Describe what you actually see
Note timing, frequency, duration, appetite, water, urine, stool, breathing and behaviour. A short video can help when safe to record.
← Cat encyclopedia02
132 GUIDES
Symptoms & warning signs
What to watch, what to record and when a vet should be contacted.
IN THIS LIBRARY
Cat symptoms and warning signs
This library helps cat parents observe clearly and decide how quickly to contact a veterinarian. It does not diagnose. Breathing trouble, collapse, seizures, poisoning concerns and inability to pass urine require urgent professional help.
EMERGENCY FIRSTBreathing trouble, collapse, seizures, blue gums or repeated straining with little or no urine cannot wait.
Open the observation checker →Call a veterinarian or emergency clinic now. Online information should never delay urgent care.
START WITH WHAT YOU SEE
Common symptom pathways
Choose the closest sign for a focused guide with a quick answer, observations and clear warning signs.
MOUTH & SALIVAWhy is my cat drooling?
Drooling, swallowing and mouth warning signs
Check this symptom →EYESWhy are my cat’s eyes watering?Tears, squinting, redness and discharge
Check this symptom →SLEEP MOVEMENTSCat twitching in sleep: dreaming or something more?Dreaming, twitching and possible seizures
Check this symptom →STOMACHCat symptom guide: Repeated vomitingRepeated vomiting and urgent combinations
Check this symptom →MOVEMENTCat symptom guide: LimpingLimping, pain and safe next steps
Check this symptom →STOMACH & LITTER CHANGES
Vomiting, diarrhea and constipation
These signs can overlap with dehydration, pain, foreign objects, toxins or urinary trouble. Use the exact guide to collect useful observations without delaying care or improvising medicine.
VOMITINGCat vomiting: one episode or a bigger concern?
Count episodes, check the whole cat and avoid unsafe home remedies
Open the focused guide →DIARRHEACat diarrhea: hydration, hygiene and red flagsProtect hydration, record stool changes and use careful hygiene
Open the focused guide →CONSTIPATION OR URINE?Constipation in cats: signs, causes and safe actionConfirm urine output first because blockage can look similar
Open the focused guide →URINE & LITTER-BOX URGENCY
First ask: is urine actually passing?
Repeated attempts with little or no urine can be a life-threatening blockage, especially in male cats. Do not wait overnight or press the abdomen while trying to decide whether the problem is urine or stool.
LITTLE OR NO URINEStraining in the litter box: urine or stool?
Treat repeated unproductive attempts as an emergency
Check urine urgency →BLOOD IN URINEBlood in a cat’s urineCheck whether urine passes and arrange prompt veterinary advice
Check urine urgency →FREQUENT VISITSWhy is my cat peeing more often?Separate many tiny amounts from genuinely increased volume
Check urine urgency →BREATHING & CIRCULATION
Count only when calm—leave when breathing is hard
A resting count can be useful for a comfortable cat. Open-mouth breathing, marked effort, collapse or blue-grey or very pale gums means stop counting, minimise handling and contact emergency care immediately.
COUNT AT TRUE RESTFast breathing at rest: count it correctly
Measure only when calm and never delay care for visible effort
Open breathing guidance →BREATHING EFFORTCat symptom guide: Difficulty breathingOpen-mouth breathing or marked effort needs emergency care now
Open breathing guidance →GUM COLOURCat symptom guide: Pale, white or blue gumsVery pale, white, blue or grey gums are an emergency sign
Open breathing guidance →SUDDEN NEUROLOGICAL & MOVEMENT EMERGENCIES
Protect from injury, minimise handling and call
Collapse, a seizure or sudden painful hind-leg weakness cannot be diagnosed safely at home. Use the focused first-aid guidance only while contacting emergency care—not as a reason to wait.
COLLAPSE OR SEVERE WEAKNESSCat symptom guide: Collapse or severe weakness
Keep handling minimal and leave for emergency care
Open emergency guidance →SEIZUREWhat to do if a cat has a seizureMove hazards, time the episode and keep hands away from the mouth
Open emergency guidance →SUDDEN HIND-LEG PAINHeart disease in cats: understanding HCMDragging, cold paws or severe sudden pain can indicate a clot
Open emergency guidance →MOVEMENT & HIDDEN PAIN
Notice what the cat has quietly stopped doing
Cats may choose lower routes, hesitate or groom less before pain becomes an obvious limp. Make the environment easier, record natural movement and arrange veterinary assessment without forcing a jump or giving human pain medicine.
