When something changes

One sign can have many causes, and some illnesses start with few obvious clues. These explanations help you describe a change and follow a vet visit; they cannot diagnose 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

Dental disease

What to notice

Bad breath, drooling or a different way of eating

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

With your veterinarian

A vet examines the mouth and may recommend anesthesia and dental X-rays to check beneath the gumline. Brushing at home helps with prevention, not as a replacement for treatment.

Back to this body system

Read the sourcesCornell Feline Health Center: Feline Dental Disease

Lower urinary tract problems

What to notice

Frequent trips, straining or blood in urine

Bladder inflammation, stones and other causes can look very similar at home, and 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 can mean a blocked urethra—seek emergency care right away, especially in male cats.

Back to this body system

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

Chronic kidney disease

What to notice

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

Vets interpret blood and urine tests, blood pressure and other findings together. Diet and treatment are tailored to the cat; no single symptom or blood value tells the whole story.

Back to this body system

Read the sourcesCornell Feline Health Center: Chronic Kidney Disease

Repeated vomiting

What to notice

Vomiting that returns or comes with other changes

Vomiting has many possible causes, both digestive and non-digestive. Repeated episodes shouldn’t simply be written off as hairballs.

With your veterinarian

Record how often it happens along with any appetite or stool changes, and seek prompt advice. Blood, weakness, suspected toxin or foreign-body ingestion, or not keeping water down needs urgent assessment.

Back to this body system

Read the sourcesCornell Feline Health Center: Vomiting

Asthma & airway problems

What to notice

Coughing, wheezing or breathing with effort

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

With your veterinarian

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

Back to this body system

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

Diabetes

What to notice

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 the risk.

With your veterinarian

Because stress can raise blood glucose, vets interpret blood and urine results together and sometimes use additional measurements. Treatment needs an individual plan; weakness, vomiting or not eating needs urgent advice.

Back to this body system

Read the sourcesCornell Feline Health Center: Feline Diabetes

All health chaptersA little guide to cat health

Sources and the limits of this guide

We wrote this introductory guide using public veterinary resources. References support the sections beside them; citing them does not imply institutional endorsement or veterinary review of this guide.

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