12 Signs that your Cat may be ill

We all want what’s best for our cats, but unfortunately, they’re really good at hiding when something is wrong with their health. Therefore we’ve put together a list of 12 common signs that your cat may be ill to hopefully help you on the way to treat them back to good health.

1. Significant change in appetite

A change in eating habits can be complicated to identify as it won’t necessarily be a case of your cat stopping eating. It may also be a case of your cat becoming more picky with what they eat and rejecting some foods altogether; if they reject hard foods all of a sudden, this can be a sign that something may be wrong with their mouth, for example. An increase in appetite can also be a sign of an illness such as diabetes, so this shouldn’t be ignored, either.

2. Change in grooming habits

Cats may stop grooming when they are feeling ill, so changes in a coat is an important sign to watch out for. If their fur is becoming unkempt, matted or dirty, it could indicate that they’re not feeling quite themselves. A difference in their coat can suggest problems with vital organs as well as skin conditions and problems such as fleas.

3. Increased thirst

Unlike dogs, cats aren’t frequent drinkers so if they suddenly become really interested in their water bowl and drink excessively, something may be wrong. Of course, an increased thirst will lead to increased urination so if you do struggle to identify how often they’re drinking, this can be something to look out for; especially accidents outside the litter box.

4. Weight loss

Unexplained weight loss is always a sign that something is wrong. Paying lots of attention to your cat’s physique when stroking her can be really useful for checking for more prominent bones and loose skin (pay very close attention to the back and hips in particular). Likewise, a dramatic increase in weight can also suggest a problem.

5. Lumps and bumps

If your cat spends a lot of time outdoors, you are likely to find a few lumps and bumps on their skin from time to time, but you should still keep an eye on them so that simple things don’t turn into something more sinister, and so that any problems can be sorted. Those that seem to grow particularly quickly and ooze either blood or pus should be examined by a vet.

6. Very bad breath

Cats aren’t exactly known for having fantastic breath, but an unusually foul smell can be a strong indicator of a problem, usually to do with their oral health. Gum disease and tooth decay are really common in cats, especially as they grow older and if their teeth aren’t regularly brushed.

7. Problems with struggling to breathe

Respiratory problems are a big concern and the symptoms may be subtle. They can include things like coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath or really rapid breathing. Open-mouthed breathing may be a sign that emergency aid is needed if your cat is not warm, stressed or has been exercising moderately.

8. Signs of being in pain

Being in pain is a huge indicator of health problems, but unfortunately cats are troopers and don’t often show much sign of feeling in pain (unless it is very severe in which case immediate medical attention should be sought). A main sign is the way they sit when they are resting, and if it’s different to how they usually rest; for example, being hunched over and having their nose rested on the floor.

9. Behavioural changes

A change in behaviour is often dubbed as the main indicator that something may be wrong with your cat, as they’re generally good at hiding medical problems so this can sometimes be the only sign. Things to look out for include unusual reclusive behaviour or being oddly clingy, not wanting affection or changing where they spend their time.

10. Changes in sleeping habits

If your cat seems to sleep a lot,  more often than they used to, especially if you’re used to them being really active, there may be a problem. Likewise, if you notice the opposite and your cat is struggling to sleep or even relax, they could be trying to tell you that something isn’t right.

11. Toilet routine changes

Bladder problems can be really common in cats and therefore are usually fairly easy to treat as long as they are addressed early enough. Look out for signs such as straining to urinate, changes in the urination (in terms of blood in it or a difference in colour) and changes to where they actually go, as this is the most common sign. A urinary blockage may mean that they won’t be able to control where they go, so it’s important to take a trip to the vet if this becomes a frequent occurrence.

12. Changes to their social routine

Classic changes in behaviour that may indicate a problem include things like your cat hiding – especially if they’re usually active and social – along with not wanting any affection or attention, and staying indoors more or going outdoors more than usual.