LIMPINGCat symptom guide: Limping
Reduce jumping, look for injury and arrange assessment for persistent pain
Open movement guidance →BACK-LEG SHAKINGWhy does my cat’s back leg shake while standing?Use non-slip footing, record the pattern and do not provoke exercise
Open movement guidance →BALANCE & AWARENESS
Prevent falls and record what started suddenly
A head tilt, stumbling, abnormal eye movement or confusion can come from ear, toxin, injury or neurological problems. Keep the cat safely at floor level and seek prompt veterinary assessment instead of repeatedly testing balance.
APPETITE, THIRST & WEIGHT
Measure the pattern instead of guessing the cause
Food intake, water use, urine output and body weight belong together. Record the change, keep water freely available and contact a veterinarian promptly when a cat stops eating, becomes weak or loses weight unexpectedly.
NOT EATINGMy cat is not eating: when to call a vet
Confirm the last normal meal and call promptly for sustained refusal
Open appetite guidance →DRINKING MOREWhy is my cat drinking more than usual?Keep water available and measure the change with urine output
Open appetite guidance →WEIGHT LOSS WHILE EATINGLosing weight despite eating: why it mattersTrack food and weight because a strong appetite does not rule out disease
Open appetite guidance →MOUTH, CHEWING & NAUSEA
Watch the meal without forcing a mouth check
Drooling, dropped food and repeated lip smacking can overlap with dental pain, nausea, swallowing trouble or exposure. Film a natural meal if safe, keep packaging after possible exposure and seek prompt care when eating or swallowing changes.
DROOLINGWhy is my cat drooling?
Check swallowing, possible exposure and whether saliva is new or heavy
Open mouth-sign guidance →DROPPING FOODWhy does my cat drop food while eating?Dental pain, mouth injury or texture difficulty can interrupt eating
Open mouth-sign guidance →LIP SMACKINGWhy does my cat smack their lips after eating?Separate brief grooming from repeated nausea or oral-discomfort signs
Open mouth-sign guidance →SKIN, FUR & GROOMING
Photograph the pattern before treating the coat
Hair loss, intense grooming and a newly greasy or divided coat can reflect parasites, allergy, pain, reduced mobility or illness. Avoid human creams and essential oils; record the change and arrange assessment when it persists, spreads or becomes sore.
OVERGROOMINGCat overgrooming: stress, itch or pain?
Stress is only one possibility; itch and pain must also be considered
Open skin guidance →FUR SEPARATINGWhy does my cat’s fur separate into little sections?Grease, dandruff or reduced grooming can make coat sections more visible
Open skin guidance →EYES & EARS
Compare sides and protect sensitive tissue
One-sided discharge, squinting, cloudiness, ear pain or a head tilt can need prompt assessment. Take a clear photo, avoid leftover drops and do not probe the eye or deep ear canal while trying to identify the cause.
WATERY EYESWhy are my cat’s eyes watering?
Compare both eyes and look for squinting, redness or cloudiness
Open eye or ear guidance →ONE EYE IN WIND OR LIGHTWhy does one cat eye water in wind or bright light?Move indoors and recognise pain or injury signs that need prompt care
Open eye or ear guidance →START WITH YOUR QUESTION
What this topic covers
Know the emergency patterns
Open-mouth breathing, severe breathing effort, collapse, repeated seizures, major trauma and urinary straining with little urine need immediate triage.
Use trends, not one isolated number
Your cat’s normal baseline matters. Repeated changes, combinations of signs and deterioration provide important context.
QUICK QUESTIONS
Important answers before you browse
Can an online guide diagnose my cat?+
No. It can support observation and communication, but diagnosis requires an individual veterinary assessment.
When should I call an emergency vet?+
Call immediately for breathing difficulty, collapse, seizures, major trauma, suspected poisoning, severe pain or inability to urinate.
