17 Warning Signs When Your Cat Is Sick

Cats, unlike humans, lack verbal communication. Even when unwell, they seldom display evident signs of discomfort. Typically, it’s only when they abstain from eating or drinking that pet owners realize something is amiss, prompting a hurried trip to the vet.

In such situations, self-blame often surfaces, regret seeping in for not discerning their feline companion’s ailment sooner. Yet, lacking fundamental disease knowledge, even if symptoms are observed, recognizing them as signs of illness proves challenging.

The reality is, that in the initial phases of sickness, cats modify their daily routines. Though subtle, keen observation should enable swift detection of any anomalies in your pet. However, in multi-cat households, early detection becomes elusive due to the sheer number of feline occupants. Unusual conduct in your cat might imply an underlying health issue, demanding attention.

1. Losing Weight

Weighing your feline companion every week holds the key to unveiling hidden chronic ailments. But here’s the catch: ditch the human scale; it won’t cut it. Even cradling your kitty during the weigh-in lacks accuracy. Your best bet? Invest in a baby scale and keep a meticulous record. Now, if Fluffy’s weight keeps on a downward spiral, despite her playful antics and healthy appetite, it might just signal an underlying chronic condition. Think of kidney woes, liver quirks, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, or even sneaky abdominal tumors.

Let’s put it in perspective: imagine a 4 kg cat consistently sliding below 3.8 kg. That’s akin to an 80 kg person dropping under 76 kg. Now, you know that’s seriously off-kilter. It screams chronic trouble. The takeaway? Swift action is paramount. Don’t delay; rush your feline friend to the vet for a thorough check-up. Your kitty’s well-being hangs in the balance.

2. Eye Gunk and Tears  

Ever noticed those little eye gunk bits in your cat’s eyes when it wakes up? A gentle wipe, and it’s gone—no big deal. But when your cat’s eyes get red and teary, that’s a sign of trouble. Sometimes, it gets worse, with pus sticking the eyelids together, making it hard for your furball to see clearly.

Now, some cats, when hurting, tend to paw at their eyes, making matters worse. So, if you spot any goo or your cat can’t open its eyes, grab a damp cotton ball and clean around the eyes. And don’t wait; head to the vet before things get worse.

Kittens, they’re delicate. Their immune systems are like fledgling superheroes—vulnerable. Eye issues caused by viruses can get serious, fast. Without quick action, your kitten might lose its sight or, in extreme cases, lose an eye.

And hey, about those flat-faced breeds, like Persians? People assume they always have teary eyes. Not true for all. It’s all about the tear duct between their eyes and nose. Blockages due to inflammation lead to those extra tears. Viral infections can do the same. So, why wait? Get your cat checked before a minor annoyance turns major!

3. Runny Nose and Nasal Secretions

Sometimes, near a cat’s nostrils, you might notice blackish stuff. It’s just a mix of dust and nasal goo. Easy fix – a quick swipe with a damp cotton ball and it’s gone.

But, if there’s clear snot oozing out, that’s a red flag. Could be allergies or the start of a respiratory bug. Best hustle to the vet for a checkup, unless you fancy dealing with chronic cat sniffles later – trust me, not fun.

Now, when that snot turns yellow-green, it’s trouble. Kitty’s got chronic inflammation. In bad cases, there might even be some bloody bits. Ignore it, and you’re looking at a seriously stuffy kitty, affecting their appetite and energy levels. Don’t let it slide!

4. Drooling and Stinky Breath

Saliva does more than just moisten the mouth; it’s a natural lubricant for food and fights off bacteria. When your cat chews, saliva mixes with the food, making it easier to swallow. It also contains enzymes that kick-start digestion.

Usually, saliva flows smoothly down the esophagus, but if there’s a problem in the mouth, your cat might drool. Some cats drool when they’re anxious or dislike something they’ve tasted, like medicine!

Inflammation in your cat’s mouth, whether in the gums, tongue, or oral tissues, can cause that unpleasant breath. Similarly, internal issues like kidney diseases can lead to bad breath too.

5. Sneezing and Coughing

When your furry friend sneezes or coughs, it’s a signal not to overlook! Sneezing happens when pesky viruses or dust tickle their nose, while coughing occurs when irritating invaders slip into their airways through the mouth. Essentially, these reflexes guard against foreign intruders entering via the nose or mouth.

A cat’s nose, when stimulated, might unleash a series of sneezes—perhaps induced by a playful nibble of catnip or a grooming session. Common culprits like catnip, fur, or dust can provoke these sneezing bouts. Usually, this is just the body’s natural response and nothing to lose sleep over.

