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Symptoms of sick cat
Cat feline symptoms
Cat illnesses symptoms
Sick cat symptoms
Symptoms of cat diseases
Cat diseases symptoms
Symptoms of a sick cat
A well-adjusted cat is a healthier cat. The core of any cat health
care regimen starts with providing an inviting, clean, safe, cat-
friendly environment for your kitty. Cats need to be able to explore
their territory in a safe environment, good rest, good nutrition from
premium cat food, and exercise. A well-fed, well-rested, well-
protected cat is more likely to remain healthy longer.
Regular annual visits to your veterinarian are vital to your cat’s
health. However, you also need to be alert to any change in
behavior that may be a sign of illness in your cat and act
accordingly. Observation of a behavior change in your cat may
uncover an illness that needs medical treatment which your vet
may miss in an annual exam.
The first line of defense against disease is the vaccination against
some of the more common feline diseases. In most cases, initial
vaccinations are administered while the cat is very young, usually
at four to six months. Boosters of these vaccinations are
recommended on a semi annual basis. When your cat receives
vaccinations and boosters, the veterinarian provides a certificate.
Keep it in a safe place. If you need to board your pet, animal care
facilities will require proof that your cat has had these
vaccinations. This will assure that cat health problems are not
spread to other residents of the kennel. If the facility doesn’t ask
for this documentation, then do not board your pet there.
Cats are not complainers. They do not come up to you and show
you an injury, or come to you when they are in pain. Their meows
do not often convey discomfort. In fact, they will sometimes purr
when they are in pain as a way of comforting themselves.
Be aware of the normal appearance of your cat and its normal
behavior and routine, including its eating habits. If your cat does
not eat or drink anything for two days, bring it to the vet
immediately for an examination. While it is normal for a cat to
sleep upwards of eighteen hours a day, you can tell if your cat is
sleeping more than usual. You will know if your cat usually sleeps
in bed with you at night, and suddenly begins sleeping next to the
water bowl that something is wrong.
Cat feline symptoms
Cat illnesses symptoms
Sick cat symptoms
Symptoms of cat diseases
Cat diseases symptoms
Symptoms of a sick cat
A well-adjusted cat is a healthier cat. The core of any cat health
care regimen starts with providing an inviting, clean, safe, cat-
friendly environment for your kitty. Cats need to be able to explore
their territory in a safe environment, good rest, good nutrition from
premium cat food, and exercise. A well-fed, well-rested, well-
protected cat is more likely to remain healthy longer.
Regular annual visits to your veterinarian are vital to your cat’s
health. However, you also need to be alert to any change in
behavior that may be a sign of illness in your cat and act
accordingly. Observation of a behavior change in your cat may
uncover an illness that needs medical treatment which your vet
may miss in an annual exam.
The first line of defense against disease is the vaccination against
some of the more common feline diseases. In most cases, initial
vaccinations are administered while the cat is very young, usually
at four to six months. Boosters of these vaccinations are
recommended on a semi annual basis. When your cat receives
vaccinations and boosters, the veterinarian provides a certificate.
Keep it in a safe place. If you need to board your pet, animal care
facilities will require proof that your cat has had these
vaccinations. This will assure that cat health problems are not
spread to other residents of the kennel. If the facility doesn’t ask
for this documentation, then do not board your pet there.
Cats are not complainers. They do not come up to you and show
you an injury, or come to you when they are in pain. Their meows
do not often convey discomfort. In fact, they will sometimes purr
when they are in pain as a way of comforting themselves.
Be aware of the normal appearance of your cat and its normal
behavior and routine, including its eating habits. If your cat does
not eat or drink anything for two days, bring it to the vet
immediately for an examination. While it is normal for a cat to
sleep upwards of eighteen hours a day, you can tell if your cat is
sleeping more than usual. You will know if your cat usually sleeps
in bed with you at night, and suddenly begins sleeping next to the
water bowl that something is wrong.
Cat illness symptoms
Nose: Nasal discharge or reddening around the nasal cavity
If your cat sneezes once or several times in quick succession, succession, do not rush your
kitty to the vet. Cats do have allergies, too. If you had just opened the door, something could
have blown in, creating a sudden urge to sneeze. However, if the sneezing continues, take
your cat to the vet.
