There is a range of symptoms that can indicate that your feline friend is under the weather. Today, our South Lebanon vets share a few of the common signs of a sick cat and how to tell if emergency care is required.
Your Cat's Health
Cats can suffer from a range of illnesses, from highly contagious cat colds (upper respiratory infections) and urinary tract infections to diabetes, the feline leukemia virus, parasite infections, and even cancer.
The symptoms your cat is displaying will depend on what kind of illness they are suffering from, however, there are many symptoms that are common to a number of health issues in cats. This is why it's always best to make an appointment with our vet if your cat experiencing any symptoms you are concerned about.
It's also important to bring your cat in for routine wellness exams. Routine exams are physical checkups for your cat that allow your vet to assess their health and catch any emerging health issues early while they are still the most treatable.
Is my cat sick?
Signs of a sick cat are difficult to spot because cats possess a natural instinct to hide whenever they are sick or injured. This is why it's important to monitor your cat's behavior to watch for anything that seems out of the ordinary for your kitty. Although it may just be a passing bout of indigestion or a cold, it's also possible that your cat has a more serious condition that needs medical attention.
Cats hide pain and illness well, so what looks like a minor issue could be the sign of something more serious. Signs your cat is sick include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea or constipation - especially if your cat appears to be in pain
- Lethargy - sleeping more than usual
- Increase or decrease in appetite
- Sudden weight changes
- Increased thirst
- Increased urination
- Breathing issues, or changes in breathing
- Discharge from the nose or eyes
- Excessive shedding, bald patches, skin irritation
- Blood in the urine
- Changes in personality - is longer playful or refuses to go outside
What are the signs of a veterinary emergency?
While the symptoms above indicate that it's time to book a veterinary appointment for your cat, the symptoms listed below are much more serious. If your cat shows any of the following symptoms an immediate trip to the nearest emergency vet is required:
- Indications of severe pain - typically accompanied by loud crying or aggression
- Seizures
- Injuries such as broken bones or cuts
- Breathing difficulties
- Signs of pain while urinating or an inability to urinate
- Discolored gums - blue, grey, white, or unusually pale
- Bleeding that is moderate to extreme
- Any exposure to poison
- Vomiting blood
- Unresponsiveness or unconsciousness
- Unable to walk or signs of dizziness
- Overly high or low temperatures - under 99° or over 104°
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.