Cats are notorious for being good at hiding their symptoms when they aren’t feeling well. So, how can you tell when your cat needs to visit the vet? Our experts weigh in.  

Stay up to date on preventative care

Staying up to date on preventative care for your cat is essential for maintaining their overall health and avoiding potentially serious illness. 

Preventative care involves an annual routine visit to your vet for a wellness exam, vaccinations, testing for and treating any parasites, and any additional medications or minor procedures as needed. 

As Animal Humane Society's Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Graham Brayshaw, says, "Just because it's routine, doesn't mean it's not essential."

Why do cats hide their symptoms or pain? 

Cats tend to hide their symptoms due in part to their natural survival instincts to prevent being seen as a target by predators. Unfortunately, that also means it's sometimes hard for us as their guardians to tell when something is wrong.

Many symptoms of illness or distress aren't obvious. To be able to know if something is off with your cat, first you need to know what their normal is. On a regular day, observe your pet's eating, drinking, and litterbox habits; their activity level; how vocal they are; and any unique personality traits. If any of these sudden change, that could be an indication your cat isn't feeling well. 

When to visit the vet

1. Changes in eating or drinking habits: If your cat experiences changes in their weight, stops eating or drinking, or suddenly starts eating or drinking excessively, contact your vet as soon as possible. This could be a sign of gastrointestinal distress, or something else.

2. Changes in litterbox habits: If you notice a change in your cat's urination or bowel movements (especially blood in the urine, vocalizing while in the litterbox, or difficulty urinating or defecating), or your cat has started going to the bathroom outside the litterbox, going more frequently, or has stopped going to the bathroom altogether, call your vet. 

   Changes to litterbox use could be due to environmental stressor (like a new pet or baby in the house), but it could progress to a life-threatening health problem, like a urinary blockage.

3. Changes to behavior: Sudden changes to your cat's behavior, such as lethargy or increased vocalization, can be a sign of a potential health concern. Contact your vet for guidance based on your cat's specific symptoms. 
4. Acute medical symptoms: If your cat starts vomiting, having diarrhea, or experiencing respiratory distress, call your vet right away. Depending on the severity of the symptoms, your vet may recommend you visit an emergency clinic.