If your cat puffs up, it could be due to bloating or abdominal swelling rather than weight gain. Pregnancy, tumors, parasitic infections, hypothyroidism, or Cushing’s disease are all causes of rapid weight gain. In any case, you should consult with your veterinarian about the situation.
Another reason cats and many other animals are less likely to show signs of pain or illness is that they have no emotional attachment to their discomfort. Animals, on the other hand, are more likely to accept pain or illness as the new normal and move on with their lives. Humans may not realize they are sick until they are severely ill.
So, How to Tell if your Cat is Sick? Don’t worry, we are going to tell you exactly about the same in this article. Let’s not wait and learn about the signs your cat shows when it is sick.
How to tell if your Cat is Sick?
1. Problem Related to Coat
The state of your cat’s coat can be telling. If your cat is under-or over-grooming or shedding more fur than usual, there could be a health problem at hand.
- Under-Grooming: Sick cats may stop grooming their fur because they are too tired or uncomfortable to do so. When they do not properly care for their fur, it can become dull, oily, tangled, or matted.
- Over-Grooming: If you notice bald spots on your cat or red and irritated skin, he or she may be grooming too much. This behavior can indicate a variety of common feline diseases or skin issues, such as an allergic reaction. Anxiety can also lead to excessive grooming. Feline anxiety occurs when cats are exposed to stressful situations, such as a change in routine or introducing a new pet into the home.
- Shedding: If your cat’s fur is flying around more than usual, he or she may be sick. Shedding can be a sign of hyperthyroidism or other common feline diseases. It could also be caused by a skin allergy.
2. Acting Differently
Hide in a quiet, out-of-the-way place is the most common symptom of illness in some cats. Sick cats often lie in a hunched position, quietly. They might neglect to groom. They could be purring, which cats do not only when they are happy but also when they are ill or in pain.
A cat who is having trouble breathing may refuse to lie on his side and may keep his head raised. Cats with neurological issues may become disoriented, have seizures, or press their heads against furniture or walls. This is not the affectionate head butting that cats do on your leg, but rather prolonged pressing on a surface.
3. Changes in Urination
These changes must always be addressed. They frequently indicate a urinary tract or kidney problem. Schedule a vet appointment if you notice a change in the frequency or quantity of urine, inappropriate urination, or blood in the urine.
If your cat is straining to urinate and nothing comes out, this could be a medical emergency, especially in male cats. Take your cat to the vet right away.
4. Vomiting
Your cat may have a problem if he regurgitates food soon after eating. Vomiting food after it has been swallowed could indicate poisoning, a blockage, or a variety of other issues.
If your cat vomits for more than a few hours or repeatedly for more than a day, she should see a veterinarian. Also, if your vomiting is accompanied by lethargy, diarrhea, or a desire to move, you should seek medical attention. When in doubt, it is always better to call the vet rather than wait and see what happens.
5. Drinking More Water Than Usual
Cats don’t drink a lot of water (about a cup for every ten pounds), so it should be fairly obvious when the water bowl empties faster or he’s trying to get water from other sources, such as the sink or toilet.
If your cat is drinking more water than usual, it could be a sign of an endocrine disorder such as hyperthyroidism or diabetes. If you notice your cat drinking more water than usual, call your veterinarian immediately; this is one of the signs your cat is sick.
6. Bad Breath
Bad breath is an indication of dental issues. Mild halitosis may not be life-threatening, but it does indicate that your cat’s teeth should be examined as soon as possible. Severe bad breath should be addressed as soon as possible.
Also, keep an eye out for excessive drooling and bleeding from the mouth. If your cat has an oral infection, the bacteria in the mouth are spread throughout the body. This could result in issues with the heart and other organs.
7. Coughing
Foreign bodies, hairballs, asthma, tumors, allergies, heart disease, lung disease, or several contagious illnesses can all cause coughing. If the coughing continues for more than a day, contact your veterinarian right away. If your cat is coughing excessively, having difficulty breathing, or has bluish gums, he should see a veterinarian right away.
8. Loss of Appetite
Loss of appetite in cats is normal, but it should not be ignored. If your cat skips a meal here and there but otherwise eats normally, you should keep an eye out for trends.
If your cat has stopped eating or is only eating small amounts, you should consult with your veterinarian. Even a few days without eating can result in fatty liver, also known as hepatic lipidosis.
9. Weight Issues
Cat weight loss, which can occur quickly or gradually, and rapid weight gain can be indicators that your cat is ill.
- Weight Loss: Loss of appetite and weight loss in cats can indicate a variety of illnesses ranging from minor stomach aches to more serious issues such as cancer or kidney disease. Cats with certain illnesses, such as hyperthyroidism, may lose weight despite having a voracious appetite.
- Weight Gain: If your cat puffs up, it could be due to bloating or abdominal swelling rather than weight gain. Pregnancy, tumors, parasitic infections, hypothyroidism, or Cushing’s disease are all causes of rapid weight gain. In any case, you should consult with your veterinarian about the situation.
Conclusion
Here we go. we’ve covered all of the symptoms your cat may exhibit when it’s sick. We hope that this article will help you detect your cat’s illness. If you notice any of the symptoms, contact your veterinarian right away.
