Your feline friend can get sick just as you can, but it can be tough to tell when this happens. Our kitty's are pros at hiding any illness that affects them. Here, our vets in Los Angeles talk about the signs your cat is sick and what you can do if your cat gets a cold.
Feline Illness: Is my cat sick?
Just like you and I, illness in cats can pop up out of nowhere. Cat illnesses range from common and highly contagious cat colds (upper respiratory infections) to diabetes, feline immunodeficiency virus, feline leukemia virus, worms, hyperthyroidism and even cancer.
Of course, the symptoms that your cat shows will depend upon the kind of illness they are suffering from however there are a number of symptoms that are common to many health issues in cats.
Below our vets from Los Angeles share a few signs that can mean it's time to book a vet appointment, as well as more serious symptoms that indicate that your cat is in need of emergency veterinary care.
What are the signs that your cat is sick?
Because our cats will do everything they can to hide their illness it is important to always keep an eye out for any weird behaviour. 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.
Since cats are so adept at hiding pain it can lead to conditions not being discovered until they are quite advanced. Contact your vet to book an appointment if you notice any of the following symptoms.
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea or constipation - especially if your cat appears to be in pain
- Lethargy - sleeping more than usual
- Increase or decrease in appetite
- Weight changes - Sudden decrease or increase in weight
- Increased thirst
- Increased urination
- Breathing issues, or changes in breathing
- Runny eyes or nose, clear, green or white
- Excessive shedding, bald patches, skin irritation
- Blood in the urine
- Changes in personality - in longer playful or refuses to go outside
What signs of a sick cat require emergency care?
While the symptoms listed 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 urgent veterinary care is required.
If you are unclear whether your cat's symptoms are indicative of an emergency, you can call us and we can help you decide.
- Indications of severe pain - typically accompanied by loud crying or aggression
- Seizure
- Trauma
- Breathing difficulties
- Signs of pain while urinating
- 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.