Being a responsible cat owner, you are probably aware of the symptoms that indicate you have a sick cat. However, you might not be familiar with all of them. Many of the classic symptoms of a sick cat can also be signs of a normal cat. So what should you look for in your sick cat? Below you will find seven of the most common symptoms of illness or nervous system disease for cats.
Cats’ appetite tends to become less active and more obese as time goes on. As a result, it is important to start adding foods slowly to make up for any weight loss. If you observe your cat losing weight suddenly, you need to talk to your veterinarian to be sure it is not being caused by sickness. You should always check with your veterinarian before changing any type of diet.
Sick Cat Symptoms
The sick cat symptoms listed above can also be a sign of diabetes, a side effect of some medications, or liver disease. Your veterinarian can run tests to find out if there are any other health issues that may be causing these symptoms. Your vet may also recommend an exercise program for your cat.
In addition to the signs listed above, your sick cat symptoms can also be a sign of other feline illnesses. For instance, there can be urinary tract infections, dehydration, and other medical conditions. If your cat has a high fever but is otherwise healthy, this could be a sign of kidney disease. It is important to discuss these symptoms with your vet because some of them can be dangerous. Some, such as kidney infections, can be fatal.
Because sick cat symptoms can mimic those of other illnesses, it is important that you learn about some of the common symptoms. For example, lethargy and lack of appetite are often symptoms of cancer or infection. If your cat’s appetite suddenly reduces dramatically, this could indicate cancer or an infection. Your vet will need to test him or her for other conditions, so if you suspect anything, get him or her tested immediately.
Diarrhea Symptoms For Cats
The most serious diarrhea symptom for cats, however, is blockage of the intestines. This, along with other symptoms mentioned earlier, can indicate serious illness. Some of the common causes of this condition include genetics, obesity, and a malfunction of the immune system. These symptoms should not be ignored, as they may mean that your cat is sick.
Bad Breath
Another problem with cats is bad breath. As older cats age, they tend to have less saliva available to wash their teeth. This makes bad breath worse. Again, keep an eye on your cat’s mouth. Saliva is a great cleaner, so keep an eye on its condition. If your cat has a bad breath problem, bring it to the vet.
Inflamed Kidneys
A cat may also have inflamed kidneys. The kidneys are organs that filter toxins from the blood. The symptoms of kidney disease in cats are similar to those in dogs, and the treatments are basically the same. If your cat has kidney disease, bring it to the vet because it could be the beginning of pyelonephritis, which is very dangerous.
Depression
Some other signs that your cat may have a sickness include depression or loss of appetite. Many cats get sick because they are not getting enough sleep. Your cat’s regular litter box habit may also be causing problems. Make sure your cat has access to a clean litter box. If your cat’s litter box is dirty, bring it to the veterinarian. Other signs that your cat may have a sickness include bleeding eyes, dehydration, refusal to eat or drink, and a dull coat that does not smell good.
If you have any of these symptoms, visit your veterinarian and have him diagnose your cat. Cats that get sick with kidney disease need to be fed intravenously or on an intravenous route. Once diagnosed, the vet may prescribe medicine to help treat the illness. He may even suggest surgery if there is a chance the disease could spread through the bloodstream. However, most cats with kidney disease will survive.
Bottom Line
Although older cats can be sick with kidney disease, their symptoms tend to be different from those of younger cats. Older cats generally have difficulty urinating, have bloody stool or urine, and may be prone to vomiting. However, most cats with kidney problems do survive and grow strong. If your cat is showing any of these symptoms, you should visit your veterinarian to get it treated.
