Signs of Illness in your Cat

Cats are notorious for their ability to appear healthy when they are actually sick.  Get in the habit of giving your cat a weekly mini-physical and be on the lookout for signs of illness.  It is recommended that you seek advice and help from a veterinarian at the first symptom of illness.

Lethargy or excessive sleepiness

Get to know how much sleep is normal for your cat.  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. 

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

Cats normally are fastidious self groomers. One sign that a cat may need help is when they fail to groom regularly resulting in an unkempt, greasy, matted coat.  Conversely, a cat that suddenly starts grooming one particular area excessively, may be suffering from skin irritation which may be caused by mites, fleas, or ticks.

Excessive weight loss or weight gain

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. 

Cats with arthritis, muscle soreness, or other types of pain will sometimes avoid exercise which can result in weight gain even though eating habits remain the same.  

Abnormal chewing habits

If your cat is having difficulty chewing or is chewing on one side of the mouth, it may have a dental disorder or a mouth tumor. Other symptoms may include bad breath, excessive face rubbing, or weight loss.

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.