Signs That Your Cat is Sick

Cats are full of odd—and often adorable—quirks. Fluffy certainly keeps us laughing with her silly antics. However, one feline trait that isn’t funny is kitties’ habit of hiding signs of illness. You may not even notice that anything is wrong until your pet is quite sick! A Ellicott City, MD vet lists a few warning signs to look for below.

Hiding

Some kitties are quite timid, and will bolt for cover when the door rings. Others will dash for their favorite hiding spots if you bang a pan or drop something. However, if Fluffy seems uncharacteristically withdrawn, there may be something going on.

Poor Grooming

Our feline buddies are very clean, and will spend hours carefully grooming themselves. However, if your pet isn’t feeling well, she may ignore her usual beauty regimen. If she does, her coat will quickly start looking ratted or greasy.

Uncharacteristic Behavior

We’re describing this one as uncharacteristic rather than unusual, because it may be perfectly normal for your cat to meow at the wall or obsess over a paper bag. What you want to look for are things that aren’t ordinary for your kitty. For example, if Fluffy is usually aloof, but suddenly starts demanding attention, she may be ill. Changes in vocalizations and routines are also red flags.

Digestive Issues

Vomiting and diarrhea are definitely not normal for our feline pals. A single incident may not be a medical emergency, but it’s best to play it safe and call your vet. Also, pay attention to what you find in the litterbox. Changes in the color, smell, amount, or texture of Fluffy’s waste are all warning signs, as are eliminating outside the box and having trouble urinating.

Respiratory Issues

Cats should breathe quietly, at least when they aren’t meowing about something. Coughing, sneezing, gasping, and wheezing are all serious red flags!

Changes In Food/Water Consumption

Kitties can be finicky, but even the pickiest feline should show some interest in food. If your furry friend doesn’t like what you offered, she should meow for something else. A cat that isn’t eating at all may be sick. You’ll also want to watch for increases in Fluffy’s food consumption and/or changes in her water intake.

If you see any of these red flags, please reach out to us immediately. As your Ellicott City, MD vet clinic, we’re here to help!