7 Critical Signs: How to Tell If Your Cat Is Sick

This pet health content was written by a veterinarian, Dr. Pippa Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS. It was last reviewed on November 22, 2024

How to Tell If Your Cat Is Sick

Cats are naturally more reserved than dogs. While dogs may display obvious signs of discomfort, cats often mask their illnesses, making it harder to detect when something is wrong. Their laid-back lifestyle—content with lounging in a cozy spot—can make subtle health changes easy to miss.

To ensure your feline companion stays healthy, it’s important to watch for key signs of illness. Here are 7 critical indicators to help you understand how to tell if your cat is sick.

Changes in Your Cat’s Routine

Recognizing changes in your cat’s habits is crucial when determining how to tell if your cat is sick. Cats are creatures of habit, and sudden shifts in their routine can indicate underlying health issues.

• Nighttime Crying and Yowling: A common concern, especially in older cats, is waking their owners at night with persistent crying or meowing. While this might sometimes be caused by behavioral issues, such as another cat intruding in their territory, it could also point to health problems like an overproduction of thyroid hormone. Learn more about nighttime crying in older cats.
• Increased Appetite: If your cat starts eating voraciously after being a dainty eater, it may indicate a health concern, particularly related to thyroid issues. Read more about thyroid problems in cats.

Pay close attention to any deviations from your cat’s normal behavior and consult a veterinarian if you notice significant changes.

Mouth Breathing in Cats: A Warning Sign

When it comes to how to tell if your cat is sick, mouth breathing is a significant red flag. Unlike dogs, who often pant when they’re excited, happy, or have been running around, cats rarely engage in this behavior.

While there are a few exceptions—such as after an intense play session or during a stressful visit to the vet—a relaxed cat at home should not pant or breathe through their mouth.

• What It Could Indicate:
  • Circulatory problems, such as heart issues.
  • Respiratory distress, potentially involving the lungs.

If you notice your cat regularly panting or mouth-breathing at home, it’s crucial to consult a veterinarian immediately. Early intervention can make a significant difference in your cat’s health and well-being.

Lack of Grooming: How to Tell If Your Cat Is Sick

Grooming is a fundamental part of a cat’s behavior, and they take great pride in maintaining a clean and sleek appearance. If your cat’s coat begins to look dull, unkempt, or greasy, it may indicate that something is wrong.

• Possible Causes of Not Grooming:
  • Sore Mouth: Dental pain or oral discomfort can make grooming difficult.
  • Lack of Energy: Fatigue caused by underlying health issues may leave your cat too tired to groom.

A sudden decline in grooming is not typical and warrants a visit to the veterinarian. Addressing the issue promptly can prevent further discomfort or complications.

Poor Appetite in Cats: When to Worry

When considering how to tell if your cat is sick, a decline in appetite is one of the most noticeable signs. Changes in eating habits, especially a lack of interest in food, can indicate a range of health problems.

• Common Causes of Appetite Loss:

Golden Rule: If your cat hasn’t regained their appetite within 24 hours, it’s time to seek veterinary care. Early intervention can prevent complications and help your cat recover more quickly.

Sleeping More: How to Tell If Your Cat Is Sick

Cats are known for their love of napping, often spending a significant portion of the day asleep. However, an increase in sleep duration or changes in sleeping habits can indicate a potential health issue.

• What to Watch For:
  • Your cat doesn’t wake up to greet you as they normally would.
  • They sleep through meals or other routines.
  • The quality or pattern of their sleep seems unusual.

Cats are creatures of habit, so any deviation from their normal sleeping behavior is worth noting. Learn more about what excessive sleep in cats can mean. If you notice significant changes, consult a veterinarian to ensure your cat’s health is not at risk.

Increased Thirst: How to Tell If Your Cat Is Sick

Cats have an exceptional ability to conserve water, particularly those on moist food diets. For this reason, it’s not unusual for cats fed canned food to drink less, while those on dry kibble may drink more. However, a sudden increase in thirst can signal underlying health problems.

• Signs of Increased Thirst:
  • Refilling the water bowl more often than usual.
  • More frequent or larger volumes of urine in the litter box.
• Possible Causes:
  • Diabetes: A common cause of excessive thirst and urination.
  • Kidney Disease: Often associated with increased water intake.
  • Infection: Certain infections can lead to changes in thirst and urination habits.

Early detection of increased thirst can make a significant difference in treatment outcomes. If you notice these signs, consult a veterinarian promptly to identify the cause and begin appropriate care.

Weight Loss: How to Tell If Your Cat Is Sick

Unexplained weight loss is a serious sign that something may be wrong with your cat. When a cat loses weight, it indicates they are burning more calories than they are consuming, which could stem from various health issues.

Possible Causes of Weight Loss:

• Decreased Appetite: Dental pain, nausea, or other illnesses may reduce your cat’s desire to eat.
• Hyperthyroidism: In some cases, cats may eat normally (or even more than usual) but still lose weight rapidly due to an overactive thyroid.

If you notice significant or ongoing weight loss in your cat, don’t overlook it. This is a critical sign that requires veterinary attention to identify the underlying cause and begin treatment.

Conclusion

If you notice one or more of the signs mentioned above, don’t panic. While these symptoms can sometimes indicate serious health issues, the cause could also be minor—such as worms or a mild infection. Learn more about worms in cats and dogs.

• Why Early Detection Matters:
  • It allows for timely veterinary care, potentially preventing more serious complications.
  • Many issues, even minor ones, can progress without treatment.
  • Quick intervention can help your cat recover faster and more comfortably.

By paying close attention to your cat’s habits and health, you’ll be better equipped to address any concerns. With prompt treatment, your cat can return to their usual routine of eating, grooming, and napping in no time.

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