9 Most Common Cat Sick Symptoms & Care
If you’ve ever had a cat, you know that they’re very different from dogs. They’re independent and don’t like being touched as much.
This means that catching a sick kitty can be difficult because your vet may not be able to tell you what’s wrong with them right away.
But fortunately for you (and your wallet), there are many signs of illness in cats—sometimes even before any symptoms appear!
The following are some common cat sick symptoms:
Persistently sneezing
Persistent sneezing is the most common cat sick symptom.
It’s not something to worry about, though: your cat is simply clearing its nasal passages after being exposed to dust or pollen.
Cats also sneeze when they are irritated by allergies or dry air.
If you notice that your cat is sneezing more than usual, it’s possible that he has an underlying health condition that needs treatment.
But you shouldn’t assume that just because he seems healthy now means his symptoms will go away on their own!
Diarrhea
If your cat has diarrhea, he may be having a hard time digesting food.
Diarrhea can be caused by stress or eating something bad, but it’s also an indication that something else is wrong with the cat.
If you notice any of these signs and symptoms in your cat:
- He loses weight suddenly and seems dehydrated (the skin on his face or paws appears pale)
- His stools become very watery or bloody (pus-like)
Fever
Your cat may have a persistent fever if its body temperature is higher than normal.
A high body temperature can be caused by many things, but it’s important to remember that it isn’t always a sign of illness.
Cats with fevers will often feel warm and tired as well as irritable or lethargic.
If your cat has a high fever (101 °F–102 °F), they should be taken to the vet immediately, so they can be checked over thoroughly and treated accordingly if necessary!
If you don’t have access to veterinary care right away, try keeping them comfortable with extra water and food until you can get them checked out by someone who knows what they’re doing.
Read more: 9 Common Reasons Why Cats Meow.
Regurgitation
Regurgitation is the vomiting of food, liquid, or a combination of both. It’s a sign that your cat has nausea and can be caused by an underlying disease.
Regurgitation can be a medical emergency because it may indicate other serious conditions such as dehydration or obstruction to the digestive tract.
Which could require immediate veterinary care in order to prevent further complications.
Lethargy
Lethargy is one of the most common symptoms of many illnesses. It can be a sign of an underlying illness, infection, or disease.
Lethargy can also be caused by an internal problem that needs to be investigated further.
If your cat is lethargic and has other symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea, it’s important to get them to their vet right away so they can make sure there isn’t anything wrong with them before they become sicker!
Read more: 11 Common Signs Your Cat Is Dying Of Old Age.
Not using the litterbox
If your cat is sick, it’s possible that it may not want to use the litter box.
If they are in pain or discomfort and can’t go outside, they may avoid using the box altogether.
This can lead to an overflow problem with their waste material—and then you’ll have a mess!
Losing weight
If your cat is losing weight and not eating, it’s important to take her to the vet.
Cats can become malnourished if they aren’t getting enough food. If you notice that your cat is thinning out on her food.
This could be a sign of an underlying medical condition or something else serious like diabetes.
If you suspect that your cat may have a medical condition that’s causing her to lose weight, contact his veterinarian immediately for further evaluation and treatment options.
Excessive grooming
Your cat may be grooming itself excessively. This is normal behavior, and it’s important to know that your cat may be sick if he or she is grooming more than usual.
If you notice any of the following symptoms in your kitty: lethargy, vomiting, and diarrhea are all signs of illness that could indicate an underlying medical problem.
You should take your cat to the vet immediately!
Read more: 9 Signs Of Depression In Cats & Tips.
Vomiting
Vomiting is a common symptom of illness in cats.
It can be caused by a variety of different things, including ingestion of toxins or food that is not safe for the cat to eat.
If your cat vomits multiple times per day and appears to be sick, it’s important to see a vet as soon as possible.
Read more: 9 Most Common Traumatized Cat Symptoms.
How to care for a sick cat
The following are some common ways to care for a sick cat:
- Understand your cat’s symptoms and how to identify them.
- Provide plenty of fresh water and food.
- Keep your cat warm and comfortable.
- Monitor your cat’s vital signs and seek medical help if necessary.
- Clean up any messes your cat makes.
- Offer emotional support to your cat.
- Get your cat to a veterinarian as soon as possible if you notice any changes in their behavior, appetite, energy, or skin.
- Keep your cat warm and dry. If your cat is sick, they may not be able to regulate their body temperature very well.
- Offer them water and a soft, bland diet.
- Give them warm, gentle baths to help them feel cozy and warm.
- Protect them from drafts and cold surfaces.
- Keep them active and engaged by playing with them and providing plenty of toys.
- Monitor their oxygen levels and give them oxygen if necessary.
- Make sure they have access to a litter box and fresh water.
- Contact your veterinarian if your cat becomes critically ill.
Conclusion
While cats may seem like they have no illness symptoms, there are actually many different conditions that can be brought on by an underlying illness.
If you notice any of these signs in your cat, it’s important to take them seriously and seek veterinary care as soon as possible.