Judy Taylor
Cats act quite strangely when they are sick. No crying, no screaming, no dejected look … on the contrary, a sick cat does its best to hide its health. This is their survival instinct: a sick cat would be easy prey for predators in nature. However, since it is your job to tell if your cat has a disease, you need to be vigilant.
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Here are 9 symptoms that can tell you if your cat may be sick:
Your Cat Has Lost Appetite
A cat that eats less and drinks less is usually hiding something. Loss of appetite in cats can potentially be related to a host of health problems: dental problems, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, osteoarthritis, or even cancer. On the other hand, if she drinks more water than usual, it could be kidney disease.
If your cat suffers from osteoarthritis, Hills Prescription Diet has developed dry food especially for cats with osteoarthritis.
Your cat is sleeping more than before
Cats generally sleep late: Even if your cat sleeps up to 16 hours a day, it is mostly napping instead of deeply sleeping. If you find that your cat is sleeping deeper and longer, it may be that he is hiding something.
Your cat no longer uses the litter box
If your cat is house trained and urinating outside the litter box, it is not to annoy you. She may very well have a behavioral disorder, such as anxiety or stress. Your cat may also have urinary system problems (such as cystitis) or digestive system problems. There are special foods for cats that, in particular, make it possible to reduce the risk of urinary tract diseases.
Your cat is losing weight
A cat can lose weight because it has no appetite. However, if she has diabetes or an overactive thyroid, she will also lose weight despite eating enough.
Your cat is less active
A cat who plays less is less alert and sleeps more may suffer from chronic illness or simply physical pain. In contrast, a cat who gets turned up from one day to the next may have an overactive thyroid.
If your cat is just a little “rusty”, an animal toy is an ideal way to revive its vitality!
Your cat is less sociable
If your cat, who is usually friendly and outgoing towards you, suddenly becomes startled and anxious, it could be a sign of illness. Be vigilant as she gradually gets out of the way and avoids contact with you.
Your cat is no longer cleaning itself
Cats are naturally clean. If you notice that her fur is dull and greasy and you suspect she is grooming less, your cat may be suffering from an illness or stress. In some cases, being overweight can also prevent them from looking after themselves. Otherwise, a cat that grooms too much may have an allergy or even a skin disease. If your cat has allergies, provide them with special foods for cats with allergies.
Your cat has bad breath
A cat with bad breath may have too much tartar. Tartar can be responsible for periodontal disease and oral infections that cause bad breath. Bad breath can also be caused by diseases such as diabetes and kidney failure. There are special foods for cats with tartar or dental disease.
Your cat meows more
Several health problems such as hyperthyroidism, high blood pressure, stress and anxiety, old age, or even jokes can cause your cat to meow more than usual.
If your cat is in pain, this is always a cause for concern. When in doubt, you should always consult a veterinarian.
