Many new cat owners may not know how to tell if their cat is sick. In fact, although cats can’t talk, when they feel sick, they will send out “distress signals” through some behavioral or physical changes. Here are 12 common signs of cat illness that cat owners should be aware of to see if your cat is in a similar situation!
1️⃣ hen squatting
When it’s cold in the winter, cats may do something similar to a hen squat to keep warm. However, if your cat does this regularly, it may be a sign of abdominal pain, such as feline-inflected pneumonia (FIP) or gastroenteritis.
2️⃣ Hiding Behavior
Cats will hide in corners when they are stressed or scared, it’s their instinctive response. However, if a cat hides for an extended period of time, it may be a sign of a serious illness such as kidney failure or pancreatitis.
3️⃣ Decreased appetite
If your cat suddenly eats less, or even nothing at all, it could be caused by a respiratory infection, feline nasal branch, feline distemper, gastrointestinal disease, periodontitis, urinary incontinence or pancreatitis, among other problems.
4️⃣ Frequent Vomiting
It is normal for cats to vomit occasionally (such as vomiting hairballs), but if the vomiting is frequent and there is bile, blood or parasites in the vomit, or if the cat is depressed and loses its appetite after vomiting, it needs to be immediately fasted and dehydrated and taken to a veterinarian as soon as possible.
5️⃣ Loss of Spirit
A normally active cat that suddenly becomes slow and lethargic could be the result of stress, a cold, gastroenteritis or a joint disease.
6️⃣ Difficulty jumping
If a cat suddenly can’t or won’t jump, it could be the result of an injury to the bones, joints, or cervical vertebrae, paralysis due to a neurological condition, or overweight.
7️⃣ Frequent head tossing
Occasional head tossing in cats can be a sign of boredom, but if it’s frequent, the ears may be infected with ear mites. You can clean your cat’s ears with ear cleaner and consult your veterinarian if necessary.
8️⃣ Frequent butt rubbing
A cat rubbing its butt occasionally may be trying to clean up poop stuck to its anus. However, if the rubbing is frequent, it may be due to a parasite infection or inflammation of the anal glands.
9️⃣ Abnormal urination
If your cat has an abnormal urination position, takes longer to urinate, or even makes painful yelps, or has frequent urination, blood in the urine, or urinating and defecating anywhere, it may be a problem such as diabetes, urinary stones, or a urinary tract infection.
🔟 Third eyelid exposure
When the cat sleeps, peeling back the eyelids can reveal a white membrane over the eyeball, which is the third eyelid. If the third eyelid is also exposed when the cat is awake, it may be a sign of fever, gastrointestinal upset, chronic parasitic infection or loss of appetite.
1️⃣ 1️⃣ Drooling
Drooling in cats isn’t always a craving, it can be a problem with dental calculus, mouth ulcers, stomatitis, or a vitamin B deficiency that causes blisters on the tongue.
1️⃣ 2️⃣ Dry hot nose
A healthy cat’s nose is usually moist and cold (except when sleeping). If your cat’s nose becomes dry and hot, she may have a fever and needs to have her temperature taken and consult a veterinarian immediately.
These signals can help you recognize health problems in your cat in time and take early action to ensure your cat’s health and well-being!
