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When should I be concerned about my cat throwing up?
Contact your vet if your cat vomits more than once in 24 hours, or if vomiting is accompanied by lethargy, blood in the vomit, pale gums, diarrhoea, a swollen or painful abdomen, or noticeably increased thirst and urination. Occasional vomiting of fur or grass is normal, but repeated or severe vomiting always warrants veterinary advice.
Worth noting: projectile vomiting, vomiting shortly after eating, or a cat that keeps attempting to vomit without bringing anything up are all reasons to seek urgent advice rather than wait. A young kitten vomiting repeatedly should always be seen the same day.
Source: PDSA — Vomiting in Cats
What are the signs that a cat is about to pass away?
The main signs that a cat is nearing the end of life include extreme lethargy and weakness, loss of interest in food and water, incontinence, laboured or irregular breathing, cold extremities, a drop in body temperature, and withdrawal to quiet, hidden spots. Poor grooming, pale or bluish gums, and disorientation are also common in the final days.
In practice: not all of these signs appear at the same time, and some may indicate a treatable condition rather than end of life. It is always worth calling your vet even if you are unsure — they can help you distinguish between the two and advise on the most compassionate path forward.
Source: Blue Cross — Saying Goodbye to Your Cat
What are the three early warning signs of kidney disease in cats?
The three main early warning signs of kidney disease in cats are drinking more water than usual, urinating more frequently or in larger amounts, and a reduced appetite accompanied by gradual weight loss. These signs can appear years before the condition becomes severe, which is why regular vet check-ups matter so much for older cats.
According to PDSA, additional symptoms as the disease progresses include vomiting, low energy, and breath that smells faintly of urine. Chronic kidney disease is most common in middle-aged to older cats and is one of the leading causes of illness in the UK feline population.
Source: PDSA — Chronic Kidney Disease in Cats
What are four signs your cat is suffering?
Four key signs that a cat may be suffering are: changes in vocalisation (unusual meowing, hissing, or growling); altered posture or movement (hunching, limping, or reluctance to move); aggression or withdrawal that is out of character; and changes in daily habits such as reduced appetite, altered litter tray use, or neglecting grooming.
Worth noting: cats are instinctively inclined to hide pain, so the signs are often subtle. Vets sometimes use the Feline Grimace Scale — a standardised tool that assesses ear position, whisker tension, eye shape, and head position — to objectively measure discomfort. If you notice any combination of these signs, a vet visit is warranted.
Source: PDSA — Pain in Pets
Will a cat still purr if it’s in pain?
Yes — cats can and do purr when in pain. Purring is not solely a sign of contentment; it also occurs during distress, illness, or recovery. Purring vibrates at frequencies of 25–150 Hz, which may help promote bone healing and release endorphins that naturally reduce discomfort. Never assume a purring cat is free from pain.
In practice: Blue Cross also points out that a cat purring more than usual, or in unusual circumstances, can be a sign that something is wrong. If your cat begins purring in situations where it never used to — during a vet examination, or when clearly unwell — treat it as a prompt to investigate further rather than a sign of reassurance.
Source: PDSA — Pain in Pets
What is “I love you” in cat language?
The closest equivalent to “I love you” in cat language is the slow blink — a deliberate, gentle closing and reopening of the eyes. Cats Protection describes this as a likely signal of comfort and trust: by closing their eyes in your presence, a cat shows it feels safe enough to be momentarily vulnerable. You can try slowly blinking back.
Worth noting: the slow blink is widely accepted by behaviourists as a positive signal, but Cats Protection cautions that the science is not fully settled. Context matters — a cat with relaxed, open body language and a slow blink is almost certainly at ease. A cat that is tense or showing other stress signals may blink slowly for a different reason entirely.
Source: Cats Protection — Why Do Cats Slow Blink?
What does it mean when your cat brings you presents?
When a cat brings you a dead bird or mouse, it is not actually a gift in the human sense. According to Cats Protection, cats carry prey back to their home territory because it is where they feel safe enough to eat undisturbed — and you are part of that territory. It shows your cat feels secure around you, even if the gesture is unwelcome.
In practice: to reduce the frequency, Cats Protection recommends fitting a bell to your cat’s collar (on a quick-release safety collar) and keeping them indoors around dusk and dawn when wildlife is most active. This will not eliminate hunting behaviour entirely, but it can noticeably reduce the number of catches.
