If you have an animal friend in your house and they’re old, you’re probably worried sick about if they are sick. Some animals have telltale signs of illness, but cats are very laid-back creatures and good at hiding the symptoms.
Illness in a cat can get hard to detect because they can’t talk, and most species have fur. Years of evolution has also taught them to hide their sickness so that they do not become prey to their predator.
In this article, we will help to put your mind at peace. Here are some of the signs that can determine whether your cat is sick or not.
Litter Box Issues
If your cat had perfect littering behavior but is suddenly messy, this might indicate a problem. This sign would indicate kidney infection, urinary tract infections, or bladder stones. It may also indicate a mental problem, like anxiety or stress.
Get your cat to the vet immediately if they are straining while urinating or defecating. Only a veterinarian can help you in such a situation.
If your cat tries to go to the bathroom but doesn’t produce anything, it may have a blockage somewhere that might be lethal if left untreated. This is especially true if the cat appears to be in pain, such as when attempting to use the restroom.
Appetite Change
Eating a lot or eating less could indicate any number of diseases. If you see this sign in your cat, take them to the vet. They will order blood tests, X-rays, or ultrasound scans to determine what is wrong with your cat.
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Unexplained Weight Loss Or Gain
If your cat gains or loses weight rapidly, it is an immediate reason for you to take them to the vet. In older cats, the weight loss could be losing muscle mass, but it could also indicate cancer.
If the cat is gaining weight, on the other hand, it could lead to obesity. And much like humans, cats too are prone to diabetes and heart diseases.
Foul Smell From Mouth
A foul odor emitting from your cat’s mouth could be a sign of gum disease or tooth decay. Brushing your cat’s teeth can help reduce such hazards. Additionally, ammonia-smelling breath might be a symptom of kidney illness.
Behavioral Change
A cat’s sudden changes in behavior may also suggest a problem. For example, if a generally outgoing cat begins hiding all the time, this could indicate that they are ill or in discomfort.
Cat in pain may become aggressive, especially if you unintentionally touch a painful area.
In brief, pay attention to your cat’s behavior and routines; they are your cues to determining your feline friend’s health and contentment.
Diarrhea or Constipation
Diarrhea left untreated can lead to dehydration, which can get dangerous. It occurs when too much water is passed with the feces, resulting in a loose or watery stool.
Constipation causes the cat to produce tiny, hard, and infrequent feces. A cat defecates once or twice every day on average. Hairballs are the most prevalent cause of constipation, which can lead to weight loss and anorexia.
An occasional watery or hard stool won’t harm a healthy cat. But, if you see recurrent diarrhea or constipation in your cat, you should go to the vet.
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Change In Sleep Pattern
If your cat seems to sleep all day when he used to be active, he may be attempting to communicate with you that he isn’t feeling well.
It’s also true in the opposite case. If your cat is up all night exploring the house, vocalizing or appears hyperactive during the day, there is an underlying explanation.
Blood In Stool, Urine, And Vomit
Blood in the urine indicates a urinary tract problem, especially if it is accompanied by straining while urinating or frequent visits to the litter box.
Moreover, it might suggest several diseases, some of which are mild. Others, such as parasitic infections, are far more dangerous.
Blood in the vomit, on the other hand, is always an indication of severe sickness.
In other instances, the cat will vomit what appears to be coffee grounds, which is partially-digested blood.
Mobility Problems
Stiffness, limping, and other symptoms signal a problem, especially in a young cat. Likewise, they can signal a problem like arthritis in an older cat.
In any case, take your cat to the vet. This way, they can rule out more serious issues and propose measures to make your cat more comfortable.
Voice Changes
A normally quiet cat becoming loud or a loud cat becoming quiet could indicate any number of problems. It is better to take your cat to the clinic, and a veterinarian can help you. They will tell you where to go from there.
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Lethargy
If your normally active cat is lying around all day, go to the vet immediately. Even if it’s subtle, lethargy is a problematic symptom.
Contact your veterinarian if your cat appears to be lounging around a lot, napping more than usual, or has a low energy level in general. Something is most likely wrong with your cat’s health.
Increase In Thirst
If your cat drinks more water than usual, it’s an indicator of something. In cats, it can signify a variety of things.
It usually indicates a problem with the kidneys or the urinary tract. Many owners are unaware that their cats are drinking water. So, if you notice your cat spending more time by the water dish than usual, it could be a sign of something. Go to the clinic, and a veterinarian can help you.
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What To Do If My Cat Is Sick?
If your cat shows any unusual symptoms or behavior, it is better to go to the veterinary clinic.
Early detection and treatment of illnesses can help to keep the symptoms from worsening or becoming life-threatening.
Injuries or illnesses in cats may need immediate medical attention, surgery, or even emergency care. Look for professional veterinarian help as quickly as possible. The sooner treatment begins, the sooner your pet will resume normal behavior.
Final Thoughts
Do not wait around for your cat’s symptoms to worsen. If you see something unusual, take them to the vet immediately. Signs of illnesses can progress rapidly, and it is better to stay on the safe side.
