What to note before a cat’s veterinary visit

When something about your cat seems different, a short factual note can help you explain it. Write what you noticed, when it began, how often it happened, and what is usual for your cat. For example: “Left most of breakfast on Monday and Tuesday; usually finishes it” is clearer than “seems unwell.” The veterinary team may ask about eating, drinking, toileting and general behaviour. Cats Protection and Cat Friendly Homes recommend noting changes and questions before a visit.

Sources: Cats Protection: you and your vet (PDF) and the Cat Friendly Homes check-up checklist (PDF).

One page is enough. Add dates, any relevant change in food or routine, and questions you want to ask. If you have a safe, unforced photo or short video that shows a visible change or movement, ask the clinic whether it would be useful. Do not delay care to collect media, and do not handle a distressed cat for a better picture. Keep a copy of the note so you can update it after the appointment.

Your veterinarian can use the difference between this cat’s usual and today’s change. Note food and water intake in plain terms, litter-box use, activity, grooming, sleep or interaction when they are relevant. A change outside the litter box, for example, can have several possible causes, including medical ones; it is not something a photo tool can explain. Cornell recommends veterinary assessment before treating house soiling as a behaviour issue.

Source: Cornell Feline Health Center on house soiling.

If your cat is struggling to breathe, seek veterinary attention immediately. If the cat is straining to urinate or passing little or no urine, urgent veterinary assessment is needed: Cornell describes urethral obstruction as a medical emergency. Call your veterinarian or an emergency service for immediate advice. Do not use a guide, a diary, or a photo result to decide that it is safe to wait.

Sources: Cats Protection on cat first aid and Cornell Feline Health Center on lower urinary tract disease.

For other new or concerning changes, contact a veterinarian for advice on timing. A note supports that conversation; it does not replace examination or testing. Cat Says Hi’s photo form describes visible traits and everyday care ideas only. It cannot diagnose, rule out illness, or triage urgency.