CommunityNews
Recognizing the Signs of Illness in Cats
By Malcolm Weir, DVM, MSc, MPH; Tammy Hunter, DVM; Cheryl Yuill, DVM, MSc, CVH
MY CAT SEEMS FINE. COULD THERE BE A PROBLEM?
Although cats are predators, in nature, larger predators prey on them. Any obvious sign of illness would alert other predators that the animal is vulnerable – sick or old animals make an easy target. For that reason, cats have evolved to hide signs of illness and pain.
In the early stages of illness, often the only thing that a cat owner may notice is that the cat has become quiet and withdrawn. Unfortunately, this also means a cat may be very sick before the owner realizes something is wrong.
Through training and experience, veterinarians may notice subtle signs that a cat is developing a health problem, which is one of the main reasons why the American Veterinary Medical Association and other veterinary experts recommend twice-yearly wellness examinations for the average adult cat. Delaying your cat’ s veterinary visit until there are obvious signs of illness may mean that heroic measures will be required to treat the problem.
“ Cats have evolved to hide signs of illness and pain.”
With some understanding of how cats show symptoms of illness, you can recognize early warning signs and know what information you need to give your veterinarian.
WHAT THINGS SHOULD I LOOK FOR?
Cats that are ill usually show changes in overall appearance, energy level, sociability, coat appearance, and / or amount of shedding, appetite, litter box usage, breathing, or discharge from the eyes or nose. In general, any sudden change should alert you that your cat needs veterinary attention.
WHAT CHANGES WOULD I SEE IN OVERALL APPEARANCE?
Cats that are not feeling well may just look a little“ off.” The cat might sit in a hunched position, might not move as gracefully as before, might not lift its head properly, might have a head tilt, or might carry its tail differently. Sometimes, there isn’ t any one thing that stands out, but a variety of subtle changes.
Dehydration is a common problem in cats that are not well. To see if your cat is dehydrated, gently grasp the skin near the shoulder blades, pull it up and away from her body, then let go. The skin should snap back right away.
Skin that does not snap back into place, but stays“ tented up”, usually indicates dehydration, a condition that needs to be treated immediately.
Cats with a chronic illness may develop slow and subtle weight loss that is only obvious when you run your hands along the ribs and spine. Cats that suddenly lose weight, particularly if they were previously overweight, are usually suffering from a metabolic disease such as diabetes or hyperthyroidism.
WHAT CHANGES IN SOCIABILITY OR ENERGY LEVEL WOULD INDICATE THAT MY CAT MIGHT BE SICK?
Sick cats usually become withdrawn and may hide, although this depends on the personality of the individual cat. Some cats become clingier or demand more attention, while others just become cranky.
Generally, sick cats also have lower energy levels. The only thing you may notice is that your cat sleeps more, does not play as much, or is restless.
With some diseases, especially hyperthyroidism, your cat’ s energy level may seem to increase to the point of hyperactivity. Cats with hyperthyroidism are often restless at night and may suddenly begin howling or waking family members up.
Cats with arthritis or other joint problems may have difficulty moving around and may no longer jump up on furniture or counters, or they may change how they jump onto higher surfaces. If your cat suddenly is unable to use its back legs, she should be seen by your veterinarian immediately.
WHAT CHANGES WOULD I SEE IN COAT APPEARANCE AND AMOUNT OF SHEDDING?
Cats that are not feeling well do not tend to groom themselves well. Therefore, you will usually see a messy or greasy coat, mats of fur, or clumps of loose hair. In some cases, you will see a difference in the coat’ s shine or an increased amount of dandruff.
“ Cats that are not feeling well do not tend to groom themselves well.”
Cats that groom themselves excessively may also have a problem. Excessive grooming may be a reaction to a skin
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