Moreover, sometimes, curious cats, in their haste to drink, might accidentally introduce water into their delicate noses. Strong odors can also provoke sneezes. Yet, if your cat sneezes excessively throughout the day, and it doesn’t seem like a momentary reaction, there might be an underlying issue. Persistent sneezing, coupled with nasal discharge and teary eyes, could indicate an upper respiratory infection or an allergy.

Occasionally, speedy eating might lead to a coughing fit due to a momentary choking episode. If this happens sporadically and briefly, a watchful eye suffices before jumping to conclusions. In summer, the abrupt blast of cold air from an air conditioner might trigger sudden coughing spells.

However, if inflammation strikes the airways or lungs, or if your feline companion battles heartworm disease, you might hear a distinctive “hack-hack” sound, akin to human wheezing. This noise emerges as inflammation narrows the airways, causing the air to rush through the constricted passage. Many pet parents mistake this for a mere gag, but it’s a result of coughing due to underlying health concerns. Always stay alert to any alterations in your cat’s sneezing or coughing habits, and consulting a vet is a wise move if you have concerns.

6. Breathing Trouble

When cats struggle to breathe, they breathe rapidly and forcefully, sometimes resorting to abdominal and open-mouth breathing in severe cases.

A cat’s normal breathing rate is 20 to 40 breaths per minute. If their breaths exceed 50 per minute, especially in relaxed situations, it’s a cause for concern. Consulting a vet is essential to decide if a visit is necessary.

In hot summers, with only a fan for cooling, cats might breathe fast or pant due to the heat.

If your cat breathes rapidly or faces breathing difficulty, call a vet first. For immediate care, keep the cat calm on the way to the hospital. Most cats with breathing issues get anxious and vulnerable, akin to drowning, and are at risk of shock or worse. Hence, quick and precise initial care and evaluation are vital.

7. Vomiting

Cats, being quite prone to vomiting, demand your attention, especially if it becomes a daily occurrence. Vomiting triggers can vary, from excessive grooming leading to hairball issues, to overeating or rapid ingestion causing post-meal regurgitation.

Many cat parents find it puzzling when to monitor at home and when to rush to the vet. Vomiting, a symptom of potential gastrointestinal inflammation, organ diseases, or neurological disorders, can be concerning. Yet, if your feline friend shows an appetite, drinks water, and maintains their usual spirit post-vomiting, dehydration concerns usually fade away.

Additionally, keenly observe the vomiting patterns – frequency, timing after meals, the content vomited, and its color. These details are invaluable when conveying information to the vet, ensuring precise diagnosis and care.

8. Bowel Movements

Cats often have firm, pellet-like stools due to low water intake; their rectum absorbs moisture, creating stools that might seem constipated to us. Some cats have elongated stools, especially after diet changes, resulting in soft or loose stools.

It’s crucial to monitor your cat’s bowel habits daily. Observing color, shape, and consistency can signal their health. Severe diarrhea, bloody stools, or vomiting can lead to dehydration and serious conditions like acute gastroenteritis. In such cases, urgent veterinary attention is vital.

9. Unusual Increase in Water Intake

Pay attention if your cat suddenly drinks a lot! Cats naturally drink less, especially if fed canned food, reducing water intake. If you see a significant water level drop or your cat lingers at the bowl, be cautious. Your cat might have urinary system issues.

Increased water intake corresponds to more urination. Indoor cats using a litter box allow you to gauge urine volume by litter displacement. Watch for changes; altered water consumption and urination patterns can indicate health problems.

For persistent symptoms, consult a vet promptly to ensure your cat’s well-being. Stay vigilant for any signs of distress.

10. Unusual Eating Habits

Ever noticed your feline friend losing interest in food or devouring it like there’s no tomorrow? It’s not just a random behavior; it could signify underlying health issues. Cats, when unwell, often lose their appetite, but some illnesses can trigger an insatiable hunger!

Under standard feeding routines and regular exercise, a cat’s daily food intake remains consistent. So, if you observe your cat constantly begging for food or acting endlessly famished, it’s a red flag demanding your attention.

Picture this: your cat finishes its meal but stays glued to the food bowl, expecting more, or it meows persistently until you provide more sustenance. These abnormal eating patterns might be early indicators of an underlying ailment.

Moreover, if your cat suddenly craves more food, be cautious. It could point to serious conditions like diabetes, hyperthyroidism, or adrenal gland disorders. But here’s the kicker: you’ll need to keep an eye on its litter box habits too.

