Because Caring Means Understanding

Cats are masters of mystery — affectionate one moment, aloof the next.
But beneath that independence lies sensitivity. Changes in mood, appetite, or behaviour can tell you a lot about your cat’s health.
Learning to read those signs is one of the most important parts of being a responsible cat guardian.

🐾 Dot says: “I don’t talk much — so please notice when something feels off. ”

1. Routine Health Care: Prevention First

Good care starts long before problems appear. Keep these basics in mind:

Vet check-ups: once a year minimum; every 6 months for seniors.
Vaccinations: protect against Feline Flu, Feline Enteritis, and FeLV.
Parasite control: regular flea, tick, and worm treatments.
Neutering: helps prevent unwanted litters, marking, and roaming.
Microchipping: optional for cats in Ireland, but strongly recommended.

Find a trusted clinic near you in our Vet Directory.

Common Health Concerns

Cats can hide pain well, so small changes often mean something important.

Health Issue	What to Watch For
Dental problems	Bad breath, drooling, avoiding dry food
Hairballs	Frequent vomiting, coughing
Fleas/worms	Itching, scabs, weight loss
Obesity	Difficulty grooming, heavy breathing, low energy
Urinary problems	Frequent trips to litter tray, straining, blood in urine
Senior issues	Weight loss, confusion, stiffness, louder meowing

If any of these symptoms appear — book a vet appointment immediately.

3. Recognising Signs of Illness

Cats are subtle communicators. Look for these early warning signs:

Sudden changes in appetite or thirst
Lethargy or excessive hiding
Litter box avoidance or frequent accidents
Over-grooming or bald patches
Aggression, irritability, or restlessness
Unexplained weight change

Dot tip: “ If I act differently, don’t ignore it. I’m trying to tell you something. ”

4. Understanding Behaviour

Cats behave the way they do for a reason. Most “problem behaviour” is really communication.

Behaviour	Possible Reason	What to Do
Scratching furniture	Territory marking	Provide scratching posts, praise use
Aggression	Fear, pain, overstimulation	Identify trigger, never punish, consult vet
Litter box issues	Stress, infection, dirty tray	Clean trays, vet check, reduce stress
Excess meowing	Hunger, anxiety, attention-seeking	Keep routine, ignore attention meows, reward calm
Hiding	Stress or illness	Provide safe spaces, check health
Spraying	Territory insecurity or unneutered	Neuter, clean spots, behaviourist support

5. Mental Health for Cats

Emotional wellbeing matters too. Cats can feel stress, anxiety, and depression.

Keep a calm, predictable routine.
Provide hiding places, window views, and climbing areas.
Enrich playtime daily — even 10 minutes of chasing a feather toy helps.
Use pheromone diffusers or calming sprays if needed.
Avoid shouting or punishment — it breaks trust.

Dot says: “If I scratch, I’m not being bad — I’m being a cat!”

6. When to Seek Professional Help

Some issues need expert input.

Don’t delay if you notice:

Persistent vomiting or diarrhoea
Weight loss or gain
Excessive thirst or urination
Aggression or sudden fear
Unexplained injuries or wounds

Seek advice from:

A registered veterinary clinic (Find one here)
A certified cat behaviourist (See listings)

Cats.ie lists only verified professionals who follow welfare-based practices.

9. Health Emergencies

Be prepared:

Know your nearest 24-hour vet (find under Services → Vets).
Have a secure carrier ready for transport.
Keep your cat’s medical details handy.
If your cat stops eating, is lethargic, or hides for over 24 hours, call a vet immediately.

8. Helpful Links

Post a Rehome Listing
Meet Our Rescues
Animal Welfare & Advertising Rules
Report a Concern

Coming Soon

"Ask Dot’s VetBot"

Get fast, verified veterinary advice — day or night. The upcoming AI Vet Chatbot will connect you with trusted Irish vets for early guidance, health triage, and educational tips.
VetBot is not a replacement for in-person care, but a helpful companion for cat owners

Cat Health and Behaviour