Many cat owners believe that because they have a cat they don't need to worry about trips to the vet too often. After all, cats are independent and have nine lives, right? Actually, there are plenty of warning signs that a cat can show that indicate they probably need a trip to the vet, and too often, these signs are overlooked by cat owners. Here are the signs you need to be looking out for:

1. Lack of Appetite: You should always be aware of how often you are feeding your cat. If he or she isn't eating that often and you only have to fill the bowl every few days, you may want to take them to the vet. A sudden lack of appetite could indicate something serious, such as bloating from an infection or even pregnancy in female cats. 
2. Lack of Urine in Litter Box or Diarrhea: Every time that you change the litter box, you should be taking careful note of the amount of urine that is inside and the consistency of your cat's stools, as well. This is important to ensuring that your cat is maintaining good health. If you notice any signs of diarrhea or a lack of urine, this is a cause for concern. The lack of urine is especially concerning when it comes to male cats since they are known to suffer from urinary tract infections. 
3. No Longer in Stride: A cat typically walks with a graceful stride. If you notice a change in the way that your cat normally walks, then this could be a problem since it could indicate injury. A change in walking habits can also indicate that your cat is suffering from arthritis and will need to receive treatment from their vet right away. 
4. Lack of Grooming: Cats tend to spend most of their time awake grooming themselves. If you notice that your cat hasn't been doing this and it has resulted in your cat becoming greasy and mangled, then you should call their vet. A lack of grooming can indicate depression or even arthritis. 
5. Changes in Behavior: A common change in behavior that cat owners notice is that their cat will begin to urinate outside of the litter box. This typically happens when there is a change in their environment, such as the introduction of a new baby in the home among other things. If this is the reason, your cat's vet can prescribe medication that helps to calm any anxiety they may be feeling. If there are no changes in your cat's environment, then urinating outside of the litter box can also indicate a urinary tract infection.

By knowing some of the classic signs that your cat needs to go to the animal hospital, you can be sure that you address issues that he or she may be having before they become worse.