As a responsible cat owner, it's important to be able to identify when your cat is feeling sick. Sometimes cats will show clear signs of sickness, while other times they might not seem ill at all. So how can you tell when your cat needs help? This article will discuss seven signs of sickness in cats. Knowing what to look for can help you get your feline friend the care she needs before it's too late.
1. Inappropriate elimination
Inappropriate elimination is one of the seven signs of sickness in cats. Cats will deliberately go outside the litterbox to help alert the owner that something is wrong (yes! Cats are that smart). This can be a sign of a number of different health problems, from urinary tract infections to diabetes. If your cat starts urinating or defecating outside of its litter box, it's important to take it to your veterinarian for a check-up. Inappropriate elimination is one of the seven signs of sickness in cats, so it is important to be aware of this sign and take your cat to the vet if you notice it.
2. Changes in interaction
As any cat lover knows, our feline friends are notoriously independent creatures. They often prefer to spend their days napping in a sunny spot or exploring the great outdoors, and they can be fiercely independent when it comes to social interactions. However, one of the seven signs of sickness in cats is a change in interaction. If your cat suddenly starts seeking out your company more often than usual, it may be a clue that something isn't right. Similarly, if your cat becomes more withdrawn and stops participating in activities that they once enjoyed, it may also be a sign of illness. If you notice any changes in your cat's behaviour, it's important to take them to the vet for a checkup. By doing so, you can ensure that your furry friend stays happy and healthy.
3. Changes in activity
Cats are creatures of habit. They usually have a set routine that they stick to day in and day out. So, if you notice a change in your cat's activity level, it could be a sign that something is wrong. If your cat starts sleeping more than usual, or if they become less active and playful, it may be a sign of sickness. Conversely, if your cat starts to pace or seem restless, it may also be a symptom of illness. If you notice any changes in your cat's activity level, it's important to take them to your veterinarian for a checkup.
4. Changes in food and water consumption
There are a variety of changes in food and water consumption that may signal sickness in cats. Many of these changes can be subtle, so it's important to be aware of your cat's normal eating and drinking habits. One common sign of illness in cats is a change in appetite. Any changes to food or water consumption can be a sign of a bigger issue so it's important to pay attention to the signs. If you notice any changes in your cat's food and water consumption, it's important to take them to your veterinarian for a check-up. Changes in appetite and thirst can be caused by a variety of illnesses, so it's important to have your cat's health checked out by a professional.
5. Bad breath
When it comes to our feline friends, there are a few tell-tale signs that something might be amiss. One of these is bad breath. If your cat's breath is unpleasant, it is important to take them to your veterinarian for a check-up as there are a few conditions that can cause bad breath in cats and they will be able to isolate what the cause is.
Some of the more common causes of bad breath in cats include dental disease, gastrointestinal disease, and diabetes. Dental disease is by far the most common cause of bad breath in cats, and it's important to get your kitty's teeth checked by your veterinarian at least once a year.
If dental disease is the cause of your cat's bad breath, the vet will likely recommend professional teeth cleaning. This is a fairly routine procedure, but it's important to get it done as soon as possible to prevent the condition from worsening.
If you notice that your cat's breath is consistently bad, make an appointment with your veterinarian right away. While bad breath is not always a sign of a serious condition, it's always better to be safe than sorry!
6. Unexplained weight loss or gain
Weight loss or gain can be a sign of sickness in cats. If your cat starts to lose weight without changing its diet or activity level, it may be a sign that something is wrong. Similarly, if your cat starts to gain weight without any changes to its lifestyle, it may also be a symptom of an underlying health condition.
If you notice any changes in your cat's weight, it's important to take them to the vet for a check-up. Weight loss or gain can be caused by a variety of illnesses, so it's important to have your cat's health checked out by a professional.
7. Changes in grooming
Cats are fastidious groomers, and they usually do a pretty good job of keeping themselves clean. So, if you notice that your cat's grooming habits have changed, it may be a sign that something is wrong. One common sign of illness in cats is a change in grooming habits. If your cat starts to groom less than usual, or if they stop grooming altogether, it may be a sign of sickness.
Changes in grooming can be caused by a variety of illnesses, so it's important to take your cat to your vet for a check-up if you notice any changes in their grooming habits.
In conclusion, there are a number of signs that may signal sickness in cats. If you notice any changes in your cat's behaviour, it's important to take them to your veterinarian for a check-up. Changes in appetite, thirst, weight, grooming habits, and activity level can all be signs of sickness in cats. So, if you notice anything out of the ordinary, don't hesitate to take your kitty to your veterinarian, we're here to help!