Sick Cat Symptoms

Since most cats are very adept at hiding the fact that they do not feel well, every cat caretaker needs to be able to identify sick cat symptoms.

As cat caretakers, it is important to know the normal behaviors, routines and habits of your pets. Generally, cats do not like to show that they are ill or injured. Perhaps this feline characteristic occurs because cats living in the wild are sometimes the predator and sometimes the prey. Showing signs of illness, weakness or injury makes them vulnerable to attack. It is this instinct that causes many pet cats to become quiet and withdrawn when they are not feeling well.

Being aware of your cat’s normal everyday activities and his general healthy physical appearance makes it easier for you to notice subtle changes in your pet. Many times, recognizing and treating early signs of sickness in your cat can stop an illness from becoming serious.

Besides becoming quiet and withdrawn there are many other signs of a sick cat that caretakers need to be aware of. There may not be anything specific. Your cat’s behavior may just not seem right to you. Or you may notice one or more of the symptoms that indicate your cat is unwell. You know your cat best, and it is up to you to decide if a trip to the veterinarian’s office is in order.

Any change in a cat’s eating/drinking behavior or routine may be a sign of sickness. Signs to watch for include:

• A decrease in food intake that lasts for more than a couple of days
• An increased or excessive appetite could be a sign of diabetes or hyperthyroidism
• An increase in water intake or an excessive thirst
• Not drinking any water

Although some cats sleep up to 20 hours during a 24-hour day, the average cat sleeps from 14 to 16 hours each day. Even though cats spend so much time asleep, changes in their sleeping patterns, or an increase in sleeping time, may be a sign of a medical problem. A sick cat may seem lethargic and shows very little interest in anything.

If you notice a change in your cat’s activity level, either an increase or a decrease, it may be an indication that the cat is not feeling well. If you notice the cat isreluctant to jump up on things that were easy for her to reach before, or she seems to be jumping in a different or altered manner, there could be a medical reason. A noticeable change in the cat’s gait could also be a sign of a sick cat.

Cats are generally very fastidious animals and groom themselves much of the time they are awake. When a cat suddenly stops grooming itself, it is often a sign of illness. On the other hand, a cat that incessantly grooms one spot of its body may also have a medical condition.

Any change in the condition or texture of a cat’s coat is often a sign of sickness. The coat may feel coarse, greasy or very dry. Flaking skin or significant fur loss, such as noticeable thinning or bald patches, is a sign that the cat is unwell.

To most cat caretakers a cat throwing up an occasional hairball is normal. Most cats vomit sometimes throughout their life. The food may not agree with them or be too rich. They may eat too quickly, too much or suffer from motion sickness. However, if a cat vomits very often, has projectile vomiting or vomits for an extended period of time, it may be a sign of a more serious problem.

• Sneezing
• Runny Nose or a greenish discharge from the nose
• Redness around the nose
• Coughing
• A change in the cat’s breathing rate
• Difficult or labored breathing
• Scratching or shaking its head
• Excessive drooling or salivating
• Inflammation of the mouth
• A noticeable bump on its mouth
• Urinating outside of the litter box or other abnormal litter box behavior
• Any change in bowel movements including diarrhea and constipation

If you notice any of the following signs of illness in your cat, seek immediate medical care.

• Seizure
• Blood in the stool
• Blood in urine
• Protracted vomiting
• Trouble breathing
• Paralysis
• Straining to urinate
• Hemorrhage
• Jaundice - any yellowing of the eyes, gums or skin
• Pale gums - an indication of shock or anemia
• Abnormally low or high body temperature
• If the third eyelid is visible

Cats are not able to tell us they are not feeling well. As responsible pet caretakers, it is up to each of us to recognize sick cat symptoms and seek medical care when it is needed.

• Maine Coon Cat Pictures
• Holiday Cat Collars
• Cute Fuzzy Kittens
• Cat Breed Quiz

• Feline Hair Loss
• Cat Meow Sound
• Cats Illness Symptoms
• Illness In Older Cats Symptoms Of Dying
• Symptoms Bloody Stool in Cats

• Illness In Older Cats Symptoms Of Dying
• Sick Kitten Saga
• Feline Distemper Symptoms
• Symptoms of Cat Worms
• Cat Distemper Symptoms