Key Takeaways
- I’ve learned that appetite changes lasting more than 24 hours need vet attention
- When cats hide or act aggressive, they’re usually telling us they’re in pain
- Litter box problems can signal serious health issues – don’t ignore them
- Breathing trouble or extreme tiredness means drop everything and get to the vet
- Catching illness early has saved me thousands in vet bills and heartache
- Regular vet checkups help me know what’s “normal” for each of my cats
I’ve had cats for over 15 years, and I’ll be honest – I’ve missed some early warning signs that I wish I’d caught sooner. Cats are masters at hiding illness, and I’ve learned the hard way that by the time they look obviously sick, they’ve probably been feeling bad for a while.
After three emergency vet visits that could have been prevented and countless regular checkups, I’ve gotten pretty good at reading the subtle (and not-so-subtle) signs. Here’s what I watch for now, and when I’ve learned to worry.
1. When They’re Not Eating Like Usual
This one hits me every time because I know my cats’ eating habits like clockwork. Here’s what sends up red flags for me:
- My cat hasn’t touched their food in 12-24 hours
- They’re eating way less than normal (I notice because I measure their food)
- Suddenly eating tons but getting skinnier
- They seem to want to eat but keep dropping food or having trouble chewing
- They’ll only eat wet food when they normally love their dry kibble
Why I don’t mess around with this: I learned the hard way that cats can develop something called hepatic lipidosis if they don’t eat for just a few days. Basically, their liver gets overwhelmed trying to process fat for energy. My friend’s cat almost died from this, and it happened scary fast.
When I call my vet: Any eating changes that last more than a day, especially if I notice other weird stuff too.
2. When They’re Acting Like a Different Cat
I know my cats’ personalities really well, so when they start acting off, I pay attention:
- My social cat suddenly hiding under the bed or in closets
- My sweet cat getting snappy or hissing when I try to pet them
- They stop following me around or greeting me at the door
- They can’t seem to get comfortable – keep moving from spot to spot
- They’re suddenly way more vocal than usual, or my chatty cat goes silent
What I’ve figured out: When my cats are in pain, they either hide or get defensive. It’s like they’re protecting themselves. My normally cuddly cat once spent two days under the couch, and it turned out she had a bladder infection.
3. Litter Box Red Flags
I clean the litter boxes daily, so I notice changes pretty quickly:
- Peeing outside the box (this is never just “bad behavior” in my experience)
- I see them straining to pee or poop
- There’s blood in the urine or stool
- Diarrhea that goes on for more than a day
- They haven’t peed at all (I learned this is a drop-everything emergency)
- They cry or yowl while using the box
Something I learned the expensive way: Male cats can get urinary blockages that can kill them in 1-2 days. I rushed my male cat to the emergency vet at 2 AM because he kept going to the litter box but nothing was coming out. The vet said I probably saved his life by not waiting until morning.
4. Breathing Problems (This Scares Me Every Time)
Cats don’t pant like dogs, so when I see any breathing issues, I don’t wait:
- Breathing with their mouth open (I’ve never seen a healthy cat do this)
- Fast or labored breathing when they’re just lying around
- Any wheezing, coughing, or weird breathing sounds
- Their gums or tongue look blue or purple
- They’re panting when it’s not hot and they haven’t been running around
My rule: If I’m worried about their breathing, I’m calling the vet immediately. I’d rather feel silly about a false alarm than lose my cat.
5. When Their Energy Just Disappears
I know how active each of my cats normally is, so these changes worry me:
- Suddenly sleeping way more than usual
- They stop jumping on their favorite spots
- No interest in toys they usually love
- They seem weak or wobbly when they walk
- They’re having trouble getting up or lying down
What I’ve noticed: Even my older cats have good days and bad days, but sudden changes are different. When my 12-year-old cat stopped jumping onto the couch (her favorite spot), it turned out she had arthritis pain.
