Knowing When Your Cat Is Sick
No one knows your cat as well as you do. Be sure to watch your cat for subtle changes in behavior that others may not notice take note of any changes to your cat’s usual body language or demeanor.
If something just doesn’t seem right, it’s a good time to take your cat to the vet for a thorough examination, even if your cat isn’t showing any of the symptoms listed above.
Making Your Cat Comfortable
Caring For Your Sick Cat
Sick cats should be kept indoors with a litter tray if they are allowed to roam free they may not come back! Never give your cat your own medications many are poisonous to cats. If your pet is ill, always consult your vet. The following information is intended only to assist you in caring for an animal that is undergoing veterinary treatment.
What to do if your cat is being sick or has diarrhoea
In young or elderly cats the risk of dehydration is greater and tummy upsets can be very dangerous. Consult a vet as soon as possible. Any pet that has been vomiting for more than 24 hours should see a vet. If your pet is vomiting and unable to keep food down, you can try missing one meal, although still allow access to water. Then, offer a teaspoonful of boiled skinned chicken or white fish, such as cod or coley. If this is tolerated, give a little more after two hours. Keep this diet going for a couple of days, then gradually mix with normal food. For pets with diarrhoea don’t skip a meal, but feed as outlined above. Consult your vet if diarrhoea persists for more than two days or if your pet seems dull or weak and does not want to eat.
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Is Your Kitten Sick Or Just Fatigued
Just like us, kittens can get sick for any number of reasons. Maybe your kitten has recently undergone surgery and isn’t quite healed yet.
Maybe your kitten just has a mild Upper Respiratory infection or cold, or perhaps she has kitten fleas.
Your adventurous little missy may have injured herself while climbing or jumping. The signs your kitty displays should help you find out what is wrong with her. Kittens that are just born do not have any natural immunity until they start feeding on the mothers milk. In the short period between birth and feeding they are exposed to bacteria and other pathogens that could cause illness.
When Cleaning The Ears Or Applying Medication:
- hold the earflap with your left hand if you are right-handed and look for the ear opening
- hold the bottle in your right hand and squeeze in the correct number of drops
- keep hold of the earflap, feel for the tube running down the side of the head and use the finger and thumb of your right hand to gently massage the medication down the tube. Wipe away any excess but do not use cotton buds inside the ear.
- release the earflap your pet will shake their head!
- give a reward
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Hes Losing Hair And His Skin Is Crusty
Hair loss and crusty or scaly patches on the skin that may be red, with or without scratching, are sure signs your feline isnt feeling fine. These are hallmark signs of ringworm, and its critical your cat sees the vet pronto. If you suspect your pet might have ringworm, it is important to partner with your veterinarian to diagnose and treat as it is transmissible to other pets and humans, says Dr. Cooley. Dont miss these signs your cat is mad at you.
Cat Sleeping Positions When Sick
Lethargy is a common symptom of many feline illnesses. While senior cats will naturally want to rest for longer than a young adult cat, the sleeping position assumed could be a sign of sickness.
Curling in a ball or adopting the fetal position suggests that your cat is struggling to stay warm. A cat on its side may be finding it hard to breathe or be attempting to relieve pressure on aching joints. Sleeping on the back can imply feelings of vulnerability, so the cat wants quick access to its claws for self-defense.
It is hard to diagnose illness by sleeping position alone. Cats sleep in a range of poses, many of which look uncomfortable. Accompanied by the physical symptoms of illness, a cats sleeping position can reveal what ails it.
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More Home Care Tips For A Sick Kitten
Caring for a sick kitten can be a real challenge. They may need your attention and love for many things if the kitten is very young, they may or may not be able to regulate their temperature or even simulate their own bowel movements. Here are some tips for caring for a sick kitten depending on its age:
The Newborn Patient : Newborns are the most challenging patients to care for. Unable to fend for themselves, these kittens require feeding, bowel stimulation, and a controlled warm environment. If you are caring for a sick newborn kitten, be prepared with milk replacements, cotton balls, lots of towels, and a safe and reliable heat source. Kittens have a tendency to seek heat and will crawl towards or away from the heat source when necessary. Place a clean blanket or pad down on the floor for bedding. Many kittens of this age can be comfortable in a medium sized cardboard box with a towel on the bottom. A heating pad under part of their confined area is a reasonable option. After every feeding, very young kittens should be stimulated to encourage urination and defecation. You can do this by taking a warm, wet cotton ball and cleaning their genital area. This stimulation will often lead to urination and/or a bowel movement. If possible, ask your veterinarian to demonstrate the proper way to perform these actions during a visit.
