10 Subtle Signs Your Cat Might Be Sick

At Animal Medical Center of Bel Air, your local veterinary clinic in Bel Air, MD, we know how easy it is to assume a cat is fine because she’s eating, sleeping, and purring like usual. But feline health problems are often cloaked in kitty subtlety. Cats are masterful at hiding pain and discomfort—a trait inherited from their wild ancestors who learned to never show weakness. That’s why recognizing cat illness signs early is so important for proactive care.

As your trusted vet clinic, we want to help you stay ahead of potential problems. This guide will cover the most common yet easy-to-miss signs of illness in cats, offer tips on how to know if your cat is sick, and help you recognize early symptoms of cat diseases before they progress into something serious.

1. Changes in Appetite or Water Intake

One of the earliest cat illness signs we look for is a change in how much your cat eats or drinks. Both increases and decreases can be red flags. If your feline pal suddenly starts gulping water or stops eating entirely, it could indicate many issues, including:

• Kidney disease
  
• Diabetes
  
• Hyperthyroidism
  
• Dental pain
  

Your cat’s food dish can be a window into her internal health. At Animal Medical Center of Bel Air, our vets take every appetite change seriously—especially if it lasts more than a day or two. Keep in mind that if your cat doesn’t like what you gave her, she will most likely let you know (loudly) that she wants something else.

2. Weight Loss or Gain

Even slight fluctuations in weight can signal underlying health problems. Unexplained weight loss is often associated with:

• Hyperthyroidism
  
• Cancer
  
• Intestinal parasites
  
• Liver disease
  

Weight gain, especially in indoor cats, can point to diabetes or poor nutrition. Because cats are so small, even a pound or two can significantly affect their health. During wellness visits at our pet clinic, we routinely track weight to spot trends early.

3. Hiding More Than Usual

While it’s normal for cats to enjoy solitude, a sudden increase in hiding can be one of the more overlooked early symptoms of cat diseases. If your feline friend is spending all day under the bed or in a closet, she may be in pain or not feeling well. This of course isn’t necessarily a medical issue if you have a shy cat and your teen’s son’s band is practicing in his room, but in general, sudden withdrawal is often a red flag.

This behavior is especially concerning if paired with other symptoms like lethargy or a lack of grooming. Don’t brush it off—bring her to your veterinarian for an evaluation.

4. Changes in Litter Box Habits

Accidents outside the litter box often indicate health problems rather than behavioral ones. Be on the lookout for:

• Straining to urinate
  
• Blood in the urine or stool
  
• Frequent urination in small amounts
  
• Diarrhea or constipation
  

These issues may signal urinary tract infections, kidney disease, or gastrointestinal distress. If you see litter box changes, it’s time to call your vet and schedule an exam.

5. Vomiting or Hairballs That Seem Excessive

An occasional hairball is expected. But frequent vomiting or hacking should never be considered “just normal.” Persistent vomiting may signal many issues, which could range from allergies to cancer.

Our animal hospital can perform diagnostics to determine the cause of your cat’s symptoms safely.

6. Changes in Grooming Habits

Cats are known for being meticulous groomers. A greasy, matted, or unkempt coat can indicate that Fluffy isn’t feeling well enough to care for herself. On the flip side, overgrooming or obsessive licking may suggest skin irritation, pain, or stress.

If Fluffy’s fur isn’t looking like her usual show-stopping self, it may be time for a checkup.

7. Bad Breath or Drooling

Foul-smelling breath isn’t just unpleasant—it could be a sign of dental disease or infection. Other oral red flags include:

• Drooling
  
• Difficulty eating
  
• Swollen or bleeding gums
  
• Pawing at the face
  

At Animal Medical Center of Bel Air, our veterinarians perform thorough oral exams and cleanings to prevent small dental issues from becoming major health problems.

8. Behavioral Changes

Your cat’s behavior is one of the clearest reflections of how she’s feeling. Watch for:

• Increased aggression or irritability
  
• Uncharacteristic clinginess or unusual vocalization
  
• Withdrawal from interaction
  

These could be reactions to pain, illness, or cognitive decline—particularly in older cats. If your feline friend is acting unlike herself, a visit to your vets is in order.

9. Breathing Changes

If your cat seems to be breathing faster, open-mouthed, or with effort, don’t wait. Respiratory distress is an emergency and should be treated immediately.

Other breathing-related cat illness signs include:

• Coughing or wheezing
  
• Shallow breaths
  
• Nose discharge
  

Our veterinary clinic is equipped to provide urgent respiratory support and diagnostic imaging to uncover the root cause.

10. Lethargy or Changes in Energy Levels

While cats love their naps, a sudden drop in energy is cause for concern. If your feline pal doesn’t want to play, climb, or even greet you like she usually does, she might be battling a hidden illness.

Visit Our Veterinary Clinic in Bel Air, MD

At Animal Medical Center of Bel Air, your local veterinary clinic in Bel Air, MD, we believe early detection is the best medicine. Understanding cat illness signs and acting quickly can help you avoid emergency situations and ensure your feline friend stays healthy and happy for years to come.

Whether Fluffy’s changes are subtle or sudden, our compassionate vets are here to provide expert care and peace of mind. Call today to schedule a wellness exam and keep your cat thriving.

This blog is meant to be informational only. Always consult your veterinarian for proper diagnosis, treatment, and medical advice tailored to your pet.