6. Physical Changes I Can See
Sometimes I can tell just by looking that something’s wrong:
Their eyes: Gunky stuff, cloudiness, squinting, or that weird third eyelid showing Their coat: Looks dull or greasy, matted fur, or they’re shedding everywhere Weight changes: Getting skinny or fat quickly (I weigh them monthly now) How they carry themselves: Hunched over, head hanging down, walking differently Grooming habits: Creating bald spots from over-grooming, or looking messy because they stopped cleaning themselves
Something I learned: A cat’s coat really does show how they’re feeling. When they stop grooming, it’s usually because they don’t feel good. My cat’s fur was the first clue that she was getting sick – it just looked “off” before any other symptoms showed up.
7. Stomach Issues That Make Me Worry
I’ve dealt with my share of digestive problems with my cats:
- Throwing up more than once in 24 hours
- Dry heaving like they want to throw up but can’t
- Drooling way more than normal
- Their breath suddenly smells terrible
- Their belly seems tender or swollen when I gently feel it
- They haven’t pooped in more than two days
My experience: Some cats throw up occasionally (hairballs, eating too fast), but frequent vomiting is different. I’ve learned not to just clean it up and hope it stops – there’s usually a reason.
8. Neurological Stuff (The Scary Symptoms)
These symptoms always send me straight to the vet:
- They can’t keep their balance or are walking funny
- Head tilted to one side or walking in circles
- Any kind of seizure or uncontrollable shaking
- They seem confused or don’t recognize familiar places
- They suddenly can’t see (walking into things)
- One side of their body seems weaker than the other
My approach: I don’t mess around with neurological symptoms. They often mean something serious is happening.
9. Temperature and Circulation Issues
I’ve gotten pretty good at doing basic health checks:
When they might have a fever: Hot ears, very lethargic, won’t eat When they might be too cold: Cold ears and paws, shivering, weakness Circulation problems: Pale or blue gums, or when I press their gums it takes forever to turn pink again
Quick check I do: I gently press my cat’s gums and count. They should turn pink again within 2 seconds. If it takes longer, I’m concerned about their circulation.
10. The Subtle Stuff (That I Used to Miss)
Now I pay attention to these small changes that add up:
- Drinking more or less water than usual
- Sleeping in different places than normal
- Small changes to their daily routine
- Being just a little less social
- Minor differences in their litter box habits
What I do now: I actually write down these little things. I’ve found that when I show my vet a list of small changes, they can often piece together what might be happening before it gets worse.
When I Drop Everything and Go to the Vet
Emergency situations (I don’t wait):
- Any breathing problems
- Can’t urinate (especially my male cats)
- Non-stop vomiting or severe diarrhea
- I think they ate something toxic
- Any kind of injury
- Seizures
- They’re unconscious or extremely weak
When I call within 24 hours:
- Not eating
- Acting different than usual
- Minor breathing concerns
- Digestive upset
- Changes in bathroom habits
How I Prevent Problems Now
Regular vet visits:
- Once a year for my younger cats
- Twice a year for my senior cats (7+)
- Helps me and my vet establish what’s normal for each cat
What I do at home:
- I weigh them weekly (bought a pet scale – best $30 I ever spent)
- I pay attention to their eating and behavior every day
- Monthly “hands-on” checks – feeling for lumps, looking at their teeth
- I take photos of anything that looks different (helps me track changes)
I’ve made their environment healthier:
- Reduced stress by keeping routines consistent
- Upgraded their food and always have fresh water available
- Keep litter boxes super clean (one more box than I have cats)
- Made sure they’re safe indoors
My Bottom Line
I’ve learned that trusting my gut saves money and potentially saves lives. I know my cats better than anyone, and when something feels off, it usually is. I’d rather call my vet and have them tell me everything’s fine than wait and have something be seriously wrong.
My cats are tough little creatures, but they’re also really good at hiding when they hurt. By watching for these signs, I feel like I’m giving them the best care I can. And honestly? My vet bills have gotten smaller since I started catching things early instead of waiting for emergencies.
If you’re reading this because you’re worried about your cat, trust yourself. A quick call to your vet can help you figure out if you need to come in right away or if it’s okay to monitor at home.
