Signs That Your Cat Needs to See the Vet

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By East Meadow Veterinary Center | May 13, 2026

Cats have no way of telling us when something is wrong. 

While some cats are more vocal than others, cats can’t go right out and tell you what is wrong when them or if they need to see a vet. When compared to dogs, cats are also more independent, so cat owners often have a more difficult time knowing when to take their cats to the veterinarian in North Bellmore. The first step in knowing when to take your cat to the vet is by getting to know them. Knowing their habits and personality will help you to know when something seems off. The following is a list of signs that your cat needs to see the vet:

#1. Changes in eating habits. 

Whether your cat likes to graze all day long or they love to scarf down every bit of food from their bowl when you feed them, it’s important to watch out for changes. If your cat suddenly loses his or her appetite, it could be a cause for concern, and you need to call your vet.

#2. Changes in feces or elimination habits. 

It’s important to know what your cat’s normal bowel movements look like, including color, odor, consistency, size and frequency, so that you can be aware of any changes. You also need to become familiar with the amount and color of your cat’s urine. If your cat is constipated, has diarrhea or is having trouble urinating, you need to contact the vet.

Learn more signs that your cat needs to see the vet when you stay tuned for our next blog.

We all want the best for our cats, but it can be difficult to know when your cat needs to go to the veterinary clinic in Levittown. 

We all want our cats to be as healthy and happy as possible, but how do you know if your cat needs to go to the vet? In our last blog, we talked about how getting to know your cat’s habits, personality and routine can help you to be aware of changes, and we also went over several signs that your cat needs to see the vet. Here are a few more signs that your cat needs to visit the vet:

#3. Change in your cat’s gait. 

Most cats walk purposefully, and their steps are carefully measured. Watch your cat closely so that you can learn what his or her normal gait looks like. If you notice a change in the way your cat is walking or moving, it could be a sign of arthritis or injury, so you should schedule an appointment with your vet.

#4. Change in activity. 

Although it’s normal for cats to become less active as they get older, if you notice sudden changes in your cat’s activity levels, it could be a sign of depression, lethargy or injury. If your once active cat suddenly doesn’t want to get up and play, contact your vet!

Although we’ve already mentioned several signs that your cat needs to see the vet, we have just a few more for you. Please stay tuned for our next blog to learn more.

Cats have no way of telling us how they feel, so how do you know if your cat needs to see the vet?

As your cat’s owner, you are able to get to know your cat more thoroughly than anyone else. The better you know your cat, the more aware you’ll be of changes in their activity levels, bowel movements, eating habits and more. In our last blog, we talked about several changes that indicate the need for your cat to see the vet. Today, our veterinarian in North Merrick will be finishing this blog series with these last few signs that your cat needs to see the vet:

#5. Changes in grooming habits. 

Normally, cats spend a large portion of their day grooming themselves. If your car suddenly stops grooming, or you notice that their coat has become greasy, matted or unkempt, it could be a sign of depression or arthritis, among other issues. However, if your cat has started to groom just one stop excessively, they may have a skin irritation, such as mites or fleas.

#6. Changes in behavior. 

Behavioral changes are a red flag in many cats. If your once social cat has suddenly become isolated, he or she could be experiencing emotional or physical problems. Schedule an appointment for your cat if you notice any sudden changes in behavior.

Although we’ve gone over many signs that your cat needs to see the vet, it’s also important to listen to your gut. If something seems off or wrong with your cat, it’s always a good idea to contact the vet.

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