Cats behave in ways that are adorable, funny, and sometimes strange. But your cat’s behavior does more than just amuse you – it also provides you with reliable indicators of their health. If you notice any of the signs below, keep calm and take your cat to a veterinary clinic. The vet will diagnose and treat any conditions your cat is experiencing. 

7 Signs Your Cat May Be Unwell

1. Personality Change

When a formerly independent cat becomes needy and clingy, an outdoor hunter starts lying around inside, or sweetness turns to aggression, take note. Marked changes in behavior sometimes signal that your cat’s not feeling well. Extreme personality shifts that last more than a day or so warrant a visit to the veterinary clinic.

2. Food & Water Intake

Changes in the amount of food and water your cat consumes often indicate illness. Stomach issues or flu will cause a decrease in your cat’s appetite, while hyperthyroidism or diabetes will result in increased appetite and weight gain. Kidney disease also causes changes in water intake.

3. Changes in Litter Box Use 

There are many reasons why cats sometimes don’t make proper use of their litter box, not all of them health-related. The addition of a new pet, for example, will disrupt your cat’s routine. But some health conditions – anxiety, dementia in older pets, and bladder or kidney infections – are also common culprits. 

4. Vomiting & Diarrhea

Other than the occasional hairball, vomiting isn’t normal for cats. Intestinal distress is often a sign of parasites, bacterial or viral infections, allergies, or ingestion of a potentially dangerous substance. If your cat begins to vomit abruptly and acutely, or if you’re consistently finding piles of partially digested food, bring your cat to the veterinary clinic for assessment. 

5. Increased Vocalization

Caterwauling, growling, or incessant meowing is a sign that your cat is in pain, stressed, or anxious. Before attempting to modify behavior, rule out health issues by taking your cat to the vet. 

6. Over-grooming or Scratching

Hot spots (patches of dry, red, or itchy skin) and hair loss from constant licking or scratching are signs of skin conditions, parasites, and allergies. Your veterinary clinic will be able to diagnose and recommend treatment.

7. Discharge From Eyes, Ears, Nose

Discharge is a sign of upper respiratory infections, conjunctivitis, or ear mites. Without treatment, infections of the ears and eyes can eventually lead to deafness or blindness. See the vet immediately to protect your cat. 

 

If your cat shows any of the above symptoms, Hilton Veterinary Hospital offers complete wellness checks for cats (and dogs, too). This veterinary clinic has dermatology, cardiology, internal medicine, orthopedic surgery, and state-of-the-art reproductive services at their facility in Hilton, NY. Their experienced, compassionate staff understands that pets are family. Call (585) 392-2937 to make an appointment or visit their website to learn more about staff and services.