Signs of Sickness in Cats
Sometimes its not always obvious when they aren’t feeling well!
- Not using the litterbox like they should be
– Urinating or defecating outside of the litterbox can be a sign of systemic illness, physical discomfort or psychological distress
– Spending more time in the litterbox can be a sign of constipation or urinating more can indicate urinary tract disorders or systemic illness
- Not acting themselves
– Hiding or hanging out in places around the house that is unusual for them
– Changes with how they are interacting with people or other animals
- Changes to eating and drinking habits
– Eating less food or not seeming as excited for typical treats
– Drinking more water such as finishing the water dish or hanging out around taps or the bathtub to quench their thirst
- Losing weight
– Sometimes weight loss is the only sign of illness we see in cats
Some more obvious signs:
– Gastrointestinal signs: vomiting, diarrhea, constipation
– Urinary signs: blood in urine, straining to urinate
– Respiratory signs: changes in respiration rate or effort
– Skin changes: losing fur, matting, red or raw areas
Dr. Julie Fell