Source: Cats Protection — Why Do Cats Bring You Dead Animals?
What’s the most toxic thing for cats?
Several substances are extremely toxic to cats. The RSPCA lists lilies (all varieties — can cause fatal kidney failure even from a small nibble), paracetamol (a single tablet can be lethal), and antifreeze (ethylene glycol, which is attractive in taste but fatal in tiny quantities) among the most dangerous. Dog flea treatments containing permethrin and slug pellets are also serious hazards.
Worth noting: the RSPCA advises keeping the packaging of any suspected toxin and calling your vet immediately — do not wait for symptoms to develop. The Animal Poison Line (a dedicated UK advice service) can also provide urgent guidance. Never induce vomiting in a cat without explicit veterinary instruction, as this can cause additional harm with certain poisons.
Source: RSPCA — Cat Poisoning
What does it mean when a cat eats grass?
Eating grass is entirely normal behaviour for cats. Cats Protection explains that grass aids digestion — it can induce vomiting to expel fur, feathers, or parasites from the stomach — and also provides folic acid and fibre that may be lacking in a purely meat-based diet. There is no need to discourage this behaviour in healthy cats.
The main concern is grass that has been treated with pesticides, herbicides, or fertilisers. If your cat has access to a garden or roams outdoors, it is worth being cautious about lawn treatments. Offering a pot of cat grass (such as wheatgrass) indoors gives them a safe alternative.
Source: Cats Protection — Why Do Cats Eat Grass?
What is a silent killer for cats?
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) — a thickening of the heart muscle — is widely regarded as the silent killer in cats. It is the most common feline heart disease and often produces no symptoms until the cat is in heart failure or collapses suddenly. Annual vet check-ups, which may detect a murmur or irregular rhythm, are the best way to catch it early.
According to veterinary research, HCM is particularly prevalent in certain breeds, including Maine Coon, Ragdoll, and British Shorthair cats. Even cats that appear completely well can have significant underlying heart disease. An echocardiogram (heart ultrasound) is the definitive diagnostic test if HCM is suspected.
Source: Blue Cross — Heart Disease in Cats
What are the five cat foods to avoid?
Five foods cats should never eat are: onions and garlic (damage red blood cells, causing anaemia); chocolate (contains theobromine, which cats cannot metabolise — confirmed toxic by PDSA); grapes and raisins (can cause kidney failure); caffeine (found in tea, coffee, and energy drinks — toxic even in small amounts); and raw fish in large quantities (destroys thiamine, an essential B vitamin).
Worth noting: lilies are not a food, but they deserve mention here — even the water in a vase of cut lilies is toxic to cats. Lily’s Kitchen also flags ethylene glycol (antifreeze) and essential oils as common household hazards. When in doubt about whether something is safe, check with your vet before your cat has access to it.
Source: PDSA — Chocolate Poisoning in Cats
What smell do cats absolutely hate?
Cats are particularly averse to citrus smells — oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruit are top of the list. They also dislike vinegar, peppermint, lavender, eucalyptus, mustard, and banana. Cats have a sense of smell roughly three times more sensitive than humans, so scents that seem mild to us can be overwhelming and unpleasant for them.
According to Agria Pet Insurance, these aversions make citrus peels and diluted vinegar useful as natural deterrents — for example, to discourage cats from scratching furniture or revisiting a soiled area. Bear in mind that many essential oils, including lavender and tea tree, are not only unpleasant to cats but actively toxic. Never use them around your cat.
Source: Agria Pet Insurance — What Smells Do Cats Dislike?
What annoys cats the most?
Cats are most reliably annoyed by unwanted or prolonged physical contact — particularly belly rubs and being picked up against their will. They also dislike being stared at, loud sudden noises, strong smells (particularly citrus and essential oils), dirty food and water bowls, and a lack of mental stimulation. Both too much and too little attention can frustrate a cat.
Petplan recommends the “three-second rule” when stroking a cat: stroke for three seconds, then pause and see if they ask for more. This prevents overstimulation, which can lead to a cat lashing out even if it seemed to be enjoying the contact a moment before. Watching for tail twitches and turned ears will save you a scratch.
Source: Petplan — What Do Cats Not Like?
How can I tell if my cat is unwell?
