The subtle ways cats communicate their health

They may purr in your lap or curl up by the window, seemingly content, but cats are masters of quiet communication. Beneath those serene stares and graceful movements, tiny shifts in behaviour or posture can whisper stories about their health, if you know what to look for.

Cats have long been known for their mysterious, reserved nature, often keeping their emotions guarded compared to their more expressive canine counterparts.

But according to Royal Canin’s scientific communication manager and veterinarian, Dr Dylan Choy, this feline discretion can make health problems harder to detect.

“Cats are generally more reserved compared to dogs and they do not show their emotions as openly. One important thing about cats is that they are very good at hiding pain, so it often goes unnoticed until it becomes more serious.

“Small changes in body language can signal stress - things like ear position, tail movement and other subtle cues,” she said in an interview with Sinar Daily.

Cats, known for their mysterious and reserved nature, often communicate their health and emotions through subtle shifts in behaviour and posture. Photo: Edited via Canva

She mentioned cat owners in Malaysia are often aware of urinary issues such as bladder stones. But spotting the warning signs takes attention.

Signs to watch for include changes in how often a cat uses the litter box or if they suddenly stop using it altogether.

“This is not necessarily bad behaviour. It could be a urinary health problem, which should be checked by a vet. Loss of appetite is another signal worth investigating.

“If a cat usually eats well but suddenly stops, it may not just be about the food. It could be a sign of illness or even dental issues such as gum disease.

“These are all behaviours worth paying attention to. That is why we also highlight cat body language; those little, easily overlooked signals. These are some examples that cat owners can not immediately identify,” she added.

In older cats, changes in mobility can be a subtle sign of discomfort. Dr Dylan explained that they may no longer jump around as often as they once did, which could point to conditions such as osteoarthritis.

While they might not appear visibly unwell, a decline in activity can still signal underlying pain.

Dr Rio (left) and Dr Dylan.

Supporting this perspective, Royal Canin’s SEA scientific communication and scientific affairs lead and veterinarian, Dr Rio Aditya Setiawan, emphasised the link between behaviour and health.

“As Dr Dylan mentioned, behavioural changes are often linked to health. A cat that is usually active might suddenly become lethargic. Or a cat that enjoys cuddles might suddenly avoid being touched.

“Sometimes, a playful cat may start sleeping more than usual. These changes are common across all breeds,” he told Sinar Daily.

While the signs may be subtle, both veterinarians agree that understanding these silent signals is an important part of responsible pet ownership.

Noticing them early can mean faster diagnosis, gentler treatment and a better quality of life for the cats who rely on us to speak up when they cannot.

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