A sick cat doesn't usually act sick the way a sick dog does. They get quieter, hide more, and skip a meal here and there. By the time symptoms are obvious, things are often advanced.
Healthy signs
- A soft, glossy coat with no bald patches
- Clear eyes, clean ears, and pink gums
- Stable weight and consistent appetite
- Normal litter box habits — once or twice a day for stool, several urinations
Watch for
Drinking noticeably more water, hiding in unusual places, not jumping to favorite perches, or grooming less. These small shifts are how cats announce trouble.
Senior cats (over 10) should see a vet at least twice a year — they decline faster than younger cats and benefit from earlier intervention.