Ears: Scratching a lot or shaking its head
Balance impairment or a head tilt
Eyes: Excessive discharge
A small black dot in the eye or a film over one or both eyes
Fur and skin:
Is your cat’s coat normally soft and silky but now it appears course and/or greasy? Inspect
your cat’s fur on a regular basis when grooming for any bald patches (a possible fungal
infection), scratches, cuts, or any other alterations to its body.
Teeth, gums, and mouth:
Most of us do not brush our cat’s teeth. However, watch for obsessive drooling, salivating,
inflammation, or sores. It could be something as simple as a food allergy, which can be
corrected with a steroid shot and a change in food.
Lungs and Respiratory System:
Labored breathing
Panting or open mouth breathing. (Cats rarely pant unless they are extremely hot, overly
excited, unduly stressed or in pain.)
Black build up around the nose and/or and mouth.
Coughing or hacking could mean just a hairball, but if these symptoms persist, call your
veterinarian.
Intestines, stomach, and urinary tract:
Occasional hairballs are normal. If your cat vomits one time, it may mean nothing. Maybe she
just had a fur ball or ate some grass. However, if your cat vomits 12 times in two hours, take it
to the vet immediately.
Diarrhea, constipation, abnormal stools, or blood in urine and/or stools can indicate a serious
illness.
Careful observation of your cat’s daily activities and habits is key to recognizing early signs of
illness in your cat. If your cat normally hangs out in the busiest part of the house, then begins
to stay by herself in the back of the house or hides under a bed, take her to the vet for a
check-up. Disguising symptoms is a cat’s specialty, so she may be sick for days before you
notice. Become familiar with your cat’s normal habits and patterns of activity. The slightest
variation may indicate the beginning of illness or disease.
Groom your cat daily; most cats love to be brushed. As you brush, checking for masses,
swellings and sensitive areas, as well as mats in the hair.
If your cat stops eating or drinking water, is lethargic or seems reluctant to play, these are
often the first symptoms of illness. Sick cats become dehydrated quickly, so a prompt
response is essential.
If your cat seems listless, take her temperature. Even the slightest elevation in temperature
can account for a change in behavior.
Straining to urinate, especially in male cats, is a sign of urinary-tract obstruction. Get medical
help immediately, as this can be life-threatening. This is often accompanied by deep
vocalization or howling and licking at the genital area.
Violent retching, attempting to vomit or unusual panting are symptoms of serious illness or pain
in cats, so call your veterinarian right away.
Even with balanced nutrition and a good amount of love and attention, cats can still get sick.
Call your veterinarian as soon as you think your cat is sick. Delaying the call often leads to
greater risk for the cat, prolonged recovery and increased expense.
Fleas
Check for fleas by grooming your cat over a sheet of white paper. Look for a few fleas caught
in the comb’s teeth or flea dirt on the paper. Flea dirt is actually excrement of undigested cat
blood and appears black and shaped like a comma. Many commercial products are available
both to kill adult fleas and remove fleas from the environment. Ask your vet for specific
recommendations.
Fleas carry tapeworm larvae. Cats ingest fleas during grooming and become infested with
tapeworms. Fleas may also transmit other infectious agents. If kittens are exposed to fleas,
they may become anemic, and this can be lethal for small kittens. Cats can also develop an
allergy to flea bites, resulting in excessive scratching or possibly skin disease.
Hairballs
Prevent hairballs by grooming your cat frequently to remove excess hair. Hairballs are formed
either at the back of the throat or in the small intestines. There are many products on the
market to prevent hairball build-up such as oils, treats and special diets. If your cat vomits
frequently and the problem isn’t resolved with regular brushings, you should consult with the
veterinarian to be certain that a more serious problem is not the cause.
Overactive Thyroid
Watch for symptoms of an overactive thyroid such as increased appetite or thirst, unexplained
weight loss, nervousness or irritability, frequent vomiting, lethargy and weakness, diarrhea, or
a coat that looks ungroomed. An overactive thyroid, or hyperthyroidism, is a condition in which
the thyroid gland becomes enlarged and produces excess thyroid hormone. The condition is
often provoked by a benign tumor on one or both lobes of the thyroid gland. The good news
is that thyroid tumors have only a 2-5% chance of malignancy. A cat with this condition may
not present every symptom, but the presence of two or more should prompt a visit to the
veterinarian’s office.
Feline Diabetes
Feline diabetes is a common disorder of the endocrine system. It often affects older, obese
males, but can afflict any cat. Feline diabetes symptoms will vary depending upon the type
and stage of the disease. Excessive urination and excessive thirst are the classic signs of
diabetes in cats.
