Dr. Janice Floyd, DVM, from Briarcliff Animal Hospital (briarcliffanimal.com) in Morningside says one of the most frequently asked questions by feline owners is how to spot signs of illness. Dr. Floyd created this list in response.
Top 10 Signs of Illness in Cats
Changes in interaction: Hiding away from everyone or acting unusually clingy
Changes in activity: Normally spry cat is walking slowly
Changes in appetite: Eating more or less is one of the most common signs of sickness
Changes in drinking: Drinking more is common sign of kidney disease and diabetes
Changes in weight: Weight loss is very common in sick cats, and weight gain may be something more insidious such as fluid accumulation.
Changes in breath smell: Bad breath commonly indicates dental problems, which are very treatable
Changes in grooming: Clumpy fur or thinned fur/bald patches
Changes in sleeping patterns: Waking you up at night or sleeping all the time
Changes in vocalization: Howling at night or change in sound of voice
Changes in litterbox habits: Urinating or defecating out of the box, or more/less urine or feces