Last time on the Acoma Animal Clinic blog we discussed some of the more common dog illness symptoms for pet owners to keep an eye on. If you’re more a feline family than this one is for you! When it comes to getting your pet the attention and care they need, it helps to catch whatever is bothering them as soon as possible. The best way to do that? To always keep an eye on your pet’s behavior and spot common cat illness symptoms quick! Like last time, we’re not going to be going over every potential cause or how to address them, just the symptoms to keep an eye out for!
Common Cat Illness Symptoms
Regardless of what your cat is coming down, with these are the most common symptoms you’ll see that suggest illness. If in your day to day with them you notice any of these, schedule a vet appointment right away to make sure they get the care and attention they need!
First, remember that cats, like most animals, are really good at hiding their pain and discomfort. For them, showing signs of weakness is a huge problem out in the wild. If your pet is showing obvious signs of trouble then they may be feeling really unwell! So keep an eye for any of these symptoms and call your vet immediately if you see them!
The Most Common Cat Illness Symptoms:
- Vomiting or Diarrhea
- Constricted or Dilated Pupils
- Mood/Behavior Changes
- Lethargy
- Quieter than Usual
- Changes in Appetite, Drinking or Eating Habits
- Weight Loss or Gain
- Rapid Breathing
- Shortness of Breath
- Neglecting Grooming
- Over-Grooming
- Improper Use of Litter Box
- Limping
- Injuries
- Wounds
- Swelling
- Bad Breath
- Discharge from Eyes
- Discharge from Nose
- Hair Loss
- Skin Irritation
- Hiding
Those are just some of the more common symptoms out there. You no doubt recognize that some of them are even opposites, over grooming or under grooming for instance. When it comes to situations like that, it can be tough to know what ‘normal’ is. The truth of the matter is, it’s not about what’s normal for all cats, but what’s normal for your cat.
The Common Causes of Illness in Cats
While all those myriad symptoms listed are the common signs your cat may be feeling ill, these are the more common illnesses that they might be suffering from. This is far from a comprehensive list, just some of the most common ones we see in the clinic. If you suspect any of these, or notice any symptoms you can’t place, don’t hesitate to schedule a checkup right away.
- Litter box issues out of the blue might point to a urinary tract infection, kidney disease, or bladder stones.
- Any sudden change in appetite could point to diabetes, an inflamed bowel disease, hyperthyroidism, or even cancers.
- An increase in thirst might mean diabetes, kidney disease, or thyroid disfunction.
- Breathing problems or lethargy may be caused by upper respiratory infections.
- Lethargy or hesitance to jump and climb may be caused by injuries or arthritis, which is exceptionally common in older cats.
- Bad breath is the most common sign of dental trouble. Your cat may be experiencing periodontal disease and/or tooth pain. Left untreated and dental disease can lead to worse conditions in the heart, kidney, and liver.
How to Know Your Cat is Sick
No one else knows your cat’s unique behavior, quite like you do. What may be a normal amount of sleep for your feline friend might be an awful lot for another. Because of this, it is up to you to notice any subtle changes in your cat’s behavior. If you spot anything, give your vet a call right away.
If you’re in the Tucson area and need a vet, call Acoma Animal Clinic to schedule your first appointment today!