Although the exact cause of diabetes in cats is not known, diabetes has been linked to
pancreatic disease, hormonal imbalances, and certain medications. Obesity is a factor, so if
your cat is overweight, be alert to feline diabetes symptoms. Unfortunately, genetic
predisposition is also implicated.
Regardless of food intake levels, diabetic cats lose weight because the cells are unable to
process glucose normally.
The symptoms of feline diabetes include vomiting, dehydration, weakness and loss of appetite,
increased thirst and urination, weight loss, breathing abnormalities, and an unkempt-looking
coat. Feline diabetes can affect cats of any age, but it is most common in older, obsess cats,
particularly males. If your cat has any of these symptoms, take him to the vet. The vet will test
for blood sugar levels and sugar levels in the urine. As the disease progresses, it can lead to
further metabolic disturbances and causes vomiting, loss of appetite, weakness, and
dehydration. With treatment, a diabetic cat can live many good years, and some even lose
their need for treatment over time.
Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease
Feline lower urinary tract disease is a very painful inflammation of the lower urinary tract that
has the potential to be fatal very quickly, sometimes within 24 hours. Be aware of your cat’s
litter box habits. If your cat starts meowing a lot and jumping in the sinks or bathtubs or has
any other unusual behavior, be sure to have them checked by a vet. Inappropriate or difficult
and frequent urination, appetite loss, listlessness, blood in the urine, or frequent licking of the
genitals may indicate feline lower urinary tract disease.
Feline lower urinary tract disease has a number of causes, from decreased water intake and
urine retention to viruses, bacteria, or diet. Diet is especially important to male cats who have
been neutered, as some dry foods are prone to cause urinary infections.
Diseases of the lower urinary tract occur frequently in cats, and more often in males than
females. They affect the bladder and/or the urethra (the tube that the urine flows through from
the bladder on its way out of the body). In male cats, this condition can become an obstructed
urinary tract, which is a life threatening disease.
As with any serious condition that could threaten your cat’s life, if you see these symptoms,
call the vet immediately. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
Gastrointestinal Parasites in Cats
There are a number of parasites that fall into the gastrointestinal category. They can be worm-
like (such as roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, or stomach worms) or single-celled
organisms. Cat stomach and intestinal parasites can produce signs and symptoms that are
many and varied. The signs are fairly nonspecific, and some of the cat illness symptoms
caused by intestinal parasites will weaken a cat, making it more susceptible to viral and
bacterial infections and diseases.
Since most parasite infections are passed from cat to cat, the chances of infection are greater
in places with large cat populations and overcrowding, such as shelters.
Cat Ring Worm (ringworm)
Ringworm is the most common infectious skin disease in felines. It is not actually a worm at all,
but a fungal infection spread through spores. Your cat may or may not be bothered by ring
worm symptoms. Ring worm can clear up by itself, but this may take months. It can be hard to
cure, and the spores can be difficult to remove from a home, kennel, or shelter.
Please do not try to diagnose or treat your car yourself. Contact your veterinarian if
you suspect that your cat is ill.
Senior Cat Health Problems
As they age, cats can develop signs and symptoms of age-related disorders. A number of
physical and behavioral changes occur during the aging process. Many conditions that affect
aging cats, while not entirely curable, can be controlled through diet, medications, or
environmental changes.
Aging cats can exhibit signs of any number of diseases that may or may not be related
specifically to aging. For example, as a cat ages, the immune system weakens, making the
possibility of infections more common. Dehydration, skin conditions, overgrown and brittle
claws, hearing loss, bad breath associated with dental disease, clouded eyes, inactivity, and a
demand for more attention can all be age-related cat illness symptom conditions.
In addition, impaired kidney function, loss of appetite, hyperthyroidism, high blood pressure,
feline diabetes, and feline inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are more common in older cats.
There is also an increased risk of cancer as cats get older.
Work closely with your veterinarian to understand which, if any, senior cat health problems
your cat has or might experience in the future. Knowing which ailments your cat is most prone
to will help you to identify signs and symptoms early. You can then work with your veterinarian
to alter your routine or your cat’s environment so that she can be happy and healthy for as
long as possible.
Nose: Nasal discharge or reddening around the nasal cavity
If your cat sneezes once or several times in quick succession, succession, do not rush your
kitty to the vet. Cats do have allergies, too. If you had just opened the door, something could
have blown in, creating a sudden urge to sneeze. However, if the sneezing continues, take
your cat to the vet.
