As a long-time cat owner, I definitely understand when to identify a sick cat, therefore, I’ll be discussing some common signs your cat is sick in this post.
Based on my experience with cats, I understand cats are good at hiding illnesses, but I can tell you that paying attention to their actions will give you insights into their health.
I like keeping things simple, so keep reading if you want to know more about the signs your cat is sick…
Signs Your Cat Is Sick
My cat Oscar has been sick for many times and there are some common ways I use to know when he’s sick, two of the most common signs are behavioral changes and significant changes in eating habits.
That being said, based on my experience living with cats, here are some common signs your cat is sick and the possible causes of each sign:
Significant changes in eating habits
Based on my personal experience with cats, I can tell you that one of the signs that your cat may be sick is a significant change in their eating habits.
This changes can include a loss of appetite or increased appetite, which might lead to weight loss or gain.
If your cat that has been eating well suddenly refuses to eat or shows a reduced interest in food, it could be an indication of an underlying health problem.
On the other hand, if your cat starts eating excessively or begging for food constantly, it may also be a cause for concern.
The possible health problems related to changes in eating habits can range from dental issues, gastrointestinal problems, kidney disease, or even cancer.
It’s important to monitor your cat’s eating habits closely and look for any other accompanying symptoms.
If you notice a change in your cat’s eating habits, it’s recommended to consult a veterinarian.
The vet can perform a thorough examination, run tests if necessary, and provide appropriate treatment based on the underlying cause.
Related: Common health conditions in cats
Rapid breathing or shortness of breath
Another important sign of a sick cat is rapid breathing or shortness of breath, this is usually easy to identify by just looking at your cat breathing rate steady.
Always keep in mind that cats typically have a normal respiratory rate of 20–30 breaths per minute.
If you observe your cat breathing heavily, panting excessively, or struggling to breathe, it may be indicative of a health issue.
The potential health problems associated with rapid breathing in cats include respiratory infections, asthma, heart disease, or even anemia.
It’s crucial to pay attention to any other accompanying symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, or bluish gums.
If you notice abnormal breathing patterns in your cat, it’s essential to seek veterinary attention promptly.
The veterinarian can conduct a thorough examination, perform diagnostic tests like X-rays or blood work, and recommend appropriate treatment based on the underlying cause.
Noticeable weight loss or gain
Significant weight loss or gain in your cat can be an indication of an underlying health problem.
If you notice your cat losing weight despite no changes in their diet or lifestyle, it might be a cause for concern.
Conversely, sudden weight gain without any apparent reason could also be a sign that something is amiss.
Changes in weight in cats may indicate the presence of hyperthyroidism, diabetes, gastrointestinal diseases, or even cancer.
You may notice variations in their activity levels, toilet habits, or coat quality in addition to changes in their weight.
If your cat’s weight noticeably fluctuates, it’s crucial to get an assessment from a veterinarian.
Based on the underlying cause, the veterinarian can do a physical examination, suggest diagnostic tests, and create a suitable treatment plan.
Much less or much more vocal than usual
If your normally talkative cat has suddenly become abnormally silent, it may be a sign of a possible health issue, pain and illness might cause cats to become less talkative.
However, if your cat has started talking excessively, it could be a call for assistance, a sign of discomfort or anxiety.
These alterations may be caused by tooth problems, lung disorders, or urinary tract infections, among other health issues.
Pain from dental issues may discourage your cat from vocalizing, again cats with urinary tract infections may become uncomfortable and vocalize more.
Allergies and diseases pertaining to the respiratory system might also impact your cat’s vocalization patterns.
What can you do about it? Keep a close eye on your cat’s behavior and monitor any additional symptoms.
If you notice any other signs of illness, such as changes in appetite, lethargy, or difficulty breathing, it’s important to schedule a visit to the vet.
A professional examination can help identify and address the underlying health problem.
Vomiting or diarrhea
If you notice your feline companion vomiting or experiencing bouts of diarrhea, it’s a clear sign that their tummy isn’t feeling its best.
Vomiting and diarrhea can be caused by a variety of health issues in cats.
It could range from dietary indiscretions (like eating something they shouldn’t have) to more serious conditions such as infections, pancreatitis, or even kidney disease.
In some cases, it might be a simple case of an upset stomach due to a sudden change in diet.
What should you do if your cat is experiencing these unpleasant symptoms? Firstly, keep an eye on the frequency and severity of their vomiting or diarrhea.
If it’s a one-time occurrence and your cat is otherwise acting normal, you can try withholding food for a few hours to give their stomach a break.
