Cats have an independent nature and try to hide their problems until they become serious. Thus, cat owners need to monitor their cats. food accept cat breed behavior and physical appearance.
Fortunately, with advances in science and research, most illnesses can be treated and cats can live healthy, happy lives after recovery. But treatment should be started on time.
I have spent several days consulting my vet team on cat ailments. As veterinarians, they have noticed that pet parents often ignore the signs of illness in cats, and the disease can progress, sometimes with fatal consequences. They cannot stress enough that knowing the symptoms of a sick cat and intervening early can be life-saving. That’s why I decided to put together this article to help my cat parents.
Early diagnosis and treatment can lead to better cat health, potentially adding years to your feline friend’s life.
In case of different diseases, cats show different signs. Here are the 6 most common symptoms of a sick cat:
- Behavior change
- indifference
- Increased or decreased appetite
- Vomiting or abnormal stools
- Respiratory problems
- physical changes
Symptoms of a sick cat
Just like humans, cats can fall prey to various diseases over time. But unlike humans, cats cannot take care of themselves, so pet parents are responsible for the veterinary care of sick cats. It’s a good idea to know the symptoms of a sick cat so you can get help for your cat as quickly as possible.
In addition to vet visits, knowing what is normal and what is abnormal for your cat will help you improve its quality of life and extend your cat’s lifespan. Early intervention also increases your cat’s chances of recovery.
Changes in behavior
Cats can’t talk to tell us they’re bad. Instead, they try to do it through their behavior. Common behavioral changes in sick cats include aggression, hiding, and lack of interest in normal activities.
Changes in bowel habits (such as urinating and defecating more often or having difficulty passing urine) can be a warning sign of a urinary tract infection.
(Image from deposition photos)
indifference
If your cat seems sleepy and lacks energy, your cat may be sick. Cats with any health problems often seem to lack energy and enthusiasm and just like to lay around most of the time. If your cat is not as active as it used to be, you should consult your veterinarian.
Increased or decreased appetite
Cats with any health problems often show a decrease in appetite. This leads to low energy levels and a weakened immune system, which can make the condition worse.
“If your cat has not eaten properly within 24 hours, contact your veterinarian immediately.”
But loss of appetite should not be considered a universal sign of illness, as cats can show increased appetite and excessive thirst with certain health problems. These include kidney problems, intestinal parasites and hyperthyroidism.
You need to feed your cat the right amount to avoid obesity or weakness. As a responsible cat owner, keep an eye on your kitty’s food.
Vomiting or abnormal stools
Gastrointestinal problems in cats are mainly manifested by vomiting and diarrhea. Other symptoms of GIT problems can include blood in the stool and halitosis (bad mouth). Bad breath is a common sign of periodontal disease in cats. You should check the color and consistency of your cat’s poop regularly.
Respiratory problems
Difficulty breathing, coughing, or shortness of breath can be signs of respiratory or heart problems. Heartworms or allergies can also cause respiratory distress in a cat. Research has shown that heartworms can cause cardiovascular problems in cats.
You should see your vet to diagnose the actual problem and treat it. Some respiratory problems require immediate veterinary attention and can be life-threatening if not treated in time.
physical changes
Changes in coat quality, sudden weight loss or gain, lumps, etc. are some physical changes that can be easily noticed and indicate that all is not well with your cat. Different health conditions have different signs in a sick cat. For example, poor coat quality may be due to Ectoparasites, weight changes may be attributed to thyroid problems, and blisters or bumps on the body may be due to tumors or cancer. In any case, your vet is the best person to consult with.
Bottom line
No pet parent wants to see their cat sick and suffering. It is true that healthy cats are happy cats. When it comes to maintaining your cat’s health, regular checkups with your veterinarian are very important. Veterinarian visits not only help you keep your cat up to date on vaccinations, but also help identify underlying medical conditions.
If you are a cat owner, it is very important to know the symptoms of a sick cat. They can help you improve your pet’s quality of life and potentially add years to its life, as early intervention increases the chances of recovery. If you notice any of these signs of concern, you should contact your veterinarian. Your knowledge and timely action can save your cat’s life.