Cat Health Warning Signs: When to Consult a Vet - My Healthy Pet Clinic

Cats are experts at hiding discomfort. Many will keep eating, sleeping, and acting “mostly normal” even when something feels off. That is why small changes in routine can matter more than people realize. The goal is not to panic over every little thing, but to notice patterns early and know when it is time to speak with a veterinarian.

This guide is not meant to diagnose problems or replace professional care. It is a practical checklist of everyday signs that often get ignored, plus simple next steps and when a vet consultation is the safest move.

1) “My Cat Is Just Sleeping More Than Usual”

Cats do sleep a lot, but a sudden change is worth noticing. If your cat is sleeping more than their normal routine, hiding, or seems less interested in play and interaction, it may be your cat’s way of saying they are not feeling their best.

Call your vet if you notice:

your cat is unusually low-energy for more than a day
they stop greeting you, playing, or moving around like they normally do
they seem weak or reluctant to jump

2) Appetite Changes That Seem Small (But Are Not)

A picky day can happen, especially with stress or a food change. But cats should not go long without eating. Even a modest drop in appetite can become serious if it continues.

Consider a vet call if:

your cat skips meals or eats much less than usual
they suddenly refuse their usual food
they act hungry but walk away from food

Tip: If you recently changed food, keep the transition slow and watch closely for changes in eating and litter habits.

3) Drinking Less or More Than Usual

Many owners do not notice water intake unless it becomes extreme. A change in drinking habits can be an early sign something needs attention, especially if it lasts.

It is time to consult a vet if:

your cat drinks far more than normal for more than a day or two
your cat is barely drinking and seems dry-mouthed
you notice a sudden change and your cat also seems off in energy or appetite

4) Litter Box Changes: One of the Best Early Clues

Litter box habits are one of the clearest “daily health signals” cats give us. Changes are often subtle at first.

Call the vet if you notice:

straining in the litter box
frequent trips with little output
going outside the litter box suddenly
strong changes in stool consistency for more than 24–48 hours
urinating in small amounts repeatedly

Extra reminder: If your cat seems distressed in the litter box or cannot pass urine, treat it as urgent and contact a vet immediately.

5) Vomiting or Hairballs That Become “Normal”

Occasional hairballs can happen, but frequent vomiting, repeated hairballs, or gagging that looks unusual should not be ignored.

Book a consultation if:

vomiting happens more than once in a short period
your cat vomits regularly (weekly or more)
your cat keeps gagging but nothing comes out
vomiting is paired with low appetite, hiding, or weight changes

6) Weight Changes You Only Notice Later

Many owners realize weight loss only when the cat looks visibly thin. A slow change can be easy to miss, especially in fluffy coats.

Consider a vet check if:

your cat feels lighter when you pick them up
their body shape has changed noticeably
you can feel ribs or spine more than before

Helpful habit: Take a quick monthly photo from above and the side. It makes changes easier to spot.

7) Dental and Mouth Clues: Bad Breath Is Not “Just Cat Breath”

Mouth discomfort can show up as behavior changes instead of obvious pain.

Talk to a vet if you see:

bad breath that seems strong or persistent
drooling
pawing at the mouth
chewing only on one side
dropping food while eating

Routine dental checks can make a big difference in comfort and long-term wellbeing.

8) Coat, Skin, and Grooming Changes

Cats are usually consistent groomers. If grooming habits change, it can be a signal.

Consult your vet if:

your cat stops grooming and looks messy
you notice sudden dandruff, matting, or a greasy coat
they are scratching more than usual
hair thinning appears in patches

9) Behavior Shifts: “He’s Just Moody” or “She’s Getting Older”

Behavior changes are often dismissed, but they can be meaningful. Cats may become clingy, irritable, or more withdrawn when something is off.

A vet consultation is a good idea if:

your cat suddenly hides more
they become unusually aggressive when touched
they stop jumping up to usual spots
they vocalize more than normal, especially at night

10) Breathing That Looks Different

You do not need to count numbers to notice a change. If your cat’s breathing looks harder, faster, or different while resting, it is worth a vet call.

Contact a vet promptly if:

breathing looks labored or your cat is stretching their neck to breathe
you hear unusual wheezing sounds
your cat seems uncomfortable while resting

What You Can Do at Home Before You Call

You do not need to guess the cause. A few observations can help your vet guide you:

note when the change started and if it is getting worse
record eating, drinking, and litter box changes
take a quick photo or short video (example: breathing pattern, gait, litter behavior)
list any changes at home (new food, stress, visitors, moving, renovation)

These details can make your consultation faster and more accurate.

When to Book a Vet Consultation

If a sign lasts more than a day, repeats, or comes with multiple changes at once, it is smart to consult a professional. Early guidance often prevents bigger issues and gives you peace of mind.

At My Healthy Pet, our veterinarians can help you assess what you are seeing, decide the next best step, and create a clear care plan for your cat. If you are unsure whether a change is normal, it is always better to ask. You can book a consultation through myhealthypet.pk.