GOOD PLACE TO START · 14–16 min
Why is my cat drooling?
A few drops of clear saliva can occur with relaxation or strong food smells, but new, repeated, foamy, bloody or foul-smelling drool can signal nausea, mouth pain, swallowing trouble, heat illness or poisoning.
Read the guide →POPULAR IN THIS LIBRARY
See the complete library ↓Useful answers to start with
01 · 9 minWhy Does My Cat's Back Twitch When Petted?Read guide →02 · 9 minWhy Does My Cat Shake One Paw After the Litter Box?Read guide →03 · 9 minWhy Do My Cat's Ears Feel Warm After Sleeping?Read guide →04 · 9 minWhy Does My Cat's Nose Change From Wet to Dry?Read guide →05 · 9 minWhy Do My Cat's Pupils Look Different in Photos?Read guide →06 · 9 minIs It Normal for a Cat Whisker to Fall Out?Read guide →
All symptoms & warning signs guides
132 articles01
health · 14–16 min
→02Why is my cat drooling?
A few drops of clear saliva can occur with relaxation or strong food smells, but new, repeated, foamy, bloody or foul-smelling drool can signal nausea, mouth pain, swallowing trouble, heat illness or poisoning.
symptom · 8 min
→03Why are my cat’s eyes watering?
A small amount of clear tearing can follow mild irritation, but squinting, pain, cloudiness, redness, injury or coloured discharge needs prompt veterinary attention because eye problems can worsen quickly.
symptom · 8 min
→04Cat twitching in sleep: dreaming or something more?
Small irregular paw, whisker, ear or tail movements during relaxed sleep are commonly associated with dreaming. Stiffening, repeated whole-body movement, drooling or confusion afterward needs a different response.
GUIDE · 9 min
→05Help an overweight cat lose weight safely
Cat weight loss must be gradual and planned with a veterinarian. Measure all food and treats, protect muscle with suitable activity and seek help immediately if an overweight cat stops eating.
GUIDE · 9 min
→06Why Does My Cat's Nose Change From Wet to Dry?
A cat's nose can naturally change from wet to dry with sleep, grooming, drinking, room temperature and humidity. Nose moisture by itself cannot diagnose fever, dehydration or illness.
GUIDE · 9 min
→07Why do my cat’s back feet point outward?
Slightly turned-out hind feet may reflect normal conformation, but a new stance can signal pain, weakness or joint, nerve or paw problems.
GUIDE · 9 min
→08What does it mean when a cat’s ears feel warm?
Ear temperature changes with environment and blood flow and cannot diagnose fever. A calm, practical guide to what it means and what to do next.
guide · 8 min
→09Losing weight despite eating: why it matters
How to document a subtle change that can signal significant disease.
symptom · 6 min
→10Cat symptom guide: Sudden weight loss
Visible or measured loss deserves investigation even when appetite seems normal.
GUIDE · 9 min
→11Why Does My Cat's Back Twitch When Petted?
Skin movement can be normal, but repeated rippling may accompany overstimulation, irritation or pain. Learn what to observe, what to try safely and when to seek help.
GUIDE · 9 min
→12Why Does My Cat Shake One Paw After the Litter Box?
Litter may be stuck between the toes, while repeated one-sided shaking can point to soreness. Learn what to observe, what to try safely and when to seek help.
GUIDE · 9 min
→13Why Do My Cat's Ears Feel Warm After Sleeping?
Ear temperature changes with a warm bed and room conditions; touch alone cannot diagnose fever. Learn what to observe, what to try safely and when to seek help.
GUIDE · 9 min
→14Why Do My Cat's Pupils Look Different in Photos?
Angle and uneven light can change appearance, but true unequal pupil size can signal an eye or neurological problem. Learn what to observe, what to try safely and when to seek help.
GUIDE · 9 min
→15Is It Normal for a Cat Whisker to Fall Out?
An occasional whisker can shed naturally, but many broken or missing whiskers may point to friction or skin disease. Learn what to observe, what to try safely and when to seek help.
GUIDE · 9 min
→16Why Does My Cat Have Dandruff Near the Tail?
