How to Tell if Your Cat Is Sick: Signs & Symptoms

Is my cat sick?

Spotting the early signs of sickness in your cat can be tricky. Since cats can't verbally express their feelings, cat owners need to take note of their cat's behavior. Bring your cat in for regular checkups to make sure they are continually healthy. Cat illnesses range from common and highly contagious cat colds to diabetes, feline immunodeficiency virus, feline leukemia virus, worms, hyperthyroidism, and even cancer.

The signs and symptoms that your cat shows will depend upon the kind of illness they are suffering from however several symptoms are common to many health issues in cats.

Below, our vets from Diablo View Veterinary Medical Hospital share a few signs that can mean it's time to book a vet appointment, as well as more serious symptoms that indicate that your cat needs emergency veterinary care.

Signs of a Sick Cat

Cats have an instinct to hide if they are sick or injured. so it's important to monitor your cat's behavior to watch for anything that seems out of the ordinary for your kitty. Although it may just be a passing bout of indigestion or a cold, it's also possible that your cat has a more serious condition that needs medical attention.

Cats hide pain and illness well, so what looks like a minor issue could be a sign of something more serious. Contact your vet to book an appointment if you notice any of the following symptoms.

Signs of a Veterinary Emergency 

While the symptoms listed above indicate that it's time to book a veterinary appointment for your cat, the symptoms listed below are much more serious. If your cat shows any of the following symptoms urgent veterinary care is required.

If you are unclear whether your cat's symptoms are indicative of an emergency, you can contact us and we can help you decide.

Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.