How to Tell if Your Cat is Sick: Signs of Common Feline Illnesses

How do you know if your cat is truly sick or just having an off day? Because felines are naturally independent, they are experts at hiding physical pain and weakness. Spotting the early, subtle warning signs of infection is the absolute best way to protect your kitty before an illness becomes critical.

The top symptoms that indicate your cat may be sick include:

  • Gastrointestinal Distress: Frequent vomiting, diarrhea, sudden weight loss, or total loss of appetite.
  • Urinary Changes: Straining to urinate, crying in the litter box, or urinating outside of their box.
  • Respiratory Issues: Persistent sneezing, wheezing, coughing, or heavy open-mouth breathing.
  • Physical & Behavior Shifts: Excessive thirst, uncharacteristic hiding, eye discharge, patchy hair loss, or sudden lethargy.

If your cat displays these symptoms for more than 24 hours, contact Republic Veterinary Hospital at 512-269-0738 to schedule a professional diagnosis.

5 Common Cat Illnesses to Watch For

Feline Upper Respiratory Infections

Much like a severe human cold, feline upper respiratory infections are highly contagious viral conditions.

  • Symptoms: Frequent sneezing, wet coughing, wheezing, nasal congestion, and watery or teary eyes.
  • Fact Sheet: In multi-pet homes, isolate your sick cat immediately. Disinfect food and water bowls frequently. The best prevention is keeping your cat indoors and current on all core feline vaccinations.

Feline Lower Urinary Tract Diseases (FLUTD)

FLUTD covers a range of conditions affecting a cat’s bladder and urethra. This can quickly escalate into a life-threatening medical emergency, particularly in male cats.

  • Symptoms: Straining to urinate, crying while inside the litter box, licking the genital area to relieve pain, and visible blood in the urine.
  • Risk Factors: Cats who are overweight, live in high-stress multi-cat households, or eat a strict dry-food diet have a significantly higher risk of developing urinary tract blockages.

Eye Issues & Infections

A healthy cat’s eyes must always be bright, clear, and responsive.

  • Symptoms: Cloudy eyes, gooey or watery discharge, constant squinting, or pawing at the face.
  • Fact Sheet: Feline eye issues can stem from underlying allergies, corneal ulcers, or conjunctivitis. Never delay eye treatment; eye problems left unaddressed for more than 24 hours can cause irreversible tissue damage or blindness.

Ringworm (Fungal Skin Infection)

Veterinarian applying anti-fungal medication with a Q-tip to a sick kitten's paws.

Despite its name, ringworm is not a worm. Rather, it is a highly resilient fungal skin infection that can easily spread to other pets and humans.

  • Symptoms: Circular patches of complete hair loss, crusty skin lesions, and localized inflammation.
  • Treatment: While ringworm can slowly resolve on its own over several months, prompt veterinary medical treatment is crucial to eliminate the fungus safely and prevent a full household outbreak.

Intestinal Worms & Parasites

Cats are vulnerable to at least eight distinct types of intestinal worms, with roundworms and tapeworms being the most common local variations.

  • Symptoms: Chronic vomiting, rapid weight loss, a dull coat, lethargy, or a distended, “swollen” belly (especially common in young kittens). Tapeworm segments may also appear around your cat’s hindquarters and resemble small grains of rice.
  • How They Spread: Cats ingest microscopic parasite larvae while grooming their paws or by accidentally swallowing fleas that carry tapeworm eggs. Regular cleaning of litter boxes and a consistent monthly parasite preventative protocol are essential to protect your family and your pet.

The Cat-Friendly Vet in Kyle, Texas

Cats have unique physiological, medical, and behavioral needs. When your feline family member isn’t feeling well, you need a veterinary team that understands how to interpret subtle feline symptoms.

At Republic Veterinary Hospital, we provide specialized, gentle diagnostics and treatments tailored specifically for your cat’s long-term wellness.

Is Your Cat Showing Warning Signs of Illness?

Do not wait for subtle symptoms to turn into severe medical emergencies. Choose an option below to connect with Dr. Murphree and our dedicated medical staff today:

Call 512-269-0738 to Book an Appointment — Speak directly with our front desk to secure a check-up, schedule a surgical consultation, or set up a medical boarding stay.

Visit Us in Kyle, TX

Our modern veterinary hospital is conveniently located at 154 Elmhurst Dr, Suite C, Kyle, TX 78640. You can find us located right alongside neighbor businesses like Pizza Leon and NEO Dentistry, easily accessible just off Elmhurst Drive via Philomena Drive.