Caring for Your Sick Cat

What do I need to know about caring for a sick cat?

When your cat is being treated for an illness, it is important that you follow your veterinarian's advice and instructions precisely. Take your cat for re-examination as recommended. If your cat's condition worsens unexpectedly, contact your veterinarian immediately for advice.

Keep your cat in a location that is warm, dry, peaceful, and quiet, with sufficient light for you to observe them. You may need to provide an additional heat source, such as a heat lamp, hot water bottle, or heating pad on a low setting. Make sure they can move away from the heat source if they become too warm. Use heating sources with care to avoid burns or overheating.

Provide a litter box within easy walking distance of your cat's bed. It is often necessary to have a litter box with low sides to make access easier for an ailing cat. You may improvise a litter box by cutting down the sides of a cardboard box or by lining a shallow baking pan with a plastic bag to contain the litter.

How can I make sure my cat is getting enough food and water?

For your sick cat to recover, they need both food and water. When cats are ill, they often stop eating and drinking. Monitor your cat's food and water intake so you know when intervention is necessary. Separate your ill cat from other pets in the household so you can tell which pet is eating.

Water: Fresh water should be available at all times. Healthy cats that eat canned food often drink very little because the food contains a high proportion of water. However, if your cat stops eating, they will need additional fluids. Fluids can be administered by mouth, but it is unlikely that your cat will take in enough water to meet their needs.

Communicate your cat’s water intake with your veterinarian. They may recommend temporary hospitalization for IV fluids and necessary supportive care. They also may train you to administer fluids under the skin (called subcutaneous or SQ fluids) at home to make sure your cat does not become dehydrated.

Food: Encourage your cat to eat small, frequent meals of a palatable, high-energy, highly digestible food. Warming food to body temperature often makes it more appealing. Some sick cats can be encouraged to eat more by hand feeding. Ask your veterinarian about any foods you should not offer.

If your cat will not eat voluntarily, your veterinarian may suggest giving liquid food with a syringe or placing a feeding tube so you can provide adequate nutrients at home. Your veterinarian may also prescribe appetite stimulant medication, if appropriate.

What should I do if my cat stops grooming?

Many sick cats stop grooming themselves. It is important that you help your cat by gently brushing or combing at least once a day. Any discharge from the eyes, nose, or mouth should be frequently and gently wiped away, using warm, wet cotton balls or a soft cloth.

How do I give my cat medication?

Give your cat their medication at the dose and frequency prescribed by your veterinarian and complete the full course of treatment. Separate handouts are available that describe how to administer medications. If you are having difficulty giving tablets to your cat, you may be able to crush them and mix them with a little water so that they can be given by syringe. Ask your veterinarian if this approach is appropriate for your cat's medication. If it does not work, contact your veterinarian to see if a liquid formulation can be prescribed, or if a long-acting injectable version of the medication is available.

Do not give your cat any medications other than those prescribed by your veterinarian. Never give your cat over-the-counter medications unless specifically instructed by your veterinarian, who will tell you the exact dose needed by your cat.

Should I use special disinfectants to clean my house?

Do not use any phenol-based disinfectants in your cat’s room, as they are toxic to cats. Talk to your veterinarian about any cleaning agents you would like to use in your home, near your cat, or on your cat during their convalescence.

How should I monitor my cat at home?

Monitor your cat daily for:

• How much they are eating
• How much they are drinking
• Whether they are urinating
• Whether they are defecating
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Sneezing
• Coughing
• Any new or abnormal signs

Report any changes to your veterinarian. Cats are masters at hiding pain, illness, and discomfort, so it is important to visit your veterinarian if you notice any changes in your cat’s behavior. Early diagnosis and treatment will provide the best outcome for your cat’s recovery.