Cats are experts at masking pain and discomfort, which can make it difficult for owners to notice when something’s wrong. Subtle changes in behaviour, appetite, or grooming habits can be early indicators that your cat’s health or quality of life is starting to decline.
Recognising these signs early can help you take action before the situation worsens and ensure your feline companion stays as comfortable as possible.
This article is for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Always consult a qualified veterinarian if you notice changes in your cat’s health or behaviour. Images are for illustrative purposes only.
1. Sudden Weight Loss Or Gain
When your cat’s body shape changes noticeably over a few weeks, something may be off balance. Rapid weight loss could point to diabetes, kidney disease, or hyperthyroidism, while unexpected weight gain might suggest hormonal issues or reduced activity due to pain.
Keep track of your cat’s weight by feeling their ribs and spine during regular cuddles. If bones become too prominent or disappear under extra padding, schedule a vet visit. Early detection of metabolic problems can make treatment much more effective and comfortable for your pet.
2. Changes In Litter Box Habits
Your cat’s bathroom routine tells you a lot about their internal health. Straining to urinate, producing tiny amounts of urine, or avoiding the litter box entirely can signal urinary tract infections, kidney failure, or bladder stones.
Diarrhea or constipation lasting more than a day also deserves attention. Watch for blood in stool or urine, as this often indicates serious conditions requiring immediate care. Cats are naturally clean animals, so any deviation from their normal routine should raise concern and prompt a conversation with your veterinarian about possible underlying causes.
3. Decreased Appetite Or Thirst Changes
A cat who suddenly turns away from their favourite food may be dealing with dental pain, nausea, or organ dysfunction. Similarly, drinking much more or much less water than usual can indicate diabetes, kidney disease, or thyroid problems.
Monitor how much your cat eats and drinks each day. If they skip more than two meals or their water bowl empties twice as fast as normal, contact your vet. Loss of appetite for even a few days can lead to serious liver problems in cats, making prompt attention crucial for their recovery.
4. Hiding Or Withdrawal From Family
Cats naturally seek solitude sometimes, but excessive hiding often means they feel unwell or anxious. A normally social cat who suddenly spends all day under the bed or in closets may be experiencing pain or distress.
This behaviour stems from their wild instincts to hide vulnerability from predators. Pay attention if your cat stops greeting you at the door, avoids favourite napping spots, or refuses to join family activities. Withdrawal combined with other symptoms usually indicates a health issue that needs professional evaluation to identify and address properly.
5. Grooming Habits Shift Dramatically
Cats spend hours grooming themselves daily, so any major change in this routine matters. Over-grooming one area until fur falls out might indicate allergies, parasites, or stress, while neglecting grooming altogether suggests arthritis, obesity, or depression.
A greasy, matted coat or dandruff often signals that your cat cannot reach certain areas comfortably. Check for bald patches, excessive scratching, or a disheveled appearance. Dental disease can also prevent proper grooming since cats use their mouths extensively during cleaning. Address grooming changes promptly to prevent skin infections or discomfort.
6. Breathing Difficulties Or Coughing
Healthy cats breathe quietly and effortlessly. If you notice open-mouth breathing, rapid chest movements, wheezing, or persistent coughing, your cat may have respiratory disease, heart failure, or asthma.
Watch for your cat extending their neck while breathing or making unusual sounds with each breath. Cats rarely cough compared to dogs, so even occasional coughing deserves attention. Respiratory distress can worsen quickly and become life-threatening. Contact your veterinarian immediately if breathing problems appear, as oxygen deprivation damages organs rapidly and requires urgent medical intervention for the best outcome.
7. Reduced Mobility Or Stiffness
Arthritis affects many older cats but often goes unnoticed because they adapt gradually. If your cat stops jumping onto furniture, struggles with stairs, or walks with a stiff gait, joint pain may be limiting their movement.
You might notice them sleeping in more accessible spots or avoiding the litter box if climbing in hurts. Some cats become irritable when touched in painful areas. Fortunately, pain management options exist to improve comfort and mobility. Talk to your vet about medications, supplements, or environmental modifications that could help your cat move more freely again.
8. Vocalization Changes Or Excessive Meowing
Cats communicate through meowing, but sudden increases in vocalization can signal distress. Elderly cats with cognitive dysfunction often yowl at night, while cats in pain may cry out when moving or being touched.
Hyperthyroidism commonly causes increased vocalization alongside other symptoms. Listen for changes in the tone, frequency, or timing of your cat’s meows. A normally quiet cat who becomes chatty or a talkative cat who goes silent both warrant investigation. Document when excessive vocalization occurs and what triggers it to help your veterinarian diagnose the underlying cause accurately.
9. Bad Breath Or Drooling
While cat breath will never smell minty fresh, a foul odor often indicates dental disease, mouth ulcers, or kidney problems. Healthy cats rarely drool, so excessive saliva production suggests nausea, oral pain, or poisoning.
Check your cat’s gums for redness, swelling, or unusual growths. Dental disease causes suffering and can spread bacteria to vital organs if left untreated. Many cats show dramatic improvements in energy and appetite after dental cleanings. Regular oral health checks at home and professional cleanings when recommended can prevent serious complications and keep your cat comfortable.
10. Personality Or Behavior Changes
A friendly cat who becomes aggressive or a playful cat who seems depressed may be experiencing illness or cognitive decline. Behavioral shifts often appear before physical symptoms become obvious.
Senior cats can develop feline cognitive dysfunction, similar to dementia in humans, causing confusion, disorientation, or altered sleep cycles. Pain also changes personality, making gentle cats irritable or active cats lethargic. Track any behavioral changes and their timing. Share this information with your vet, as it provides valuable clues about what might be affecting your cat’s wellbeing and helps guide appropriate testing and treatment.
