How to Identify if Your Cat is Sick

Monitor Your Cat's Sleeping Patterns. Sick cats tend to sleep more. Even if there are no clear signs of illness, like vomiting, diarrhea, lack of appetite, or swelling, you should still keep an eye on them. If these symptoms appear, you need to take your cat to the vet.

• If no other symptoms are present, you should monitor your cat for 24 hours (of course, you should take them to the vet earlier if you're really concerned). If the fatigue persists into the second day, it's time to see the vet.

Check your cat's body temperature to determine if it has a fever. Use a rectal thermometer to measure its temperature. However, if your cat is uncomfortable, avoid taking the measurement and leave it to the vet. A normal body temperature ranges from 37.5 to 39.2°C. A temperature above 39.2°C is considered elevated, and if it's above 39.5°C, your cat has a fever. In that case, you should take them to the veterinarian.

• Cats with a fever tend to sleep deeply, skip meals, and their fur becomes dull and matted. Their nose and ears may feel dry and warm when touched, compared to a normal body temperature. While ear touching is not the most accurate method for measuring temperature, if the cat's ears feel cold, it likely does not have a fever.

Observe changes in your cat's bathroom habits. Pay attention to the following signs: how often your cat uses the litter box, if they experience difficulty, or if there is blood or mucus in their urine, or if their stools are hard and shaped like stones. If your cat has diarrhea but is still straining or has constipation (evidenced by hard, dry stools), take them to the vet. If you notice your cat straining repeatedly or unable to urinate, or if blood appears, contact your veterinarian immediately.

• Male cats are more prone to urinary issues, especially when they have trouble urinating. Signs include frequent urination and sometimes squatting outside the litter box. The cat may squat for a few minutes, then get up, move elsewhere, and squat again. If possible, check if they are urinating (is the litter pad dry or wet?) and whether there is any blood present.

Monitor your cat's eating habits. If you notice your cat is eating less or more than usual, it could indicate a problem. If your cat shows no interest in food all day, it may signal issues such as eating food from a neighbor's house, nausea, or kidney problems. However, if your cat is eating excessively, its health may be at risk.

• If your cat hasn't eaten or drunk anything for over 24 hours, take them to the vet to address any potential underlying issues before complications arise.

Check for signs of dehydration. Pay attention to any changes in your cat's water-drinking behavior. The amount of water consumed depends on whether they are eating wet food (in which case drinking water is less common) or dry food (drinking water is typical). Many conditions can cause extreme thirst, such as infections, kidney issues, overactive thyroid, and diabetes. If your cat is excessively thirsty, take them to the vet.

• You can perform a physical check by gently pinching the skin between the shoulder blades. Pull the skin upwards and away from their body (gently) and then release it. If the skin doesn't return to its normal position immediately, your cat might be dehydrated and should be seen by a vet immediately.

Keep track of your cat's weight and body shape. Any change in weight is significant and should be checked. Sudden or gradual weight loss could be a sign of illness. If in doubt, weigh your cat weekly at home. If the weight continues to decrease, take them to the vet.

• In the early stages of illnesses such as diabetes or hyperthyroidism, cats may appear normal but lose weight. If weight loss is persistent, consult your vet.
• Some diseases, like abdominal cancer or heart disease, might not affect weight but can alter the cat's body shape. This may make it easier to feel the ribs and spine because there's less fat covering them, but the belly might appear round or distended. If you suspect such issues, take your cat to the vet.

Check the cat's fur. When a cat is ill, it may lack the energy to groom itself. Typically, a shiny and tidy coat will become dull, rough, and tangled. While stress can contribute to shedding or changes in grooming habits, it's a sign that your cat is likely unwell. In such cases, it's important to take them to the vet.

• Changes in grooming habits can also be caused by arthritis. Cats may avoid grooming because it causes them pain, especially if their joints and muscles are stiff and sore. This is another symptom that should not be ignored and requires a visit to a veterinarian.

Recognize vomiting. If your cat vomits, especially multiple times in a day and shows signs of fatigue, this could be a clear indication of illness. If your cat refuses to drink water or vomits after drinking, they need to see a vet.

• Most cats occasionally vomit (once or twice a week) to help cleanse their system. There's no need to worry if your cat remains active, alert, behaves normally, and eats well.

Watch for diarrhea. A cat's normal stool is shaped like a sausage. Diarrhea, however, presents as loose, unformed stools, which is a sign that something is wrong. If your cat is otherwise healthy, you may wait 24 hours to see if they ate something that upset their stomach. However, if vomiting, lack of appetite, lethargy, or a coma-like state occurs, or if there is blood or mucus in the stool (like jelly), you should immediately take your cat to the vet.

