Signs of Illness in Cats: 10 Symptoms to Watch For

Cats are masters of disguise. In the wild, showing weakness means becoming a predator's prey. This is why detecting the signs of illness in your cat is crucial for acting in time. Here are the 10 symptoms that should alert every cat owner.

1. Loss of Appetite

A cat that refuses to eat for more than 24 hours should be seen by a vet. Loss of appetite can indicate:

Dental problems (inflamed gums, broken tooth)
Digestive upset
Kidney disease
Significant stress

Attention: A cat that doesn't eat for 48 hours risks developing hepatic lipidosis, a serious liver disease.

2. Change in Behavior

Behavior is the first indicator of a cat's health. Watch for:

Increased Changes

Excessive restlessness
Unusual meowing (especially at night)
Increased attention-seeking

Decreased Changes

Lethargy, excessive sleeping
Isolation (hiding under the bed)
Loss of interest in play

3. Urinary Problems

Urinary problems are common and can be urgent. Signs to watch for:

Difficulty urinating (straining in the litter box)
Blood in the urine
Frequent urination in small amounts
Painful meowing while urinating

Life-threatening emergency: A male cat that cannot urinate must see a vet immediately (urinary obstruction = life-threatening emergency).

4. Vomiting and Diarrhea

An isolated vomit can be normal (hairball). But:

More than 2 vomits in 24h → vet consultation
Diarrhea for more than 48h → vet consultation
Blood in the stool → emergency
Vomiting with a fever → emergency

5. Change in Weight

Sudden weight loss (more than 10% of body weight) is a warning sign. Weigh your cat regularly:

| Sign | Action | |-------|--------| | Sudden loss | Vet consultation | | Sudden gain | Reduce portion sizes | | Gradual loss | Analyze diet |

6. Respiratory Problems

Watch for:

Rapid breathing at rest (> 30 breaths/minute)
Breathing through the mouth (very abnormal in cats)
Frequent coughing or sneezing
Nasal or eye discharge

7. Change in Coat

A dull, puffed-up, or patchy coat can indicate:

Nutritional deficiencies
Thyroid problems
Chronic stress
External parasites (fleas, ticks)

8. Lethargy and Weakness

A normally active cat that becomes lethargic for more than 24 hours should be examined. Possible causes:

Anemia
Fever
Chronic pain
Infectious disease

9. Limping or Difficulty Moving

Limping in cats is often related to:

Injury (fall, fight)
Arthritis (especially in senior cats)
Infection (abscess)
Fracture

10. Bad Breath (Halitosis)

Persistent bad breath can signal:

Dental problems (tartar, gingivitis)
Kidney disease
Digestive problems
Diabetes (acetone smell)

When to See an Emergency Veterinarian

Some signs require an immediate visit (within 2 hours):

Difficulty breathing
A cat that is prostrate and unresponsive
Inability to urinate (especially in males)
Visible trauma (fall, accident)
Seizures
Bleeding

How to Prepare for the Vet Visit

Note the symptoms with their start dates
Take photos if relevant (litter box, eyes, gums)
Bring the health record and vaccination history
Prepare a dietary history

FAQ

My cat has been eating less for 2 days, should I be worried?

If no other symptoms are present, monitor for 48 hours. If the loss of appetite persists or is accompanied by other signs (lethargy, vomiting), see a vet.

How do I take my cat's temperature?

A normal cat temperature is between 38°C and 39°C. Use a digital rectal thermometer with lubricant. If the temperature exceeds 39.5°C, see a vet.

My senior cat is sleeping much more, is this normal?

Senior cats (7+ years old) can sleep up to 18 hours a day. But if the lethargy is accompanied by a loss of appetite or a change in behavior, see a vet.

Conclusion

Knowing the signs of illness in your cat can save its life. Cats hide their pain out of survival instinct, so you must be attentive to subtle changes. When in doubt, never hesitate to consult your veterinarian—it's better to be safe than sorry.

To make vet visits less stressful, the GatoPouch allows you to carry your cat snuggled against you, safely and warmly.