One of the joys of caring for a cat is their easy-going nature. Expert cats relax and live a lifestyle we can only dream of: playing, eating and sleeping. Unfortunately, this habit can be a loss if the cat falls ill. Instinctively, the cat may then try to hide, or one of its habits (sleeping) becomes excessive. To determine if your cat is really sick, knowing the symptoms to watch for will help.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Observing Changes in Attitude and Appearance
Step 1. Watch how much your cat sleeps
Sick cats will sleep more. If the cat has no other symptoms of illness such as vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, or visible swelling, then observe the cat closely. If symptoms appear, take your cat to the vet.
If the cat is showing no other symptoms, keep an eye on it for 24 hours (of course it's okay to get your cat checked out by a vet before doing this if you're concerned). If your cat is entering day two of excessive fatigue, it's time to take her to the vet's clinic
Step 2. Check the cat's temperature for fever
Use a rectal thermometer to check the cat's temperature. However, if the cat becomes distressed, it is best to stop and let the vet do it. 37.5 to 39 degrees Celsius is the normal temperature range, while any number above 39 degrees Celsius is considered a high temperature, and over 39.4 degrees is a fever. Take your cat to the vet if he has a fever.
Cats with fevers usually sleep a lot, refuse food, and often have dull fur that sticks out at odd angles. A cat's nose and ears may be dry and warm to the touch with a hand at normal body temperature. While touching the ears is an inaccurate way to check body temperature, a cat's ears that feel cold indicate a fever may not be present
Step 3. Watch for any changes in your cat's litter box habits
Pay attention to: how often the cat uses the tray, whether the cat has difficulty, whether there is blood or mucus in the urine, or whether the stool is hard and lumpy. If your cat has had diarrhea but is still straining or has constipation (marked by hard, dry stools) take the cat to the vet. Repeated straining and no urine or blood should prompt you to contact your veterinarian immediately.
Male cats are prone to urinary problems, specifically difficulty excreting water. Symptoms include frequent visits to the tray, and perhaps even squatting outside the tray. The cat may crouch for a few minutes or often stand up and move to a new place and then squat down again. If possible, check to see if the cat is producing urine (is it wet or dry?) if so, check for blood
Step 4. Watch your cat's appetite
If you notice your cat isn't eating much, or is eating more than usual, there could be a problem. If your cat doesn't show interest in food for a whole day, there could be a variety of problems – from eating the neighbor's food, feeling nauseous, to kidney problems. On the other hand, if the cat suddenly becomes greedy, it can indicate a health problem.
If your cat refuses food for more than 24 hours, take your cat to the vet so that the underlying problem can be fixed before complications arise
Step 5. Check if the cat is dehydrated
Watch out for changes to your cat's drinking habits. How much a cat drinks depends on whether the cat is eating wet food (in this case it is unusual to see a cat drinking) or dry food (it is normal to see him drinking). Many conditions cause increased thirst, such as certain types of infection, kidney disease, an overactive thyroid, and diabetes. If the cat is thirsty, check with the vet.
You can also do a physical exam. Gently and carefully, grasp the skin between the cat's shoulder blades. Pull the skin up away from the cat's body (again very gently) then release. If the cat's skin doesn't snap back into place right away, it's likely that the cat is dehydrated and should be taken to the vet
Step 6. Pay attention to the silhouette of the cat's body and weight
Any weight changes are significant and should be taken to the vet. Sudden or even gradual weight loss can signal illness. If unsure, weigh your cat at home once a week and if your cat continues to lose weight, ask your veterinarian for advice.
- In the early stages of conditions such as diabetes or hyperthyroidism, your cat may look fine, but will lose weight. Ask your vet for advice if your cat continues to lose weight.
- Some diseases, such as stomach cancer or heart disease, mean that the cat's overall weight remains the same, but the cat loses its shape. This means that you can feel the cat's ribs and spine more easily because there is less fat, but the cat's belly may look rounded or swollen. When in doubt, take your cat to the vet.