Flakes near the lower back can reflect dry skin, reduced grooming, parasites or skin irritation. Learn what to check, what to change safely and when professional help matters.
GUIDE · 9 min
→17Why Is My Cat's Fur Greasy Along the Back?
A greasy coat can appear when grooming becomes difficult or skin oil and debris build up. Learn what to check, what to change safely and when professional help matters.
GUIDE · 9 min
→18Why Does My Cat's Fur Suddenly Feel Greasy?
A greasy coat can appear when grooming decreases or skin oil and health change. A practical guide to what matters, what to do and when to seek help.
GUIDE · 8 min
→19Why does my cat sleep with their head against a wall?
A cat resting with the forehead lightly against a wall may simply like the position, but persistent head pressing while awake can signal a neurological emergency.
GUIDE · 9 min
→20Why Is One of My Cat's Ears Dirtier Than the Other?
One-sided debris can accompany wax, mites, infection, a foreign body or skin disease. A practical guide to what matters, what to do and when to seek help.
GUIDE · 9 min
→21Why Won't One of My Cat's Claws Retract?
A long, damaged or thickened claw may remain visible, and pain can alter normal retraction. Learn what to check, what to change safely and when professional help matters.
GUIDE · 9 min
→22Why Does My Cat Swallow Hard After Eating?
An occasional swallow may clear food, but repeated effort can reflect mouth, throat, oesophagus or nausea problems. A practical guide to what matters, what to do and when to seek help.
GUIDE · 9 min
→23Why Does My Cat Suddenly Have Bad Breath?
A new strong odor can come from dental disease, mouth injury or another health problem. Learn what to check, what to change safely and when professional help matters.
GUIDE · 9 min
→24Why Does My Cat Sit Hunched After Eating?
A compact tense posture after meals can signal nausea, abdominal discomfort or pain. A practical guide to what matters, what to do and when to seek help.
GUIDE · 9 min
→25Why Does My Cat Drop Kibble While Chewing?
Dropping food can reflect mouth pain, missing teeth, food shape or difficulty coordinating chewing. Learn what to check, what to change safely and when professional help matters.
GUIDE · 9 min
→26Why Does My Cat Paw at the Mouth After a Treat?
Food may be stuck, the texture may irritate, or an existing dental or mouth problem may hurt during chewing. A practical guide to what matters, what to do and when to seek help.
GUIDE · 9 min
→27Why Does My Cat Chew on Only One Side?
Consistent one-sided chewing can be a clue that the other side of the mouth is uncomfortable. Learn what to check, what to change safely and when professional help matters.
GUIDE · 9 min
→28Why Does My Cat Keep One Eye Closed After Waking?
A brief sleepy squint may clear quickly, but persistent one-sided closure often means irritation or eye pain. A practical guide to what matters, what to do and when to seek help.
GUIDE · 9 min
→29Why Does My Cat Dig in the Litter Box for So Long?
Long digging may reflect preference, difficulty finding a clean spot or discomfort with the setup. Learn what to check, what to change safely and when professional help matters.
GUIDE · 9 min
→30Why Is My Cat Sitting in the Litter Box Without Using It?
A frightened cat may seek a familiar-smelling place, but sitting can also accompany urinary or digestive discomfort. Learn what to check, what to change safely and when professional help matters.
GUIDE · 9 min
→Why Does My Cat Meow Before Using the Litter Box?
Calling may be a learned announcement, but new vocalising around elimination can signal pain or urgency.
COMPLETE LIBRARYShow 102 more symptoms & warning signs guidesOpen +
31
GUIDE · 8 min
→32Do senior cats sleep more deeply?
Senior cats may sleep longer and more deeply, but a clear change in arousability, breathing, appetite or movement should not be dismissed as ageing. Compare the whole daily pattern.
GUIDE · 8 min
→33Why does my senior cat miss the litter box edge?
A senior cat missing the litter box needs a veterinary check and an easier setup. Pain, urgency, constipation, cognitive change and difficult access can all contribute.
GUIDE · 8 min
→34Why does my cat’s breath smell fishy?
Persistent fishy or foul cat breath is not solved by treats or additives. Dental disease is common, while mouth, digestive or systemic illness can also change breath.
