![]() ![]() When your cat’s coat changes in appearance from being shiny to having a dull/matte finish, or it becomes oily and clumpy, or he’s suddenly losing hair-these are signs that something’s not right with your kitty. Weight loss can be a sign of many illnesses including cancer, diabetes, FIP, gastrointestinal issues, parasites, dental issues, and can happen in old age. Has your cat lost weight suddenly or been losing weight gradually over the past few months? It’s good to know your cat’s weight and to weigh them periodically, so you know if they have lost weight. If your cat is drinking way more water than normal and always seems to be at the water bowl, this can be a sign of illness like diabetes, hyperthyroidism, and kidney disease. If your cat is eating and drinking more than usual, it may be a sign of diabetes (also loss of appetite in later stage) or hyperthyroidism-both are serious diseases that need to be treated. Loss of appetite can indicate infection, kidney failure, intestinal problems, cancer, pancreatitis, or even dental problems.Ĭhanges in appetite usually signify some underlying illness. A cat that stops eating can cause liver damage (hepatic lipidosis or fatty liver disease), which can lead to liver failure and death, so this sign requires immediate attention by your vet. If your cat suddenly loses his appetite or stops eating, or refuses food for up to 2-3 days, heads up he’s not feeling well and needs to see a vet. If you see your cat sitting in a crouched position with his back arched, nose to the floor, front paws folded under body-this is a sign that he’s in pain and suffering. White or pale gums need immediate attention by your vet. This can signify a loss of blood flow or circulation, shock, or anemia. If your cat has very pale gums that aren’t pink or are white, time to take your cat to the vet. Healthy gums are pink (or if your cat is black, gums may be black). All breathing changes need veterinary attention immediately.Ĭheck your cat’s gums for signs of illness periodically. Any changes in your cat’s breathing is serious and needs immediate attention by your vet, including rapid breathing at rest, panting, shallow breathing, a very slow rate of breathing, labored breathing, wheezing, noisy breathing-or crying in pain or distress. ![]() Normal breathing for cats is even and smooth. Dilated pupils can signify serious infection, head or brain trauma or tumor, poisoning, or disease and will need diagnostic tests to determine the cause. Here are the warning signs: Physical SignsĬats with dilated pupils (other than short-term dilation with darkness or stress) and remaining dilated can be a symptom of a serious health problem-and should be immediately seen by a vet. Remember, you are your cat’s advocate and voice, so be on the lookout for your cat’s signals that something is wrong. Then watch for any of the following changes in your cat’s physical appearance, habits, behavior or health condition. If you have adopted a new cat or kitten, it’s important to get a wellness exam by your veterinarian to establish a baseline of health and identify any health concerns they may have. Some signs may increase over time with illness and won’t go away until your cat is diagnosed and treated by your veterinarian. Some signs require immediate veterinary attention like respiratory problems or changes in breathing straining to urinate, defecate or crying in the litter box dilated pupils, or having any dramatic changes in behavior from normal. The clues may be physical or behavioral, or both. When cats aren’t feeling well they give us clues. It’s up to you to know the signs that something is wrong and advocate for them by getting them the help they need. But they tend to hide their pain-so just because they don’t show you obvious signs of pain, doesn’t mean they aren’t suffering or in distress. Research shows that cats feel pain just like we do. Don’t miss the warning signs your cat is sick and may be in pain. ![]()
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