Cats are great at hiding pain, so it’s important for pet owners to stay alert. Often, subtle changes in behavior or appearance can be a cat’s way of showing that something isn’t right.
In this blog, we’ll explore 14 critical signs that can indicate your cat is in distress. By learning to identify these symptoms early, you can make sure your cat gets the care they need to stay healthy and happy, so let’s get started!
1. Changes in Appetite
Cats often show us that something is wrong through changes in behavior, and one of the clearest signs is their eating habits. Whether your cat is eating much less or much more, these shifts can show underlying problems that need attention.
Loss of Appetite
When a cat stops eating, it’s often a red flag that something is wrong. Cats may lose their appetite because of stress, pain, or illness. For example, dental problems like a sore tooth or gum disease can make eating uncomfortable. Serious conditions like kidney disease, liver problems, or infections can also cause a lack of interest in food. Cats are sensitive to changes in their environment too—moving to a new home or a new pet in the house can lead to stress that affects their eating habits.
Increased Appetite
If your cat suddenly starts eating more, it can also be a sign of a problem. Cats with conditions like diabetes or hyperthyroidism often feel hungry all the time because their bodies can’t properly process food. Parasites, like worms, can also cause your cat to eat more while losing weight.
2. Altered Litter Box Habits
If your cat is going to the litter box more often or struggling to urinate, it’s important to pay attention. These behaviors can signal medical problems that may need immediate care.
Increased Urination
If your cat is urinating more often than usual, it could be a sign of diabetes, kidney disease, or hyperthyroidism. These conditions make your cat drink more water, which leads to more trips to the litter box. Increased urination can also cause accidents outside the box, even in cats that are usually well-trained. Keep an eye on how much water your cat is drinking and how often they’re using the litter box.
Straining or Inability to Urinate
If your cat is spending a lot of time in the litter box but only producing small amounts of urine—or none at all—it may be a sign of a urinary blockage or bladder infection. Male cats, in particular, are at risk for life-threatening blockages that require immediate medical attention. You might also notice your cat crying or looking uncomfortable while trying to urinate. If this happens, don’t wait—call your vet immediately.
3. Behavioral Changes
Your cat’s behavior can tell you a lot about how they’re feeling. If your usually friendly cat starts acting differently, it might be their way of showing they’re not feeling well. Changes like hiding more often or becoming aggressive can be signs of stress, pain, or illness.
Hiding or Withdrawal
If your cat is spending more time alone, hiding under furniture, or avoiding you, it could mean they’re not feeling well. Cats often hide when they’re in pain or scared. Illnesses like arthritis, infections, or even stress caused by changes in their environment can make them want to be alone.
Increased Aggression
A cat that becomes unusually aggressive may be trying to tell you something is wrong. Pain, fear, or discomfort can make a normally calm cat become aggressive. For example, a cat with an injury or arthritis can hiss or scratch if you touch a sore spot. Stress from a new pet, a move, or loud noises can also cause aggressive behavior.
4. Altered Sleep Patterns
Cats are known for sleeping a lot, but changes in their sleep habits can sometimes show that there is a problem. If your cat is sleeping much more than usual or struggling to relax, it could mean they’re not feeling well.
Excessive Sleeping
Even though cats naturally sleep for many hours a day, sleeping even more than usual could mean your cat is not feeling well. Cats often sleep more when they’re feeling sick, in pain, or low on energy due to conditions like infections or anemia. If your cat isn’t interested in playing and spends most of their time asleep, it’s a good idea to check in with your vet.
Insomnia or Restlessness
If your cat is unusually alert, restless, or struggling to relax, it could be a sign of discomfort. Conditions like arthritis, hyperthyroidism, or anxiety can make it hard for your cat to relax. Cats can also be restless if they’re in pain or feeling stressed by changes in their environment. If your cat seems unusually active, especially at night, you should check that with your vet.
5. Vocalization Changes
Cats use their voice to communicate, so changes in the way they meow or yowl can be a sign that something is wrong. If your cat is suddenly more vocal or making unusual sounds, it’s important to pay attention. These changes might be their way of telling you they’re in pain, stressed, or unwell.
Excessive Meowing or Yowling
Cats with conditions like hyperthyroidism, hunger, or even loneliness may become very vocal. Older cats sometimes yowl due to confusion caused by cognitive issues. If your cat’s vocalizations are sudden and persistent, pay attention to their behavior and talk to your vet to rule out any health problems.