Ears: Scratching a lot or shaking its head
Balance impairment or a head tilt
Eyes: Excessive discharge
A small black dot in the eye or a film over one or both eyes
Fur and skin:
Is your cat’s coat normally soft and silky but now it appears course and/or greasy? Inspect
your cat’s fur on a regular basis when grooming for any bald patches (a possible fungal
infection), scratches, cuts, or any other alterations to its body.
Teeth, gums, and mouth:
Most of us do not brush our cat’s teeth. However, watch for obsessive drooling, salivating,
inflammation, or sores. It could be something as simple as a food allergy, which can be
corrected with a steroid shot and a change in food.
Lungs and Respiratory System:
Labored breathing
Panting or open mouth breathing. (Cats rarely pant unless they are extremely hot, overly
excited, unduly stressed or in pain.)
Black build up around the nose and/or and mouth.
Coughing or hacking could mean just a hairball, but if these symptoms persist, call your
veterinarian.
Intestines, stomach, and urinary tract:
Occasional hairballs are normal. If your cat vomits one time, it may mean nothing. Maybe she
just had a fur ball or ate some grass. However, if your cat vomits 12 times in two hours, take it
to the vet immediately.
Diarrhea, constipation, abnormal stools, or blood in urine and/or stools can indicate a serious
illness.
Careful observation of your cat’s daily activities and habits is key to recognizing early signs of
illness in your cat. If your cat normally hangs out in the busiest part of the house, then begins
to stay by herself in the back of the house or hides under a bed, take her to the vet for a
check-up. Disguising symptoms is a cat’s specialty, so she may be sick for days before you
notice. Become familiar with your cat’s normal habits and patterns of activity. The slightest
variation may indicate the beginning of illness or disease.
Groom your cat daily; most cats love to be brushed. As you brush, checking for masses,
swellings and sensitive areas, as well as mats in the hair.
If your cat stops eating or drinking water, is lethargic or seems reluctant to play, these are
often the first symptoms of illness. Sick cats become dehydrated quickly, so a prompt
response is essential.
If your cat seems listless, take her temperature. Even the slightest elevation in temperature
can account for a change in behavior.
Straining to urinate, especially in male cats, is a sign of urinary-tract obstruction. Get medical
help immediately, as this can be life-threatening. This is often accompanied by deep
vocalization or howling and licking at the genital area.
Violent retching, attempting to vomit or unusual panting are symptoms of serious illness or pain
in cats, so call your veterinarian right away.
Even with balanced nutrition and a good amount of love and attention, cats can still get sick.
Call your veterinarian as soon as you think your cat is sick. Delaying the call often leads to
greater risk for the cat, prolonged recovery and increased expense.
Fleas
Check for fleas by grooming your cat over a sheet of white paper. Look for a few fleas caught
in the comb’s teeth or flea dirt on the paper. Flea dirt is actually excrement of undigested cat
blood and appears black and shaped like a comma. Many commercial products are available
both to kill adult fleas and remove fleas from the environment. Ask your vet for specific
recommendations.
Fleas carry tapeworm larvae. Cats ingest fleas during grooming and become infested with
tapeworms. Fleas may also transmit other infectious agents. If kittens are exposed to fleas,
they may become anemic, and this can be lethal for small kittens. Cats can also develop an
allergy to flea bites, resulting in excessive scratching or possibly skin disease.
Hairballs
Prevent hairballs by grooming your cat frequently to remove excess hair. Hairballs are formed
either at the back of the throat or in the small intestines. There are many products on the
market to prevent hairball build-up such as oils, treats and special diets. If your cat vomits
frequently and the problem isn’t resolved with regular brushings, you should consult with the
veterinarian to be certain that a more serious problem is not the cause.
Overactive Thyroid
Watch for symptoms of an overactive thyroid such as increased appetite or thirst, unexplained
weight loss, nervousness or irritability, frequent vomiting, lethargy and weakness, diarrhea, or
a coat that looks ungroomed. An overactive thyroid, or hyperthyroidism, is a condition in which
the thyroid gland becomes enlarged and produces excess thyroid hormone. The condition is
often provoked by a benign tumor on one or both lobes of the thyroid gland. The good news
is that thyroid tumors have only a 2-5% chance of malignancy. A cat with this condition may
not present every symptom, but the presence of two or more should prompt a visit to the
veterinarian’s office.
