Cats are a lot of work, and the cost of having one can add up with pet insurance, flea medications and treatments, collars, cat litter, cat treats, online veterinarians, and more. However tasking and costly they are, it is worth it to have a furry friend that loves you. Everyone wants to keep their pets healthy and safe and it’s important to watch their behavior to know if they’re feeling off. So, whether your cat has been acting strange lately, or you just got a new kitten and want to educate yourself, here are 6 signs your cat isn’t feeling well:

1. Hiding

Cats often hide as a part of their nature to find a safe place to doze off or when they’re feeling playful and want to sneak up on a toy. If you find your cat hiding more than usual, it may be a sign that they’re stressed, anxious, or not feeling well—it’s best to take them to a vet to rule out any illnesses and get to the bottom of the issue.

2. Appetite

If your cat is not eating or drinking as much as they used to, not at all, or a lot more than they used to, it’s a big sign that something is off. Oftentimes cats with dental issues are picky about their food and won’t eat very much, on the other hand, cats with metabolic diseases will eat and drink a lot. Take your cat to the vet to see what’s going on if their eating patterns change significantly.

3. Lack of energy

If your cat is sleeping a lot more and won’t play when you throw their favorite toy around, it may be a sign that they are not feeling well. When fighting off an illness, cats can become drained of energy. Alternatively, arthritis or issues with their joints may result in them not jumping on the furniture like they used to. Be sure to check for your cat’s sleeping patterns and behavior when it comes to their normal activities.

4. Weight loss/weight gain

Viral diseases often result in weight loss or weight gain, so if you notice your cat is looking smaller than usual or has put on a couple pounds, it’s best to get them checked out to make sure everything is okay.

5. Hunched over

If your cat has been sitting hunched over, it could be a sign of abdominal or spinal pain. Be sure to take your cat to the vet to find out what’s going on and get them any treatments or medications they may require.

6. Obvious illness

Obvious illness can include vomiting, diarrhea, small and dry stool, shallow breathing, and discharge in the nose or eyelids, which are all abnormal for cats. If anything seems off with your cat and they are indicating that they are ill, take them to a vet immediately.