The Ultimate Guide to Know if Your Cat is Sick

Cats are stoic creatures and have tremendous expertise in hiding their pain and discomfort. Your feline friends are notoriously independent and are remarkably good at masking the signs of their illnesses. It is something they have got in inheritance!

Consequently, it becomes tough to know if your cat is going through an illness or pain. However, there are always symptoms that you can watch out for to know if your cat is sick.

So, let's dive deeper into the nine symptoms that tell your cat is sick!

9 Symptoms Your Cat is Sick With Easy Solutions

1. Sudden Weight Changes

Is your cat losing pounds in no time?

Sudden weight changes are a clear indication that your cat is sick or depressed. Both weight gain and weight loss are alarming!

Weight loss can be attributed to minor tummy aches or more severe illnesses such as thyroid diseases, kidney disorders, and cancer.

Do you know that even if your cat is ballooning up, it is a sign of sickness?

Yes, it is! These added pounds are not a signal of health. They result from abdominal swelling, hyperthyroidism, bloating, Cushing’s Disease, and parasitic infections.

1. Stinky Breath

Your cat is sick; symptoms may include stinky breath.

Do you know that breath smelling like ammonia is an indication of kidney disorder?

A bad breath is a strong symptom that your feline friend suffers from toothaches or undergoing illnesses like kidney or periodontal disease. Foul breath can also be an indication of tooth decay or gingivitis.

Always keep a check that your cat's gum and mouth are in a healthy condition without any inflammation or discoloration. Moreover, ensure regular brushing and annual dental cleaning to keep everything in top shape!

1. Loss of Appetite

Have you noticed at times, your furry friend turns its nose upon its most loved food?

Most of us think this is not unusual to be worried about our kitty cat. But you are missing the point here!

If your kitty no longer gets crazy while seeing its favorite food, it suffers from a loss of appetite. Loss of appetite can be an indication of cancer, infections, dental diseases, and diabetes mellitus. In this condition, they are prone to hepatic lipidosis, which requires extensive medical treatment and can be fatal.

1.  Abnormality in Breathing Patterns

Abnormality in breathing patterns is a striking symptom that something is afoot!

If you notice your furry friend going through breathing difficulties such as mouth breathing, shortness of breath, panting, or shallow breathing, this is a sign that your cat has issues with its lungs, specifically the airways.

Cats suffering from breathing problems usually extend their neck and encounter difficulty in sleeping in the normal posture. Repeated coughing and sneezing are a great concern, without any doubt!

So, the next time you see your cat extending its head or opening its mouth while breathing, be cautious!

1. Grooming Change

Cats don’t pay much attention to their grooming if they are not feeling well. Consequently, you will notice a messy coat, clusters of loose hair, and an increased shedding. Hyperthyroidism can be a cause of increased shedding.

If you notice excessive grooming, even then the things are not working the way they should!

Excessive grooming is an indication that your cat is going through some pain related to bladder or arthritis, skin allergies, or parasites, for instance, mites and fleas. Out of these things, your fluffy fellow might lick itself in a specific spot so much that it can develop rashes and bald spots.

Do you know that cats excessively groom themselves as a response to stress as well? Yes, they do! At times, even a new pet addition in your home can make them anxious.

1. Alterations in Sleep-Wake Cycle

If you notice a change in the sleep-wake cycle of your kitty cat, it is a hallmark sign that your fluffball is sick and has some internal issues.

If your cat is found sleeping all day long when it used to be playful and active, it is probably its way of saying that it is not feeling good.

On the contrary, if your feline keeps on roaming the house during the night vocalizing instead of having a peaceful sleep, even then, your cat has some serious health concerns for sure!

You must get to the bottom of the issue and get it fixed.

Furthermore, you can go for a comfy bed to make your cat’s sleeping process more comfortable and cozy!

1.  Increase in Intake of Water

Cats generally don't lap up abundant quantities of water. So, if the water bowl empties faster than it used to be, your furry friend is sick without a doubt!

Consumption of more water than usual can be a noteworthy symptom of hyperthyroid diseases or endocrine disorders. It is not something to be taken for granted!

If your cat is going through a disorder that has increased its intake of water, it will probably try to find other unhygienic water sources when its water bowl empties to satisfy its thirst. So, in this scenario, go for attachable water bottles to facilitate drinking and make your cat comfortable!

1. Eyes Changes

Clear, bright eyes with equal pupil size are an indication of a physically fit cat!

Cats that are sick usually have droopy eyelids, yellow, white, or green discharge, squinting pupils that at times are constricted but may be dilated. Discharge from the eyes is a symptom of parasites or infections. If you ever see a cloudy film in your cat’s eyes, it is an indication that your feline fellow is feeling under the weather.

If you notice that one pupil of your cat is diluted and the other is restricted, it is called anisocoria, and it needs to be treated immediately.

Be cautious about eye disorders, as they can ultimately lead to blindness!

1. Decreased Energy Level

Has your friendly, energetic furball turned into a tired and cranky creature? Has your outgoing and friendly fellow transformed into an antisocial and anxious mess?

If yes, then things are alarming!

If your chatty cat has suddenly become silent and no longer clings to its favorite point on the window, then you need to ponder upon this! If your kitty spends more time sleeping instead of playing, then your cat is sick and hiding for sure.

These subtle signs may indicate illnesses such as arthritis or thyroid issues.

What to Do When Your Cat is Sick?

If your cat is sick, it is always advisable to visit a veterinary doctor. The symptoms can be subtle, or you can observe drastic changes in your cat's behavior. In both cases, go ahead and book an appointment with a reputable vet and go for a thorough examination as soon as it is possible. Early diagnosis and on-time treatment can always prevent illnesses from becoming life-threatening. So, sort out the issues before they become major health concerns!

No one knows your fellow as you do! So, for the next time, if you observe that your cat has not eaten for 24 hours or there is any abnormality in its eyes, breathing process, or body language,  immediately seek a professional's advice. Your furry friend will be back as energetic as it was!