Recognizing Early Signs of Illness in Your Cat

Cats are experts at hiding things, socks under furniture, their disdain for your playlist, and, unfortunately, symptoms of illness. In the wild, showing weakness could make them a target, so even today’s pampered house cats tend to keep health issues to themselves. That’s why recognizing early signs of illness is one of the most important skills a cat owner can have.

From subtle shifts in behavior to barely noticeable physical changes, the signs of trouble are often quiet but serious. Let’s explore some of the most common early symptoms that can signal something is wrong and explains when it’s time to call the vet.

The Subtle Art of Not Looking Sick

Cats don’t fake illnesses for attention. If they’re acting off, it usually means something is genuinely wrong. The earlier you notice, the better the chances of successful treatment and recovery.

Even small, gradual changes in your cat’s habits or demeanor can be big red flags. So grab your metaphorical magnifying glass and let’s decode the clues.

Changes in Appetite or Drinking Habits

If your cat skips a meal now and then, that’s not a crisis. But when appetite or thirst changes linger for more than a day or two, it’s time to investigate.

Loss of Appetite

Skipping food for more than 24 hours can be a sign of:

• Dental pain
• Kidney or liver disease
• Nausea or gastrointestinal issues
• Stress or infection

Cats who stop eating entirely are at risk for hepatic lipidosis, a dangerous liver condition. This is especially true for overweight cats.

Increased Thirst

Drinking more than usual often points to:

• Diabetes
• Kidney disease
• Hyperthyroidism

Try placing a water bowl in a new spot or using a pet water fountain. If your cat is still guzzling like a desert explorer, call the vet.

Litter Box Clues

Your cat’s litter box can be a goldmine of health information. Yes, it’s gross. But yes, you should still be paying attention.

Urinating More or Less

Frequent urination or large volumes may signal diabetes or kidney issues. Straining, crying out, or urinating outside the box may indicate a urinary tract infection or blockage, a true emergency in male cats.

Changes in Stool

Loose, hard, or bloody stools are all reasons to check in with your vet. Diarrhea that lasts more than a day can cause dehydration, while constipation can signal pain, dehydration, or an obstruction.

Vomiting: When to Worry

A hairball here and there is par for the course. But frequent vomiting, especially if there’s foam, bile, or blood, can point to serious conditions like:

• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Kidney failure
• Parasites
• Poison ingestion

Monitor how often it’s happening and what the vomit looks like. If it’s more than once a week without an obvious cause, call the vet.

Weight Loss or Gain

Unless your cat is on a carefully controlled diet, significant weight changes are a red flag.

Weight Loss

Even gradual weight loss can be a symptom of:

• Hyperthyroidism
• Diabetes
• Cancer
• Digestive disorders

Run your hands along your cat’s sides once a week. If you’re suddenly feeling more ribs than usual, it’s worth investigating.

Weight Gain

Too many treats or a sedentary lifestyle might be to blame, but sudden or unexplained weight gain can also result from fluid retention due to heart disease or tumors.

Breathing Changes

Cats should breathe quietly and effortlessly. Any change in their normal breathing rhythm or sound is cause for concern.

Watch for:

• Wheezing or coughing
• Open-mouth breathing (never normal in cats)
• Rapid or labored breathing
• Excessive panting when not playing or stressed

These symptoms may indicate asthma, heart failure, or respiratory infection and require immediate vet attention.

Coat Condition and Grooming

A cat’s coat is a direct reflection of their health. If your once-glossy cat is looking scruffy, it might be more than just bad hair day vibes.

Overgrooming

Bald spots, broken hairs, or skin irritation may indicate:

• Allergies
• Fleas or mites
• Anxiety or stress

Undergrooming

Greasy, matted fur or dandruff can be signs of:

• Arthritis or joint pain
• Obesity
• Dental pain
• Neurological issues

Cats that suddenly stop grooming are often trying to tell you something.

Behavior and Mood Shifts

A cat’s personality doesn’t usually change overnight without a reason. Be on the lookout for:

Hiding More Than Usual

Cats love their alone time, but excessive hiding can signal pain, fear, or illness.

Sudden Aggression

Lashing out when touched could be due to discomfort, injury, or neurological problems.

Decreased Activity

A drop in energy could mean arthritis, heart issues, or general discomfort. If playtime loses its sparkle, don’t ignore it.

Nighttime Vocalization

Increased yowling or disoriented behavior at night could indicate cognitive dysfunction or anxiety, especially in senior cats.

Eyes, Nose, and Mouth Clues

Your cat’s face can tell you a lot, if you know what to look for.

Eyes

• Discharge, redness, or squinting can point to infection or injury
• Dilated or uneven pupils may signal neurological issues or eye disease

Nose

• Sneezing, nasal discharge, or crustiness often means respiratory infection
• Chronic congestion can also affect appetite and hydration

Mouth

• Bad breath could mean dental disease or systemic illness
• Excessive drooling, bleeding gums, or difficulty eating are all signs that something’s not right

Knowing When to Call the Vet

You don’t need to panic over every sneeze, but if something seems off for more than a day or two, don’t wait for it to resolve on its own. Cats are pros at hiding illness, and small signs can quickly turn into major problems.

Call your vet right away if you notice:

• Loss of appetite for more than 24 hours
• Repeated vomiting or diarrhea
• Straining in the litter box
• Rapid or labored breathing
• Sudden weight loss or gain
• Lethargy that lasts more than a day
• Open-mouth breathing or coughing
• Blood in urine, stool, or vomit
• Severe behavior changes

You know your cat best. If your instincts are telling you something’s wrong, listen.

Final Thoughts

Learning to read your cat’s signals is one of the best things you can do as a pet parent. By recognizing early signs of illness, you give your cat a fighting chance to bounce back quickly and avoid more serious complications. Pay attention to common symptoms of illness in cats, trust your gut, and never hesitate to seek veterinary attention for sick cats.

Cats may be mysterious, but they do tell us when something’s wrong. We just have to know how to listen. And when in doubt, there’s always the vet, and a nice treat for being such a responsible human.