Why Cats Hide Problems (and How Vets Spot the Signs You Can’t)
- Content Writer
- 20 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Cats are famously independent creatures. They’re quiet, stoic, and often masters at disguising discomfort. But while this trait may be part of their survival instinct, it can make it harder for owners to spot when something’s wrong.
In this post, we explore why cats are so good at hiding illness, the subtle signs to watch out for, and how veterinary checkups can detect problems long before they become serious.
Contents
Why Do Cats Hide Pain or Illness?
In the wild, animals that show signs of weakness are more likely to become targets for predators. Although your cat lives a safe, domestic life, this ancient survival instinct is still very much present. Rather than alerting you to their discomfort, they’re far more likely to hide it.
This can make even the most observant owners feel caught off guard when their cat is diagnosed with an illness. In reality, the problem may have been brewing quietly for some time – which is why routine check-ups are so important, even when everything seems fine.
Signs of Illness You Might Miss at Home
Because cats don’t often show clear symptoms until an illness is well established, it helps to know what subtle changes to look for. Many of these can appear mild or unrelated, but together they may point to something more serious.
Here are some early warning signs that often go unnoticed:
Weight loss or gain – even small changes can be significant
Changes in appetite or thirst – eating less, begging more, or drinking more water than usual for example
Hiding or becoming withdrawn – social cats retreating, or quiet cats becoming even more isolated
Altered grooming – overgrooming can indicate stress or itchiness; undergrooming may suggest joint pain or illness
Toileting changes – urinating outside the litter box, constipation, or diarrhoea
Less interest in play or jumping – especially if your cat is usually active
Individually, these may seem minor – but taken together, they can offer important clues about your cat’s health.
How Vets Detect What Owners Can’t
Vets are trained to spot the earliest signs of illness, many of which are easy to miss at home. A routine health check involves much more than a visual once-over.
Your vet will:
Check your cat’s weight, body condition, and hydration
Feel for lumps, bumps, or internal abnormalities
Examine the mouth and teeth for early dental disease
Assess the skin, ears, and eyes
Listen to the heart and lungs
Ask about changes in behaviour, appetite, litter tray habits, and grooming
In some cases, your vet may recommend additional tests such as bloodwork, urine analysis, or blood pressure monitoring – particularly in older cats. These help detect issues like kidney disease, thyroid imbalances, or diabetes long before symptoms appear.
Why Routine Vet Visits Are Crucial
Even if your cat appears to be in perfect health, regular check-ups are one of the best ways to prevent serious illness. Many of the most common conditions in cats – such as dental disease, arthritis, kidney problems, and hyperthyroidism – develop gradually, with few outward signs at first.
Routine visits help with:
Early detection of disease while it’s still manageable
Monitoring age-related changes and adjusting care as needed
Updating vaccinations and parasite prevention
Discussing nutrition and behaviour for overall wellbeing
These check-ups also allow you to raise any concerns you’ve noticed at home – no matter how small – and ensure your cat’s health is being monitored consistently over time.
When to Contact Us
If your cat hasn’t been seen in over a year (or six months in older cats) – or if you’ve noticed subtle changes in their habits, appetite, or behaviour – it’s time to get them checked. Acting early can mean simpler treatment, less stress, and a better quality of life for your cat.
📞 Call us on 020 8459 4729 or book an appointment online for a thorough feline health check.
Save money, and help your pet live a happy and healthy life with Vital Pets Club, by Roundwood Vets.
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