Our free cat symptom checker lets you describe what's wrong with your cat in plain words. It flags any signs that need a vet right away first, then explains possible causes and suggests cat-safe foods, herbs and supplements to discuss with your vet. It's free, needs no sign-up, and does not save your searches.
Opens the checker. No sign-up required.
Cats are experts at hiding illness, so small details matter. Try to include:
Some signs can't wait for a symptom checker. Contact a veterinarian or emergency clinic right away if you notice any of these.
Suspected poisoning in the US? Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 (a fee may apply).
These are some of the most common reasons owners ask "what's wrong with my cat?" Use the table as a starting point, then run your cat's specific symptoms through the checker. Where we have a detailed guide, it's linked.
| Symptom | Often linked to | See a vet |
|---|---|---|
| Vomiting | Hairballs, eating too fast, stomach upset, kidney disease | Today if repeated, or with not eating or lethargy |
| Not eating | Stress, nausea, dental pain, illness | If over 24 hours; cats can develop liver problems quickly |
| Hiding or low energy | Pain, illness, stress, fever | Today if sudden or with other symptoms |
| Drinking less or more | Diet, dehydration, kidney disease, diabetes, overactive thyroid | Within a few days; sooner if also not eating |
| Litter box changes | Urinary problems, stress, constipation | Right away if a male cat is straining |
| Heavy or fast breathing | Asthma, heart disease, fluid in the chest | Right away; cats rarely pant unless something is wrong |
| Sneezing or eye discharge | Upper respiratory infection | Within a few days; sooner if not eating |
| Over-grooming or hair loss | Allergies, fleas, stress, pain | This week |
| Bad breath or drooling | Dental disease, mouth pain | This week |
Many cat owners want natural options, and diet, hydration and a calm environment can all support recovery and long-term health. But cats are not small dogs. Many herbs, essential oils and supplements that are fine for people or dogs are toxic to cats, including tea tree oil and other essential oils, garlic and onion.
That's why the checker tailors every answer to cats and only suggests options generally considered safe for them. It does not give exact doses. The right amount depends on your cat's weight, age, health conditions and any medications, so confirm doses with your vet, ideally one experienced in integrative or holistic care.
For gentle, cat-specific ideas, see our guides to natural remedies for cat anxiety and the best cat food for kidney disease.
Yes. The PetWellness AI cat symptom checker is completely free, with no sign-up and no ads. Your searches are not saved.
No. An AI symptom checker cannot examine your cat or run tests, so it cannot diagnose. It can help you understand possible causes, spot warning signs that need a vet right away, and prepare questions for your veterinarian.
Cats instinctively hide pain and illness, so by the time signs are obvious, a problem may already be advanced. Small changes, such as hiding more, eating less, or changes in the litter box, are worth taking seriously.
Go to an emergency vet right away if your cat is breathing with its mouth open or struggling to breathe, a male cat is straining to urinate with little or no urine, your cat suddenly cannot use its back legs, collapses, has a seizure, may have touched or eaten lilies or another toxin, or has not eaten for more than 24 hours.
Not always. Cats process many herbs, essential oils and supplements very differently from people and dogs, and some are toxic to them. The checker only suggests options generally considered safe for cats, and does not give exact doses. Always confirm a remedy and its dose with your vet.
Ready to check what's going on with your cat? Describe the symptoms and get emergency signs, possible causes and cat-safe support ideas in seconds.
👉 Try the Free Cat Symptom Checker100% Free — No Sign-Up Required