How to spot if your cat is ill or in pain

Cats are different

Every cat is an individual, and what is normal for one may be abnormal for another. Some cats are naturally calm and sleep a lot, while others are more active. Some are very social, while others are more reserved. That’s why it’s important to get to know your own cat’s habits and movement patterns so you can more easily spot when something changes.

Tip: It’s more important to notice changes in your own cat’s behaviour than to compare it to other cats.

What is normal behaviour and health for a cat?

• Lively and curious about its surroundings
• Eats and drinks as usual
• Grooms itself regularly
• Has a smooth and clean coat
• Moves effortlessly
• Uses the litter tray as usual
• Is social and seeks contact (according to its personality)

A healthy cat at rest usually has:

• Body temperature between about 38 and 39.5 degrees
• Breathing rate of 15–30 breaths per minute
• Pulse of 140–220 beats per minute

These values can vary between cats and are affected by activity or stress. Your vet can help you determine what is normal for your cat during a health check.

 

What is not normal?

• Lethargy or spending more time sleeping 
• Reduced appetite or drinking.
• Sudden weight loss or weight gain
• Vomiting or diarrhoea (link to content on the topic)
• Coughing, sneezing or breathing difficulties (link to content on the topic)
• Lameness or stiff movement (link to content on the topic)
• Hiding or withdrawing more than usual
• Scruffy coat or lack of grooming
• Changed ear and eye position or unusual tail carriage
• Urinating or defecating outside the litter tray
• Sudden behavioural changes, e.g. aggression or apathy

Note: Behavioural changes can be the first sign of illnesses such as pain from arthritis, tooth resorption, urinary tract infection , or systemic diseases.

 

Checklist: Does your cat seem off? 

Energy and activity

• Is your cat sleeping more than usual or does it seem unusually tired?
• Is your cat less interested in playing or in its surroundings?

Appetite and weight

• Is your cat eating or drinking less (or more) than usual?
• Have you noticed weight loss or weight gain?

Stomach and toilet habits

• Has your cat vomited or had diarrhoea?
• Is it urinating or defecating outside the litter tray?

Breathing and movement

• Does your cat have difficulty breathing or does it cough or sneeze often?
• Does your cat move stiffly, limp or avoid jumping?

Behaviour and social contact

• Is your cat withdrawing, hiding or avoiding contact?
• Have you noticed sudden behavioural changes, such as increased aggression?

Coat and grooming

• Has the coat become scruffy or matted, or has your cat stopped grooming itself?