12 Warning Signs Your Cat Is Crying for Help

Cats are naturally independent and reserved, making them difficult to read, especially when they’re unwell. Despite their domestication, cats retain their biological instincts, often concealing health problems until they become more severe. As cat owners, it’s crucial to learn the signs of distress that indicate your cat might need medical attention. Missing these early warning signs can result in delayed treatment, which could be detrimental to your pet’s health.

I learned this lesson firsthand when I adopted my first cat. One evening, I came home to find puddles of vomit, but my cat seemed perfectly fine—purring and curling up next to me like nothing was wrong. It wasn’t until days later that I noticed something more serious was happening. A vet visit revealed a gastrointestinal blockage that required immediate surgery. This experience reinforced the importance of being vigilant and recognising even the smallest signs of illness in our cats. Let’s explore the 12 warning signs every pet owner should watch for, as they could indicate your cat needs medical attention.

How Do I Know If My Cat Is Crying for Help?

Cats are really good at hiding when they’re in pain, which can make it tough to tell when something’s wrong. The signs are usually pretty subtle, but with a little extra attention and a stronger bond, you’ll start to notice small changes in how they act or look. Cats speak through body language, sounds, and even changes in their daily routine, so being observant is key. Even tiny shifts in how they interact with you or their surroundings could be a sign they need help. By paying attention to their habits, you can catch issues before they get serious. So, here are some of the main things you should keep an eye out for.

Vocalisation

They may be vocalising more or less. A change from normal is the key thing to look out for here. Getting to know your cat well enough so you can spot these changes in behaviour is vital to understanding their communications.  

Symptoms of a Health Issue

Throwing up every now and again can be normal, especially if the vomit contains undigested food, hair or grass. But vomiting bile, vomiting frequently, or vomiting accompanied by lethargy, sneezing, diarrhoea, and other symptoms can indicate something more serious.

Change in Eating and Drinking habits

If your cat is off their food, losing weight rapidly, or has a sudden increase or decrease in thirst, it could be a sign of an underlying illness and should probably be seen by a vet as soon as possible. 

Lethargy

Cats are usually consistent in their sleep and play times. If you notice either that they are sleeping more (especially if they also seem lethargic in their awake times) or they are sleeping less and disturbing you throughout the day or night, it might be a sign of an underlying issue. 

Change in Urination

More frequent urination, urinating more but in smaller amounts, or straining to urinate could indicate a urinary tract infection. Look for changes in colour, smell or presence of blood in urine. Excessive genital grooming can also be a sign your cat is experiencing some discomfort in the area. 

Breathing Issue

Respiratory illnesses can present as wheezing, rapid breathing, shortness of breath or even bad breath. If your cat is struggling to breathe, taking only shallow breaths and only mouth breathing, it could be a physical injury to the lungs.  

Discharge 

Respiratory illnesses may be accompanied by eye and nose discharge. Allergies may also cause eye and nose discharge as well as sneezing. Some discharge from the ears is normal, but if it is liquid or your cat is excessively grooming or scratching their ear, they may be an infection or parasite bothering them. 

Changes to the Condition of the Coat

Changes to your cat’s coat and skin can indicate an allergy, parasite or skin condition. Look out for hair loss; excessive grooming, licking or scratching, skin that looks red, scaly or flaky. 

Behavioural Change 

Cats are creatures of habit, so any sudden change in their behaviour could be a sign of stress or anxiety. If your cat is showing signs like irritability, aggression, or isolating themselves, it could be an indication of depression, especially if there have been significant changes in their environment.

Eliminating Outside Litter Box

Cats may eliminate outside the litter box if it is not clean enough or they don’t like the position or litter substrate, but this behaviour can also be seen when cats have urinary tract infections, are anxious and stressed, or maybe are suffering cognitive decline. 

Limping

Limping or dragging their legs could indicate an injury (they don’t always land softly or on their feet!) or maybe something stuck in their paw. In older cats this could also be a sign of developing arthritis. More seriously, changes in your cat’s walk could be signs of a neurological condition. 

Swelling and Lumps

Swellings and lumps can be formed because of impact injuries, but may also be an abscess or infection under the skin. Benign growths such as lipomas, or more serious cancerous growths that need to be looked at by a vet. 

What is Making Your Cat Cry?

Just like us, cats can sometimes cry out if they are in pain, though they may not always express it the way we expect. Understanding the root causes of your cat’s distress is key to providing them with the comfort and care they need. While cats are known for their independent nature, they still experience many of the same health issues as humans that can cause discomfort and lead to vocalizations or behavioral changes. Here’s a closer look at some common issues that might make your cat cry:

• Arthritis (joint pain)
• Persistent Digestive Problems (e.g., inflammatory bowel disease)
• Internal organ pain from conditions like kidney disease, chronic pancreatitis, or cancer
• Bladder problems (including feline lower urinary tract disease)
• Dental Issues affecting teeth and gums
• Skin Conditions (rashes, allergies, hair loss, ringworms)
• Overgrown or ingrown nails cause discomfort

How Can You Help Them?

