Yes—often the first clue is a change from your cat’s usual behavior, not an obvious symptom. Cats can hide illness and pain, so watch their daily routines and contact a veterinarian when something seems wrong. Breathing trouble, difficulty urinating, collapse, seizures, or going more than 24 hours without eating call for urgent veterinary attention.
What changes can signal that a cat is sick?
Compare your cat with their own normal habits. A cat that becomes quiet, withdrawn, unusually clingy or irritable, less active, or restless may be showing an early sign of illness. Look for changes across several parts of daily life rather than relying on one symptom or a universal checklist.
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Behavior, energy, and movement
- Hiding more, sleeping more, playing less, or acting less sociable than usual.
- Unusual irritability, clinginess, or restlessness.
- A hunched posture, altered movement, or reluctance to jump.
Grooming and appearance
- A messy, greasy, or matted coat, or less grooming than usual.
- Weight change, swelling that persists or grows quickly, or other noticeable changes in appearance.
- Eye squinting, colored eye discharge, unequal pupils, or other changes to the eyes; discharge from the nose may also be a clue.
Eating, drinking, and digestion
- Eating more or less than usual, or not eating.
- Vomiting or diarrhea, especially when repeated or accompanied by weakness, blood, or reduced responsiveness.
- Unusual thirst or a change in weight.
Breathing and litter-box habits
- Shallow, labored, or open-mouth breathing, coughing, or repeated sneezing.
- More frequent litter-box trips, straining, vocalizing, smaller urine clumps, or no urine.
Changes in urination can be especially serious. Reduced output or no urination needs prompt veterinary attention; lack of urination is a life-threatening emergency.
When should you contact a veterinarian urgently?
Call a veterinarian or emergency hospital immediately for breathing problems, straining to urinate, abnormal eyes, or no eating for more than 24 hours. Do not wait if your cat cannot urinate.
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Go to an emergency veterinary hospital
- Collapse, a seizure, unresponsiveness, or unconsciousness.
- Severe difficulty breathing, serious injury, or signs of shock.
- Bleeding or a possible urinary blockage.
Call promptly about worsening or persistent symptoms
Repeated or continuous vomiting or diarrhea, blood, weakness, or reduced responsiveness warrants prompt veterinary contact. VCA advises contacting a veterinarian when vomiting or diarrhea persists beyond 6–12 hours. A single episode does not always have the same urgency: consider other symptoms and call for guidance if you are concerned.
What should you do if your cat may have been poisoned?
Contact a veterinarian immediately if you suspect your cat has eaten, inhaled, or otherwise been exposed to a hazardous substance—even if your cat seems well. Signs vary with the toxin, and serious risk may exist before symptoms are obvious.
Possible signs and household hazards
Poisoning signs can include unusual sluggishness, an unsteady gait, drooling, heavy or difficult breathing, diarrhea, seizures, or sudden vomiting. Blood in stool or urine, appetite loss, bruising, nosebleeds, an irregular heartbeat, or inability to urinate may also occur.
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Potential hazards include lilies and other plants, rodenticides, cleaners, heavy metals, garden products, and chemicals such as antifreeze. Even a tiny amount of lily can cause life-threatening kidney failure in a cat.
Get expert advice; do not induce vomiting
- Call your veterinarian or an emergency veterinary hospital and describe what your cat may have encountered.
- Keep the product label, container, or packaging available, and take it with you if you go to a clinic.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a veterinary professional specifically instructs you to do so.
In the United States, if your veterinarian is unavailable, Cornell directs owners to ASPCA Animal Poison Control at 888-426-4435. ASPCA says its poison-control service is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and a consultation fee may apply. These contact details and service terms are U.S.-specific.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How can you prepare for a veterinary call or visit?
- Note what changed and when it began. Include eating, drinking, breathing, activity, and litter-box changes, as well as any possible exposure.
- Call your regular veterinarian or an emergency hospital and follow their instructions about timing and transport.
- For suspected poisoning, bring the product label or package.
- For an injured cat, keep them quiet, minimize movement, and transport them promptly after contacting the hospital. A cat carrier or a strong cardboard box can be used. If you have a carrier with a removable top, removing it may let you place the cat inside without forcing them through the small door.
Do not give human medication unless a veterinarian specifically advises it. A home check, such as lifting the skin to look for tenting, cannot reliably determine whether a cat is ill or rule out a problem; call your veterinarian if your cat seems unwell.
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