Recognising Early Signs of Illness

Knowing When Your Cat Is Telling You Something Isn’t Right

Cats are incredibly resilient animals. Unlike humans or dogs, they rarely show obvious signs of illness until they feel genuinely unwell. In the wild, hiding weakness was a survival instinct, helping protect them from predators and competition. Although our cats now live safe, comfortable lives, that instinct remains deeply ingrained.

For owners, this means recognising illness often comes down to noticing small changes rather than dramatic symptoms. A slight reduction in appetite, sleeping in an unusual place or becoming quieter than normal can sometimes be the first clue that something isn’t quite right.

The better you know your cat’s normal routine, the easier it becomes to recognise when something changes.

Behaviour Is Often the First Clue

Many illnesses begin with subtle behavioural changes before any physical symptoms become obvious.

A normally affectionate cat may suddenly become withdrawn. An active kitten may lose interest in toys. A confident cat may begin hiding under furniture.

These changes don’t always mean your cat is seriously ill, but they should never be ignored.

Healthy cats generally follow predictable daily routines. When those routines change unexpectedly, it’s worth paying closer attention.

Changes in Appetite

One of the most important things any owner can monitor is appetite.

A healthy cat usually eats with enthusiasm and maintains a fairly consistent feeding routine.

Warning signs include:

Eating significantly less than usual.
Refusing favourite foods.
Suddenly becoming extremely hungry.
Difficulty chewing.
Dropping food while eating.
Refusing food completely.

Cats that stop eating altogether require prompt veterinary attention, particularly kittens and hairless breeds, as they have limited energy reserves.

Drinking More or Less

Water intake can provide valuable clues about your cat’s health.

Excessive drinking may be associated with conditions such as kidney disease, diabetes or hormonal disorders, while drinking very little alongside other symptoms may indicate dehydration or illness.

If you notice a significant change in your cat’s normal drinking habits over several days, arrange a veterinary examination.

Litter Tray Changes

Your litter tray tells a story every day.

Pay attention to:

Diarrhoea.
Constipation.
Blood in urine or faeces.
Straining to urinate.
Frequent trips with little urine produced.
Urinating outside the litter tray.
Strong changes in odour.

Urinary problems, particularly in male cats, can become emergencies very quickly.

Never assume your cat is simply “being naughty” if they suddenly stop using their litter tray.

Changes in Energy Levels

Every cat has lazy days, but a noticeable reduction in activity deserves attention.

Watch for cats that:

Sleep much more than normal.
Stop climbing furniture.
Lose interest in play.
Reluctantly jump.
Tire easily.

Likewise, unusual restlessness or pacing may also indicate discomfort.

Hiding More Than Usual

Cats naturally enjoy quiet places to rest.

However, if your normally social cat suddenly spends all day hiding under the bed or inside cupboards, this may be their way of coping with pain, illness or stress.

Persistent hiding is often one of the earliest behavioural signs that something isn’t right.

Breathing Changes

Healthy cats breathe quietly and comfortably.

Seek veterinary advice immediately if your cat is:

Breathing with an open mouth.
Breathing rapidly while resting.
Struggling to breathe.
Making unusual breathing noises.
Showing blue or pale gums.

Breathing difficulties should always be treated as urgent.

Skin and Coat Changes

For Sphynx and Elf cats, skin health provides valuable insight into overall wellbeing.

Watch for:

Redness.
Sores.
Excessive oil.
Thick crusting.
Persistent scratching.
Unusual lumps.
Skin wounds that fail to heal.

Many skin problems respond well to early treatment.

Eye and Ear Problems

Healthy eyes should be bright and comfortable.

Warning signs include:

Cloudiness.
Green or yellow discharge.
Excessive tearing.
Squinting.
Swelling.

Similarly, ears should be checked regularly.

Seek veterinary advice if you notice:

Strong odour.
Excessive wax.
Head shaking.
Constant scratching.
Redness or swelling.

Weight Changes

Regularly weighing your cat can detect problems long before they become obvious.

Unexpected weight loss may indicate underlying disease, while rapid weight gain can increase the risk of obesity-related conditions.

Monthly weight checks are a simple but valuable part of preventative healthcare.

Pain Isn’t Always Obvious

Cats are experts at hiding pain.

Instead of crying, they often become quiet.

Watch for:

Reluctance to jump.
Changes in posture.
Sitting hunched.
Irritability.
Less grooming.
Reduced interaction.
Sleeping more.

Subtle changes often tell us far more than dramatic ones.

Trust Your Instincts

Owners know their cats better than anyone.

If something simply feels different—even if you can’t explain exactly why—it’s worth seeking professional advice.

Many illnesses are easier to treat when identified early.

Never feel embarrassed about asking your veterinarian to examine your cat if you’re concerned.

Prevention Is Better Than Cure

Routine healthcare dramatically improves the chances of detecting problems early.

This includes:

Annual veterinary examinations.
Vaccinations.
Parasite prevention.
Dental care.
Regular weight checks.
Routine heart screening where appropriate.
Monitoring appetite and behaviour.

Preventative care is one of the greatest gifts you can give your cat.

When Should You Seek Emergency Care?

Contact your veterinarian immediately if your cat:

Stops eating for more than 24 hours (or much sooner for kittens).
Has difficulty breathing.
Collapses.
Has repeated vomiting.
Is unable to urinate.
Suffers significant trauma.
Has seizures.
Experiences severe bleeding.
Shows sudden paralysis.
Becomes unresponsive.

When in doubt, it’s always safer to seek professional advice.

Final Thoughts

Early recognition saves lives.

Most serious illnesses don’t begin with dramatic symptoms—they begin with small changes in behaviour, appetite or routine that attentive owners notice first.

By understanding what is normal for your cat and paying attention to subtle changes, you become one of the most important contributors to their lifelong health.

No one knows your cat better than you. Learning to recognise when something isn’t quite right allows you to seek help early, giving your companion the very best chance of a full recovery and a long, healthy life

About the Author

Written by Jane Cockerton

BSc (Hons) Biological Science
Diploma in Feline Behaviour Science and Technology
Certificate in Cat Psychology and Training

Founder of Born Bold Cats and The Smart Cat Society, Jane Cockerton is an Australian feline behaviour specialist, qualified animal trainer and award-winning Sphynx and Elf cat breeder. She combines scientific knowledge with extensive hands-on experience in feline behaviour, training, kitten development and responsible breeding. Her work focuses on helping cat owners better understand feline behaviour through practical, evidence-based education and positive reinforcement training.

Educational Disclaimer

The information in this article is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional veterinary diagnosis, treatment or individual behavioural assessment. Every cat is unique. If your cat is unwell, showing signs of pain, or displaying significant behavioural changes, seek advice from your veterinarian or a qualified feline behaviour professional.