Low-Pitched Yowling
A deep, low-pitched yowl can mean your cat is in pain or anxious. Cats often make this sound when they’re uncomfortable, scared, or experiencing something unusual in their environment. For example, a cat in pain from an injury or illness can use this sound to let you know they need help.
6. Grooming Behavior
Cats usually spend a lot of time grooming themselves, but changes in this behavior can be a sign of stress, discomfort, or illness. Whether your cat is grooming too much or not at all, it’s important to pay attention and figure out what can be causing the change.
Overgrooming
If your cat is grooming too much, especially in one area, it could mean they’re stressed or in pain. Overgrooming can lead to bald patches or irritated skin, which might be a sign of allergies, fleas, or skin conditions. Cats also groom a lot when they’re anxious or bored, so changes in their environment or routine can trigger this behavior.
Lack of Grooming
A cat that stops grooming altogether might not be feeling well. This usually means they have an illness like arthritis, which can make grooming painful, but also conditions like obesity can make it physically hard for them to reach certain areas. Cats that are stressed or depressed may also stop grooming. If your cat’s coat starts to look messy, greasy, or matted, it’s a good idea to get them checked by a vet to make sure everything is okay.
7. Weight Fluctuations
Your cat’s weight is a strong indicator of their overall health. Just like with people, sudden weight changes, whether it’s losing or gaining weight, can mean something is wrong. If you notice your cat’s body shape or size changing, it’s important to figure out why.
Weight Loss
If your cat is losing weight without any changes in their diet or activity, it could be a sign of an underlying problem. Weight loss can happen due to conditions like hyperthyroidism, diabetes, or kidney disease. Cats with dental pain may also eat less, which then leads to weight loss. Keep an eye on your cat’s appetite and energy levels.
Weight Gain
Gaining weight, especially quickly, can also signal a health issue. Cats can gain weight due to overeating, lack of exercise, or conditions like hypothyroidism. Obesity can lead to serious health problems, such as diabetes or joint pain, and it’s harder for cats to lose weight once they’ve gained it. If your cat seems heavier than usual, talk to your vet about the best way to manage their diet and activity.
8. Respiratory Issues
Breathing problems in cats should never be ignored. If your cat is coughing, wheezing, or struggling to breathe, it could mean they are dealing with a serious health issue. Paying attention to these signs and acting quickly can make a big difference in your cat’s health.
Coughing or Wheezing
Coughing or wheezing in cats can happen for many reasons, like asthma, allergies, or even something stuck in their throat. Cats with lung infections or heart problems can also develop these symptoms. If your cat is coughing often or wheezing when they breathe, it’s important to have them checked by a vet.
Labored Breathing
If it looks like it’s hard for your cat to breathe, it’s a serious sign that something is wrong. Labored breathing means your cat is open-mouth breathing, fast breathing, or making unusual noises when inhaling or exhaling. Heart disease, lung issues, or fluid buildup in the chest could cause this. If your cat struggles to breathe, get them to a vet immediately, as it can be life-threatening.
9. Eye and Nose Discharge
Eye and nose discharge can be signs of an infection or other health issues in your cat. If your cat’s eyes or nose are running more than usual, it could indicate a cold, allergies, or even something more serious. It’s important to watch for any changes in your cat’s eyes and nose to catch problems early.
Watery Eyes or Nasal Discharge
Clear watery eyes or a runny nose are often signs of a mild issue like a cold or allergies. Cats can get upper respiratory infections that cause these symptoms, and even though they may seem harmless, they can lead to bigger problems if left untreated. If the discharge is persistent or your cat seems to be having trouble breathing, it’s important to take them to the vet for a checkup.
Opaque Discharge
If the discharge from your cat’s eyes or nose becomes thick, yellow, green, or cloudy, it could be a sign of a more serious infection, like conjunctivitis or a bacterial respiratory infection. Opaque discharge could also be a sign of dental problems or sinus infections.
10. Changes in Coat Condition
Your cat’s coat is a good indicator of their overall health. A shiny, clean coat usually means your cat is feeling well, so if that changes it usually means there’s a health issue.
