How to tell if a cat is unwell?

More Than Just a "Grumpy Day": A Vet’s Guide to Spotting a Sick Cat in Australia

By the Pawssum Veterinary Clinical Team

Cats are famously independent, stoic, and very good at hiding discomfort. In the wild,  showing signs of weakness can make an animal vulnerable, so even our pampered house  cats instinctively mask pain and illness. 

That means subtle changes in your cat’s behaviour, appetite, grooming, or toilet habits  can sometimes be the first clue that something is wrong. 

This guide explains the common signs of illness in cats, what symptoms Australian cat  owners should watch for, and when it’s time to contact a veterinarian.

How Do You Tell If a Cat Is Unwell?  

A sick cat rarely announces it dramatically. Often, the earliest signs are behavioural  changes or small disruptions to their normal routine. 

Common signs your cat may be unwell include: 

• Eating less or refusing food 

• Drinking significantly more or less water 

• Vomiting or diarrhoea 

• Weight loss 

• Lethargy or hiding 

• Changes in grooming habits 

• Bad breath or difficulty eating 

• Coughing, wheezing, or breathing changes 

• Limping or reluctance to jump 

• Changes in urination or litter tray habits 

• Vocal changes or unusual quietness 

• Sudden aggression or clinginess 

If symptoms persist for more than 24 hours or worsen rapidly your cat should be  assessed by a veterinarian. 

The “Meatloaf” Position and Hiding Behaviour  

One of the most common signs of pain in cats is the classic “meatloaf” posture: paws  tucked underneath the body, hunched shoulders, and reduced movement. 

While some cats loaf when relaxed, a cat who remains hunched, withdrawn, tense, or  hides away more than usual may be trying to cope with pain or illness. 

If your normally social cat suddenly starts spending hours under the bed, behind furniture,  or in cupboards, it’s worth paying attention.

Common Cat Health Problems in Australia  Australia presents a few unique risks for cats, particularly during warmer months. Paralysis Ticks  

Along Australia’s east coast, paralysis ticks can be life-threatening for cats. Signs may include: 

• Weakness or wobbliness 

• Changes in voice or meow 

• Vomiting 

• Laboured breathing 

• Paralysis 

Tick paralysis is a medical emergency. Even indoor cats may be at risk in endemic areas,  so regular tick prevention is strongly recommended. 

Heat Stress and Dehydration  

Cats can become dehydrated during hot weather, especially older cats or those with  kidney disease. 

Possible signs include: 

• Dry gums 

• Lethargy 

• Reduced appetite 

• Panting 

• Sunken eyes 

• Reduced skin elasticity 

• Drinking more water 

A cat sitting near the water bowl but not drinking may be nauseous, painful, or unwell. 

Dental Disease: More Than “Just Bad Breath”  

Cats should not have persistently foul-smelling breath. 

Bad breath may indicate: 

• Dental disease 

• Gingivitis 

• Tooth root infections 

• Mouth ulcers

• Kidney disease 

Other warning signs include: 

• Dropping food while eating 

• Chewing on one side 

• Pawing at the mouth 

• Reduced appetite 

• Weight loss 

Dental pain is extremely common in cats and often goes unnoticed. 

Litter Tray Changes Can Signal Emergencies  

If your cat suddenly urinates outside the litter tray, don’t assume it’s behavioural. Medical causes can include: 

• Urinary tract inflammation 

• Bladder stones 

• Stress-related cystitis 

• Urinary tract infection 

• Kidney disease 

For male cats especially, straining to urinate can indicate a urinary blockage a life threatening emergency requiring immediate veterinary care. 

Signs of a urinary emergency include: 

• Frequent trips to the litter tray 

• Crying while urinating 

• Producing little or no urine 

• Licking the genital area 

• Vomiting or collapse 

Read more about Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD)  

Eye Changes You Should Never Ignore  

A cat’s eyes can reveal illness very quickly. 

Watch for: 

• Cloudiness

• Redness 

• Squinting 

• Discharge 

• Unequal pupil sizes 

• Changes in iris colour 

• Visible third eyelid 

The “third eyelid” is a pale membrane normally hidden in the corner of the eye. If it  becomes consistently visible, your cat may be unwell. 

Behaviour Changes Are Often the First Clue  

Cats thrive on routine, so behavioural changes can be significant. You might notice: 

• A normally affectionate cat becoming withdrawn 

• Increased vocalisation 

• Restlessness 

• Sleeping more than usual 

• Irritability or aggression 

• Reduced interest in play 

Because many cats become stressed during clinic visits, changes seen at home are  extremely valuable information for your veterinarian. 

When Should You Call a Vet?  

Contact a veterinarian promptly if your cat has: 

• Difficulty breathing 

• Collapse or severe weakness 

• Persistent vomiting or diarrhoea 

• Refused food for more than 24 hours 

• Trouble urinating 

• Signs of pain 

• Sudden eye changes 

• Paralysis or wobbliness 

• Seizures 

• Rapid weight loss 

Cats can deteriorate quickly, and early treatment often leads to better outcomes. The Bottom Line 

Cats are masters at hiding illness, so even subtle changes matter. 

If your cat is hiding more, eating differently, grooming less, behaving unusually, or  showing signs of pain, trust your instincts. What looks like “just a grumpy day” may  actually be your cat’s way of telling you something is wrong. 

When in doubt, a veterinary assessment is always the safest.

Check out the why is my cat vomiting article

A lot of those cases can be found during the Pawssum annual check up

Why trust Pawssum