It’s a moment every cat owner dreads: that sinking feeling when you realize your cat isn’t acting like themselves. They’re hiding, they’ve skipped a meal, or you’ve found a suspicious-looking pile on the new rug. Panic sets in, and your first instinct is to call the vet.

That’s the right instinct. But what happens next is crucial.

Your veterinarian is a medical detective, but they can’t solve a case without clues. When you’re on the phone or in the clinic, stressed and worried, it can be incredibly difficult to remember the specific details they need. “When did it start? How often has it happened? Is he eating less, or not at all?”

Answering these questions accurately can make a world of difference in how quickly your vet can form a diagnosis. By preparing a simple log of observations, you transform yourself from a worried owner into a vital part of your cat’s healthcare team.

Here are the five most important things to start tracking the moment you suspect something is wrong.

1. Litter Box Habits

A cat’s litter box is a daily health report. It provides more critical information than almost anything else in your home. Vets will always ask about it.

Frequency: Is your cat going more or less often than usual? Are they making lots of trips with no results? Straining to urinate is a medical emergency, especially for male cats.
Consistency: Note the appearance of their stool. Is it harder, looser, or a different color than normal?
Location: Is your cat suddenly having accidents outside the box? This is often a sign of a medical issue, not a behavioral one.

2. Eating and Drinking

Changes in appetite are a classic sign that something is amiss. “He’s not eating” is a good start, but specifics are much better.

Amount: How much has your cat actually eaten in the last 24 hours? A quarter of their usual amount? Just a few licks of gravy?
Behavior Around Food: Are they approaching the bowl and sniffing, then walking away? Or are they completely ignoring it?
Water Intake: This is harder to track, but is the water bowl suddenly emptying faster, or not at all? Increased thirst can be a key symptom for conditions like kidney disease or diabetes.

3. Vomiting and Regurgitation

It’s easy to become desensitized to cat vomit, but a sudden change is a major red flag.

Frequency & Timing: How many times has it happened in the last day? Is it happening right after they eat, or on an empty stomach?
Content: What’s in it? Undigested food? Clear or foamy liquid (bile)? Foreign objects like plants or plastic? Take a photo if you can—vets appreciate visual evidence.

4. Behavior & Energy Levels

Cats are masters at hiding pain. Often, the only clue they give is a subtle change in their daily routine. This is where your knowledge of your cat’s unique personality is invaluable.

Hiding: Is your cat isolating themselves in a closet or under the bed when they’re usually social?
Social Interaction: Are they suddenly avoiding being petted, or are they uncharacteristically clingy?
Energy: Are they sleeping more than usual? Have they lost interest in their favorite toy or looking out the window?

5. Physical Symptoms & Mobility

Finally, look for any obvious physical changes that you can report to your vet.

Grooming: Has your cat stopped grooming, leading to a greasy or matted coat? Or are they over-grooming one specific spot?
Mobility: Are they limping, hesitant to jump on furniture, or walking with a stiff gait?
Breathing: Is their breathing faster, shallower, or more labored than usual?

You’ve Got the Data—Now What?

Trying to scribble all this down on a notepad while you’re worried sick is a recipe for stress. You have enough on your mind without trying to remember if the vomit was at 8 AM or 10 AM.

This is exactly why we built iKnowMyCat.

Our app provides a simple, calming interface to log these exact symptoms in seconds. You can track food, water, litter box usage, and create custom events for anything you observe. The app turns your notes into a clear, organized timeline that you can show directly to your vet, giving them the precise data they need to help your furry family member.

Don’t let valuable information get lost in the panic. Be your cat’s best advocate.

Download iKnowMyCat from the App Store and Google Play today.

*Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian with any health concerns.