How to Tell If a Cat Is Sick

Food and Water Intake

Appetite is the first thing that comes to mind for many pet parents. Indeed, a sick cat may eat or drink more or less than usual when they're not feeling well. However, if you have multiple cats — particularly if you opt to free feed your cats — it can be next to impossible to tell who's eating or drinking what. If you suspect one of your kitties might be sick, stick to individual meal feeding and keep a close eye on their food and water bowls for cues.

Cats aren't typically big water drinkers, so it may be challenging to notice a decrease in water consumption. Other factors may also account for your cat drinking less water, such as switching to wet food from dry food. To make things more complicated, many common diseases in cats — such as kidney disease, thyroid disease, or feline diabetes — can lead to an increase in water consumption. Whether you're concerned about your cat drinking less or you find yourself refilling their water bowl more often, let your veterinarian know.

Litter Box Habits

What goes in must come out, so litter box habits go hand in hand with appetite and water consumption. Keeping a close eye on your cat's litter box can often be more straightforward, too. Is the stool small and hard or loose and smelly? Are the clumps of urine bigger than usual? Is your cat making more frequent trips to the litter box? Are you having to scoop more or less than usual? Any of these changes can indicate something is off with your cat.

Respiratory Signs

Sometimes, knowing how to tell if a cat is sick can be more obvious. Outward signs such as holding one eye closed, sneezing, coughing or discharge from the nose or eyes can indicate illness. However, some signs of upper respiratory infections in cats can be more subtle. For example, breathing hard when lying down or laboring to breathe in general can indicate a respiratory concern, particularly if it's out of the norm for your cat.

Some signs, such as sneezing, require veterinary attention but aren't an emergency. On the other hand, difficulty breathing is a sign of a very sick cat. If your cat is coughing or breathing with their mouth open, take your cat to the vet or your nearest emergency clinic right away. Possible causes could range from feline asthma to heart failure to cancer, so prompt veterinary care is essential.

Behavior and Energy Level

"Something is off" isn't exactly a sign, but it can be more useful than you think. You know your cat best, so trust your gut. A sick cat may lie in strange places, sleep more, appear grumpy or standoffish with people or other pets, or play or walk around less than usual. Is your affectionate cat suddenly refusing pets? Does your aloof cat want more attention? Any changes in personality can indicate you have a sick cat on your hands.

Grooming Habits

When you don't feel well, you may take less care with your hygiene and appearance. Well, a sick cat is no different. Anytime the body is under stress, it has to prioritize which systems get the most energy and attention. If your cat has arthritis or other underlying discomfort — whether due to dental disease, trouble breathing or simply feeling unwell — grooming may become less of a priority. The skin and fur can fall by the wayside, leading to a dull, flaky coat. Matted or tangled fur, often on the back half of their body, is another sign your cat's grooming routine may be taking a back seat.

Conversely, some sick cats may overgroom a particular area. The most common causes of hair loss from overgrooming are allergies and stress, but anything from fleas to feline lower urinary tract disease can prompt this behavior.

How to Take Care of a Sick Cat

If you suspect there's something wrong with your cat, the first and most important step is to take them to the veterinarian. Based on a physical exam and any diagnostic tests, such as blood tests, urine tests or X-rays, your vet will recommend the best treatment. Depending on the cause, this may include therapeutic nutrition, medication or feline stress management.

In the meantime, you can support a sick cat at home by keeping them indoors if they normally go outside, providing balanced nutrition and fresh water and monitoring them closely for new or changing signs.

You know your cat better than anyone, so if you suspect something is off, listen to your instincts. Cats can't tell you when they don't feel well, so it's up to you to identify subtle signs and get them the help they need. Observing your cat's usual habits and noting sudden changes can go a long way toward keeping your feline friend happy and healthy.