how to tell if your cat is sick

Know sick cat symptoms that can use veterinary help

No one knows your kitty better than you! Cats are very good at hiding illness and pain, but if you have a feeling something is wrong — anything from missing the litter box, to new eating habits, to hiding or hunching or meowing more than usual — it’s often a good indication that your cat could use a helping hand from your veterinary team.

Talk to your vet if you spot signs of cat illness

Even subtle changes in cat behavior can indicate a health issue. When in doubt, don’t wait. Reach out to your veterinary team, especially for vulnerable older cats and kittens. We’re here to help rule out, diagnose, and treat any medical causes of the new behavior.

Signs of a sick kitten or cat:

Change in eating habits: Has your kitten stopped eating or drinking? Or are they suddenly, weirdly ravenous or gulping down much more water than usual?

New litter box behavior: Are they peeing outside the box? Do they have diarrhea, blood, or worms in their poop or pee?

Hunched or hiding: Is your cat hunched over, unwilling to play, or hostile when you try to pick them up or engage with them? Is your cat suddenly hiding or withdrawn?

Lethargy or new movement patterns: Does your cat seem unwilling to move? Limping or holding a body part in a new way? Unable to jump up like they usually do?

Grooming problems: Is your cat shedding more than usual? Is their fur dull, dirty, matted, clumpy, or full of dandruff? Are they over-grooming, or have patchy fur or irritated skin?

Weight changes: Have they suddenly lost or gained a bunch of weight?

Goopiness: Do they have eye or ear discharge, matted fur, or a runny nose?

New noises or smells: Are they coughing, sneezing, meowing more, or breathing strangely? Is their breath or body odor foul?

Vomiting: Are they vomiting more than usual? Are they puking up stuff that isn’t hairballs or clear liquid?

Some cat symptoms may not seem life-threatening, but they really are. Please contact your local emergency veterinary hospital immediately

If your kitten hasn’t eaten or drunk in 24 hours

If your kitten or cat hasn’t peed normally in 24 hours

If your cat is straining but cannot pee or poop normally

If your cat has eye injuries, or the third eyelid covers the eye

If your cat is panting or breathing faster than usual

How can I help my cat stay healthy?

To help your cat stay happy and healthy, make sure they always have clean, fresh water, and a quality diet. Also, keep your cat’s vaccinations current, use vet-recommended parasite control against worms and fleas, and make sure their litter box is always nice and clean.

Earn an extra gold star by helping your cat avoid obesity (and many associated health problems) with a mindful feeding plan and exercise. Add in good dental care, like daily brushing and professional dental exams and cleanings. And don’t forget playtime, bonding time, and grooming, which can be fun and rewarding for you both.

How Banfield can help

Early detection can make a big difference in treating your cat. Bring your kittyBAE in for their twice-yearly exams so we can give them a nose-to-tail evaluation, necessary vaccinations, recommend effective parasite control, provide diet advice, and check out their teeth. Let us know about any quirks in your kitty’s behavior so we can rule out medical issues. Together, we’ll keep an eye out for little issues — before they might become big problems.

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