Spotting Signs of Illness in Cats
Friends and Neighbors,
Cats are masters at hiding illness. In the wild, any obvious sign of illness would alert other predators that the kitty is vulnerable. In the early stages of illness, often the only thing that a cat owner may notice is that the cat has become quiet and withdrawn. Unfortunately, this also means a cat may be very sick before the owner realizes something is wrong.
Bringing your kitty in for their annual appointment is essential to catching hidden illness or developing health issues which is why the American Veterinary Medical Association recommends twice-yearly wellness examinations for the average adult cat. Waiting until you notice your cat showing signs of illness can be a grave mistake.
Signs to Look Out For:
Energy Levels
A decrease in energy is common in unwell cats. You might observe your cat sleeping more, playing less, or appearing restless. In contrast, conditions like hyperthyroidism can cause a spike in activity, leading to nighttime restlessness or sudden vocalizations. Cats with joint issues such as arthritis may struggle with movement, avoiding furniture or altering how they jump onto surfaces. If your cat suddenly loses the ability to use its back legs, seek immediate veterinary care.
Overall Appearance
Ill cats often neglect grooming, resulting in a disheveled coat with greasiness, matted fur, or loose hair. You might notice a decrease in shine or an uptick in dandruff. Conversely, excessive grooming could indicate skin issues like allergies, parasites, pain from conditions like arthritis, or stress. Over-grooming might lead to bald spots and irritated skin.
Grooming Habits
Sickly cats often neglect grooming, resulting in a disheveled coat with greasiness, matted fur, or loose hair. You might notice a decrease in shine or an uptick in dandruff. Conversely, excessive grooming could indicate skin issues like allergies, parasites, pain from conditions like arthritis, or stress. Over-grooming might lead to bald spots and irritated skin.
Changes in Weight
Cats with a chronic illness may develop slow and subtle weight loss that is only obvious when you run your hands along the ribs and spine. Cats that suddenly lose weight, particularly if they were previously overweight, are usually suffering from a metabolic disease such as diabetes or hyperthyroidism.
Sociability
A lot of our feline friends aren’t super social in the first place, so this one can be particularly hard to recognize. A good rule of thumb is that if your cat’s social behavior suddenly changes to what they’re usually like - they might be sick. Is your kitty usually social and cuddly? Bring them in if they become withdrawn. Alternatively, if your cat is usually independent and then suddenly asks for lots of attention - something might be up!
Eyes and Nose
Warning signs include droopy eyelids, colored discharges, squinting or abnormal pupils. A healthy cat shouldn’t have nasal discharge. Basically, any sort of goopiness is a sign of illness!
Litter Box Habits
Inability to urinate, particularly in male cats, is a critical emergency. Diarrhea and constipation also indicate potential health problems. Hard and dry stools might signal early kidney disease. An increase in urine could be linked to issues with the kidneys, liver, or diabetes, while reduced urine output may suggest kidney or bladder problems, especially if accompanied by straining or prolonged time spent in the litter box. Cats experiencing urinary problems may also excessively lick their genital area.
It's always best to err on the side of caution because of the subtle symptoms. If your cat stops eating for more than 24 hours, has breathing difficulties, litter box straining, or eye changes, seek immediate veterinary care.
We hope you find these tips useful and that they help keep your cats happy and healthy. Don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions. We're always here for you and your cats!
Sincerely,
The BLVD Team