Knowing when your cat needs assistance is crucial. Detecting minor health issues in your cat might be challenging. Cats are masters at disguising sickness. They may avoid predators and other cats in the wild with this instinct. Vomiting, diarrhoea, lack of appetite, lethargy, thirst, and more are indicators of cat illness. Learn the 18 most prevalent cat symptoms and emergency circumstances.
Cat Sickness Signs
Before you realise your cat’s problem, it may have been going on longer than you believe. Notice minor changes in behaviour and be vigilant. Be aware of your cat’s behaviour. Does anything seem off? Learn cat norms and your cat’s norms. Never disregard disease symptoms. When in doubt, consult your vet.
Vomiting
Cats vomiting up sometimes are ok.1 Keep note of time and frequency to find a pattern. Any vomiting beyond infrequent, unpredictable vomiting requires veterinary attention.
Appetite Loss
Though common among cats, this should not be overlooked. Watch for patterns if your cat misses meals but generally eats. If your cat stops eating or eats little, see a vet. Fatty liver or hepatic lipidosis may develop after two days without food.
Appetite Increase
If it happens abruptly in an older cat, overeating may be a problem. Hyperthyroidism may be the cause, but your vet must test.2 Even younger cats with increased appetite should be monitored. At least it can cause overeating and obesity.
Diarrhoea
Dietary errors, intestinal parasites, and other issues may cause this.3 Dehydration and intestinal inflammation may result from untreated diarrhoea. This is also unpleasant for your cat. Bring a stool sample to your vet visit.
Changes in Weight
Gaining or losing weight in cats is usually worrisome.4 Either might indicate a health issue. Weight reduction is more urgent than weight gain, which is more detrimental over time. If you’re unsure about your cat’s weight, take it to the doctor.
Lethargy
An exhausted cat is an issue, even if it’s slight. If your cat is sleeping more, laying about, or overall unmotivated, consult a vet. Your cat’s health may be compromised.4
Increased thirst
It has various cat meanings. It usually indicates renal illness or diabetes.4 Cat owners seldom see them sip water. If you see your cat at the water dish more often, it’s a sign.
Urination changes
These must constantly be addressed. They frequently signal renal or urinary tract issues. If you find blood in the urine, a change in frequency or amount, or improper urinating, see a vet. If your cat strains to urinate but doesn’t, it may be an emergency, especially in male cats.5 Take your pet to the vet immediately.
Changes in breathing
Wheezing, fast, short, and harsh breathing should never be disregarded.
Discharge from nose or eyes
Your cat may have upper respiratory issues.4 This might make your cat sick and stop eating. It may infect other cats at home. To speed up cat recovery, your doctor may suggest drugs.
Debris or ear discharge
If this happens, your cat may have ear mites or an ear infection. Not addressing this may damage the eardrum. This is also unpleasant for your cat.
Dermatitis or Hair Loss
This might suggest allergies, parasites, or skin conditions.6 It’s probably painful or irritating. Avoid unnecessary pet suffering. Your vet may give treatment.
Vocalisation Increase
Your cat may be unwell, in pain, agitated, or bored if it meows more. First, rule out a health condition before addressing behaviour.
Overgrooming
It might be behavioural or a skin or discomfort problem for your cat.4 To determine the cause of overgrooming, see a vet.
Changes in personality
These may occur naturally, particularly as your cat aged. If your typically pleasant cat becomes aggressive or your cheerful, confident cat becomes fearful, see your vet. Your cat’s confusion or disorientation makes it much more essential.
Limping, Jumping Issues
These indicate arthritis or damage.4 If your cat is eating and behaving normally, he may be in discomfort. Visit a vet to treat the injury or disease.
Swelling
Don’t disregard any bodily swelling. It may be an abscessed wound. It might be a tumour.7 Keep an eye on the swelling. See a vet if it hurts, is hot, or doesn’t improve in two days.
Bad Breath
This indicates dental issues. Although mild halitosis isn’t urgent, your cat’s teeth should be evaluated. Severe foul breath needs prompt treatment. Check for excessive drooling and mouth bleeding. Cats with oral infections expose their whole bodies to mouth germs.8 This might damage the heart and other organs.
Your Cat in Emergency
If your cat has an emergency, don’t wait for a vet appointment. Save information about after-hours vets in case you need one quickly. If you encounter these emergency signals, act now. Visit the nearest open vet immediately:4
Falls and vehicle accidents are instances of trauma.
Trouble breathing
Blue, white, or pale gums
Collapse, unconsciousness, or inactivity
Seizure
Unbalanced, dizzy, or whirling
Unable to walk
Mild to severe bleeding
Trying to urinate without success
Exposure to poison
Excessive sobbing or aggression when touched indicate severe pain.
Body temperature exceeding 104 or below 99 degrees Fahrenheit (normal is 100.5-102.5).
Wasn’t fed in 24 hours
If your cat does anything else that alarms you, be cautious. If you need assistance determining an emergency, contact your vet or the emergency vet.
Prevention of Cat Illness
Many cat owners overlook basic veterinarian care. They may wait years to vet-check their animals. They may wait till their pet is sick. People understandably wish to avoid stressing their animals at the vet. Some cats are nervous or violent at the vet. Get your pet to a less stressful vet instead of waiting. Cat-friendly, even cat-only, practices exist.