GUIDE · 9 min
→35Why can I see my cat’s third eyelid when they are sleepy?
A small brief glimpse during waking can occur, but persistence can signal illness. A calm, practical guide to what it means and what to do next.
GUIDE · 8 min
→36Why does my cat sneeze after drinking water?
One sneeze after drinking may follow a small splash or awkward bowl angle. Repeated sneezing, discharge, blood, noisy breathing or appetite change suggests more than a drinking habit.
GUIDE · 9 min
→37Why are my cat’s pupils different sizes?
Unequal pupils can reflect eye, nerve or brain problems and should not be watched casually. A calm, practical guide to what it means and what to do next.
GUIDE · 8 min
→38Why does one cat eye water in wind or bright light?
Wind or bright light can cause brief irritation, but repeated watering from one eye may signal pain, injury or eye disease. Squinting makes the problem more urgent.
GUIDE · 9 min
→39What are the black specks on my cat’s chin?
Feline acne is one possibility, but dirt, parasites and other skin disease can look similar. A calm, practical guide to what it means and what to do next.
GUIDE · 8 min
→40Why does my cat smack their lips after eating?
Brief lip licking after food can be normal cleaning. Repeated smacking may accompany nausea, dental pain, something caught in the mouth or swallowing difficulty.
GUIDE · 9 min
→41Why do a cat’s paws twitch during sleep?
Brief movements can accompany dreaming and normal sleep cycles. A calm, practical guide to what it means and what to do next.
GUIDE · 8 min
→42Why does my cat’s back leg shake while standing?
A back leg that repeatedly shakes while standing can reflect fatigue, pain, weakness or a neurological problem. New or repeatable tremors should be recorded and assessed rather than diagnosed at home.
GUIDE · 9 min
→43Why does my cat swallow after purring?
Saliva, grooming and throat movement may be noticeable during a close quiet interaction. A calm, practical guide to what it means and what to do next.
GUIDE · 9 min
→44Why does my cat sit with one paw raised?
Attention and anticipation can lift a paw briefly, while repeated weight avoidance may signal pain. A calm, practical guide to what it means and what to do next.
GUIDE · 8 min
→45Why does my cat suddenly wake and run from sleep?
An occasional sudden wake-and-run can follow a dream, sound or touch. Repeated episodes with abnormal movement or confusion need veterinary assessment.
GUIDE · 8 min
→46Why does my cat sprint before using the litter box?
A brief sprint before using the litter box may be excitement or routine, but urgency, pain and digestive discomfort must be ruled out when it is new.
GUIDE · 8 min
→47Why does my cat urinate near the front edge of the litter box?
Urinating at the front of the box often indicates limited space, entry preference, pain or a box the cat cannot position in comfortably.
GUIDE · 8 min
→48Why does my cat poop beside a clean litter box?
Stool beside a clean box can reflect litter dislike, box dimensions, painful defecation, urgency or social blocking—not spite.
GUIDE · 8 min
→49Why does the fur around my cat’s ears look greasy?
Greasy fur around one or both ears can come from skin oils, scratching, discharge or topical products; the ear canal should also be checked.
GUIDE · 8 min
→50Are dry cat paw pads normal?
Slightly textured paw pads can be normal, but cracks, thickening, burns and persistent licking need attention.
GUIDE · 8 min
→51How quickly should a cat’s pupils change with light?
Pupils normally change with light, but persistent inequality or a delayed response in one eye can indicate an urgent eye or neurological problem.
GUIDE · 8 min
→52Can cats get hiccups after eating?
Brief hiccup-like movements after eating may follow fast swallowing, but coughing, retching and breathing trouble can look similar.
GUIDE · 8 min
→53Why does my cat’s lower lip tremble?
Brief trembling can occur with intense scent investigation or arousal, but repeated movement may reflect mouth pain or a neurological problem. Practical observations, a safe next step and clear warning signs.
GUIDE · 8 min
→54Why do my cat’s front paws turn outward when sitting?
