Is Your Cat Sick? Recognizing Signs & Symptoms and When to Run to the Vet

One of the joys of being a cat parent is seeing your fur baby play, eat and sleep well. When they come over to cuddle with you (okay, not everyone can be that lucky!) or just turn on their purring engine, you know they are happy and satisfied. However, since cats do not express emotions outwardly like dogs, it is your responsibility to recognize when they are feeling unwell. Cats are masters at hiding discomfort, so recognizing the signs of illness in cats can only help you provide timely care. Here’s a guide to help you understand if your cat is sick and its intensity, how you can recognize key symptoms, warning signs and when to visit the vet immediately.

Small discomforts may not seem alarming but can be early indicators of more significant issues. Keep an eye out for these signs:

If your cat has become slightly more withdrawn or less playful, it could be a sign of discomfort or mild pain. Check for any injuries or take their temperature to rule out fever. Observe them for a day or two. They should get okay on their own, but if it persists you should consult a vet.

Sometimes, cats have a decrease in appetite or eat selectively. When my cat eats very little or almost nothing for a day very occasionally, it is usually because he has over-eaten a bit the previous day. Changes in environment (especially foster homes when you are out on a holiday) can stress cats out and diminish their appetite. Sometimes, cats do not like changes in food brands and refuse to eat. You can give them some of their favorite treats or sprinkle some Feline Nutritional Supplement on top of their favorite wet food to stimulate their appetite. They should be okay within 24-36 hours. If not, it could indicate digestive or dental issues or some other underlying issue which needs a vet’s opinion.

Your cat may sneeze or cough occasionally due to mild respiratory irritations. Ensure that you have a clean environment without olfactory overloads as cats are very sensitive to smell. Avoid perfumes and scented candles at all costs. You must also ensure that there are no toxic plants in your house and only have cat-friendly plants in your garden. If you observe coughing and sneezing more than a few times and continuously, you must check with the vet to rule out any kind of respiratory disease.

Mid-level warning signs suggest that your cat's discomfort is increasing and may require veterinary advice.

Diarrhea can be caused due to a variety of reasons that may indicate digestive issues . If you have changed your kitty’s diet or food brand, some of them may suffer from mild diarrhea. Young kittens may suffer from stomach bloating and diarrhea due to worms. A Diarrhea lasting more than a day could be a bacterial or viral infection. On Day 1, try giving your cat a lot of water, broth and wet food with a meal topper that contains pumpkin. If it persists more than a day with no improvement, go to the vet for a proper diagnosis.

Ingesting a hairball or an unwanted / non-food item, change in food or diet, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), over-eating, eating too fast and food allergies - all can cause vomiting in cats. Kittens or cats who have worms may have vomiting along with diarrhea. Cats who go or live outdoors sometimes eat rotten or stale food, unsuitable plants or mud which can cause vomiting. In such cases, cats usually vomit it out once and get alright. Observe them and give them the appropriate medicines. If it’s been more than 2 days of continuous vomiting, it’s time to see a vet as it may indicate a serious underlying issue. I have known of cats who vomited continuously, ultimately being diagnosed with tick fever, pancreatitis, lymphoma and even pyometra, so do not ignore persistent signs.

Unexplained weight loss can be a sign of underlying health problems such as diabetes, intestinal parasites, kidney disease, Feline Viral Diseases, hyperthyroidism, and even some kinds of cancer. Keep a log of your cat’s weight. If you see a rapid decline in a week, take them to your vet immediately. If you have Older cats, make sure that your vet visits are more regular.

This is a sign which often goes unnoticed. If you notice that your cat’s coat has lost it’s soft sheen and looks dull or greasy, it could indicate nutritional deficiencies or a skin infection or even diabetes. If your cat loses fur patches suddenly, it could mean anything from stress, anxiety, allergies to hyperthyroidism. Sometimes, cats over-groom themselves which can cause bald patches. Keep an eye on your cat for a week, if external medicines do not help, take them to your vet.

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Certain symptoms require immediate veterinary attention. Recognizing the severe red flags can save your cat's life.

Breathing issues, such as rapid or labored breathing, are severe and require immediate attention. If your cat breathes rapidly and with difficulty while they are at rest, it could indicate a serious underlying respiratory condition. If your cat does not get proper oxygenation of blood, it could be fatal. You need to set a timer and count the number of breaths per minute (20-30 per minute is the average). Anything above that should be shown immediately to a vet. Fatal conditions stemming from breathing issues can include asthma, fluid in lungs or chest cavity, low levels of oxygen in blood and heart failure.

When the blood and oxygen supply to the brain is cut off, it leads to a colIapse. This condition is rare and will happen to your cat if there has been a serious undetected underlying condition like a heart disease like cardiomyopathy or thrombosis. Sudden collapses can also happen due to reactions to toxins like toxic shocks, poisoning from certain medications or highly toxic plants like the lily. A stray cat could collapse due to extreme heat or dehydration. Take your cat or the stray to the vet right away if you see them faint or unable to walk.

The presence of blood in your cat’s vomit or stool indicates a very serious problem. Blood in stools could be because of severe chronic diarrhea, intestinal parasites bacterial / fungal / viral infections or cancers of the digestive track. Indoor-Outdoor cats or strays that are prone to injury may also bleed from their anus or rectum. Blood in vomit could again come from intestinal parasites, viral or bacterial infections, ulcers, dental disease, kidney or liver failure, toxic ingestions, swallowing of a sharp object, injuries or even cancer. Without a doubt, run to your vet if your cat or a stray is suffering from this.

Pet parents should monitor the following indicators to ensure their cat's health:

Recognizing the signs of illness in cats is crucial for ensuring their health and well-being. By understanding the symptoms and warning signs, you can provide timely care and seek veterinary help when needed. Remember, when in doubt, always consult your vet to ensure your cat receives the best possible care.

I hope that with this guide, you'll be well-equipped to identify when your cat is sick and take the necessary steps to ensure their health and happiness.

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