Dull or Greasy Fur
If your cat’s fur looks dull, greasy, or matted, it might be a sign that they’re not grooming themselves properly or that something is wrong. As we mentioned above, a greasy coat can be caused by skin infections, allergies, or conditions like hyperthyroidism. Cats with arthritis or obesity may also have trouble grooming themselves properly, which leads to a dull appearance.
Hair Loss
Hair loss in cats can happen for many reasons. It could be caused by allergies, stress, fleas, or even more serious conditions like hormonal imbalances or infections. If your cat is losing hair in patches, especially if the skin underneath is red, itchy, or inflamed, it’s important to get them checked by a vet. Early treatment can help prevent further hair loss and treat the underlying cause.
11. Mobility Issues
Changes in your cat’s movement can be a sign of pain or injury. Cats are usually very active, so if you notice it’s hard for your cat to move, something is probably wrong. Mobility issues could be caused by something as simple as a sprain or something more serious like arthritis.
Limping or Difficulty Jumping
If your cat is limping, walking unevenly, or having trouble jumping onto furniture or climbing, it could mean they are in pain. This could be caused by an injury, arthritis, or even problems with their muscles or joints. Cats often try to hide their pain, so if you see them having difficulty with their usual movements, it’s a good idea to take them to the vet for an examination.
Stiffness
Stiffness, especially after waking up or after exercise, could be a sign of joint pain or arthritis. Older cats, in particular, may experience this as part of the aging process. If your cat is moving more slowly, seems reluctant to stretch, or avoids some activities, stiffness could be the cause.
12. Swelling or Lumps
Even though some lumps may not be serious, others could be signs of infection, tumors, or other medical conditions. It’s important to check your cat regularly for any changes in their body and take action if you notice anything unusual.
Visible Swelling
If you notice any visible swelling on your cat’s body, it could be a sign of an injury, infection, or even a tumor. Swelling can appear suddenly or gradually, and it can be soft or firm. Areas like the face, legs, or abdomen are common for swelling.
Palpable Lumps
Lumps that you can feel under your cat’s skin should also be checked. These lumps could be caused by cysts, infections, or even tumors. Some lumps are harmless, but others might need treatment, especially if they grow or change shape over time. If you find a lump on your cat, have it examined by a vet to rule out any serious conditions and ensure your cat’s health is not at risk.
13. Unusual Odors
Cats should generally have a clean, neutral smell, and any strong or foul odors could indicate a health problem. Paying attention to these smells can help you catch issues early and get your cat the care they need.
Bad Breath
Bad breath in cats is more common than you might think, but it can also be a sign of dental problems, such as gum disease or tooth decay. If your cat’s breath smells sour, rotten, or unusually strong, it could mean they need a dental checkup. In some cases, bad breath can also be a sign of other issues, like kidney disease or diabetes.
Body Odor
Cats usually don’t have a strong body smell, but if they start to smell unusually bad, it could be a sign of an infection, skin condition, or other health issue. A foul body smell may come from an infection, a dirty coat, or even a problem with the digestive system. If your cat’s coat smells sour or like rotten food, it’s important to have them seen by a vet to see what causes it.
14. Changes in Drinking Habits
Changes in your cat’s drinking habits can be a sign of health problems. If your cat starts drinking much more or much less than usual, it could mean there’s an issue with their kidneys, diabetes, or another condition. It’s important to pay attention to how much water your cat is drinking so that you can catch any changes early.
Increased Thirst
If your cat suddenly starts drinking a lot more water than usual, there is a possibility they have diabetes or kidney disease. Increased thirst is often linked to these issues because the body is trying to get rid of extra sugar or toxins.
Decreased Drinking
If your cat is drinking less than usual or seems uninterested in water, it can be a sign of dehydration or a health issue. Cats with kidney disease, infections, or dental problems usually drink less. Sometimes they drink less water because of nausea or pain.
Conclusion
Paying attention to the signs that your cat may be unwell is important for keeping them healthy. Changes in eating, drinking, behavior, or grooming can show that something is wrong. If you notice any of these signs, it’s a good idea to visit the vet. The sooner you take action, the better your cat’s chances of getting better and feeling comfortable again.
For more information on identifying when your cat might be in pain, check out our guide on How to Tell If a Cat Is in Pain. Taking care of your cat when they show signs of distress helps them live a happy and healthy life.
