12 warning signs of illness in cats

✍️ Petop editorial📅 Oct 12, 2026⏱ 5 min read👁 1,187

Cats hide pain. These signs mean you should see a vet soon.

Emergencies

Straining without urinating, open-mouth breathing, not eating for 24 hours, sudden hind-leg paralysis and bloody vomiting or diarrhoea.

Increased thirst, weight loss, bad breath, hiding, litter box changes and persistent sneezing. Never give cats human painkillers.

A round-faced, plush-coated cat (classically blue) that is calm and undemanding.

The iconic long-haired cat of Persia: the calmest of breeds, found in doll-face and peke-face types.

Known for folded ears and an owl-like face; straight-eared kittens are called Scottish Straights.

A blue-eyed, colour-pointed chatterbox that bonds intensely with its people.

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Spaying prevents serious disease and reduces homelessness. Answers to common questions.

Chocolate, grapes, onions and xylitol are just the start. Know what never to feed your pet.