The most reliable indicators that a cat is unwell include changes in eating, drinking, or litter tray habits, unusual hiding or withdrawal, altered vocalisation, weight loss, discharge from the eyes or nose, changes in breathing, or a coat that looks dull and unkempt. Cats are expert at masking illness, so even subtle changes in routine should prompt a vet call.
Worth noting: because cats conceal pain and illness so effectively, owners are often the first line of detection. Keeping a mental note of your cat’s normal habits — how much it drinks, how often it uses the litter tray, where it likes to sleep — makes it much easier to spot when something has shifted. Any change lasting more than 48 hours deserves a vet conversation.
Source: PDSA — Cat Symptoms Guide
How can I check my cat’s health at home?
PDSA recommends carrying out a nose-to-tail health check at least twice a week. Look for: a moist, clear nose; bright, discharge-free eyes; clean ears with no smell or excessive wax; white teeth and salmon-pink gums; a coat free of parasites and matting; and no signs of limping. Weigh your cat monthly — unexplained weight loss is one of the earliest signs of illness.
In practice, the best time to do a health check is when your cat is relaxed and in a familiar spot. Make it a regular habit so your cat becomes used to being gently handled. If you find any lumps, swellings, sore patches, or have concerns about gum colour or coat condition, book a vet appointment rather than waiting to see if things improve.
Source: PDSA — How to Give Your Pet a Health Check at Home
What is the 3-3-3 rule of cats?
The 3-3-3 rule is a behavioural guideline for newly adopted cats, widely used by UK rescue centres. It suggests that a cat needs roughly 3 days to decompress after rehoming, 3 weeks to start adjusting and building trust, and 3 months to feel truly settled and show its real personality. Patience during each phase makes a significant difference to long-term bonding.
According to Kinship UK, during the first three days, hiding, refusing food, and hissing are entirely normal responses to a new environment. By three weeks, most cats begin to explore and establish a routine. By three months, the cat’s true character typically emerges. Forcing interaction before the cat is ready tends to set the process back.
Source: Kinship UK — The 3-3-3 Rule for Cats
How much does a health check for a cat cost?
A standard vet consultation for a cat typically costs between £30 and £65 in the UK, depending on the region and practice. Costs are highest in London (averaging around £65) and lower in Wales and the North. Annual check-ups, which may include a vaccination booster, usually fall at the lower end of this range. Pet insurance can help offset ongoing health costs.
Worth noting: some practices charge separately for specific procedures carried out during a consultation — blood tests, parasite treatments, or nail clipping, for example. It is always worth asking for an itemised breakdown before agreeing to treatment. Some charities, including the PDSA, offer subsidised care to owners on qualifying benefits.
Source: ManyPets UK — How Much Does a Vet Visit Cost?
How much for cat xray in the UK?
A cat X-ray in the UK costs on average around £370, with a range of £83 to £595 depending on the body area, the number of images needed, and whether sedation is required. Most practices charge for the first image or two, then around £60–£80 per additional view. Sedation typically adds £76–£113 to the total.
In practice, X-rays are rarely carried out in isolation — they are usually part of a broader diagnostic workup that may include a consultation fee, blood tests, or anaesthetic costs. Pet insurance that covers diagnostics can significantly reduce the financial impact. Always ask your vet for a written estimate before proceeding.
Source: ManyPets UK — X-Rays for Dogs and Cats
What can I do if I can’t afford my cat’s vet bill?
If you cannot afford a vet bill, PDSA provides free or subsidised veterinary treatment for pet owners in receipt of certain means-tested benefits, such as Universal Credit or Housing Benefit. Blue Cross also offers financial assistance in some areas. The RSPCA provides subsidised care in specific locations. Always speak honestly with your vet about costs — many practices offer payment plans.
According to Cats Protection, it is worth having an honest conversation with your vet as early as possible — before treatment begins rather than afterwards. Some practices will discuss a scaled-down treatment plan if the full cost is unaffordable. Charities such as the Blue Cross and PDSA may also be able to signpost local support, and some pet insurance policies offer interest-free monthly payments.
Source: Cats Protection — Caring for Your Cat During the Cost of Living Crisis
What is considered poor quality of life for a cat?
According to Blue Cross, poor quality of life in a cat is indicated by a combination of: not eating or eating very little, persistent vomiting or diarrhoea, difficulty breathing, avoiding contact, disorientation, inability to groom, incontinence, poor mobility, and more bad days than good. Vets often use a quality-of-life scoring tool to help owners assess and discuss end-of-life decisions.