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How To Care For A Sick Kitten At Home
Having a sick kitten can make any cat lover feel helpless and scared. One of the first things they want to know is how to care for a sick kitten at home.
To care for young cat thats under the weather, it is critical to know how to identify if your kitten is sick, how to feed him or her, and finally what kind of general care you can provide at home. In this article we will help you understand all of these points, so lets start with how you can tell if your kitten is sick.
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When To Seek Veterinary Care
If you cat is exhibiting any of the above symptoms, speak to your veterinarian immediately. Usually, by the time a cat is exhibiting signs of being sick, theyll need to see a veterinarian because theyve been covering up their illness until that point, Newfield said.
Many cats will pass upper respiratory infections naturally, so you notice your cat sneezing, wait to see if your cat heals on his or her own. If you notice discharge, however, bring your cat in, Newfield said.
Symptoms Of A Sick Cat
Cats, like many animals, are remarkably good at hiding their discomfort when they are ill. In fact, signs of illness may not be obvious until your cat is feeling very unwell. That’s why it’s important to visit your Bartlett vet as soon as possible if you notice any of the following signs or symptoms:
- Constricted or dilated pupils
- No inclination to play or appearing lethargic
- Much less or much more vocal than usual
- Sudden changes in appetite, drinking, or eating habits
- Noticeable weight loss or gain
- Rapid breathing or shortness of breath
- Neglecting grooming or over-grooming
- Improper use of litter box
- Limping or injuries
- Discharge from eyes or nose
- Hair loss or skin irritation
- Hiding
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Shes Throwing Up A Lot
Its not uncommon for a cat to vomit immediately after eating or when too much hair from self-grooming is digested. Its the acute vomitingpresent for more than two to three daysthat can lead to dehydration and warrants a call to the vet. If your cat vomits, monitor how often and what the vomit looks like, so you can tell your veterinarian about it, advises Dr. Cooley. Vomiting is one of the biggest signs your cat is sick, as it can be a sign of many things such as an infection, intestinal obstruction, liver disease, or cancer. Left untreated, these illnesses can lead to serious complications, including death.
Common Signs Of A Sick Kitten
Some common indications of a sick kitten include:
- Lethargy
- Lack of appetite or decreased appetite
- Vomiting
- Straining to urinate or defecate
- Pale mucous membranes
- Less interaction with you or other pets
- Weight loss
- Trouble walking
- Rapid or difficult breathing
You are the person who knows your cay best, and owners often notice subtle early warning signs that someone else may not detect. If you observe any of the mentioned symptoms or see any other signs that concern you, call your veterinary hospital as soon as possible. In fact, its worth seeking the advice of a vet even if you cant quite pinpoint whats wrong. That feeling that something is off about your cat can be indicative of a health problem.
The safest approach when you suspect your kitten is sick is to have your kitten examined. Once your pet is under the supervision of a veterinarian, the vet may ask additional questions to help localize or diagnose the problem.
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What Changes In Sociability Or Energy Level Would Indicate That My Cat Might Be Sick
Sick cats usually become withdrawn and may hide, although this does depend on the personality of the individual cat. Some cats become more clingy or demanding of attention, while others just become cranky.
As a general rule, cats that are sick will have lower energy levels. The only thing you may notice is that your cat sleeps more, does not play as much, or is restless. With some diseases, especially hyperthyroidism, your cats energy level may actually seem to increase to the point of hyperactivity. Cats with hyperthyroidism often are restless at night and may suddenly begin howling or waking family members up.
“As a general rule, cats that are sick will have lower energy levels.”
Cats with arthritis or other joint problems may have difficulty moving around and may no longer jump up on furniture or counters, or may change the way they jump onto higher surfaces. If your cat suddenly is unable to use its back legs, she should be seen by your veterinarian immediately.
