Signs of Sickness in Cats

Part of being a responsible pet owner is monitoring your furbaby for any signs of illness or injury. With our feline friends, this can be a bit tricky at times. When Kitty lived in the wild, she learned to mask any signs of illness or weakness, so as not to attract the attention of predators. That said, there are some common warning signs that can indicate illness in kitties. In this article, your local Burnsville vet lists some possible signs of sickness in cats.

Irritability

Kitties all have their own distinct personalities. Some are little cuddlebugs, while others are more aloof. If your kitty is normally friendly, and then suddenly starts to hiss or snap when you pet her, she could be ill. The reverse is also true: a reserved cat that begins clamoring for attention could be sick.

Change in Appetite

Any sudden increase or decrease in your furball’s appetite can be an indication that something is wrong. If your kitty ignores her food, but sits at her dish meowing, she may just be requesting her dinner be returned and replaced with something more to her liking. If Fluffy doesn’t seem interested in dinner at all, however, there could be something wrong.

Hiding

Our feline friends tend to love small spaces, so it may be normal for your furry pal to curl up in a closet or under the bed at naptime. If your furball doesn’t emerge within a few hours, or if she immediately hides again after a brief appearance, she may be ill.

Changes in Vocalizations

If your kitty is normally talkative, and suddenly becomes quiet, there may be something wrong with her. The opposite is also true. If your furball is usually silent, then starts meowing incessantly, she may be ill.

Vomiting

It’s fairly normal for our feline friends to throw up a hairball every now and then, but frequent vomiting can indicate trouble.

Changes in Litterbox Habits

Straining to urinate, constipation, and diarrhea can all be signs of sickness in your furry friend. Keep an eye out for any changes in your furball’s stools as well.

If your cat displays any of these symptoms, contact your vet immediately. The chances of a good outcome are greatly increased if your kitty is diagnosed and treated early.

To read more pet care articles from your local Burnsville vet clinic, please click here.