5 Tips for Determining If Your Cat is Sick

Written by Colleen Sedgwick. Posted in Health and Safety.

If you’re having a hard time determining weather your cat is ill or not, you’re not alone. According to CatHealth.com:

“Small felines—both predators and prey—instinctively hide signs of weakness lest they become someone’s lunch. This impulse is highly useful in the wilderness, but not so relevant to the modern cat’s lifestyle. A cat may keep her sickness a secret until her body can no longer cope. Suddenly, you have a very unhappy kitty on your hands.

Luckily, cats do give hints. The better you know your cat—her habits, appearance, and behavior—the more apparent they will be. Noticing sick signs and intervening right away could mean the difference between life and death.”

Here are some things to watch for to help observant cat owners decide if it’s time for a trip to the vet.

1. Eating Habits
WebMD advises that although finicky eating habits are common in cats, it can actually be a serious issue if your cat won’t eat. Although refusing to eat is concerning in all pets, it should be taken as even more of a red flag for cat owners.

“A number of different conditions may be responsible for a cat’s refusal to eat, including infections, kidney failure, pancreatitis, intestinal problems, and cancer.” But, keep in mind that WebMD also advises, “it isn’t always serious – something as simple as a toothache can make your cat stop eating.”

2. Behavior Changes
According to SmartPetShop, “You know your own cat and should be able to notice if they begin acting a little differently. So if your cat is usually quite sociable and then suddenly becomes withdrawn, this is a good indication something is not quite right. Or perhaps your cat begins whining or meowing when they are usually very quiet.”

Also, as stated by CaringForYourCat.info, “If your cat is normally friendly and starts to show signs of aggression, then look for other signs of illness as well. A lack of response to being called may mean a fever or a temporary deafness caused by an ear mite infestation.”

3. Vomiting and Diarrhea
This tip comes from VetInfo.com: “If your cat has a digestive disease or parasites, vomiting and diarrhea are common symptoms. Should the vomiting and diarrhea stop in 2 days, you don’t need to worry. If there is blood in the stool, urine or vomit, you should consult the vet immediately. Constipation and tarry stools can also indicate a health problem.”

4. Losing Weight
A cat losing weight, either quickly or over a longer period of time, both suggest health problems. “Although weight loss can be a symptom of various illnesses, it may be that liver problems are the cause and this needs addressing quickly,” according to SmartPetShop.

5. Condition of Coat
If you come across one or several lumps while grooming your cat, SmartPetShop advises having her examined by a vet. Larger lumps may indicate cancer, and smaller ones could be ticks. A coat that has become matted or patchy can also indicate illness.

Do you know of other common signs that cat owners should watch for? Let us know!