Cats often hide pain and illness, so a change from your cat’s usual behavior or routine can be more informative than one obvious symptom. VCA Animal Hospitals authors Malcolm Weir, DVM, MSc, MPH; Tammy Hunter, DVM; and Cheryl Yuill, DVM, MSc, CVH, write that “Cats have evolved to hide signs of illness and pain.” A new or persistent change is a reason to contact your veterinarian; these signs can’t identify the cause on their own.
Ten subtle signs your cat may be unwell
Look for changes from your individual cat’s baseline. A sign on this list does not prove illness, but it is worth noting and discussing with a veterinarian when it is new, persistent, or accompanied by another change.
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More hiding or withdrawal
A cat that spends more time tucked away, becomes unusually quiet, or stops joining familiar household routines may be feeling unwell.
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A change in sociability or mood
Unusual clinginess, fearfulness, irritability, or less tolerance for handling can signal that something has changed. Avoid assuming that a cat is simply being difficult when this behavior is new.
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Less energy or play
Sleeping more than usual, losing interest in favorite activities, or no longer playing as before deserves attention, particularly when it persists.
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Stiff movement or a changed posture
Watch for hesitation when walking or jumping, stiffness, a hunched posture, or holding the head unusually low or tilted. These changes can be easy to miss if you see your cat every day.
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A different coat or grooming routine
An unkempt coat can mean your cat is grooming less. Repeated or excessive grooming may also accompany skin problems, pain, or stress. Note where and how often the grooming occurs.
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Weight or body-condition change
Gradual weight loss can be difficult to spot from day to day. You may notice that your cat feels thinner or that the ribs or spine are easier to feel than before. Tell your veterinarian about a suspected change rather than relying on appearance alone.
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Eating more or less than usual
A reduced appetite, increased eating, or newly selective eating can accompany health problems. Consider a health change rather than dismissing a new appetite pattern as fussiness. VCA advises immediate veterinary attention if a cat has not eaten properly for 24 hours; that is a care threshold, not a reason to wait if other concerning signs appear.
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Drinking more or less
A noticeable change in water intake is worth reporting, especially when it appears alongside changes in appetite, weight, energy, or litter-box habits.
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A change in litter-box habits
Pay attention to changes in urine amount, repeated trips, accidents, straining, diarrhea, constipation, or hard, small stools. Straining to urinate or being unable to urinate requires urgent veterinary attention. VCA describes lack of urination as life-threatening.
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New sounds, odors, or visible changes
New vocalizing, an unusual odor, drooling, eye or nose discharge, pale or yellow coloration, or a change in breathing warrants prompt veterinary advice. Breathing difficulty is urgent; contact a veterinarian or emergency clinic rather than waiting to see whether another sign develops.
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When to contact a veterinarian urgently
Contact a veterinarian or emergency clinic immediately for breathing problems, eye abnormalities, straining in the litter box, or if your cat has not eaten properly for 24 hours, following VCA Animal Hospitals’ guidance updated May 8, 2024. Lack of urination is life-threatening, according to VCA. Do not wait for a second symptom when one of these signs is present.
For a new change that is not an apparent emergency, contact your regular veterinarian for advice, particularly if it persists or worsens. The sign alone cannot tell you what is wrong or how serious the cause is; a veterinarian can advise whether your cat needs examination and how soon.
What to record before you call
VCA recommends keeping track of daily patterns and reporting changes to your veterinarian. A brief log can help you describe what is different and when it began.
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- Whether and how often your cat urinates and defecates, including straining, accidents, or changes in stool.
- Vomiting, diarrhea, sneezing, or coughing.
- Any new or abnormal behavior, movement, posture, grooming, sounds, odor, or visible change.
- When each change began and how often it happens.
A paper cat health journal is one optional way to keep these observations together; it is not a diagnostic tool. Do not give your cat medication unless it was prescribed for that cat or a veterinarian specifically instructed you to use it.
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