11. Constipation

Frequent visits to the litter box without visible feces or urine clumps demand attention. Struggling, spending a long time squatting without producing waste, or vomiting after straining could imply urinary or intestinal problems. Cats might exert excessive effort in the litter box, leading to discomfort.

In these situations, prompt vet consultation is essential. Swift medical attention ensures your cat’s health isn’t compromised. Don’t delay seeking help if you notice these concerning changes in your cat’s behavior. Stay vigilant for any signs of distress.

12. Abnormal Fur Licking

Ever noticed your feline friend obsessively grooming, way beyond the usual routine? Cats typically spend a good chunk of their day on grooming, but when the licking turns into a full-blown fur obsession, there might be something more than meets the eye.

This hyper-grooming, often seen in anxious cats, can lead to bald patches. Pain, injury, or an irritating itch might be the culprit too. It could point to issues like allergic dermatitis or psychological stress-induced grooming overload.

13. Itching Sensation

When your cat can’t stop scratching, it’s usually a red flag. Most often, it’s linked to skin or ear problems. If your cat’s scratching is accompanied by bald spots, wounds, eczema, or scabs, it’s time for a vet visit.

14. Head Shaking

A cat’s occasional head shake is nothing to worry about. But if your kitty starts shaking its head like it’s in a constant disagreement, especially if ear troubles are suspected, things get serious. More frequent head shakes could mean hidden ear issues.

Inspect those ears. Excessive dark earwax could scream ear inflammation or pesky ear mites. And remember, internal ear bleeding isn’t visible to the naked eye. If neglected, it might lead to severe neurological problems. Play it safe and get your fur baby to the vet for a thorough checkup.

15. Limping

When your feline friend starts strolling in an unusual way, it’s time to dive into the cat detective mode. First, pinpoint which paw is giving your cat trouble. Whip out your trusty phone and record this peculiar catwalk because, at the vet’s office, anxiety can put the brakes on your cat’s usual swagger.

Now, let’s play injury investigator. Check for any external wounds, bruises, or pesky broken nails. Cats with a hobble often have an “ouch” reaction, so go easy during your inspection to keep your cat content.

But what if your furry buddy is vehemently against paw probing? Don’t hesitate; it’s off to the vet we go.

Several reasons for limping are below:

• Paw Wounds: Catfights can lead to surface healing but underlying infections. Serious wounds might ulcerate.
• Broken Nails: Nervous cats might break nails during stress. Ignored, it could lead to nasty infections.
• Fractures: Accidents cause fractures, causing pain and swelling.
• Dislocated Kneecap: Uneven walking could signal this. Arthritis might also cause unnatural gaits.

16. Rubbing Against the Ground with the Rear End

So, picture this: your cat sits down, stretches its hind legs forward, and starts rubbing its rear end against the ground. Seems odd, right? Well, this peculiar behavior might signal something serious – a parasite infection or inflammation in the anal glands.

Here’s the scoop: if the anal glands can’t properly release fluid, inflammation kicks in, causing pain and unbearable itchiness. Naturally, your cat reacts by rubbing its rear end on the ground. And if that’s not bad enough, continuous watery diarrhea can make matters worse, leading to more itchiness and, you guessed it, more rubbing.

17. Changes in Sleeping Patterns

Now, let’s talk about sleep. Cats love their snooze time, but when they\’re feeling under the weather, they hit the snooze button even more. Their usual sleeping positions, you know, the lazy side sleeping or the sprawling out on their backs – those change. Comfortable spots? Not anymore. Sick cats tend to hide in corners or dark spots, avoiding the limelight. And their resting pose? Think “hunched” – a clear sign something’s off.

Oh, and here’s a biggie: when your feline friend snubs its favorite canned food or treats and shows zero interest, you’ve got a major red flag waving. That’s not just pickiness; that could mean your cat is seriously ill!

Final Thoughts

Living alongside our fluffy companions brings immense joy as we revel in their boundless energy and happiness. Yet, akin to humans, cats encounter an array of health issues. These silent creatures can’t convey their discomfort through words, making it our duty as devoted cat enthusiasts to keenly observe any shifts in their physical well-being.

Recognizing even the slightest abnormalities in their health equips us to take swift actions, shielding them from the clutches of illness. Here’s to every feline leading a vibrant and content life, sharing delightful moments with us. Let’s nurture this invaluable bond with unwavering love and attention, safeguarding it for eternity.