Step 7. Check the cat's fur
Sick cats usually don't have the energy to groom themselves. Usually, hair that was once shiny and well-groomed becomes dull, matted, and disorganized. While stress can have an effect on hair loss or a change in grooming habits, it could be that your cat is sick. Consult a veterinarian.
Changes in grooming habits could be the result of arthritis. Grooming may be painful if the cat's body is stiff and painful. Again, this is a sign that a visit to the vet is needed
Method 2 of 3: Observing Symptoms
Step 1. Observe for vomiting
If your cat is vomiting, especially many times a day, and seems unmotivated, these signs are important. If your cat refuses water or vomits after drinking water, consult a veterinarian immediately.
Most cats like to vomit, meaning that they vomit from time to time (once or twice a week) as a way of cleansing their system. This is not something to worry about in a cat who is active, responsive, acting normally and eating well
Step 2. Watch for diarrhea
Cats should produce solid stools, shaped like sausages. Diarrhea is liquid stool that is formless, and is definitely not normal. On the other hand, if the cat is doing well, there's nothing wrong with waiting 24 hours to see if the cat just ate something that upset her stomach. Cats that are vomiting, not eating, tired, lethargic, or have blood or mucus (a barley-like substance) in their stool should be seen by a veterinarian.
Step 3. Pay attention to the cat's level of activity
Lethargy, or lack of energy, can indicate a fever, difficulty breathing, or the cat is in pain. It's not much different from cats who sleep more because cats wake up but don't have the energy to interact or participate in daily activities. If the cat is lethargic and breathing faster, the cat should be taken to the vet.
Consider the cat's personality. If your cat isn't tired, unusually, and isn't interested in exercise and regular activities, this could be a sign that your pet is not eating enough or is sick
Step 4. Listen for breathing problems
If your cat is breathing very quickly and shallowly or with his mouth open and without effort, you should take him to the vet. You should also measure how abnormal the cat's breathing looks. If you notice your cat's stomach muscles moving up and down while breathing, see your vet.
Sometimes it is difficult to distinguish between snoring and respiratory rate (because snoring makes the respiratory rate look faster). Therefore, try counting breaths when the cat is not purring or asleep. A cat's normal respiratory rate is about 20-30 breaths per minute, and should be at a lower rate when relaxed
Step 5. Watch for cat tilting, dizziness, or disorientation
These can all be symptoms of a neurological disorder or ear infection. If these symptoms occur, the cat should be taken to the vet immediately. Cats are nimble, nimble creatures. If your cat is suddenly lethargic, clumsy or holding her head to one side, there may be something wrong. These changes can indicate a stroke, high blood pressure, or even a brain tumor so it is advisable to see a veterinarian.
Step 6. Trim the cat's coat frequently to check for ridges or new growth
Most bulges or abscesses are benign, but any fluid or tenderness should be examined. Also pay attention to the unpleasant odor that can arise from infected scratches. Again, get your cat checked. If left untreated, the infection can lead to blood poisoning.
Step 7. Pay attention to the cat's eyes
Check the eyes (as well as the nose) for excess discharge. If your cat looks like she's crying a lot, she may be allergic to something or have a sinus infection. If feces appear along with excessive drinking/peeing, lethargy, and lethargic fur, take your cat to the vet for possible kidney failure.
Also check pupillary dilation. Some diseases can cause the eye to dilate and continue to do so. You should take your cat to the vet as soon as you notice that the cat's eyes are still dilated
Step 8. Look into the cat's mouth
In particular look for any discoloration of the cat's gums, especially the black gums, becoming very pale, then the cat may be sick. You should also smell the cat's breath. If there is a strange smell that is not caused by cat food, there may be a problem.
Method 3 of 3: Checking for Certain Diseases
Step 1. Examine the cat for fleas
Watch out for the cat scratching excessively, which could be a sign of fleas. If your cat is scratching a lot, you will need to have an on-site inspection. Take a fine-toothed comb and comb through the cat's fur. Look for small, fast-moving brown spots (which are fleas) especially around the cat's neck and tail.
