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Cats are better than dogs at hiding pain and discomfort, making it difficult to tell when they need veterinary attention. Knowing some behaviors to watch for can help you pick up on subtle symptoms that indicate something’s wrong, allowing them to get appropriate care in a timely manner. Below are just a few signs that your cat may need a pet health exam.

When to Seek Veterinary Care for Your Cat

1. Changed Eating or Drinking Habits

Changes in appetite and water consumption should be noted and checked out right away. Something as small as a toothache could be causing them to eat less, but a loss of appetite is also a sign of gastrointestinal distress, asthma, or diabetes.

If they’re drinking less water, it could signal a condition like liver disease. Increased appetite can be caused by parasites or pregnancy, while sudden increased thirst can be caused by conditions like kidney disease or diabetes.

2. Lethargy

veterinaryLethargy, fatigue, and loss of interest in their normal activities are red flags. When a cat is in pain, they may move around less, not want to play, and even hide from you.

Lethargy could signal many conditions, including infection, diabetes, or arthritis.

3. Changes In Coat or Skin

Keep an eye on your cat’s coat and skin, as changes in them can signal health problems. Their fur should be soft, shiny, and well-groomed. Fur that’s matted, dull, or oily indicates that your cat isn’t grooming themselves. This can be a sign of illness or aging, or that they aren’t getting enough nutrition from their diet.

Skin irritation—the symptoms of which include red spots, flakiness, bald patches, and excessive scratching—could be caused by an allergy, a flea infestation, or a skin disease like mange that could be contagious. 

4. Straining In the Litter Box

If your cat makes noises or seems to struggle when they’re using the litter box, they could have pain from a urinary tract infection or even have an intestinal blockage. UTI symptoms also include more frequent trips to the litter box, accidents happening outside of the litter box, and frequent grooming of the affected area.

Blockages can be accompanied by vomiting and diarrhea, and they require immediate care to minimize complications.


If you’re concerned about your cat, let the veterinary team at Cedarknoll Animal Hospital take care of them. Serving Montgomery, NY, their full-service animal hospital offers comprehensive preventative, medical, and surgical care in a state-of-the-art facility. From pet health exams to allergy testing to dental checkups, they’ll help assess your cat’s condition and provide attentive, compassionate care. Learn more about the animal hospital’s services online, and call (845) 361-5404 for an appointment.

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