Signs of Illness
More on Cat Health
Cats are notorious for their ability to appear healthy when actually sick. Get in the habit of giving your cat a weekly mini-physical and be on the lookout for signs of illness.
Lethargy/Excessive Sleepiness
This common sign of sickness is sometimes difficult for owners to recognize, as healthy adult cats may sleep up to 16-18 hours a day. Get to know how much is normal for your cat.
Change in appetite
Keep track of how much your cat normally eats and drinks so that any variation can be detected easily and early.
Change in grooming
An ill-kempt, oily coat can indicate illness. Conversely, cats that groom too often may have a nervous or itchy skin condition.
Weight Loss
This sign often goes unnoticed, especially in long-haired cats. Owners who regularly groom their cats may notice the ribs and backbone becoming more prominent. Those who regularly weigh their cats are sure to see a change. A sudden loss of one pound in a cat that normally weighs ten pounds is cause for concern.
Change in litter box habits
Cats that start visiting the litter box more frequently, or that repeatedly urinate or defecate outside the box may be suffering from a disease of the lower urinary tract or large intestine. Cats that strain to urinate may have a urethral obstruction - such cats are in grave danger and need immediate veterinary attention.
Change in behavior
House soiling and aggression are both behavioral problems that can sometimes be prompted by a physical illness.
Source: ames R. Richards, D.V.M., "Complete Guide to Cats", Chronicle Books, 1999