Knowing when you cat is not feeling well can be difficult, because many of the signs are very subtle. The longer you know your cat, the more you may be able to notice the signs that all is not well, but that’s not always true.

Cats can be quite tricky customers when it comes to sickness, so here are the warning signs that you need to keep an eye on, just in case your furry friend is really feeling under the weather and needs to visit the vet.

1. Significant weight changes

If you cat loses or gains enough weight that it is noticeable, and you have no idea why this is happening, then its time for a trip to your local vet. Losing or gaining a lot of weight quickly can make a big difference to your cat’s health, basically because they are so small to begin with! As your cat ages, they may lose some weight and that’s fairly normal, but dramatic changes in weight can indicate something more sinister, so always get them checked by your vet.

2. Messy litter boxes

If you cat has always been fastidious about using their litter box, but now you notice little presents all around your home  – there’s something wrong. The first step is to check that the litterbox is clean, because cats don’t like using dirty litterboxes. Then you need to consider a kidney problem, particularly if they have trouble urinating; it’s time for a trip to the vet!

3. Changes in their stools

Changes like diarrhoea or constipation can be serious problems in cats. Diarrhoea can cause dehydration, which can be fatal in cats and constipation can lead to severe weight loss, which is also a big problem. An occasional change in stools isn’t a problem, but if it persists, it’s time to visit the vet.

4. Changes in their appetite or vomiting

If your cat refuses to eat or drink, or keeps vomiting, they need to see the vet. Not eating and drinking is a sure sign that your cat is not well, while persistent vomiting can be even more serious. If your cat’s vomit contains blood, it’s really serious and you need to go to the vet immediately.

5. Bloody urine or stools

Blood in the urine is often more serious than in the stools, but both can be indictive of a serious illness. Renal conditions can cause blood in the urine, and some parasitic conditions can cause blood in the stools, all of which can be serious if left untreated. It’s also important to remember that the blood might be more of a coffee ground colour than bright red, because it has passed through the stomach or gut. So if you always take your cat to the vet at the first sign of any bloody urine or stools, you will hopefully get on top of the problem quickly.

6. Changes in their mobility

Changes to your cat’s normal mobility can indicate an injury or arthritis. So if your cat is limping, seems to be in pain or is reluctant to walk around as usual, it’s a good idea to have them checked by your vet.