Quick Care Checklist
- Watch for four general warning signs: low energy, appetite changes, litter box changes, and unusual behavior.
- Take a male cat that cannot urinate to an emergency clinic immediately.
- Call a veterinarian if a cat has not eaten for more than 24 hours; three days without food is dangerous.
- Seek vet care for vomiting or diarrhea lasting more than 24 hours, especially with lethargy.
- Keep FVRCP vaccines current; they protect against several common and deadly diseases.
- Support hydration with wet food and fresh water to reduce urinary risks.
- Schedule senior cats for a vet checkup every 6 months.
- Never give human medication to a cat.
Four General Warning Signs
Cats hide pain and illness by nature, so by the time a problem is obvious it may already be serious. Watch for any of these changes:
| Warning sign | What it looks like |
|---|---|
| Low energy | Hiding, not responding, sleeping much more than usual. |
| Appetite changes | Refusing food or water, or suddenly drinking and eating much more. |
| Litter box changes | Soft stool, diarrhea, blood, straining, frequent trips, or peeing outside the box. |
| Behavior changes | Repeated head shaking, obsessive grooming, hiding, or unusual aggression. |
Ten Serious Diseases at a Glance
Severity is rated from 1 to 5, with 5 meaning the disease is often fatal without treatment.
| Disease | Severity | Key signs | Prevention |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feline panleukopenia | 5/5 | Severe vomiting, bloody diarrhea, fever, dehydration; 50-90% of kittens die without treatment. | FVRCP vaccine |
| FIP | 5/5 | Lethargy, poor appetite, fever, fluid in the belly or chest. | No reliable vaccine; keep the cat healthy and reduce stress |
| Urinary tract disease | 4/5 | Straining, blood in urine, or inability to urinate; blockage is especially dangerous in males. | Extra water, wet food, less stress |
| Poisoning | 5/5 | Vomiting, drooling, tremors, breathing trouble, collapse. | Lock up chemicals and remove toxic plants |
| Pancreatitis | 4/5 | Vomiting, hunched belly pain, no appetite. | Avoid high-fat diets |
| Feline leukemia (FeLV) | 4/5 | Anemia, weak immunity, repeated infections, tumors. | Test new cats; vaccine in some situations per your vet |
| Hepatic lipidosis | 4/5 | Several days without eating, jaundice, weight loss. | Vet care within about 3 days of appetite loss |
| Feline herpesvirus | 3/5 | Sneezing, nasal discharge, red eyes, eye discharge. | FVRCP vaccine |
| Calicivirus | 3/5 | Mouth ulcers, drooling, sneezing. | FVRCP vaccine |
| Chronic kidney disease | 4/5 | Drinking and urinating more, weight loss, vomiting; the most common cause of death in senior cats. | Senior bloodwork every 6 months |
The FVRCP vaccine covers panleukopenia, feline herpesvirus, and calicivirus. See the Complete Cat Vaccination and Deworming Guide for the schedule.
Common Diseases by Age
Kittens, 0-6 months
- Upper respiratory infections caused by feline herpesvirus or calicivirus.
- Feline panleukopenia, which is severe in kittens.
- Intestinal parasites and other stomach upsets with soft stool or a swollen belly.
Young adults, 6 months to 2 years
- Urinary tract problems, especially in male cats.
- Trauma from falls, fights, or swallowing foreign objects.
- Skin issues such as ringworm, ear mites, and fleas.
Adults, 2-7 years
- Dental disease; most cats over 3 have some degree of it.
- Obesity from lower activity and overfeeding.
- Hairballs, which can cause vomiting or constipation.
Seniors, 7 years and older
- Chronic kidney disease, the most common cause of death in older cats.
- Hyperthyroidism, which causes a big appetite with weight loss.
- Diabetes, with more drinking and urinating and sometimes a strange hind-leg walk.
Three Emergencies That Need Immediate Care
1. A male cat cannot urinate
If the cat squats in the litter box, yowls, and produces little or no urine, it may have a urethral blockage. This is fatal within 24-48 hours and needs an emergency clinic right away.
2. The cat stops eating for more than 3 days
A cat that refuses food for about three days is at risk of hepatic lipidosis, a liver emergency. Do not wait for a full week to see what happens.
3. Vomiting or diarrhea lasts more than 24 hours
When it comes with lethargy, refusal to eat or drink, or blood, dehydration can develop quickly. Call your veterinarian instead of watching and waiting.
Common Mistakes
- Waiting to see if a blocked cat "gets better" on its own.
- Giving human medication such as pain relievers to a cat.
- Skipping FVRCP boosters for an indoor cat.
- Dismissing increased thirst in a senior cat as normal aging.
- Letting a not-eating cat go several days without calling the vet.
- Treating a single sign at home instead of checking for the bigger pattern.
When to See a Veterinarian
Call your veterinarian or an emergency clinic if the cat cannot urinate, has not eaten for more than 24 hours, vomits or has diarrhea for more than a day, seems very tired or painful, or shows any of the warning signs above. If you suspect poisoning, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435; see the Toxic Foods for Cats guide for more. This reference is informational only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice.
FAQ
My cat vomited once. Is it an emergency?
A single hairball with normal behavior is usually fine. Repeated vomiting, blood, lethargy, or loss of appetite needs veterinary attention.
How do I know if my male cat is blocked?
He strains in the litter box with little or no urine, yowls, hides, vomits, or seems painful. This is an emergency; do not wait.
My senior cat drinks a lot. Is that normal?
Not by itself. Increased thirst can signal kidney disease, diabetes, or hyperthyroidism, so a veterinarian should run bloodwork.
Do indoor cats really need the FVRCP vaccine?
Yes. Panleukopenia virus can survive in the environment and be carried indoors on shoes and clothing, so indoor cats are still at risk.
How often should a senior cat see the vet?
Every 6 months is a common recommendation, because bloodwork and weight checks catch kidney disease and other age-related problems earlier.
What should I do if I suspect poisoning?
Call your veterinarian, an emergency clinic, or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 right away. Do not induce vomiting unless told to.
Content note
This guide is for general education. It does not represent a veterinary review or replace advice for your pet's individual situation.
