Symptoms of illness in cats and kittens is something that all cat and kitten owners should understand. If your cat or kitten is ill then the quicker you notice the quicker you can get treatment at your vets.
Cat health is one of the main concerns of most responsible cat owners. Now regular vet check ups help keep an eye on your cats health but sometimes something unexpected can crop up.
Being able to spot the symptoms of illness in cats early can mean your cat can receive the treatment they need very quickly. Most cats are very stoic and unless you know your cats well you may miss the early signs of illness.
Some of the Main Symptoms of Illness in Cats.
Here are some of the main symptoms that your cat may show when feeling unwell. If your cat shows one of these signs then keep your eyes peeled, if they show another then this usually means that they are unwell and they need to see a vet.
Loose Deposits in the Litter Tray
Not a nice thought I know but keeping a close eye on what your cat deposits in the litter tray can be a strong clue when something is not quite right. A normal stool should be firm and sausage shaped, loose deposits are a clear indication of possible illness. Sometimes though a loose deposit is just a sign that the new cat food you have bought for them to try does not quite agree with them.
Your Cat has an Open Coat
An open are parted coat can be a very big indication of your cat not feeling 100%. Usually when this is the case they will also be very quiet and lethargic.
Your Cat is Vomiting
A very obvious sign of ill health in a cat is when a cat vomits. Sometimes though cats will regurgitate food when they have eaten it too fast and in fact they are not actually ill. Cats very often vomit when there is nothing wrong with them!
Your Cat is Dehydrated
Your cat is not drinking enough and has become dehydrated. You can tell your cat is dehydrated by pinching the skin at the back of the neck and when you let go if it does spring back almost straight away then your cat is dehydrated.
There are of course other symptoms of illness in cats such as a high temperature, lethargy, mood change, signs of pain and pale gums and equally these should be taken into account.
Any two of the signs above and my recommendation would be for you to contact the vets about your cat. In fact if you are worried about your cat you should always telephone your vet and discuss your concerns over the phone and let them decide if they need to see you or not.
Please do not substitute this article with using common sense and listening to advice from your vet. This article is meant as an aid to spotting the common symptoms of illness in cats. It is not a substitute for your vets advice. If in doubt please phone your vet.
I would also say unexplained weight loss. My havana was eating and drinking normally but losing weight, unfortunately he was losing it so slowly I wasn’t even sure if it was happening or if I was imagining it.
When I did take him to the vet about it, it turned out he had a tumour and even though we treated him with everything we could it was too late and I lost him three months later. The tumour was by then too ingrained in his liver to remove.
I will always regret not taking him to the vet when I first thought he looked like he might be losing weight, even if I had in fact been imagining it. If I’d have taken him earlier he might have had a chance, as there was no other indication at all that he was ill.
Thanks for adding your advice Mandy. I agree that unexplained weight loss is certainly a symptom of illness in cats.