Worth noting: Blue Cross reminds owners that purring is not always a sign of contentment — a cat purring during pain or distress is not necessarily comfortable. Because cats mask suffering so well, gradual decline can be hard to spot. Keeping a diary of good and bad days over several weeks can be genuinely helpful when discussing options with your vet.
Source: Blue Cross — Saying Goodbye to Your Cat
At what age do cats deteriorate?
According to International Cat Care, cats begin to be considered senior at around 11 years of age, with noticeable physical changes often appearing from around 7 to 10 years. The ‘super senior’ category applies from 15 years onwards. Common age-related changes include reduced mobility, dental disease, muscle loss, changes in coat quality, and increased susceptibility to conditions such as kidney disease and hyperthyroidism.
The average lifespan of a cat in the UK is around 14 years, according to the Royal Veterinary College, though many live well beyond this. Your Cat magazine recommends that any cat approaching 11 should be seen by a vet at least twice a year, as age-related conditions are far easier to manage when caught early.
Source: International Cat Care — Special Considerations for Senior Cats
What did Albert Einstein say about cats?
Albert Einstein is widely quoted as having said: “There are two means of refuge from the misery of life — music and cats.” Einstein was known to be fond of cats; he kept a cat named Tiger and reportedly comforted the animal during rainy days, telling it: “I know what’s wrong, dear fellow, but I don’t know how to turn it off.”
The quote is one of the most frequently cited cat quotations in the world and reflects what many owners intuitively understand: that cats provide genuine emotional comfort. Whether Einstein intended it philosophically or simply as an observation from his own daily life with Tiger, it has resonated with cat lovers for decades.
What is quidding in cats?
Quidding is when a cat chews food but repeatedly drops it from its mouth rather than swallowing it. It almost always signals oral pain — most commonly tooth resorption, gum disease, or a fractured tooth, though nausea or a sore throat can also cause it. Any cat that begins to quidd should be seen by a vet for a dental examination.
According to PDSA, dental disease is very common in cats — particularly older ones — and symptoms such as quidding are often missed because cats continue to eat through pain rather than show obvious distress. A vet dental examination, which may require a brief anaesthetic to look properly inside the mouth, is the only way to accurately identify and treat the underlying cause.
Source: PDSA — Dental Disease in Cats
How long should a cat not eat before going to vet?
For a routine vet visit, there is no need to withhold food — a light meal a few hours before travel can reduce anxiety and prevent nausea in the car. However, if the appointment may involve sedation or surgery, your vet will advise fasting for around 4–8 hours beforehand. Always confirm the specific requirement when you book.
Medivet advises checking at the time of booking whether fasting is required, as instructions vary by appointment type. For a standard health check or vaccination, a fed cat is fine. If your cat is travelling by car and is prone to motion sickness, a light meal a couple of hours before — rather than immediately before — tends to reduce the chances of vomiting en route.
Source: Medivet — Taking Your Cat to the Vet
How to tell if a cat is actively dying?
Signs that a cat is in the active dying phase include: complete refusal of food and water, extreme and unresponsive lethargy, very cold paws and ears, irregular or laboured breathing with long pauses between breaths, incontinence, loss of coordination, a fixed or glassy-eyed stare, and withdrawal to a quiet, hidden location. If you observe these signs, contact your vet promptly for compassionate guidance.
Blue Cross notes that these signs can develop over hours or days, and that the process can be distressing to witness. A vet or veterinary nurse can advise on whether home comfort care is appropriate or whether a humane euthanasia appointment would reduce suffering. You do not need to wait until the cat has passed naturally — seeking support early is the right thing to do.
Source: Blue Cross — Saying Goodbye to Your Cat
How long should a cat be starved before an operation?
Most UK vets advise no food from around 10pm the night before surgery, allowing a normal evening meal and then withholding food overnight. Water is typically permitted until the morning of the procedure. Kittens under five months may have a small meal up to 7am on the day. Always follow your vet practice’s specific instructions, as these can vary.
According to Court Vets, it is important to keep your cat indoors overnight before an operation to prevent them from finding food elsewhere. If you accidentally feed your cat after the fasting period begins, let your vet know immediately — they may need to postpone the procedure to ensure the stomach is sufficiently empty and anaesthesia is safe.
