{"id":76,"date":"2026-01-15T15:49:04","date_gmt":"2026-01-15T22:49:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lincolnhillsvet.com\/blog\/?p=76"},"modified":"2026-01-16T15:50:10","modified_gmt":"2026-01-16T22:50:10","slug":"how-to-tell-when-a-cat-is-sick","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lincolnhillsvet.com\/blog\/how-to-tell-when-a-cat-is-sick\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Tell When a Cat Is Sick"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Cats have a well-earned reputation for being mysterious. That extends to their health, too. Many cats instinctively hide discomfort or illness. But if you know what to look for, you can catch subtle changes early and help your feline friend feel better faster. The team at Lincoln Hills Veterinary Hospital<\/a> in Lincoln, CA, shares some of the most common signs your cat may be feeling under the weather.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Changes in Appetite<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A cat who suddenly starts eating less, or stops eating altogether, should raise a red flag. Not eating can be a sign of nausea, dental pain, fever, or more serious conditions such as kidney disease or gastrointestinal issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the other hand, an increase in appetite may signal problems like hyperthyroidism or diabetes. Any persistent change in your cat\u2019s eating habits is worth a call to your vet, especially if it\u2019s paired with vomiting or weight loss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Litterbox Issues<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Your cat\u2019s litterbox habits <\/a>can reveal a lot about their health. If your cat is urinating or defecating outside the box, struggling to go, or visiting the box more frequently, it could point to issues such as urinary tract infections, constipation, or arthritis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Male cats who are straining but unable to urinate may have a blockage\u2014this is a true medical emergency. Don\u2019t wait it out. Contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice your cat trying to pass urine but failing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s also possible for cats to avoid the litterbox for behavioral reasons, such as stress or territorial tension in multi-cat homes. However, it\u2019s always best to rule out medical causes first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Meowing More\u2014or Less<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Cats meow for many reasons, but a sudden change in how often or how loudly your cat meows can be a clue that something\u2019s wrong. Increased meowing can signal hunger, discomfort, or even cognitive decline in older cats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conversely, if your typically chatty cat suddenly goes quiet, that may indicate pain, fatigue, or illness. Pay attention to changes in vocal tone or pattern\u2014they\u2019re often your cat\u2019s way of communicating distress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subtle Behavioral Changes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Because cats are so skilled at masking illness, even small behavioral changes can be telling. Watch for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n