If you want to understand when your cat is asking for help, it’s important to pay attention to their behavior. Cats can be tricky to read, but with a little time and observation, you can learn what they need. By watching their actions and being responsive, you can make sure they get the care they need. Here’s how to make sure you’re always there for them when they need help.

• Observe – Get to know your cat well enough to be able to see when there is a change in their behaviour. Spend time with them and observe.
• Find out the stressors or pain triggers – Every cat is different, and you need to find out what causes your cat stress. Look out for behaviors such as hiding, eliminating, or spraying outside the litter box or avoiding certain people or places to understand what may be triggering stress or anxiety for your cat. 
• Hydrate them with clean, fresh water – A healthy cat is a happy cat, and freshwater is vital for good health. Ensure you are providing them with what they need physically to be their top selves. 
• Provide quiet, comfortable space and keep them calm – Make sure your home provides your cat with safe spaces and hiding nooks for sleeping and taking some chill time away from the hustle and bustle of our busy human lives.
• Ensure clean litter box – Cats are particular about their toileting and dislike excessively soiled litter boxes. Regularly clean and replace litter substrate, and provide a few litter boxes so they can have a choice about where to eliminate.
• Gently clean eye and ear discharges with warm, damp cloth – They keep themselves clean, but getting to those sensitive eye areas can be tricky with claws. Help them out with an occasional wipe and clean. 
• Check for fleas and irritants for skin allergies – Itchy, crawling skin is stress inducing and sometimes painful. Check them regularly for signs of parasites or skin problems, especially if you notice changes in coat condition or excessive grooming or scratching. 

Get them to the vet (If your help is not enough anymore) – If you are concerned, or you see a combination of signs that make you worried they may be in pain, take them to the vet to be sure it isn’t something serious.

When Do You Seek Immediate Help from a Vet?

Sometimes you can’t afford to wait around for the next available vet appointment. Your cat may be injured, poisoned or have a serious virus that needs urgent treatment. If you see any of the following, get your cat to an emergency vet for immediate attention:

• Bleeding: Bleeding from the skin, blood in diarrhea, or blood in urine
• Pain: Retreat from your touch, swollen abdomen, difficulty breathing
• Vomiting: Frequent and bile-like, or regurgitating but not the presence of vomit.
• Difficulty urinating: Straining to urinate, blood in urine
• Collapse: Unconsciousness, strange changes in gait, or excessive lethargy or sleepiness with difficulty being roused.
• Injury: Falling from a great height, being hit by a car, or impact with other moving objects.
• Abnormal breathing: Mouth breathing and panting
• Lethargy: Unusual or excessive hiding, difficulty rousing them, excessive sleepiness
• Sudden change in appetite – Not eating, excessive thirst or refusal to drink.

Prevent Future Crying and Suffering

Prevention is always better than cure, especially when it comes to your cat’s health and happiness. While cats are tough and resilient, there are simple steps you can take to reduce their pain and suffering. Start by getting the essentials right: make sure your new cat is vaccinated, microchipped, and neutered. Neutering not only prevents unwanted litter but also helps reduce territorial disputes and roaming, which can lead to injuries.

From there, focus on building a healthy, balanced routine. Provide nutritious food, fresh water, and a clean litter tray. Create a calm and safe environment filled with sensory enrichment and plenty of playtime to keep them mentally stimulated. If you want to give your cat the best shot at a long and happy life, consider keeping them indoors or building a contained outdoor enclosure. This dramatically reduces the risks associated with free-roaming—protecting them from accidents, diseases, and the dangers of the outside world. By taking these preventative steps, you’re giving your cat the best chance at a pain-free and fulfilling life.

Final Thoughts

Being proactive in understanding your cat’s behavior and noticing subtle changes can help you catch potential health issues early. One of the best ways to prevent unnecessary pain or injury is to keep your cat from roaming freely. Free-roaming cats are at a significantly higher risk for accidents and diseases, which can shorten their lifespan by up to 10 years. By ensuring your cat stays indoors or in a safe, contained space, you’re giving them the best chance for a longer, healthier life.

A great way to provide a safe outdoor experience for your cat is by investing in a custom outdoor enclosure. Whether it’s a small balcony setup or a larger backyard enclosure, your cat will enjoy the benefits of fresh air and sensory enrichment without the dangers of free-roaming. At Kittysafe, we offer secure, custom cat enclosures designed to enhance your pet’s happiness and safety. Let us help you create a safe and enriching environment for your feline friend today.

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