Identifying six signs that your cat is unwell
Why is it difficult to detect when a cat is unwell? Cats cannot express their physical discomfort in words like humans, and their instinct to survive in the wild makes them naturally resilient, so they are better at hiding signs of illness than other animals. Owners need to carefully observe their abnormal behavior and physical condition, such as whether the cat has bad breath or hides for no reason, to ensure that sick cats receive timely medical treatment.
Sign #1: Eats quickly or chooses to eat on an empty stomach
If a cat eats more or less than usual, it may be a sign of gastrointestinal discomfort. An increase in appetite in cats may also indicate thyroid and diabetes problems. If your cat has a significant decrease in appetite compared to usual, or even refuses to eat, it can be life-threatening, and the owner should take the cat to the vet immediately.
Sign #2: Gives up on grooming
Grooming is an important part of a cat's life. If a cat's grooming habits changes, it may be a sign that the cat is uncomfortable or anxious. If a cat lets its fur become messy and stops licking its fur, it may indicate that the cat has oral disease or arthritis. If a cat repeatedly licks the same area, or even causes hair loss, it may indicate that the cat is experiencing pain in that area.
Sign #3: Has bad breath - implying kidney or dental issues
Owners often regard bad breath in cats as a normal phenomenon, but they overlook the fact that bad breath in cats is actually a symptom. Mild bad breath in cats may indicate a problem with their teeth, while severe bad breath can be an indicator of liver disease or diabetes. A fishy odor suggests that the cat may have oral or gastrointestinal problems, while a urine odor indicates that the cat may have kidney disease. If the cat's bad breath problem is accompanied by other symptoms, such as vomiting, immediate medical attention is required.
Sign #4: Abnormal urination and defecation behavior
In addition to paying attention to a cat's bad breath problem, a cat's urination and defecation behavior can also reflect their physical conditions. If a cat's excrement has an abnormal odor or color, or suddenly defecates outside the litter box, it may indicate that the cat has gastrointestinal discomfort, lower urinary tract disease, bladder infection, urinary obstruction, or that a certain part of the cat's body is too painful to use the litter box.
Sign #5: Excessive or too little activity
A cat's activity level being too high or too low may indicate that the cat is uncomfortable. Owners can observe whether there are any abnormalities in a cat's behavior, such as long periods of inactivity and no more jumping movements. If a cat remains motionless for a long time, it may be uncomfortable in a certain part of its body, hence it must maintain the same posture.
Sign #6: Wants to be alone, does not want to be touched, or even hides
Cats often choose to hide to avoid danger. If an owner tries to find their cat and it continues to hide, or even shows obvious resistance, it means that the cat may be very uncomfortable, and it is recommended to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Learn more about Cat vitamins and supplements on Vetopia
In addition to providing cats with high-quality food and regular veterinary check-ups to prevent them from becoming unwell, owners should also supplement their cats with sufficient nutrition. Owners can choose to purchase at Vetopia Online Store to ensure that their pets can live healthy and happy lives.