Important Health Signs Every Cat Owner Should Know
Cats can be very good at hiding changes in their health. Paying attention to appetite, behaviour, weight, activity, grooming and other daily habits can help cat owners notice changes worth discussing with a veterinary team.
Appetite Changes
Noticeable changes in how much or how often your cat eats can be useful information.
Behaviour Changes
Changes in normal routines, interaction or temperament can provide important context.
Weight Changes
Unexpected weight gain or loss can be worth discussing with your veterinarian.
Activity Changes
Changes in play, movement or daily activity may provide useful health information.
Changes in Appetite
A noticeable change in appetite is useful information to monitor and discuss with your veterinary team. Pay attention to whether your cat is eating less, eating more or showing a change in normal feeding habits.
Also note whether appetite changes occur alongside changes in drinking, weight, energy or behaviour.
Changes in Behaviour
Cats have individual personalities and routines. A cat that becomes unusually withdrawn, hides more often, becomes less social or behaves differently from normal may be showing a change worth monitoring.
Note what changed and when you first noticed the difference. This information can be helpful during a veterinary assessment.
Weight and Body Condition Changes
Unexpected changes in body weight can be relevant when assessing a cat's overall health. Gradual changes can sometimes be difficult to notice at home, which is why regular veterinary wellness examinations can be useful.
Changes in Activity and Energy
If your cat becomes noticeably less active, stops participating in familiar activities or shows a significant change in normal movement, make a note of the change.
Changes in activity are especially useful to discuss when they persist or occur together with other changes in appetite, weight or behaviour.
Grooming and Coat Changes
Grooming is an important part of normal feline behaviour. Changes such as reduced grooming, excessive grooming, patches of hair loss or noticeable changes in coat condition can provide additional information about your cat's wellbeing.
Litter-Box Habits
Changes in litter-box habits can be important to monitor. Pay attention to changes in frequency, location, amount or other noticeable differences from your cat's usual routine.
What Cat Owners Can Monitor
- Appetite and normal eating habits
- Water intake and drinking habits
- Weight and body condition
- Energy and daily activity
- Grooming and coat condition
- Behaviour and social interaction
- Litter-box habits
When to Contact Your Veterinarian
If you notice persistent or concerning changes in your cat's appetite, behaviour, weight, activity, grooming or normal daily routines, contact your veterinary team for guidance.
Keeping notes about when the change started, how often it occurs and whether other changes appeared at the same time can provide useful information during an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common signs that a cat may be unwell?
Changes in appetite, weight, behaviour, activity, grooming, litter-box habits or other normal routines can be important signs to discuss with a veterinarian.
Why are changes in a cat's appetite important?
A noticeable or persistent change in appetite can provide useful information about a cat's health, particularly when it occurs together with other changes.
When should I contact a veterinarian about my cat?
Contact your veterinary team when you notice persistent, unusual or concerning changes in your cat's appetite, behaviour, weight, activity or normal daily routines.
Concerned About Your Cat?
Talk with the South Delta Animal Hospital veterinary team about your cat's individual health needs.
