Signs of Sickness in Cats

Kitties are quite mysterious little furballs. They bite us to show affection, and then ignore us when we want to cuddle. However, not all of Fluffy’s quirks are harmless. One of the more concerning ones is the way cats sometimes try to hide signs of illness. It’s important for you to know what to look for! A local vet lists some warning signs below.

Lack Of Appetite

Cats can be a bit finicky at times. (There is a good reason for this. In the wild, they always eat their prey fresh, so they naturally turn their noses up at anything that smells even slightly off.) However, if Fluffy doesn’t like what’s in her bowl, she should yell at you to demand something else.

Unusual Vocalizations/Behavior

We know, cats do all sorts of things that are, well, unusual. It may be perfectly normal for your pet to meow at your shoe, or try to eat wallpaper! What you should be concerned with are changes in Fluffy’s usual behavior. For instance, a normally-cuddly kitty that suddenly hisses when touched could be sick.

Withdrawal

While cats can be shy, it’s not normal for them to completely withdraw. If Fluffy doesn’t want to leave her hiding place, she could be sick.

Poor Grooming

Healthy cats are pretty good about taking care of their fur, and keeping it nice and clean. If Fluffy doesn’t feel well, she may forego her usual routines. Without regular care, her fur will soon start to look matted and greasy.

Respiratory Issues

Coughing, wheezing, and gasping are all signs that a kitty is having breathing issues. This can be very dangerous!

Litterbox Woes

Pay attention to what you find when you change Fluffy’s litterbox. Changes in the color, amount, texture, or smell of your cat’s waste can indicate medical issues. It’s also a huge red flag if you see your feline pal straining to go.

Vomiting

It’s not uncommon for cats to have hairballs. However, if Fluffy throws up a lot and/or is dry heaving, there may be something more serious going on. To learn more about normal hairball occurrences and when to be concerned, check out our article on Cat Hairballs 101.

Tips

These are just a few things to look for. Fever, lethargy, weight loss or gain, limping, and trembling. Call your vet immediately if you notice anything wrong.

Please reach out to us if ever we can be of assistance. As your local veterinary clinic in Carlisle, ON, we are here to help! Our Veterinary Diagnostics services can help identify and address any health concerns your cat may have.