Is Your Cat Unwell? Here Are Warning Signs To Look For

Cats get sick, too, just like us. They can catch viruses, develop chronic illnesses, or simply feel under the weather for a few days. But unlike us, cats aren’t great at showing it. You won’t see them sneeze and grab a tissue or ask for a day off. That’s what makes it tricky. Their quiet, independent nature means they often suffer in silence, leaving pet owners none the wiser until the illness becomes serious.

If you're not familiar with the subtle cues, it's easy to miss the early signs that something's not right. A small change in appetite, sleeping patterns, or even how they groom themselves can be your first clue. Whether you're a first-time cat parent or have lived with your feline friend for years, it helps to know what to look out for, especially if you want to catch any issues before they become emergencies.

1. Appetite and water intake changes

One of the earliest and most obvious red flags is a change in how much your cat eats or drinks. A cat that suddenly stops eating or drinking, or conversely starts eating excessively, could be signalling an internal issue. It might be dental pain, kidney problems, or something more serious. Keep an eye on their food and water bowls; are they being emptied at the usual pace? Have they been untouched for days?

Also, don’t overlook vomiting. Occasional hairballs are normal, but frequent vomiting or diarrhoea isn't. It could indicate anything from food intolerance to gastrointestinal issues.

2. Behavioural shifts

Cats have their own routines and personalities. When these change suddenly, it's often a sign that something’s amiss. A playful, affectionate cat that becomes withdrawn or irritable could be in pain. Likewise, a usually quiet cat that starts yowling at night might be experiencing discomfort or confusion, particularly in older cats who may suffer from cognitive decline.

In environments like Cat Paradise Hotel Singapore, such shifts might be more apparent with daily photo, video updates and playtime. Keeping tabs on your cat’s daily behaviour can help you detect illness early.

3. Changes in litter box habits

Your cat’s litter box can be a window into their health. If your cat is urinating more or less often, straining to go, or starts doing their business outside the box, it could be a medical issue like a urinary tract infection, kidney disease, or diabetes. Blood in urine or stools is another definite warning sign.

Make it a habit to check the litter box daily. While it's not the most pleasant task, noticing changes in waste can give you an important head start on addressing your cat’s health.

4. Grooming and coat condition

Cats are usually fastidious groomers. If your cat starts to look unkempt or stops grooming altogether, it might be due to physical discomfort, dental issues, or even depression. Conversely, over-grooming, especially to the point of fur loss, can be a sign of allergies, parasites, or stress.

Regular brushing sessions not only help keep their coat healthy but also allow you to notice bumps, sores, or bald patches you might otherwise miss.

5. Breathing and mobility issues

Any signs of laboured breathing, wheezing, or coughing should prompt an immediate vet visit. Cats hide respiratory problems well, but if they're open-mouth breathing or seem to be breathing rapidly even while resting, it's an emergency.

Mobility is another key area. Limping, reluctance to jump, or sleeping in unusual positions can all suggest pain in the joints or muscles. Arthritis, injuries, or even hidden fractures could be the cause.

6. Eye and nose discharge

Runny eyes, nasal discharge, or frequent sneezing can indicate upper respiratory infections, something fairly common in cats, especially those who’ve had exposure to other cats at a young age. Discharge should be clear. If it’s coloured or thick, that’s a sign of infection.

Keep a close eye on squinting or blinking. These could point to eye infections, corneal ulcers, or other painful conditions that need attention.

7. Hiding or unusual sleeping habits

Cats love to nap, but if your cat is hiding more than usual or choosing odd sleeping spots, like behind the washing machine or under the bed, it might be because they’re unwell. Hiding is a natural instinct when they're feeling vulnerable.

Similarly, sleeping far more or far less than usual, especially if combined with other symptoms, is worth investigating.

8. Weight loss or gain

Sudden weight loss, even if your cat seems to be eating normally, can indicate serious conditions like hyperthyroidism or cancer. Weight gain, particularly if paired with lethargy, might point to metabolic issues. Regular weigh-ins can help you spot changes early, which is an easy practice to adopt, especially if you're using pet sitting services for cats that include routine check-ins and updates.

9. Vocalisation changes

Has your quiet kitty turned into a chatterbox? Or has your usually talkative cat gone silent? Vocal changes can reflect stress, pain, or cognitive dysfunction in senior cats. Keep note of when and how often the vocalising occurs. Is it at night? Around feeding time? In the litter box? The context matters.

10. General lethargy or restlessness

Finally, any general change in energy levels is a clue. A normally active cat that’s sleeping all day or a usually chilled-out feline that’s pacing the house could be experiencing discomfort or anxiety. In some cases, this can be linked to separation anxiety, so it's important to minimise cat stress during owner absences, especially if you're travelling or working longer hours than usual.

Conclusion

Staying alert to these warning signs can make all the difference in keeping your feline companion healthy and happy. Don’t brush off changes in behaviour or appearance as just “a phase”. Cats are subtle communicators, and those small changes could be their way of asking for help.

If you're heading out of town or simply need extra support in watching over your cat, Cat Paradise Hotel offers a safe, cosy boarding environment tailored for feline needs. Our services include premium boarding options and cat sitting to ensure your pet is well-cared for in your absence. Let us help you give your cat the comfort, care, and attention they deserve.