Is Your Cat Sick? 12 Telltale Signs Cat Owners Should Be Aware Of
Is Your Cat Sick? 12 Telltale Signs Cat Owners Should Be Aware Of
Cats are silent creatures. Unlike humans, they can't tell us how they're feeling. When they get sick, they can only communicate through their behavior. As a cat owner, it's crucial to be observant so you can catch any signs of illness early on and help your feline friend recover.
Here are 12 common signs of illness in cats that every cat owner should be aware of:
1. Excessive Sleepiness
A normally energetic and playful cat might become lethargic and sleepy when sick. Even if you call out to them, they might stay in their bed, uninterested in playing or interacting. This could be a sign of an internal issue, such as a foreign object in their stomach. Along with excessive sleepiness, your cat might also exhibit other symptoms such as loss of appetite, vomiting, etc.
2. Frequent Sneezing
Cats sneeze as a natural reflex to clear their nasal passages of irritants. But if your cat is sneezing excessively and consistently, it could be a sign of nasal inflammation due to an infection. If accompanied by runny nose or eye discharge, it could be an upper respiratory infection.
3. Persistent Coughing
Occasional coughing in cats is normal. However, persistent dry coughing should be a cause for concern, as it could indicate a respiratory illness.
4. Rapid Breathing
A cat's normal breathing rate is 20-30 breaths per minute. It's common for them to breathe rapidly after exercise, but they should return to normal breathing after resting. If your cat is breathing rapidly without any exertion, and their belly is visibly moving up and down, it could be a sign of heart or lung problems.
5. Abnormal Body Temperature
A cat's normal body temperature ranges from 37.5 to 39°C. If your cat's temperature is above 39.2°C, it means they have a fever. You can check their temperature rectally. If your cat is uncooperative, you can hold down their hind legs to take the temperature. Fever could be a symptom of diseases like feline distemper, parasitic infections, pneumonia, etc., and requires immediate veterinary attention.
6. Loss of Appetite
If your cat is no longer interested in their favorite cat food or treats, there might be something wrong. It's important to observe if they have a cold or fever, which could cause loss of appetite.
7. Vomiting
Persistent vomiting and diarrhea in cats could indicate digestive problems. Try withholding food for a while and take them to the vet for treatment.
8. Excessive Eye Discharge
Eye discharge is a common sign of illness in cats. Even after you clean it, it keeps coming back. In severe cases, it might even prevent them from opening their eyes.
9. Abnormal Bowel Movements
Kittens normally poop 3 times a day, while adult cats poop 2 times a day. Their stool should be brown or yellowish-brown, soft and firm. If your cat's stool is too soft, too hard, or contains blood, it's a sign of illness.
10. Drooling
Excessive drooling in cats could be due to ingesting sharp objects like bones or needles, or it could be a sign of mouth ulcers or feline leukemia. Regardless, it signifies a problem with their oral health and requires attention.
11. Difficulty Moving
If your cat is reluctant to walk or run, it could be because of a foot injury, a fracture, or joint pain. Arthritis or other joint problems can cause pain, leading to symptoms like decreased appetite, weight loss, inability to groom, difficulty moving, limping, and muscle atrophy. This requires a veterinary checkup.
12. Aggression
Cats usually don't attack humans. But if they become aggressive due to pain, they might resist your touch and attack you. In this case, you need to handle them with caution and take them to the vet as soon as possible.
Conclusion
Cats are our loyal companions. They can't talk, so we need to pay close attention to their behavior to detect any signs of illness. If you notice any of the above symptoms, don't hesitate to seek professional veterinary help. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent minor illnesses from becoming serious problems.
Cats are silent creatures. Unlike humans, they can't tell us how they're feeling. When they get sick, they can only communicate through their behavior. As a cat owner, it's crucial to be observant so you can catch any signs of illness early on and help your feline friend recover.
Here are 12 common signs of illness in cats that every cat owner should be aware of:
1. Excessive Sleepiness
A normally energetic and playful cat might become lethargic and sleepy when sick. Even if you call out to them, they might stay in their bed, uninterested in playing or interacting. This could be a sign of an internal issue, such as a foreign object in their stomach. Along with excessive sleepiness, your cat might also exhibit other symptoms such as loss of appetite, vomiting, etc.
2. Frequent Sneezing
Cats sneeze as a natural reflex to clear their nasal passages of irritants. But if your cat is sneezing excessively and consistently, it could be a sign of nasal inflammation due to an infection. If accompanied by runny nose or eye discharge, it could be an upper respiratory infection.
3. Persistent Coughing
Occasional coughing in cats is normal. However, persistent dry coughing should be a cause for concern, as it could indicate a respiratory illness.
4. Rapid Breathing
A cat's normal breathing rate is 20-30 breaths per minute. It's common for them to breathe rapidly after exercise, but they should return to normal breathing after resting. If your cat is breathing rapidly without any exertion, and their belly is visibly moving up and down, it could be a sign of heart or lung problems.
5. Abnormal Body Temperature
A cat's normal body temperature ranges from 37.5 to 39°C. If your cat's temperature is above 39.2°C, it means they have a fever. You can check their temperature rectally. If your cat is uncooperative, you can hold down their hind legs to take the temperature. Fever could be a symptom of diseases like feline distemper, parasitic infections, pneumonia, etc., and requires immediate veterinary attention.
6. Loss of Appetite
If your cat is no longer interested in their favorite cat food or treats, there might be something wrong. It's important to observe if they have a cold or fever, which could cause loss of appetite.
7. Vomiting
Persistent vomiting and diarrhea in cats could indicate digestive problems. Try withholding food for a while and take them to the vet for treatment.
8. Excessive Eye Discharge
Eye discharge is a common sign of illness in cats. Even after you clean it, it keeps coming back. In severe cases, it might even prevent them from opening their eyes.
9. Abnormal Bowel Movements
Kittens normally poop 3 times a day, while adult cats poop 2 times a day. Their stool should be brown or yellowish-brown, soft and firm. If your cat's stool is too soft, too hard, or contains blood, it's a sign of illness.
10. Drooling
Excessive drooling in cats could be due to ingesting sharp objects like bones or needles, or it could be a sign of mouth ulcers or feline leukemia. Regardless, it signifies a problem with their oral health and requires attention.
11. Difficulty Moving
If your cat is reluctant to walk or run, it could be because of a foot injury, a fracture, or joint pain. Arthritis or other joint problems can cause pain, leading to symptoms like decreased appetite, weight loss, inability to groom, difficulty moving, limping, and muscle atrophy. This requires a veterinary checkup.
12. Aggression
Cats usually don't attack humans. But if they become aggressive due to pain, they might resist your touch and attack you. In this case, you need to handle them with caution and take them to the vet as soon as possible.
Conclusion
Cats are our loyal companions. They can't talk, so we need to pay close attention to their behavior to detect any signs of illness. If you notice any of the above symptoms, don't hesitate to seek professional veterinary help. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent minor illnesses from becoming serious problems.
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