Body shape and a relaxed stance can create a mild outward angle, but pain or joint change can alter posture. Practical observations, a safe next step and clear warning signs.
guide · 9 min
→55My cat is not eating: when to call a vet
A practical timeline for appetite loss, nausea clues and urgent warning signs.
guide · 8 min
→56Why is my cat drinking more than usual?
A clear increase in thirst is worth measuring and discussing with a veterinarian. Never restrict water while you investigate the cause.
guide · 8 min
→57Straining in the litter box: urine or stool?
How to recognise a possible urinary blockage and act without delay.
guide · 8 min
→58Fast breathing at rest: count it correctly
Fast breathing while a cat is truly resting or asleep can be serious. Count chest rises for a full minute and contact a veterinarian promptly when the rate is persistently abnormal.
guide · 8 min
→59Cat vomiting: one episode or a bigger concern?
What to record, what not to give and when repeated vomiting needs care.
guide · 8 min
→60Cat diarrhea: hydration, hygiene and red flags
One soft stool may be monitored in an otherwise well adult cat, but repeated diarrhoea, blood or illness signs require veterinary advice—sooner for kittens and seniors.
guide · 8 min
→61A limping cat is a painful cat
Safe observation, movement restriction and signs that need same-day care.
GUIDE · 6 min
→62When a change in behavior matters
A sudden behaviour change is health information until proven otherwise. Check eating, drinking, urine, stool, breathing and movement before assuming stress or stubbornness.
symptom · 6 min
→63Cat symptom guide: Difficulty breathing
Open-mouth breathing, marked effort or blue/grey gums are emergencies.
symptom · 6 min
→64Cat symptom guide: Repeated vomiting
Repeated vomiting is not something to simply watch for days. Blood, pain, weakness, dehydration, possible string or toxin exposure, or inability to keep water down needs prompt veterinary assessment.
symptom · 6 min
→65Cat symptom guide: Diarrhea
One mild episode may pass, but blood, pain, dehydration or persistence matters.
symptom · 6 min
→66Cat symptom guide: Not eating
A cat that stops eating needs same-day veterinary advice, especially when the change is sudden or accompanied by vomiting, weakness, pain or hiding. Do not wait several days for hunger to win.
symptom · 6 min
→67Cat symptom guide: Limping
Cats hide pain; limping means something is uncomfortable even without crying.
symptom · 6 min
→68Cat symptom guide: Hiding more than usual
A new hiding pattern can be an early sign of fear, pain or illness.
symptom · 6 min
→69Cat symptom guide: A seizure
A seizure lasting several minutes, repeating, or followed by poor recovery is an emergency.
symptom · 6 min
→70Cat symptom guide: Collapse or severe weakness
Collapse and inability to stand require immediate veterinary care.
symptom · 6 min
→71Cat symptom guide: Pale, white or blue gums
Abnormal gum colour can accompany shock, anaemia or breathing and circulation problems.
symptom · 6 min
→72Cat symptom guide: Eye injury or sudden squinting
Eye pain, cloudiness, trauma or holding an eye closed can deteriorate quickly.
symptom · 6 min
→73Cat symptom guide: Suspected poisoning
Do not wait for symptoms after a possible toxic exposure.
guide · 8 min
→74High blood pressure in cats: the signs can be silent
Why senior screening matters before vision or brain changes appear.
GUIDE · 6 min
→75Hairballs: common, but not always harmless
An occasional hairball can occur, but frequent vomiting, repeated unproductive retching or breathing changes should not be dismissed as normal. Coughing is often mistaken for a hairball.
guide · 8 min
→76Heart disease in cats: understanding HCM
Cats can hide heart disease; breathing changes require fast action.
guide · 8 min
→77Coughing or a hairball? How to tell the difference
Why repeated crouching and hacking deserves a closer look.
guide · 8 min
→78Sneezing and nasal discharge in cats
Home observations, gentle support and signs that need a clinic.
guide · 8 min
→79Eye discharge and squinting: what to do
A practical guide to protecting a painful or irritated eye.
guide · 8 min
→80Constipation in cats: signs, causes and safe action
Constipation can cause hard infrequent stool, repeated straining and discomfort, but urinary blockage can look similar and is an emergency.
guide · 8 min
→81Overgrooming, itching and bald patches
Why stress is only one possibility and fleas are easy to miss.
health · 14–16 min
→82Mouth ulcers in cats: what owners may notice
Look for sores on the lips, tongue or gums, drooling, bad breath, food dropping and reluctance to eat.
health · 14–16 min
→83Red or swollen gums in cats
Compare the gumline around several teeth and note bleeding, odor, tartar, chewing changes and appetite.
health · 14–16 min
→84A broken tooth in a cat is not just cosmetic
Look for a missing tip, pink or dark center, sharp edge, drooling, face rubbing or chewing on one side.
