How to Tell if Your Cat is Sick

When you have pet cats, you will find that they are very different to dogs in terms of behavior.  While dogs are extremely sociable and communicative by nature, cats are often very independent, inscrutable and aloof.  Cats are also great at hiding the fact that they are sick or injured, whereas a sick dog will make sure you – and everyone in the neighborhood – know just how much he or she is suffering.

 

Adopting a cat means making a promise to care for and love your animal and to provide the highest quality of care at all times.  With that said, do you know how to tell when your cat is getting sick?  Here are some of the most common early symptoms of illness in cats.

One of the most common signs of illness in cats is when your pet starts acting strangely.  Your cat may stop eating, may start meowing strangely or become deathly quiet, or may become secretive and start sitting or lying in strange or hidden places.  If you notice that your pet’s behavior has changed for no apparent reason, it is often a good idea to monitor them and even to consider a visit to the vet’s office to check that all is well.

Changes in appetite or bowel habits are certainly cause for concern.  While a decreasing appetite may well be from food changes, stress or aging, it could also be the sign of a serious illness.  Litter avoidance often occurs when a cat is upset or in pain, so if a previously angelic cat starts constantly ‘missing’ his litter box or going in unusual places, it’s time for a vet visit.  Allowing your veterinary care provider diagnose any appetite and bowel changes in cats is certainly a good idea.

Other telltale signs of illness in cats include hair loss, dull or matted coat, yellowing of the gums or eyes, or debris inside the ears.  Changes in the appearance of your cat’s eyes, coughing, sneezing, and a runny nose are all obvious symptoms that should not be ignored. 

 

Even if your cat prefers to spend time alone, wandering uninhabited parts of your home, it is important to know his or her routines and patterns so that you can catch any illness as soon as possible.

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