70 Cat Illness Warning Signs

In addition to clear symptoms of disease, a change in behavior can be a sign of a disorder as well. Since your cat can't speak up, you'll have to be alert to your cat's behavior. Take notice of your cat's usual routine and behavior so that you'll know when there's a change.

You should have frequent grooming sessions with your cat during which you examine her for some of these signs. Since most cats enjoy these sessions, this is a good way to check your cat for some of these symptoms while she's content and distracted.

General Signs of Cat Illness

• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Nasal Discharge
• Drooling
• Lethargy
• Fever
• Excessive vomiting
• Blood in vomit
• Evidence of worms in vomit
• Any signs of pain or tenderness
• Lameness
• Trouble breathing
• Weakness
• Failure to jump as high as normal
• Staggered, stiff, or unsteady or uneven walk
• Sudden or repeated loss of balance
• Fainting
• Falling down with no apparent cause
• Excessive or prolonged head shaking
• Rapid weight loss or gain
• Swollen or tight abdomen or bloated appearance

Changes in Appetite and Thirst

• Difficulty chewing or eating
• Loss of appetite
• Increased thirst
• Failure to drink
• Hovering over the drinking bowl but refusing to drink

Problems with Urination and Defecation

• Blood in urine
• Difficulty urinating
• Excessive Urination (combined with excessive thirst)
• Howling or crying out when using the litter box
• Repeated visits to the litter box with no success
• Straining while urinating or defecating
• Inappropriate elimination or refusal to use the litter box
• Blood in stool
• Black, tarry stools
• Worms or rice-looking particles in stool
• Diarrhea
• Constipation

*Note: In male cats with urinary problems, an obstruction in the urinary tract is a life threatening condition.

Cat behavior can be an indicator of either emotional or physical problems. Learn more about behavior here.

Eye Problems

• Haws (nictating membrane - the "third" eyelid) showing
• Dull or cloudy eyes
• Pupils of uneven size
• Ocular discharge

Mouth Problems

• Ulceration of the mouth
• Bad breath
• Pallor of lips and gums

Skin and Hair Issues

• Skin growths
• Oily appearance to the skin and coat
• Dandruff or skin flaking or scaling
• Lumps or nodules under the skin
• Any kind of swelling
• Skin eruptions, redness, or irritation
• Wounds
• Poor coat
• Hair loss
• Failure to self-groom
• Coat standing slightly erect
• Cat Parasites on skin or fur

Cat health problems are many and varied, and feline illness symptoms, like that in humans, often overlap. Your cat can develop bacterial infections and viruses such as a cold or flu just like you can. She can also get parasites, cancer, and a host of feline specific ailments.

Your cat is at greater risk for developing illness if recently injured or debilitated by some other condition, recovering from a procedure or surgery, or there is increased stress due to a recent life-changing event in the home. This may include the addition or removal of a family member or other pet, change of residence, or other event.

Some of these ailments will require treatment. If you suspect your cat may be ill, it's best to call your veterinarian and get some direction. Then, if things seem to get worse, both you and your vet will be better prepared to handle the situation.

If you need to buy pet medication for your cat, you can save money by purchasing it online. Some of these medications may be covered by cat insurance plans when purchased with certain options. If your veterinarian agrees, there are also a number of products available to boost the immune system of your cat.