Updated 15 May 2026
Kittens are rambunctious little balls of fluff that are good at hiding early signs of sickness. As a first-time kitten owner, you may not know how to tell if your kitten is feeling unwell or needs to see a vet.
Here are some common signs of a sick kitten that you should not ignore:
- Lack of energy/ weakness
- Panting, open mouth breathing, or difficulty breathing
- Sudden change in appetite
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
- Abnormally coloured faeces or urine
- Straining to go to the toilet
- Coughing or gagging
- Itchy, dry skin
- Hair loss
- Excessive thirst or urination
- Abnormal discharge from their nose, ears, and other areas
- Sudden weight changes
- Limping
What should you do if you notice these symptoms in your kitten?
If your kitten displays any of the symptoms listed above, book an appointment with your local Greencross Vets or get in contact with WebVet.
Don’t wait until your kitten’s condition worsens. Visit your veterinarian before it turns into something more serious.
Remember, prevention is better than cure. Book regular vet checks, ideally every six months, and stay vigilant to pick up on potential health issues early.
About the Author
Rebecca Daly BVScVeterinarian & Content Writer
After graduating with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science from the University of Queensland in 2017, Rebecca spent two years working as an equine veterinarian in New Zealand. Upon returning to Australia, she completed a Bachelor of Communications from UQ in 2023. Rebecca is passionate about educating pet parents so they can provide the best lives for their pets. She is the pet parent of a cat named Edith, a domestic short hair adopted from a Petbarn Adoption Centre.
