17 signs that your cat may be sick (answered by a veterinarian)

Unlike children or humans, pets cannot speak to tell us when something is wrong. Moreover, cats are professional "disease concealers." As part of their survival strategy, cats have evolved to hide any signs of illness. Showing signs of sickness can make wild animals vulnerable to predators and members of the same species competing for resources. Even in domestic cats, this trait still exists.

Since it is not always easy to know when your cat may be sick, learning to recognize the signs of illness is an important part of cat ownership. One of the worst mistakes a cat owner can make is to wait for signs of illness to disappear on their own, because in the case of a sick cat, it may be too late tomorrow if you noticed it today.

Understanding Your Cat

Understanding your cat's personality, physical characteristics, daily habits, and behavior can help you catch early signs that something is not quite right. Observing and becoming familiar with your cat's normal state is the first step in identifying signs that your cat may be sick. In the following guide, we will review 17 signs ranging from very obvious to less obvious, and provide some tips to raise your awareness of your cat's normal state.

1. Cat Refuses to Eat

A cat that does not accept any food clearly indicates that something is wrong. Although slight changes in appetite may be considered normal, a cat that refuses to eat requires attention. Cats that do not eat will use their fat reserves to obtain energy and may develop a dangerous condition called hepatic lipidosis, especially if they are overweight. If your cat does not eat, do not hesitate to take it to a veterinarian promptly to avoid complications.

2. Cat is Limping

A limping cat is a clear sign of pain or discomfort. Limping can be caused by minor injuries, foreign objects, fractures, or arthritis. If your cat is limping, it is best to first inspect to see if you can find any obvious wounds or easily removable foreign objects. But if there is nothing very obvious, then the correct approach is to take the cat to a veterinarian for further investigation.

3. Cat Drinks More Water

Usually, getting a cat to drink water is a challenging task because they should get most of their water from the moisture content of their prey. Cats that eat dry cat food should be encouraged to drink more water and ideally switch to wet cat food. However, if you notice that your cat is drinking more water than usual, or drinking from unusual sources such as a faucet or toilet, this could be a sign that something is wrong.

Endocrine diseases, such as diabetes and thyroid problems, can cause an increase in thirst. Endocrine diseases are quite common in domestic cats, and unfortunately, due to the high carbohydrate content in most dry cat foods, we also see many cats developing diabetes as a result. If your cat suddenly starts drinking more water, take it to a veterinarian for a blood test to determine the problem.

 5. Cat is Urinating More Frequently

If a cat seems to urinate more frequently, this could be a sign of pain during urination. Cats with urinary tract infections or stones will feel pain when urinating and typically urinate more often, but in smaller amounts each time.

Blood in the urine or no urine at all is a clear sign that you must take your cat to the veterinarian immediately. This is especially important for male cats. They are prone to developing urinary blockages, which can be fatal within just 24-48 hours if not treated promptly.

5. Cat Refuses to Use the Litter Box

If a cat refuses to use the litter box, this may also indicate pain during urination. Urinary tract infections, bladder stones, and kidney disease are common reasons for cats to change their litter box habits.

6. Cat Has Diarrhea

Intestinal infections, food sensitivities, stress and anxiety, and irritable bowel syndrome are just a few of the many possible causes of diarrhea in cats. If your cat has diarrhea, it is at risk of dehydration, so it is best to find the cause and treatment as soon as possible. Waiting to see if it will improve may lead to increased veterinary costs, as dehydrated cats are at risk of organ damage and may require hospitalization for intravenous fluid therapy.

7. Cat is Vomiting

It is considered normal for cats to vomit hairballs, and some cats may occasionally vomit after eating. However, a cat that vomits frequently is at risk of dehydration and requires medical care. Infections, liver disease, intestinal obstruction, and even cancer could be the cause of your cat's frequent vomiting. An investigation is needed to prevent complications and to start treatment promptly.

8. Cat Has Discharge from the Nose or Eyes

Cats with respiratory or eye infections will exhibit abnormal mucus discharge. Respiratory infections are usually accompanied by other signs, such as sneezing, wheezing, or coughing. It is best to consult a veterinarian for advice and treatment before the infection worsens. Follow the veterinarian's instructions, and remember that it is best to isolate cats with contagious infections to prevent the spread to other pets.

9. Lack of Energy

If your usually active and playful cat suddenly seems lethargic and uninterested in its surroundings, it could be a sign of illness. Changes in energy levels can be indicative of a variety of health issues, including infections, anemia, hyperthyroidism, or even cancer. It's important to monitor your cat's behavior closely and consult with a veterinarian if you notice a significant change in its energy levels or activity.

10. Change in Grooming Habits

Cats are typically clean animals when it comes to grooming habits. A cat that is not feeling well may significantly reduce the frequency of grooming or stop grooming altogether. If you notice grooming frequency is lower than normal, or if your cat's fur appears greasy, matted, unkempt, or has dandruff, this is a sign that something is happening. It could be caused by anything from a skin infection to arthritis. Begin investigating possible causes and seek professional advice from a veterinarian.

11. Excessive Shedding in Cats

If you notice more hair on your carpets and furniture than usual, you need to determine whether it's due to normal shedding or a medical condition. Areas of excessive shedding are not normal in cats and may be caused by skin irritation, infection, or allergies.

12. Bad Breath in Cats

A cat with bad breath is usually a sign of periodontal disease or an oral infection, which requires examination and treatment by a veterinary dentist. Regular brushing habits should help you prevent these conditions, but once a cat develops these issues, they need immediate attention.

13. Significant Weight Loss in Cats

Many diseases can cause weight loss in cats. Parasites or diabetes may lead to weight loss in cats, regardless of whether they are eating normally. Other forms of illness can reduce a cat's appetite, leading to weight loss. If you notice any of these situations and you do not know that you have intentionally put your cat on a diet, take your cat to the veterinarian to start investigating the cause of this weight loss.

14. Cats Hiding

Some cats that feel fearful or anxious tend to hide, but cats in pain will also do this. Investigate the situation, but if your usually social cat keeps avoiding you, this is another less clear sign that something is happening.

15. Cat Becomes Aggressive

Hormonal changes and poor behavior management can lead to a cat becoming aggressive. However, many injured or sick cats become aggressive when handled, as a reaction to discomfort or as a way to draw attention.

16. Cat Becomes More Vocal

Increased vocalization is a way for cats to ask for food and attention. But if your cat becomes louder and more talkative over 24-36 hours, regardless of whether food is available, this may be your cat's way of trying to communicate that something is wrong.

That said, cats in heat will become louder and more talkative, so all factors need to be considered to understand the cause of this behavior. Some neurological issues can cause an increase in a cat's vocalization. Additionally, cats with hearing or vision loss will also become more vocal.

17. Cat No Longer Jumps to Its Usual Places

This may not be a very obvious sign, but if you are an observant person and you notice that your cat no longer stays on its favorite high bookshelf, this could be the development of arthritis or an injury.

Conclusion

Hiding signs of illness has always been a survival strategy for cats and is still very common in our modern cats. Being aware of the signs of a sick cat can greatly help in preventing complications and may even save your cat's life.