Monitor your cat's activity level. Lethargy or a lack of energy is a sign of fever, difficulty breathing, or pain. This is different from a cat simply sleeping more; when they are awake but have no energy to interact or engage in their usual activities, it's a concern. If your cat shows signs of lethargy and rapid breathing, a vet visit is necessary.

• Keep track of your cat's behavior. If they become abnormally fatigued and lose interest in their usual activities, it could be a sign of malnutrition or illness.

Detect respiratory issues. If your cat is breathing rapidly and shallowly, or has its mouth open, and isn't making an effort to breathe deeply, it's time to visit the vet. Pay attention to how difficult it is for them to breathe. If their abdomen is expanding as they try to take a breath, it's essential to seek veterinary care.

• Sometimes, purring can mislead you into thinking the cat's breathing rate is faster than it actually is. For an accurate count, measure their breathing rate when the cat isn't purring or is asleep. A normal respiratory rate for cats is 20-30 breaths per minute, lower when they're relaxed.

Watch for head tilting, dizziness, or disorientation. These signs may indicate a neurological disorder or an ear infection. If you notice these symptoms, take your cat to the vet immediately. Cats are known for their agility and swift movements, so any changes in coordination, such as becoming clumsy or tilting their head to one side, are abnormal. Cats can suffer from strokes, high blood pressure, or even brain tumors, so it's vital to seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Regularly groom your cat to check for lumps. Most lumps and bumps are benign, but if any are soft or leaking fluid, they should be examined. Also, be on the lookout for foul smells from any infected scratches. In such cases, immediate veterinary attention is necessary, as untreated infections can lead to blood poisoning.

Examine your cat's eyes. Check for excessive discharge from the eyes (or nose). If your cat's eyes appear watery, they might be suffering from allergies or sinus issues. If mucus is accompanied by frequent drinking/urination, lethargy, and dull fur, it could be a sign of kidney dysfunction, and a vet visit is essential.

• Also, check if your cat's pupils are dilated. Certain diseases can cause the pupils to remain enlarged. If you notice this, seek veterinary help immediately.

Inspect your cat's mouth. Pay attention to the color of their gums. If the gums, especially dark-colored ones, appear pale, it could indicate illness. Additionally, take note of any unusual odors from their breath. If there's a strange smell unrelated to food, it's a sign that your cat may have a health issue.

Identifying Fleas. If your cat is scratching excessively, it might be a sign of fleas. Pay attention to any continuous scratching. Use a fine-toothed comb to go through the fur and check for small, fast-moving brown spots (fleas), especially around the neck and ears.

• You can also spot fleas by combing your cat over a white piece of paper. Fleas will stick to the comb or you may see their droppings, which resemble tiny black commas. When placed on damp cotton fabric, these droppings will dissolve into bloodstains.
• There are various products available that claim to eliminate fleas and prevent them from infesting your home. It’s advisable to consult your vet for guidance.

Coughing and Vomiting as Signs of Hairballs. These symptoms may indicate a hairball lodged in the stomach, potentially leading to foul breath or a loss of appetite. Severe cases of hairballs may develop into hardened hair masses and undigested food, which could require surgery. Regular grooming of your cat can help prevent hairballs.

• Home remedies like adding supplements such as slippery elm bark to lubricate hairballs or pureed canned pumpkin to the food can help push the hairballs out. These can be added periodically, along with cooked chicken or fish, as a preventive measure for hairballs.
• It is always important to consult with a vet to rule out any serious underlying conditions.

Recognizing Hyperthyroidism in Cats. Common symptoms include increased appetite or thirst, unexplained weight loss (especially with muscle weakness), irritability, frequent vomiting, lethargy, diarrhea, or a matted coat. If your cat exhibits any two of these signs, it should be evaluated by a veterinarian. Hyperthyroidism is more common in middle-aged or older cats and is rare in young cats.

• Increased appetite can be a warning sign that your cat needs a vet checkup. The thyroid hormone can stimulate hunger, boost metabolism, and put stress on organ function.

Observing Symptoms of Diabetes in Cats. Symptoms include vomiting, dehydration, weakness, loss of appetite, increased thirst and urination, weight loss, unusual breath odor, and a rough, unkempt coat. Diabetes can occur at any age, though older and overweight cats are more prone. If your cat shows any of these signs, it's important to schedule a vet visit to check blood sugar levels and urine glucose.

Observing Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infection in Cats (FLUTD). Symptoms of FLUTD include difficulty and frequent urination, loss of appetite, lethargy, blood in the urine, or continuous licking of the genital area. This painful urinary tract infection can be fatal.

• FLUTD can be caused by various factors such as dehydration, urinary blockage, viral or bacterial infections, or diet. Certain dry foods can form crystals in the urine, causing irritation and damage to the bladder lining. If left untreated, these crystals can develop into bladder stones, leading to severe complications and blockages.