Cats Illness Symptoms

From LoveToKnow Cats

How many times have you wondered what a combination of a cat's illness symptoms are indicating about your pet's health? Find clues right here.

Understand the signs of a sick cat...

About a Cat's Illness Symptoms

A cat's illness symptoms can be so varied and overlap so much that it's extremely difficult to figure out what is going on. You know there's something wrong with your pet, but what should you do about it? If only there was some kind of reference guideline that offered some clues.

The following list offers some of the most common illnesses/disorders that cats face. They're compiled in a handy reference table you can use to make a first-hand assessment of your cat's condition. Armed with this knowledge, you'll be better prepared to relate your cat's symptoms to your vet.

Be advised that this is not a complete listing of every possible cat illness or symptom.

**Cats Illness Symptoms**
Illness	General Symptoms
Ear Infections	Foul odor Inflammation Itching/scratching Head shaking Head rubbing Swollen ear flap
Ear Mites	Inflammation Itching/scratching Head shaking/rubbing Excess ear wax Coffee ground-like, tarry discharge
Fatty Liver Disease	Refusal to eat Excess saliva Vomiting Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes Lethargy/depression Reduced muscle mass Seizures
Feline Diabetes	Excessive thirst Increased urination Lethargy Weight loss Overall run-down condition Rear leg weakness
Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)	Lethargy Appetite loss Weight loss Breathing difficulties Eye problems Fever Vomiting Diarrhea Gray gums Yellowing of tissues and eyes Bloated belly Seizures Paralysis
Feline Leukemia	Low iron Lethargy Eye problems Difficulty swallowing Weight loss Coughing Breathing difficulties Opportunistic infections Prolonged sores/wounds
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)	Refusal to eat Lethargy/depression Weight loss Frequent infections
Gum Disease	Foul breath Reduced appetite Difficulty chewing Bleeding gums Receding gums Tooth loosening or loss Mouth ulcers Face rubbing
Hairballs	Retching cough Vomiting wads of fur and food Intestinal blockage/constipation
Hyperthyroidism	Increased appetite Weight loss Hyperactive behavior Irritability
Feline Kidney Disease	Excessive thirst Lethargy Vomiting Foul breath Loss of appetite General weakness Increased urination Urination in odd/inappropriate places
Kidney Stones	Blood in the urine Frequent urination in small amounts Urination in odd/inappropriate places Tenderness in belly or along back Difficulty walking
Lymphoma/Cancer	Skin irritation/ulcers Reduced appetite Weight loss Lethargy Vomiting Diarrhea Excessive thirst Frequent urination Breathing difficulties Lumps/tumors Enlarged lymph nodes
Ringworm	Itching/scratching Scaly skin Dandruff Chin acne Circular patches of hair loss
Skin/Food Allergies	Itching/scratching Head shaking Red, sometimes puss-filled bumps Scaly skin Darkened skin Hair loss Compulsive licking Chewing/self-mutilation Red stained fur
Urinary Tract Infection	Blood in the urine Difficult/painful urination Increased frequency of urination Compulsive licking of genitals Urinating in odd/inappropriate locations
Respiratory Tract Infection/Flu	Breathing problems Fever Runny eyes Sneezing Nasal mucous discharge Poor appetite Excessive saliva

When You Should Consult a Vet

Although every feline illness isn't life threatening, there are definitely times when a vet's expertise is required. How can you tell the difference?

Your cat is unresponsive.
The illness lasts more than 24-36 hours.
Symptoms dramatically increase or multiply.
Your cat is in obvious pain.
Your cat is struggling to breathe.
Your cat is bleeding profusely.
Your cat is unable to have bowel movements or urinate.
Your cat refuses to eat for more than 48 hours.
Your cat stops drinking.

Generally speaking, use your own common sense and intimate knowledge of your cat's normal behavior to guide you. If your intuition is telling you it's time to head to the clinic, do so without hesitation.

Final Caution

Keep in mind that this table is only a reference, and is not intended to be a substitute for professional veterinary care, especially in emergency situations. Only a certified veterinarian is qualified to render a diagnosis for a sick cat, so never hesitate to take your pet to the vet when treatment is needed. You can do more damage by either waiting or trying to treat an illness by yourself.

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Comments

Hi Marcy,

You are right to be worried. A major change in behavior can signal an underlying illness. You don't mention the age of your cat, but the first thing that came to mind was possible renal failure. I think you should take her to the vet as soon as possible and have some basic blood work run. This will tell you quite a bit about what might be the underlying health issues with your cat and your vet can tell you how to proceed.

-- Contributed by: LoriSoard

Im worried about my cat. She has been urinating in odd places, eating alot, and been crying and requiring more than usual attention. She is just acting weird. Please give me some guidance.

-- Contributed by: Marcy

Hi Hannah,

A change in food can cause digestive issues. I would give it 24 hours and see if the issue clears up on its own. If it does not, then take it to the vet. Especially with kittens, you don't want to let something like this go on too long as the cat can get dehydrated.

-- Contributed by: LoriSoard

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