How to tell if your cat is sick

Cats have a way of masking their signs of illness and pain and maybe the only way that you may notice that your cat is unwell is when they get quieter and withdrawn.

Despite being predators themselves, cats are still prey to larger predators. Since sick or old animals make easy target and obvious signs of illness alert predators, cats have adapted to hiding any signs of illness and pain. Owing to this, as a cat owner, you may only come realize that something is wrong with your cat when they have now become very sick.

Veterinaries and professionals may pick up the subtlest of signs that your cat is unwell and as thus it is recommended that you take your cat for wellness examinations at least twice a year, according to the Veterinary Medical Association.

When you delay your cat’s veterinary visit until there are visible signs of illness, you could only be lowering your cat’s chances of recovery.

However, with some understanding of how cats show symptoms of sickness, you might be able to recognize warning signs. Here are some of the clues you should look for:

The most common sigh of sickness in cats is hiding in quiet and hidden places where you will find them lying in a hunched position. Your cat refusing grooming may also be a sign that they are unwell. Also to know that something is wrong and maybe it is having breathing difficulties, it refuses to lie on its side and instead keep his head raised.

Cats that are feeling unwell will usually not want to eat. However, some illnesses can also cause increased appetite, so you shouldn’t ignore your cat suddenly getting ravenous.

Increased urination and thirst may also indicate illness. Inability to urinate is a life-threatening emergency common in cats, particular the males.

If your cat regurgitates food just after eating, it might be unwell. Your cat vomiting food can be an indication of food poisoning, blockage or a host of other problems.

If your cat vomits repeatedly for more than a day then you should take it to a vet.

While diarrhea can be a result of nervousness, a change in thirst levels and food sensitivities, it can also be a sign of illness.

Constipation is also common in cats and you need to examine your cat’s litter box to ensure that it is defecating as it should be.

Foreign bodies, hairballs, allergies or even a contagious illness can cause coughing in cats. If your cat persistently coughs, say for more than a day, then you should get in touch with your vet and have them examined.

Stiffness and limping indicate problems. In older cats they can be a sign of arthritis. Either way if your cat shows signs of troubled movement you should have your vet examine them so as to rule out any serious problems or get recommendations on how to make your cat comfortable.

Lethargy is a sign of a problem no matter how subtle it might be. If your cat seems to lying around a lot and sleeps more than usual or generally has a low energy level, you should contact your vet as there could be something going on with its health.

While this may mean your cat is just bored, it may also mean that it is sick, in pain or stressed. So before getting down to address the behavioral side of the matter it is prudent that you first rule out a health issue by having your cat examined by a vet.

If you notice that your cat is over-grooming, it could be behavioural but it could also mean that they are having a skin issue or that they are in pain. If you notice this new behaviour in your cat, it is recommended that you take it to a vet so as to get to the root of the issue.

Tip: Whenever in doubt, it is always better to call your vet instead of waiting on what might happen.