Detecting the symptoms of a sick cat in time is not always easy. Unlike dogs, cats have a very strong instinct to hide pain and illness, an inheritance from their wild ancestors that kept them from appearing vulnerable to potential predators. That is why, when a cat openly shows that something is wrong, it has usually been feeling unwell for some time. Learning to read the subtle signs they let slip is the best way to look after their health.
From our veterinary clinic in Somo (Cantabria), with special dedication to cats, we go over the clues worth watching for at home, what they may mean and when it is time to see the vet. The idea is not to alarm you, but to give you tools to observe your cat more closely and act calmly when needed.
Why cats hide that they are ill
The cat is, at the same time, both predator and prey. In the wild, showing weakness can cost you your life, so cats have developed a remarkable ability to mask discomfort. A cat may have a fever, joint pain or an internal problem and keep behaving in an apparently normal way for days or weeks.
This does not mean there are no signs: there are, but they are discreet. They usually appear as small changes in daily routines, the kind that only someone living with the animal every day notices. That is why your observation is so valuable: you are the first line of detection.
Warning signs you should not overlook
Changes in appetite and thirst
A cat that stops eating, eats much less or, on the contrary, drinks and urinates notably more, is showing relevant changes. Loss of appetite for more than a day is especially delicate in cats, because prolonged fasting can lead to liver complications. If your cat is not eating or is vomiting abnormally, you may find our guide on what to do when a cat does not eat or vomits useful.
Excessive grooming or, on the contrary, a neglected coat
Grooming is a thermometer of feline wellbeing. A cat that stops grooming itself and has a matted or dull coat may feel unwell or be in pain that prevents it from moving normally. At the opposite extreme, excessive grooming of a specific area (to the point of creating bald patches) usually indicates localised pain, itching or stress.
Hiding and behavioural changes
A cat that suddenly isolates itself, seeks out dark corners, becomes more surly or, on the contrary, demands attention in an unusual way, is telling us something. Isolation is one of the most typical ways a cat copes with feeling unwell. It is worth distinguishing physical discomfort from emotional discomfort: it may help to read about the signs of stress in cats to rule out behavioural causes.
Weight loss
Progressive weight loss, even if the cat keeps eating, is an important warning sign. It can be linked to dental, digestive, hormonal or kidney problems. Weighing your cat from time to time (on the same scale and at the same moment) helps detect variations that go unnoticed to the naked eye.
Changes in urination and the litter box
The litter box is a first-rate source of information. Urinating very frequently, straining with hardly any result, the presence of blood, very hard stools or persistent diarrhoea are all reasons to consult. In cats, difficulty or inability to urinate is a real emergency, especially in males. Drinking and urinating excessively over a sustained period may be related to kidney disease in cats, common above all from a certain age.
Breathing, behaviour and gums
Rapid or open-mouthed breathing at rest, panting, coughing or laboured breathing are never normal in a cat and require immediate attention. Checking the colour of the gums is also informative: they should be a healthy pink. Pale, bluish, yellowish or very reddened gums indicate that something is wrong and call for prompt attention.
“Cats hide pain by instinct. Learning to read their small changes is the best tool for catching things early.”
Quick table of signs and urgency
| Sign | What it may indicate | Urgency level |
|---|---|---|
| Does not eat for more than 24 hours | Pain, nausea, internal problem; liver risk | High |
| Drinks and urinates much more than usual | Kidney, hormonal or metabolic problem | Medium-high |
| Tries to urinate without success | Possible urinary obstruction | Immediate emergency |
| Rapid or open-mouthed breathing | Respiratory or cardiac problem | Immediate emergency |
| Pale, bluish or yellow gums | Anaemia, lack of oxygen or liver problem | Immediate emergency |
| Hides and stops grooming | Discomfort, pain or incipient illness | Medium |
| Progressive weight loss | Dental, digestive, hormonal or kidney problem | Medium |
| Persistent vomiting or diarrhoea | Digestive disorder or poisoning | Medium-high |
This table is for guidance only and does not replace veterinary judgement. When in doubt, it is better to consult.
When to see the vet
As a general rule, you should book an appointment if you notice a change that lasts more than a day, if several signs appear at the same time or if your intuition tells you that your cat "is not its usual self". There are situations, however, that allow no delay: difficulty urinating, compromised breathing, abnormally coloured gums, seizures, bleeding or prostration. In those cases, the sensible thing is to contact a 24-hour veterinary emergency service immediately. If you have doubts about what counts as an emergency, this guide on signs of a veterinary emergency will be useful.
When the picture is more subtle or has dragged on over time, the approach usually involves veterinary internal medicine, which studies how the body works in detail to reach a precise diagnosis.
The importance of check-ups and prevention
Precisely because cats hide their ailments, regular check-ups are their best ally. A routine examination makes it possible to detect dental, kidney or weight problems in time, before they come to light. Keeping their cat vaccination schedule and deworming up to date completes that preventive work. In adult and senior cats, more frequent check-ups help to monitor the onset of age-related illnesses.
Do not wait if your cat has difficulty urinating, compromised breathing, abnormally coloured gums, seizures, bleeding or prostration: these are situations that allow no delay and call for contacting an emergency service immediately.
Frequently asked questions
My cat seems healthy but is more subdued. Should I be worried?
A sustained drop in energy is one of the most common subtle signs. If it lasts more than one or two days, or is accompanied by reduced appetite or isolation, a check-up is advisable, even if the cat shows no obvious symptoms.
How often should I take my cat to the vet if it is well?
For healthy adult cats, at least one annual check-up is usually recommended, with more frequent visits for senior cats or those with chronic illnesses. Your vet will adjust the schedule to each specific case.
How do I know if my cat is in pain if it does not complain?
Feline pain is expressed through discreet gestures: no longer jumping, hiding, grooming less or more than usual over one area, changes in temperament or a hunched posture. If you notice several of these signs, it is worth having it assessed professionally.
We are here to look after your cat
At Clínica Veterinaria Somo we know the reserved nature of cats well, and we work to make their visit as calm as possible. If you have noticed any of these signs or simply want a preventive check-up, contact us or call us on 942 51 00 66. Noticing in time makes the difference.
