Cats can be quite purrplexing. One area where kitties tend to be very confusing is when it comes to letting on that they don’t feel well. There is a good reason for this: in the wild, showing weakness could attract the attention of dangerous predators. You’ll need to keep a close eye out for signs of illness. A local Carmel Valley, CA vet lists some warning signs to look for below.
Hiding
It’s not uncommon for cats to occasionally want to curl up in quiet, out-of-the-way spots. If your kitty is hiding more than she used to, or just doesn’t want to leave her spot, she might not be feeling well.
Respiratory Issues
Cats should breathe smoothly and quietly, at least when they aren’t yelling about something. Gasping, coughing, repetitive sneezing, shortness of breath, or other signs of respiratory issues are all red flags.
Discharge
Discharge from the eyes, nose, ears, or mouth are also causes for concern, particularly if you’re seeing a lot of it.
Poor Grooming
Kitties have very pretty fur, and they are quite dedicated to keeping it soft and clean. Fluffy may spend hours each day on her beauty regimen. However, if your furball doesn’t feel well, she may skip her usual routine. It won’t take long before her fur starts looking greasy and matted.
Lethargy
We know lethargy seems to be a life goal for many of our feline patients. However, Fluffy should be responsive to stimuli, and she should wake up for meals and beauty sessions. If your pet seems limp, unresponsive, and/or weak, she could be sick.
Tummy Troubles
It’s not unusual for cats to have the occasional hairball, or get an upset stomach once in a while. However, frequent or excessive issues can be signs of sickness, and are definitely worth putting in a call to the vet for.
Litterbox Woes
Pay attention to what you find in Fluffy’s litterbox. Changes in the color, smell, amount, or texture of your furry buddy’s waste can all be warning signs.
Lack Of Appetite
Our feline pals can be finicky, but there’s a difference between being a fussy eater and having little or no appetite at all. While these signs are particularly concerning in senior cats, it’s important to remember that adopting an older feline can be incredibly rewarding, as discussed in our article ‘Adopting A Senior Dog‘ which also applies to senior cats. The latter are often signs of sickness.
Please contact us if ever we can be of assistance. Our clinic offers advanced ‘Veterinary Diagnostics‘ to help identify and treat any underlying health issues your cat may be experiencing. At our animal clinic in Carmel Valley, CA, we’re dedicated to providing exceptional veterinary care for your pets. Please don’t hesitate to contact us for any assistance related to your pet’s health and well-being.
