emptying faster than normal.
Monitoring Tip
If you have multiple cats, consider separating food and water bowls during monitoring periods to accurately track each cat's intake. Measuring daily water consumption can provide useful data for your vet.
Litter Box Changes
The litter box provides valuable health information. Changes in urination patterns can indicate urinary tract infections, kidney disease, or diabetes. Look for increased frequency of urination, straining in the litter box, blood in urine, or urinating outside the box. Male cats who strain to urinate and produce little or no urine may have a urinary blockage, which is a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate veterinary care.
Diarrhoea lasting more than a day or two, especially if accompanied by other symptoms, needs veterinary attention. Constipation is equally concerning and can indicate dehydration, dietary issues, or intestinal problems. Changes in stool colour, consistency, or the presence of mucus or blood are all warning signs that shouldn't be ignored.
Emergency Warning
A male cat making frequent trips to the litter box with little or no urine output may have a urinary blockage. This is a medical emergency requiring immediate veterinary attention.
Behavioral Changes
Cats are creatures of habit, and behavioural changes often signal underlying health issues. A normally social cat becoming withdrawn or hiding may be in pain or feeling unwell. Conversely, a typically independent cat becoming unusually clingy might also indicate distress.
Changes in grooming habits are particularly telling. Cats who stop grooming may have a greasy, unkempt coat with visible mats or dandruff. This often indicates they don't feel well enough to maintain their normal grooming routine. Excessive grooming or overgrooming of specific areas can indicate pain, allergies, or skin conditions. Bald patches from overgrooming require investigation.
Increased vocalisation, especially in older cats, can indicate cognitive dysfunction, hyperthyroidism, or pain. Pay attention to changes in the type of vocalisation as well as the frequency. A cat yowling at night may have different underlying causes than one who becomes more talkative during the day.
Physical Warning Signs
Regular observation of your cat's physical condition helps you notice changes early. Unexplained weight loss or gain should be investigated. You can monitor weight at home by weighing yourself, then weighing yourself holding your cat, and calculating the difference. Sudden weight changes of more than 10% warrant veterinary attention.
Check your cat's eyes, ears, and nose regularly. Discharge, cloudiness, or changes in pupil size can indicate various conditions. Bad breath can signal dental disease, which affects the majority of cats over three years old and can lead to serious health complications if untreated.
Regular Checks
Incorporate brief health checks into your grooming routine. Run your hands over your cat's body to feel for lumps, bumps, or areas of sensitivity. Check their gums, which should be pink and moist.
Respiratory and Mobility Issues
Open-mouth breathing in cats is always abnormal and indicates respiratory distress. Unlike dogs, cats should not pant except in extreme heat or after intense exercise. Laboured breathing, wheezing, or persistent coughing all require veterinary evaluation.
Changes in mobility often indicate pain, arthritis, or neurological issues. You might notice your cat hesitating before jumping, using stairs less frequently, or having difficulty getting in and out of the litter box. Limping, stiffness after rest, or reluctance to be touched in certain areas are also warning signs.
When to Seek Veterinary Care
Some situations require immediate emergency care: difficulty breathing, inability to urinate, severe trauma, seizures, collapse, or suspected poisoning. Don't wait to see if these symptoms improve on their own.
For less acute concerns, a good rule is to schedule an appointment if symptoms persist for more than 24-48 hours, if multiple symptoms occur together, if there's a sudden dramatic change, or if your instinct tells you something is wrong. Trust your knowledge of your cat. If something seems off, it probably is.
Remember
Early detection of health problems often leads to better outcomes and can reduce treatment costs. Regular veterinary check-ups, at least annually for adult cats and twice yearly for seniors, complement your at-home monitoring and help catch issues before they become serious.