How do you know if a cat is ill?!

[MrsSchadenfreude]

It's not like he looks pale. He had a bit of a runny bottom yesterday, but seems OK today, but he has been quieter than usual (he is not usually that noisy). He is eating and drinking fine, we have given him a nice brush and have wiped the poo stains from his very furry bottom. He is curled up next to me on the sofa. Could it be because he knows we are going on holiday on Saturday (friend is cat sitting)?

They often go quiet, wont eat, wont groom or drink. Ours also drags himself up the stairs but hes a very theatrical bengal.

You'll know if hes ill sometimes they get a runny bottom you dont know what they eat when there out. He might have had milk from someone that often sets them off.

if you are testing for temperature then hold their ears gently - if they are running a temperature hot ears are usually a reliable indicator.