- You can also check for lice by grooming on a piece of white paper. You may see lots of lice on the teeth of the comb or flea droppings on the paper. Flea droppings are black and comma-shaped. When placed on a wet cotton swab, the dirt will dissolve into a bloodline.
- Many products are available to kill fleas and get them out of your home. Ask your veterinarian for specific recommendations.
Step 2. Listen for a dry cough and vomiting that can signal a hairball
Hairballs can also cause bad breath or low appetite. Serious hairball problems can become Trichobezoars (hard clumps of tangled hair and smelly undigested food) and in extreme cases may require surgery. Trim your cat's fur regularly to reduce hairballs.
- Other effective home remedies include adding supplements to the cat's diet such as: Slippery Elm Bark to lubricate the hairball path or pumpkin puree (canned) which adds large amounts of fiber to the litter, making hairball easier to pass. These foods can be periodically added to snacks such as fish or cooked chicken/liver as a precaution against hairballs.
- You should consult a veterinarian to make sure a more serious problem is not the cause.
Step 3. Observe for hyperthyroidism, or an overactive thyroid
Symptoms include increased appetite or thirst, unexplained weight loss (especially muscle mass), nervousness or irritability, frequent vomiting, lethargy and weakness, diarrhea, or disheveled hair. If two or more of the above symptoms appear, your cat needs to visit the vet. Hyperthyroidism usually occurs in middle-aged to older cats and is rare in young cats.
An increased appetite is a useful warning sign that your cat needs veterinary attention. Thyroid hormones that stimulate appetite also increase metabolic rate and increase the burden on organ functions
Step 4. Observe the cat for diabetes symptoms
Signs of diabetes include vomiting, dehydration, weakness and loss of appetite, increased thirst and urination, breathing disorders, and unkempt hair. Diabetes in cats affects any age, but is most common in older obese male/female cats. If your cat has one or more of these symptoms, take her to the vet to have her urine and blood sugar levels tested.
Step 5. Watch out for symptoms of lower urinary tract disease in cats (FLUTD)
Signs of FLUTD include inappropriate or difficult and frequent urination, loss of appetite, lethargy, blood in the urine, and frequent licking of the genitals. This disease is a painful inflammation of the lower urinary tract that can potentially kill quickly.
There are many causes of FLUTD, from reduced water intake and urine containing viruses, bacteria, or diet. Some dry foods can cause crystals to build up in the urine, which then irritates the lining of the bladder. If left unchecked, it can form bladder stones which are potentially serious problems if they cause blockages
Tips
- If the cat experiences changes in behavior such as irritability, wanting to be alone, not happy, etc. the cat may be sick.
- Some changes in properties are normal, especially when the brand of sand, dirt or food is changed.
- Watch out for physical symptoms (such as vomiting or diarrhea) and keep in mind how often they occur. Documenting illness or diarrhea with photos can be helpful for veterinarians. While this may sound strange, it can provide valuable clues to the cause of the disease.
- If unsure, contact your veterinarian. Prolonged estimating the illness and waiting can harm the cat.
- A cat hiding in an enclosed space when normally in the open can be a sign that the animal is in pain.
Warning
- If your cat doesn't eat or drink anything for two days, take her to the vet as soon as possible for a check-up.
- If your cat is dehydrated and vomiting, it's important to take her to the vet as soon as possible, as this can lead to fatal kidney failure or damage.
- Kittens can become anemic when exposed to fleas.
- If your cat loses complete control of bodily functions, it needs to be taken to the vet as soon as possible. Otherwise, it can lead to kidney failure, which can be deadly in cats.
- Humans are also prone to itchy tick bites, usually on the ankles.
- The most common flea, the cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis) can carry the larvae of the tapeworm Dipylidium caninum. If a cat eats fleas while cleaning itself, it can catch tapeworms. Lice also carry other infectious substances.
