Go a little deeper

When something changes

One sign can have many causes, and some diseases begin quietly. These explanations help you describe a change and understand a vet visit; they cannot identify a disease in your cat.

Sources checked · 2026-09-11

An introduction for cat caregivers. Diagnosis, medication and individual care plans need a veterinarian.

Signs that need urgent care

01 · What to notice

Dental disease

Bad breath, drooling or a different way of eating

Gingivitis, periodontal disease and tooth resorption can cause pain. Eating normally does not exclude a problem.

With your veterinarian

A vet examines the mouth and may recommend anesthesia and dental X-rays to assess below the gumline. Home brushing is prevention, not a replacement for treatment.

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Read the sourcesCornell Feline Health Center: Feline Dental Disease

02 · What to notice

Lower urinary tract problems

Frequent trips, straining or blood in urine

Bladder inflammation, stones and other causes can look similar. These signs do not automatically mean a bacterial infection.

With your veterinarian

Urine tests and imaging may help find the cause. Straining with little or no urine may mean obstruction: seek emergency care immediately, especially in male cats.

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Read the sourcesCornell Feline Health Center: Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease

03 · What to notice

Chronic kidney disease

More drinking or urine, weight or appetite changes

Kidney function can decline gradually, often without obvious early signs. Chronic kidney disease is more common in older cats.

With your veterinarian

Blood and urine tests, blood pressure and other findings are interpreted together. A vet tailors diet and treatment; one symptom or blood value does not establish the whole picture.

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Read the sourcesCornell Feline Health Center: Chronic Kidney Disease

04 · What to notice

Repeated vomiting

Vomiting that returns or comes with other changes

Vomiting has many possible causes, including digestive and non-digestive diseases. Repeated episodes should not simply be attributed to hairballs.

With your veterinarian

Record frequency and appetite or stool changes; seek prompt advice. Blood, weakness, suspected toxin or foreign-body ingestion, or inability to keep water down needs urgent assessment.

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Read the sourcesCornell Feline Health Center: Vomiting

05 · What to notice

Asthma & airway problems

Coughing, wheezing or breathing with effort

Asthma involves airway inflammation and narrowing. Other diseases can look similar; a cough alone cannot establish a diagnosis.

With your veterinarian

A vet may recommend chest imaging and other tests. Reduce smoke and irritating aerosols. Open-mouth or labored breathing is an emergency; do not wait for it to pass.

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Read the sourcesCornell Feline Health Center: Feline Asthma: A Risky Business for Many Cats Cornell Feline Health Center: Dyspnea (Difficulty Breathing)

06 · What to notice

Diabetes

More thirst and urine, weight loss despite eating

Insulin helps the body use glucose. When it works inadequately, blood glucose rises; excess weight can increase risk.

With your veterinarian

Vets interpret blood and urine results, sometimes with extra measurements because stress raises blood glucose. Treatment needs an individual plan; weakness, vomiting or not eating needs urgent advice.

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Read the sourcesCornell Feline Health Center: Feline Diabetes

All health chaptersA little guide to cat health

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Sources and the limits of this guide

An original educational summary of public veterinary resources. References support the nearby sections; they do not imply endorsement or veterinary review of this guide.

Sources checked · 2026-09-11 · Source in English