By their nature, cats tend not to give much away when something's up – that's why, as owners, it's important to pay close attention to keep tabs on their health and wellbeing.
Recognising what they're trying to tell you through their behaviour is key to helping them live happy and healthy lives, whether you've noticed negative changes – from irritability and aggression, to lethargy and hiding – or you simply want to make sure they stay feeling tip top.
SoGlos sits down with Gloucestershire-based pet food producer, Cotswold RAW, to learn the signs to look out for, what they mean and how nutrition can have a major impact, from the food they eat, to their meal times.
What indicates to owners that their cats are happy and healthy?
Cats that are happy and healthy usually show it through both their physical condition and behaviour. Key signs include a stable body weight, a shiny coat, clear eyes and good muscle tone. They tend to be curious, playful and willing to explore their environment.
Positive behaviours such as regular grooming, relaxed body language and normal sleep patterns also indicate good wellbeing. Cats that feel physically comfortable and well nourished are generally calm, confident and sociable, rather than withdrawn or irritable.
What behaviours, or changes in behaviour, could be signs that something isn’t quite right?
Changes in behaviour can be an early sign that something isn’t quite right with a cat’s health, diet, or environment. Cats are good at hiding discomfort, so subtle shifts can matter.
Because cats often hide pain, issues may first appear as behavioural changes such as irritability; aggression; excessive grooming; hiding; lethargy; unusual hyperactivity; changes in eating habits; or litter tray problems.
Disinterest at mealtimes, sniffing and walking away from food, eating only small amounts, or leaving certain ingredients can suggest a cat isn’t enjoying their food.
Litter tray changes, destructive scratching, restlessness, or excessive vocalisation can also indicate stress, discomfort, or unmet nutritional or environmental needs.
What impact does nutrition have on a cat's health and behaviour?
Nutrition has a major impact on a cat’s physical health and behaviour. Poor or unbalanced diets can lead to digestive upset, skin irritation, inflammation, urinary discomfort, or lethargy.
A balanced, species-appropriate diet with high-quality animal protein helps support digestion, steady energy levels and calmer, healthier behaviour.
What about their feeding habits?
Cats are solitary hunters, so they naturally prefer to eat small, frequent meals rather than one or two large portions. Some cats can also develop a 'monotony effect', where they become bored of a single food if it’s fed for too long.
Offering a rotation of different proteins and textures, ideally introduced when they’re young, can help maintain interest in food. Feeding set meals rather than leaving food out all day can also support a cat’s natural appetite and make it easier to introduce new foods.
How can owners make positive changes to their cat’s diet?
When changing a cat’s diet, it’s best to do so gradually and establish a consistent feeding routine.
Offer meals at set times rather than leaving food out all day, as this helps maintain natural hunger cues. Introduce the new food slowly, alongside the current diet, and offer small portions.
If your cat doesn’t eat within about 15 minutes, remove the food and try again later. Cats respond well to routine and a slow, patient approach helps them adjust to new foods more easily.
To find out more about healthy nutrition for cats – and to browse Cotswold RAW's range of cat food – visit cotswoldraw.com/for-cats.
