Cats can be stoic creatures and often manage to hide their discomfort when they are sick. Our Bartlett vets share some of the signs and symptoms that indicate your feline friend may be feeling under the weather. Show
Symptoms of a Sick CatCats, like many animals, are remarkably good at hiding their discomfort when they are ill. In fact, signs of illness may not be obvious until your cat is feeling very unwell. That's why it's important to visit your Bartlett vet as soon as possible if you notice any of the following signs or symptoms:
Knowing When Your Cat is SickNo one knows your cat as well as you do. Be sure to watch your cat for subtle changes in behavior that others may not notice; take note of any changes to your cat's usual body language or demeanor. If something just doesn't seem right, it's a good time to take your cat to the vet for a thorough examination, even if your cat isn't showing any of the symptoms listed above. Some Common Causes of Illness in CatsThe symptoms listed above are all signs that your cat may be sick. Here are a few common illnesses that cats can develop:
What To Do if Your Cat is SickIf your cat is displaying any unusual behaviors it's worth a trip to the vet for diagnosis and treatment. Early detection and treatment of illnesses can help to prevent conditions from becoming more severe or potentially life-threatening. Cat injuries or illnesses often require urgent medical attention, surgery or even emergency care. It is essential to seek professional veterinary advice as soon as possible. The sooner treatment begins, the sooner your furry friend will be acting more like themselves again. If your cat isn't feeling their very best, contact Hillcrest Animal Hospital to book an appointment today.Looking for a vet in Memphis?We're always accepting new patients, so contact our veterinary hospital today to book your pet's first appointment. Contact Us It's important you be able to recognize the signs a cat is sick. It may be difficult to know if subtle
changes in your cat indicate a health problem. Cats are experts at hiding illness. In the wild, this instinct can protect them from predators or other cats that might be a threat. Common signs that a cat is sick are vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, lethargy, increased thirst, and many more. Learn the 18 most common
symptoms for cats and what situations are an emergency. How to Know If Your Cat Is SickSigns That Your Cat Is SickBy the time you actually notice something is wrong with your cat, it might have been going on for a longer amount of time than you think. Note subtle changes in behavior and watch for more. Observe your cat's demeanor and body language. Does something seem off? Learn what is normal for cats and know what is normal for your cat. Never ignore obvious signs of illness. When in doubt, contact your vet for advice.
WarningIf your cat is not breathing normally, it may be best to go to an emergency clinic. If the signs are very mild, see your regular veterinarian as soon as possible.
TipThere is another reason why cats and many other animals are less likely to show pain or illness: They simply do not have an emotional relationship with their
discomfort. Animals tend to accept the pain or illness as the new normal and move on. It may not be until they are extremely ill that their sickness becomes obvious to humans. Emergency Situations and Your CatCertain situations may be considered urgent. You shouldn't wait for an appointment at your vet when your cat is experiencing an emergency. Keep information about after-hours veterinarians handy in case you need to rush to one. If you see the signs of an emergency, do not delay. Go to the closest open veterinarian immediately:
If you notice anything else your cat does that worries you, it's better to be safe than sorry. You can call your vet or the emergency vet if you need help deciding if something is an emergency. How to Prevent Illness in CatsMany owners underestimate the importance of routine veterinary care for cats. They may wait several years to bring their cats to the vet for check-ups. Worse, they sometimes wait until their cat is sick. It's understandable that people would want to avoid putting their cats through the stress of a veterinary visit. Some cats become very anxious or even aggressive at the vet. Rather than waiting, try to find a veterinary practice that is less stressful for your cat. Many feline-friendly practices are out there, some even cat-only practices. TipIf you don't want to go through the stress of getting your cat into a carrier and taking it to the vet, you may consider finding a mobile vet who can come to your home. Many cats do better in a familiar environment. Annual veterinary exams are essential for cats. Senior cats can benefit from biannual check-ups and routine lab work. These visits give the vet an opportunity to examine your cat when he appears healthy. The vet may find minor abnormalities on the exam that indicate a minor problem before your cat gets really sick. Early detection might mean you and your vet can take action before the illness becomes serious. You can also keep your cat as healthy as possible by feeding a healthy diet. A healthy diet can help your cat avoid obesity and a wide array of other health issues. Many vets recommend wet diets high in protein and low in carbohydrates. Be sure to use routine parasite prevention as recommended by your vet. This can prevent fleas, intestinal parasites, and other parasites from making your cat sick. Provide a happy, low-stress home for your cat. Keep fresh water available at all times and plenty of clean, accessible litter boxes in your home. In smaller homes or multiple-cat homes, provide vertical space like cat trees and wall shelves. FAQ
If you suspect your pet is sick, call your vet immediately. For health-related questions, always consult your veterinarian, as they have examined your pet, know the pet's health history, and can make the best recommendations for your pet. How do I know if my cat is unwell?Symptoms of a Sick Cat. Constricted or dilated pupils.. Vomiting or diarrhea.. Sudden mood change.. No inclination to play or appearing lethargic.. Much less or much more vocal than usual.. Sudden changes in appetite, drinking, or eating habits.. Noticeable weight loss or gain.. Rapid breathing or shortness of breath.. How do I help my cat that doesn't feel well?Ways to Make Sick Cats Feel More Comfortable. Monitor Food and Water Intake. To properly recover, your sick cat needs food and water. ... . Keep Up with Grooming. Many sick cats will stop grooming themselves. ... . Properly Distribute Medicine.. Can a cat be sick with no symptoms?Like many others, cats are highly skilled at hiding their discomfort when they are sick. In fact, your cat may not show signs of illness until he or she is feeling very unwell.
How do you treat a sick cat without going to the vet?What can I do if my cat is being sick?. Remove food for two hours, but continue to provide water.. After this time, try offering a teaspoon of their usual food or bland low-fat cooked food such as chicken or white fish.. If they keep this down, offer small amounts every few hours for the. ... . Then go back to your usual routine.. |