GUIDE · 8 min
→85A beginner’s guide to cat dental care
Cat dental care combines veterinary assessment with gradual home care. Use only cat-safe toothpaste, begin with seconds of rewarded handling and never brush a painful or bleeding mouth without advice.
health · 14–16 min
→86Tooth resorption in cats: subtle signs at home
Watch for jaw chattering near food, sudden head jerks, food dropping, preference for soft food and mouth sensitivity.
health · 14–16 min
→87Why is my cat scratching their ears?
Note which ear, how often, and whether there is redness, debris, hair loss or skin damage.
health · 14–16 min
→88Ear discharge or odor in cats
Describe discharge color, texture and smell and whether the ear canal looks narrowed or painful.
health · 14–16 min
→89Frequent head shaking in cats
Count episodes and look for ear scratching, discharge, pain, swelling or a recent bath.
health · 14–16 min
→90A sudden head tilt in cats
Note tilt direction, walking, eye movements, vomiting, ear signs and the exact time it began.
health · 14–16 min
→91Why is my cat losing balance?
Observe stumbling, circling, falling, weakness, abnormal eyes and whether all limbs are affected.
health · 14–16 min
→92Unequal pupils in cats: when anisocoria is urgent
Compare pupils in the same light and look for squinting, cloudiness, redness, third eyelid or vision change.
health · 14–16 min
→93Why is my cat’s third eyelid showing?
Notice one eye or both, duration, discharge, squinting, diarrhea, weight loss and general energy.
health · 14–16 min
→94A cloudy eye in a cat needs attention
Identify whether cloudiness is on the surface, inside the eye or over the pupil and note pain or discharge.
health · 14–16 min
→95Sudden blindness in cats
Watch for bumping, hesitation, wide pupils, distress and inability to track movement without startling the cat.
health · 14–16 min
→96Nosebleeds in cats: first steps and red flags
Note one nostril or both, amount, sneezing, facial swelling, trauma and possible toxin exposure.
health · 14–16 min
→97Noisy breathing in cats
Record whether the sound occurs on breathing in or out, at rest or asleep, and note effort and posture.
health · 14–16 min
→98Gagging or retching in cats
Distinguish coughing, gagging, vomiting and regurgitation by recording posture, sound and what appears.
health · 14–16 min
→99Regurgitation in cats: how it differs from vomiting
Note whether food returns suddenly without abdominal heaving and how soon after eating it occurs.
health · 14–16 min
→100Blood in a cat’s vomit
Describe bright red streaks, clots or dark coffee-ground material and keep a photo or sample.
health · 14–16 min
→101Black, tarry stool in cats
Look for truly black sticky stool rather than dark brown, and note weakness, vomiting, appetite and medications.
health · 14–16 min
→102Blood in a cat’s stool
Note bright red streaks versus black stool, amount, diarrhea, straining, pain and frequency.
health · 14–16 min
→103Mucus in a cat’s stool
Record frequency, stool consistency, blood, urgency, diet changes and whether multiple pets are affected.
health · 14–16 min
→104A swollen or distended abdomen in cats
Assess onset, firmness, pain, breathing, eating, stool, urine and whether the cat may be pregnant.
health · 14–16 min
→105My cat ate string: what to do
Look for missing thread, ribbon, yarn, dental floss or tinsel and note gagging, vomiting and appetite.
health · 14–16 min
→106Fecal incontinence in cats
Note whether stool leaks during rest, the cat seems unaware, or urgency prevents reaching the box.
health · 14–16 min
→107Blood in a cat’s urine
Blood in a cat's urine is never normal and needs prompt veterinary assessment. Repeated straining with little or no urine can be a life-threatening emergency.
health · 14–16 min
→108Frequent small urinations in cats
Count litter-box visits and photograph clump size while watching for pain, blood and genital licking.
health · 14–16 min
→109Why is my cat licking the genital area so much?
