Signs Your Cat May Not Be Feeling Well

Cats are very good at minimizing signs of discomfort or illness because in the wild, cats tend to hide their symptoms, so they are less likely to be spotted by predators. Unfortunately for pet owners, this also means that you might not realize something is going on until it’s become a bigger issue.

Seeking Help

If you detect something is off, it’s a good idea to get your kitty checked out by a vet. By the time they start showing symptoms, their illness or injury may be more advanced than you realize. Getting trouble treated early often leads to a better prognosis.

Your vet may recommend further diagnostic tests or imaging to pinpoint what’s going on. These treatments can be expensive, but the earlier you can get a diagnosis, the sooner you can begin treatment. Using a payment plan can make expensive diagnostic tests more accessible so you can get your beloved kitty the treatment they deserve. An option like Cherry can help you break up costs as high as $35,000, allowing for less burden when the final bill comes.

Changes in Your Cat’s Appearance or Behavior

When your cat isn’t feeling well, they may not look well either. They might sit more hunched over than normal, or they may not be as graceful as they usually are. When your cat isn’t feeling well, they may not groom themselves enough. Cats are normally meticulous about their appearance, so if you notice changes, it could indicate something isn’t right. Usually, you won’t notice a single change as standing out.

There may be several changes that don’t seem all that concerning on their own. But keep an eye out for changes like increased dandruff, loose fur, matted fur, and grease buildup in their coat. Behavioral changes can be another sign that your cat is trying to hide pain or discomfort. This might be especially noticeable if your cat has always been friendly or playful. If they are in pain or don’t have a lot of energy, they may not feel up to playing the way they normally do. Since cats try to hide the fact that they aren’t feeling well, they may try to avoid any socialization with you.

Increased Vocalization

Housecats often learn to meow or make other noises more than they would in the wild because they learn that their humans like it. However, if you notice that your cat seems to be more vocal than they usually are, it could mean there’s a problem. This is especially true if your cat is normally quiet. When this behavior goes on longer than a couple of days, it becomes more concerning.

There are many things that increased vocalization could point to. It might mean there is a neurological problem or that your cat is in pain. If you have ruled out common causes, like an empty food bowl, it might be a good idea to consult with your vet.

Increased Thirst

Many times, cats don’t drink enough water. They aren’t naturally attracted to water, and most cats don’t like to drink it out of a bowl. So if you notice that your cat seems to be drinking water more eagerly than before, there could be a problem. Endocrine disorders and diabetes are two common causes of increased thirst, especially if your feline friend is older. The good news is these issues tend to be easily treatable, especially if you’re able to catch them early.

Refusing to Eat

Cats normally go through phases where they love a certain food and then get tired of it. But if your kitty is barely touching or refusing all food and treats, don’t ignore this warning sign. Even if the food in their bowl isn’t their favorite, a cat’s natural instinct is to eat when they are hungry. If they aren’t it could be due to something as simple as a toothache or as serious as cancer.

Weight loss is another cause for concern, whether your cat seems to be eating enough. Losing a couple of pounds isn’t a big deal for people, but for a cat who may only weigh several pounds, this is a significant amount of weight. Your vet can screen your cat for potential causes, including hyperthyroidism, cancer, and dental issues.

Vomiting

It's normal for cats to vomit every now and then, especially during shedding season when hairballs may become more frequent. Cats will often eat things they disagree with them, like your favorite houseplant. But if your cat has been vomiting more often, especially for more than a couple of days, there could be something else going on, like an intestinal blockage or liver disease. Even if vomiting isn’t tied to a specific health condition, it can lead to dehydration, which presents its own set of risks. Pay attention to how often vomiting is happening and what it looks like.