If your feline friend isn't feeling their best, they will show subtle changes in behavior and energy level, but detecting these signs can be challenging. Our Charlotte vets recommend that you routinely monitor your cat's health and watch for some of the listed symptoms of illness.
Your Cat's Health
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.
The symptoms that your feline friend exhibits 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.
Today, our Charlotte vets share a few signs that may signal that your cat needs to be taken to the veterinarian and some more serious symptoms that can mean that your cat is in need of emergency care.
If My Cat Sick?
Signs of a sick cat are difficult to spot because cats possess a natural instinct to hide whenever they are sick or injured. This is why it's important to monitor your cat's behavior to watch for anything that seems out of the ordinary for your kitty. 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.
Cats are notorious for hiding their pain extremely well, so what looks like a minor issue could be the sign of something more serious. Signs your cat is sick include:
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
Signs Of A Veterinary Emergency
The above symptoms indicate that your cat needs to be taken to the veterinarian, but the following symptoms are more serious and constitute an emergency. Your cat needs urgent veterinary care and you should head to your primary vet for urgent care, or go the nearest emergency veterinary hospital.
If you are unclear whether your cat's symptoms are indicative of an emergency, contact us right away 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 abnormally 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.
Quail Hollow Veterinary Hospital is experienced in caring for cats! Contact our Charlotte vets right away if your feline friend requires urgent care.
