Can you tell which kitty is sick?
Almost impossible to tell from a photograph
but many loving, concerned owner’s miss early or subtle hints that their cat
has an illness – especially ongoing conditions like thyroid, kidney and dental
disease.
Domestic
cats have been referred to as having "one foot in the wild." Wild
animals, as a survival method, have to hide signs of weakness, pain or disease.
Cats commonly suffer from a number of very treatable conditions as they age.
Early detection is key to maintaining quality of life in older cats This means
that you have to be that much more observant of your feline friend’s behavior
at all times.
Let’s
go over 10 signs of illness in cats – although many of them also apply to dogs.
1. Change in Appetite or
Thirst
Eating or drinking more or less than normal can potentially signify disease. If
you notice a change either way, you should notify your veterinarian. There are
countless diseases that can cause an increased thirst, overeating or losing
one’s appetite. You vet’s job will be to investigate why.
2. Stinky Breath
A foul odor coming
from your kitty’s mouth can mean gum disease or tooth decay. Brushing
your cat’s teeth is a good way to decrease those risks. Imagine if you
went 5 or 10 or 15 years without brushing your teeth! In addition, breath that
smells like ammonia can be a sign of kidney disease.
3. Eliminating Outside
of the Litter Box
Causes of this
annoying habit can be behavioral or indicate a disease. Discuss your pet’s
symptoms with your vet to rule out a bladder infection or urinary blockage
before treating this as a behavior issue.
4. Weight Change
Weight loss can be an
indication of many diseases and is sometimes the only symptom your kitty will give of not feeling well.
Weight gain if it results in obesity is detrimental to your pet’s health. It
can lead to diabetes and arthritis.
5. Behavior Change
If your normally
social kitty suddenly becomes antisocial, there may be a medical reason. A
classic sign of illness is hiding: kitty feels bad, tries to hide from
“predators” and hides in a closet or under a bed.
6. Grooming Change
Lack of grooming can
cause dull or greasy hair coat, which can indicate skin disease or other
problems. Some cats over-groom and end up with bald patches. Skin parasites,
like fleas or mange, or even stress can cause this behavior.
7. Activity Change
A sudden increase in
activity level in a middle-aged to older kitty can indicate an overactive
thyroid. If your kitty seems less than enthusiastic about moving around or
playing, it may indicate arthritis or other issues.
8. Sleep Pattern
Change
If your cat seems to
sleep all day when he used to be active, he may be trying to tell you he
doesn't feel well. The opposite is also true. If your kitty is up all night
roaming the house, vocalizing, or seems overactive during the day, there might
be an underlying cause.
9. Stress-Induced
Behavior
A change in your cat’s
routine may be a sign of stress. Changes in the environment your pet lives in,
like the addition of another pet, remodeling or loud noises can all cause
hiding, depression, or a lack of appetite. Be objective and thorough when
describing any potential changes to your veterinarian.
10. Vocalization
Change
Normally quiet cats with an increase in
vocalizations, or a usually chatty kitty which suddenly becomes quiet, might
mean trouble.
Any
of the above changes, whether slow or quick, is a reason to see your veterinarian
to investigate the cause and find a treatment as soon as possible.