However, if the symptoms persist, worsen, or are accompanied by other concerning signs like dehydration or lethargy, it’s crucial to consult with a veterinarian.
The vet can assess your cat’s overall health and provide appropriate treatment to address the underlying cause.
Changes in Grooming Habits
The rigorous grooming practices of cats are well-known, and any abrupt shift in your cat’s grooming regimen could be a warning sign that something isn’t quite right.
A decline in grooming may be a sign of discomfort or suffering. If a cat has skin irritations or is in pain, they could refrain from brushing that particular area.
It might also indicate arthritis, which could make it difficult for your cat to continue with their regular grooming regimen.
On the other hand, increased grooming, particularly excessive biting or licking in particular places, may indicate skin allergies, parasites, or even problems related to anxiety.
When faced with discomfort from allergies or flea infestations, cats may overgroom in an attempt to calm themselves.
You should look into this more if you see noticeable changes in your cat’s grooming routine. Look for any indications of irritation on their skin or fur, including as redness, bald spots, or flea dirt.
See a veterinarian who can perform a comprehensive checkup and suggest the best course of action if you have any concerns about discomfort or other health issues.
Persistent coughing or sneezing
In cats, persistent sneezing or coughing can be a sign of a number of respiratory conditions.
Cats may have respiratory disorders such as asthma, which narrows and inflames the airways and results in episodes of coughing.
Cats that sneeze and cough may also be allergic to certain diets or environmental triggers.
Nasal discharge and sneezing are two respiratory symptoms that can be caused by infections like feline herpesvirus.
Seeking advice from a veterinarian is imperative if your cat is displaying these symptoms.
In order to identify the underlying cause and suggest the best course of action, they can do a comprehensive examination.
This may involve prescribing drugs to control allergies, infections, or inflammation.
Excessive thirst and changes in urination
In cats, excessive thirst (polydipsia) and altered urination patterns (polyuria) can be warning signs for a number of health problems.
Increased thirst and urination can be symptoms of diabetes mellitus, a prevalent illness where high blood sugar levels produce higher symptoms.
The inability of the kidneys to efficiently concentrate urine can cause similar symptoms in elderly cats with renal disease, another common ailment.
Decreases in the frequency of trips to the litter box or straining to urinate are examples of altered urination habits that can result from urinary tract infections.
It’s important to keep an eye on your cat’s water intake and litter box usage.
Consult a veterinarian right away if you observe any noticeable changes, such as increased drinking or more frequent urination.
Diagnostic tests like blood work and urinalysis can help identify the underlying cause, allowing for appropriate treatment to be initiated.
Significant behavioral changes
Given the distinctive personalities and activities of cats, it’s important to pay attention to any noticeable changes in your cat’s behavior.
Abrupt hostility, excessive vocalization, or retreat are examples of behavioral changes that may indicate underlying health conditions or stressors.
Anxiety from ailments such as arthritis or dental issues might make a cat less gregarious or agitated.
Stressors that affect a cat’s behavior include household changes, new pets, and even loud noises.
It’s important to pay great attention to your cat’s behavior and to any changes from their typical behaviors.
If there are any medical concerns causing the behavioral changes, speaking with a veterinarian can be helpful.
It is possible to increase your cat’s happiness and contentment by swiftly taking care of any health problems or environmental irritants.
What to do if you notice your cat is sick
Based on my personal experience with cats, I can tell you that it’s crucial to respond quickly and not panic if you discover your cat is ill.
Start by observing how they behave and keeping an eye out for any odd symptoms or indications of distress.
Next, get in touch with your veterinarian to go over the circumstances and arrange a time for a comprehensive checkup.
Make sure your cat is comfortable, give them fresh water, and keep an eye on their appetite in the interim.
Keep in mind that prompt veterinary care and early discovery can significantly increase your cat’s chances of making a full recovery.
Related: When to take your cat to the vet.
How to take care of your sick cat
To care for a sick cat, establishing a tranquil and cozy space is essential while caring for a sick cat, which means you should make sure their bedding is clean and they have a peaceful place to rest.
Always make sure you follow your veterinarian’s instructions for administering any prescribed medication, and keep a careful eye on their condition.
In my opinion, to promote eating, I suggest you serve small, regular meals and have lots of fresh water available, lastly, show them love and loving care to aid in their recuperation.
Related: How to keep your cat healthy.
Conclusion
Finally, it’s critical to recognize the warning indications that your cat may be ill. We shouldn’t disregard these signs, which range from altered appetite to strange conduct and weariness.
Remember that the health and happiness of your feline buddy can be greatly affected by early detection and immediate veterinarian intervention. Remain alert and make sure your pet is happy and purring!
