Cat owners urged to watch for ‘unusual behaviour’

Cats are naturally secretive by nature, so it can be tricky to figure out when something is wrong. Often they will hide their pain or discomfort, and so signs that they are under the weather can easily be missed. According to Dr Aimee Warner, the resident vet at pet insurance company Waggel, there are some signs that your cat is ill that owners must keep an eye out for.

She said: “Cats rarely make it obvious when something is wrong. They may continue eating, sleeping and moving around the house while showing small changes that are easy to overlook. The most useful thing an owner can do is learn what is normal for their cat. A behaviour that has always been there may be harmless, but a sudden or persistent change deserves attention.”

She has revealed the six signs to look out for to make sure your cat is healthy.

Meowing more

Some cats are naturally talkative and will meow if they want food or attention. However, if your cat suddenly becomes much noisier they may be in discomfort.

If your cat has started meowing more, it’s worth checking their weight – if they have lost weight and are being louder it can be a sign something is wrong.

Changes in thirst

Water intake and urination are also important signs to watch out for. Changes in thirst, or the amount your cat is using the litter tray can be a sign of conditions like kidney disease, thyroid disease and diabetes.

To understand how much your cat is drinking, monitor how often you are needing to refill their water bowl and keep an eye on their urine output.

Increased thirst should be investigated by a vet and especially if combined with weight loss, appetite changes or unusual tiredness.

Straining to use the litter tray

If your cat is repeatedly using the litter tray, meowing or ‘crying’ while trying to pee, or experiencing blood-tinged urine, it’s well worth a trip to the vet. These signs can be the result of stress, cystitis, bladder stones and urinary infections.

If your cat is straining on the litter tray but unable to urinate, they need an urgent visit to the vet. This could be urinary blockage, which is an emergency and is more common in male cats.

Drooling

While a lot of cats will drool a little bit whilst purring or kneading, a sudden increase in drool or a sudden start when your cat never used to can be a sign of something wrong. Mouth ulcers, dental disease, nausea, injury or even poisoning can all cause excessive drooling. Other signs to check your cat’s mouth for include bad breath, red or swollen gums, pawing at the mouth, difficulty eating or suddenly preferring softer food. Any of these symptoms should be checked out by a vet to rule out serious injury.

Grooming

If your cat has started excessively grooming themselves, they might be struggling with skin irritation, stress or pain. It’s important to check for bald patches, broken skin or repeated licking of one area.

In a similar vein, a sudden decline in grooming can be cause for concern, especially if you have an older cat.

Arthritis or reduced flexibility may make parts of the body difficult to reach, leading to matting, dandruff or a greasy coat around the back and hindquarters. Both overgrooming and reduced grooming require veterinary attention.

Hiding from cuddles

If your once cuddly cat has started hiding from you, or stops wanting to be patted, it can signify that they are in pain. If you also notice limping, reduced appetite or unusual meowing, it’s a good idea to get them checked by a vet.

Dr Warner said: “One unusual moment does not always mean a cat is unwell. What matters is whether the change is sudden, keeps happening or appears with other symptoms.

“Write down what you have noticed and when it started. Photos or short videos can also help your vet understand what has changed.”