Source: Court Vets — Pre-Operative Guidelines for Your Cat
Why can’t cats eat before anesthesia?
Cats must fast before anaesthesia because anaesthetic drugs suppress the gag reflex. If the stomach contains food, there is a risk of regurgitation — stomach contents can be inhaled into the lungs, causing a potentially fatal condition called aspiration pneumonia. Fasting significantly reduces this risk and makes the procedure considerably safer for your cat.
Vet Help Direct notes that modern guidelines suggest 4–6 hours of fasting is often sufficient for healthy adult cats, rather than the older practice of withholding food from midnight. However, your vet practice will advise specifically for your cat’s age, weight, and health status. Never adjust fasting times without checking with your vet first.
Source: Vet Help Direct — Starving Pets Before Surgery
What happens if a cat drinks water before surgery?
A small amount of water consumed well before surgery is less dangerous than food, because water passes through the stomach more quickly than solid food. Most UK vets allow water until the morning of surgery, then advise removing it two to three hours beforehand. If your cat drinks during the fasting window, tell your vet on arrival — they may need to delay the procedure.
Cave Veterinary Specialists advise that water should be available at all times until your consultation, and that their team will guide you on whether sedation is required on the day. Harrison Family Vets specifically state that water is always permitted and should not be withheld, but that food must be removed the night before. Instructions vary by practice, so always confirm in advance.
Source: Cave Veterinary Specialists — Anaesthesia FAQs
How to encourage a sick cat to eat?
To encourage a sick cat to eat, offer small amounts of strongly scented food warmed to just above room temperature — warmth releases aromas that stimulate appetite. Blue Cross suggests chicken, tuna, or pilchards in small quantities. Hand feeding or dabbing food on the cat’s lips can also help. If your cat has not eaten for 24 hours, contact your vet.
The Cat Vet, a UK-based specialist practice, advises feeding little and often rather than presenting a full portion, which can put a poorly cat off eating. Sitting quietly with your cat and offering food by hand can help — some cats eat better with company, while others prefer privacy. Your vet may also prescribe an appetite stimulant if other approaches are not working.
Source: Blue Cross — Caring for Your Sick Cat
What is a behavioral urinary issue in cats?
The most common behavioural urinary condition in cats is Feline Idiopathic Cystitis (FIC) — bladder inflammation triggered by stress rather than infection. Symptoms include straining to urinate, blood in the urine, frequent litter tray visits, and urinating in unusual places. PDSA notes that FIC is managed through stress reduction, dietary changes, and environmental enrichment rather than antibiotics.
According to PDSA, common stress triggers for FIC include changes to routine, a new pet or person in the home, building work, or litter tray issues. If your cat is straining repeatedly and producing no urine at all, this is a life-threatening emergency — contact your vet immediately. Male cats are particularly at risk of a urinary blockage, which can be fatal within hours if untreated.
Source: PDSA — Feline Idiopathic Cystitis (FIC)
What smell do cats hate to stop peeing?
Cats are deterred by citrus scents, vinegar, and strong menthol smells, which can discourage inappropriate urination in specific areas. Before applying any deterrent, clean the soiled area thoroughly with a biological or enzymatic cleaner — if any odour trace remains, the cat will return. Always see your vet first to rule out a medical cause such as FIC.
According to Agria Pet Insurance, commercially available citrus sprays and diluted white vinegar are among the most effective cat deterrents for indoor use. Avoid any product containing ammonia, as this can actually mimic the smell of urine and encourage marking. Never punish a cat for inappropriate urination — stress makes the problem worse, not better.
Source: Agria Pet Insurance — What Smells Do Cats Dislike?
How to stop behavioral cat pooping?
To stop a cat toileting in the wrong place, never punish the cat — it will not understand and the resulting anxiety tends to make the behaviour worse. Blue Cross advises cleaning the soiled area with biological washing solution (one part to nine parts water), then treating with diluted surgical spirit once dry. Placing dried cat food nearby deters reuse of the spot.
Worth noting: inappropriate defecation is often a response to stress, an unsatisfactory litter tray, or a medical issue such as constipation or colitis. Always have your vet rule out a health cause before focusing solely on behaviour. The RSPCA recommends ensuring litter trays are cleaned daily, positioned away from food and water, and that there is one tray per cat in the household plus one extra.
Source: Blue Cross — Stop Your Cat Spraying and Soiling in the House