Feline Diabetes
Feline diabetes is a common disorder of the endocrine system. It often affects older, obese
males, but can afflict any cat. Feline diabetes symptoms will vary depending upon the type
and stage of the disease. Excessive urination and excessive thirst are the classic signs of
diabetes in cats.
Although the exact cause of diabetes in cats is not known, diabetes has been linked to
pancreatic disease, hormonal imbalances, and certain medications. Obesity is a factor, so if
your cat is overweight, be alert to feline diabetes symptoms. Unfortunately, genetic
predisposition is also implicated.
Regardless of food intake levels, diabetic cats lose weight because the cells are unable to
process glucose normally.
The symptoms of feline diabetes include vomiting, dehydration, weakness and loss of appetite,
increased thirst and urination, weight loss, breathing abnormalities, and an unkempt-looking
coat. Feline diabetes can affect cats of any age, but it is most common in older, obsess cats,
particularly males. If your cat has any of these symptoms, take him to the vet. The vet will test
for blood sugar levels and sugar levels in the urine. As the disease progresses, it can lead to
further metabolic disturbances and causes vomiting, loss of appetite, weakness, and
dehydration. With treatment, a diabetic cat can live many good years, and some even lose
their need for treatment over time.
Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease
Feline lower urinary tract disease is a very painful inflammation of the lower urinary tract that
has the potential to be fatal very quickly, sometimes within 24 hours. Be aware of your cat’s
litter box habits. If your cat starts meowing a lot and jumping in the sinks or bathtubs or has
any other unusual behavior, be sure to have them checked by a vet. Inappropriate or difficult
and frequent urination, appetite loss, listlessness, blood in the urine, or frequent licking of the
genitals may indicate feline lower urinary tract disease.
Feline lower urinary tract disease has a number of causes, from decreased water intake and
urine retention to viruses, bacteria, or diet. Diet is especially important to male cats who have
been neutered, as some dry foods are prone to cause urinary infections.
Diseases of the lower urinary tract occur frequently in cats, and more often in males than
females. They affect the bladder and/or the urethra (the tube that the urine flows through from
the bladder on its way out of the body). In male cats, this condition can become an obstructed
urinary tract, which is a life threatening disease.
As with any serious condition that could threaten your cat’s life, if you see these symptoms,
call the vet immediately. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
Gastrointestinal Parasites in Cats
There are a number of parasites that fall into the gastrointestinal category. They can be worm-
like (such as roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, or stomach worms) or single-celled
organisms. Cat stomach and intestinal parasites can produce signs and symptoms that are
many and varied. The signs are fairly nonspecific, and some of the cat illness symptoms
caused by intestinal parasites will weaken a cat, making it more susceptible to viral and
bacterial infections and diseases.
Since most parasite infections are passed from cat to cat, the chances of infection are greater
in places with large cat populations and overcrowding, such as shelters.
Cat Ring Worm (ringworm)
Ringworm is the most common infectious skin disease in felines. It is not actually a worm at all,
but a fungal infection spread through spores. Your cat may or may not be bothered by ring
worm symptoms. Ring worm can clear up by itself, but this may take months. It can be hard to
cure, and the spores can be difficult to remove from a home, kennel, or shelter.
Please do not try to diagnose or treat your car yourself. Contact your veterinarian if
you suspect that your cat is ill.
Senior Cat Health Problems
As they age, cats can develop signs and symptoms of age-related disorders. A number of
physical and behavioral changes occur during the aging process. Many conditions that affect
aging cats, while not entirely curable, can be controlled through diet, medications, or
environmental changes.
Aging cats can exhibit signs of any number of diseases that may or may not be related
specifically to aging. For example, as a cat ages, the immune system weakens, making the
possibility of infections more common. Dehydration, skin conditions, overgrown and brittle
claws, hearing loss, bad breath associated with dental disease, clouded eyes, inactivity, and a
demand for more attention can all be age-related cat illness symptom conditions.
In addition, impaired kidney function, loss of appetite, hyperthyroidism, high blood pressure,
feline diabetes, and feline inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are more common in older cats.
There is also an increased risk of cancer as cats get older.
Work closely with your veterinarian to understand which, if any, senior cat health problems
your cat has or might experience in the future. Knowing which ailments your cat is most prone
to will help you to identify signs and symptoms early. You can then work with your veterinarian
to alter your routine or your cat’s environment so that she can be happy and healthy for as
long as possible.
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