Sick Cat Symptoms: 7 Warning Signs For Sick Cats
How to tell if your cat shows sick cat sympoms? Cats have a reputation for being solitary and aloof. Cat owners know that this is all just for show, and that these traits are not just a sign of being high maintenance or a diva. They are merely an indication that your pet is independent and self-sufficient. These are traits that make cats ideal pets for many owners, but also mean that it may be hard for owners to know when they have a sick cat in the house.
To keep their cats healthy, owners need to know the warning signs that their pet has fallen ill. Waiting until your sick cat begins to vomit or faint can lead to more expensive medical treatment as well as more suffering for your feline friend.
Consistent interaction with your cat is essential to both its emotional and physical well-being. The more you interact with your cat, the more in tune you will be with its habits and rituals. As long as your cats routine remains essentially the same, you can be confident that you have a happy, healthy pet. However if you notice changes in any of the following aspects of your cats lifestyle, you should investigate to verify whether there is further cause for concern:
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The 5 Most Common Kitten Illnesses
Ideally when you adopt a new kitten, the kitten will be healthy and without any medical issues. However, thats not always the case. Kind-hearted people often take in obviously sick kittens with the intent of nursing them back to health. In other cases, kittens will initially appear to be in good shape but then develop health problems within days or weeks of arriving in their new home.
There are a few problems that occur with relative frequency in young kittens. Knowing what they are will help you plan for the future. Here are five kitten conditions that veterinarians commonly see in their practices.
1. Upper respiratory infections are one of the most common illnesses veterinarians diagnose in young kittens. Characterized by sneezing, runny eyes, runny nose, lack of appetite, and lethargy, upper respiratory infections are extremely contagious and easily passed from one kitten to another. Adult cats may be infected as well, particularly if they are stressed or housed in close contact with one another, but the symptoms are generally most severe in kittens.
Many kittens will recover from an upper respiratory infection within a week or two with good nursing care . But, if your kitten stops eating or her symptoms fail to improve, make an appointment with your veterinarian.
Editor’s Note:Portions of this article were adapted from a blog post by Dr. Lorie Huston.
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How To See If Your Cat Is Sick
We all want to have a healthy cat, but the reality is that from time to time any pet can get sick. Sometimes it will be just a small issue, other times it can be very serious. Which is why its crucial to understand the overall signs and what you should be looking for when your cat is sick. Here are some of the symptoms to focus on.
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Sick Kitten Affliction #: Toxic Milk Syndrome
The queens milk can become toxic to her newborn kittens for a number of reasons, but most commonly the cause is mastitis, an infection of the milk glands.
Postpartum uterine infection can also lead to toxic milk, and other times the cause remains unknown.
A symptom of toxic milk syndrome is that the newborn kittens will be distressed and will cry constantly. Diarrhea and bloating are common. Their anuses will be red and swollen from continuous diarrhea.
To take care of a sick kitten with this condition, he and his litter mates should be removed from the mother immediately and treated by a vet for dehydration. If severe, it will be treated with subcutaneous fluids.
Your veterinarian may then recommend you use Pedialyte or a Kaopectate solution. After 24 to 48 hours feeding a commercial milk replacer should become part of the care regimen for a sick kitten.
Signs That Your Cat Is Sick
Jenna Stregowski, RVT has worked in veterinary medicine for more than two decades. Her veterinary experience ranges from routine wellness care and preventive medicine to emergency and specialty care, where she has performed duties ranging from specialized nursing to clinical administration. Jenna has been writing about pet care for over 10 years, including for publications like DVM 360 and DogTime.
Illustration: The Spruce / Ellen Lindner
Could your cat be sick? It may be difficult to know if subtle changes in your cat indicate a health problem. Cats are experts at hiding illness. In the wild, this instinct can protect them from predators or other cats that might be a threat. Today’s house cat has the same tendency to avoid vulnerability, even if the only potential threat is a housemate. Even cats in single-pet homes tend to have the instinct to self-protect.
There is another reason why cats and many other animals are less likely to show pain or illness: they simply do not have an emotional relationship with their discomfort. Animals tend to accept the pain or illness as the new normal and move on. It may not be until they are extremely ill that their sickness becomes obvious to humans.
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