Notice frequency, redness, discharge, urine output, litter visits and whether licking interrupts normal activity.
health · 14–16 min
→110Urine leaking or wet bedding in cats
Note wet fur or bedding, sleep leakage, conscious squatting, odor, thirst and mobility.
health · 14–16 min
→111A sudden change in cat urine odor
Compare clump size, frequency, color, thirst, diet and whether the box itself needs cleaning.
health · 14–16 min
→112Yellow gums, ears or eyes in cats
Check natural light for yellow color in gums, ear skin and the whites of the eyes, plus urine and appetite.
health · 14–16 min
→113Dehydration in cats: signs you can observe
Track water intake, urine clumps, appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, gum moisture and energy.
health · 14–16 min
→114Can you tell if a cat has a fever?
Warm ears or a dry nose cannot confirm fever; note lethargy, appetite, shivering and breathing instead.
health · 14–16 min
→115Low body temperature in cats
Notice cold extremities, weakness, slow responses, shivering or lack of shivering and recent cold exposure.
health · 14–16 min
→116Lethargy in cats: more than just a sleepy day
Compare with the cat's normal sleep, response to food, movement, grooming, social behavior and litter use.
health · 14–16 min
→117Why is my cat suddenly always hungry?
Measure actual intake and weight, and note thirst, stool, vomiting, activity and food competition.
health · 14–16 min
→118A pot-bellied appearance in cats and kittens
Notice body condition, age, deworming history, abdominal firmness, appetite, stool and breathing.
health · 14–16 min
→119Muscle loss in cats: what owners often miss
Feel gently over spine, shoulders, hips and thighs and compare monthly photos and weight.
health · 14–16 min
→120New lumps or enlarged areas in cats
Map location, size, firmness, mobility, heat, pain and growth using a photo and ruler.
symptom · 8 min
→121Why is my cat peeing more often?
Frequent trips may mean small painful attempts or genuinely larger urine volumes.
health · 14–16 min
→122A sore that will not heal on a cat
Record duration, location, size, crust, discharge, licking and sun exposure, especially on pale ears or noses.
health · 14–16 min
→123First steps for an open wound on a cat
Check bleeding, depth, contamination, location, pain and whether a bite or foreign object caused it.
health · 14–16 min
→124Cat bite wounds and abscesses
Look for tiny punctures, heat, swelling, pain, limping, fever, bad smell or sudden rupture.
health · 14–16 min
→125Burns in cats: immediate first aid
Identify heat, chemical or electrical exposure and check paws, mouth, whiskers, skin and breathing.
health · 14–16 min
→126Insect stings and sudden facial swelling in cats
Look for a sting site, hives, pawing, drooling, vomiting, breathing noise and rapid progression.
health · 14–16 min
→127Suspected snakebite in a cat
Look for sudden pain, paired punctures, swelling, weakness, bleeding or collapse, but marks may be hard to see.
health · 14–16 min
→128Fleas on cats: signs, treatment and the home
Use a flea comb over the back and tail base and look for live fleas, itching or black specks that redden when wet.
health · 14–16 min
→129I found a tick on my cat
Confirm it is attached, note location and save the tick after correct removal if local guidance recommends it.
health · 14–16 min
→130Ringworm in cats: what it looks like and why testing matters
Look for circular or irregular hair loss, scaling, broken hairs and crusts, but remember appearances vary.
health · 14–16 min
→131Cat chin acne: blackheads, swelling and infection
Look for black specks, crusts, redness, hair loss, swelling and pain under the chin.
health · 14–16 min
→132Dandruff and flaky skin in cats
Part the coat to check distribution, redness, grease, parasites, hair loss and whether grooming has changed.
GUIDE · 9 min
→Why does my cat pee outside the litter box only at night?
Night-only urination outside the box can reveal darkness, access difficulty or quiet blocking, but urinary disease must be ruled out first.