Recognizing signs of illness in your cat


 
  cat signs of illness

Our cats can be quite the little talkers when demanding food, treats or snuggles, but they often keep mysteriously mum when something is truly wrong. 

Although this toughing-it-out strategy worked well for their wild ancestors to avoid showing weakness to other predators, it is actually counterproductive for our little house cats who may end up with delayed care, potentially making the problem harder to treat when it is finally discovered.

 

Here are subtle changes in appearance and behavior you can watch for to help you spot when your cat is hiding an illness:

Appearance

  • Ribs or spine more pronounced when petted
  • Unkempt coat (usually caused by lack of grooming)
  • Hunched posture
  • Stiff, hesitant or just “off” movements
  • Head carried low or at a tilt
  • Unusual odor from any part of the body
  • Either pale or yellow tint to the gums, skin and/or whites of the eyes

Behavior

  • Less energy or lack of interest in usual activities
  • Hiding more than usual
  • Any changes in personality (clingy, cranky, more fearful, less sociable, etc.)
  • Yowling or vocalizing in new ways
  • Not jumping up on surfaces as usual
  • Increased or decreased appetite or thirst (NOTE: If your cat hasn’t eaten anything in 24 hours, seek immediate veterinary care!)
  • Spending more time in the litter box
  • More or less urine in the litter box than usual

Depending on the disease and its severity, your cat may not be able to hide the signs as well. Keep in mind these other, more noticeable symptoms of disease:

  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Very hard, small stools
  • Straining or vocalizing while urinating or defecating
  • Going to the bathroom outside the litter box
  • Shallow breathing, mouth breathing or panting
  • Bout of sneezing, wheezing or coughing
  • Red eyes and/or discharge from the eyes
  • Droopy eyelids 
  • A difference between eye pupil sizes
  • Discharge from the nose
  • Excessive salivation or bad breath
  • Excessive grooming or scratching that may lead to bald or red spots
  • Walking in circles, stumbling or falling often

If you have an after-hours concern and are not sure if your cat needs immediate care, get help right away with unlimited 24/7 Live Chat through the myVCA app, where our licensed veterinary professionals are standing by to answer all your pet health and wellness questions.

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