Cats are well famous for hiding their pain and illnesses. Instinctually, it serves them in the wild to portray them as less vulnerable creatures to potential predators. But as members of our household, this behavior can allow conditions to worsen when we can’t wrap our heads around what’s wrong.
We know our companions better than anyone else, so if something seems fishy, trust your instincts and give your vet a call. Let’s jump on some symptoms that cat owners should be on high alert when it comes to their pet’s health.
Ringworms
Ringworm (feline dermatophytosis) is among the most frequently occurring skin disorders affecting our precious little kittens. Despite its name, it is a fungal infection having nothing to do with actual worms. And the only thing it has to do with rings is the area that looks like a circle of itchy rash that typically appears on the skin of an infected animal. There’s a product that helps with ringworm, so make sure you check that out.
If your feline friend is suddenly unable to urinate or defecate, something is up. It could be caused by some urinary blockage, which can potentially be life-threatening. If your cat seems unable to poop, most of the time it can be due to constipation, but you should make a safe bet and call your vet.
Repeated vomiting or Diarrhea
Occasional vomiting and diarrhea happen to almost every pet. But if your kitten has vomited or had diarrhea more than once, isn’t eating, is lethargic, or simply acts all strange, you should get her checked out. It’s possible she consumed something that she shouldn’t have, or it could be a sign of the severe metabolic condition.
Open-mouth breathing
While this can occur during a stressful incident, if your cat is still panting when she should be resting, there may be a hidden problem. Open-mouth breathing in cats can be a sign of a very serious condition, including heart failure and some forms of cancers. Troubled breathing is also something that needs to be addressed as soon as possible.
Excessive thirst
While it’s healthy for your feline pet to stay hydrated, if she continues to lap up bowl after bowl of water accompanied by urinating more frequently – something is possibly wrong. This can be a sign of diabetes or other metabolic issues.
Change of gait or imbalance
If you notice your cat has started to walk funny or can’t maintain her balance, it should not be taken lightly. She could have eaten something poisonous or suffered a head or spinal injury. It could also be a symptom of an underlying disease, like diabetes or ataxia that causes sensory dysfunction.
Seizures
If your cat suddenly falls in a fit of muscle retraction or convulsions, you shouldn’t think twice about calling the vet. This is not a normal symptom that could be caused by many things, including epilepsy and toxic ingestion alongside certain cancer types and more.
Paralysis
While this could be the result of some physical injuries, it can also be the symptom of an internal illness. Paralysis in the back end can point to ATE or medically referred to as aortic thromboembolism. This condition can also be accompanied by signs of distress and pain.
Unexplained weight loss
If your kitten has trimmed down without changing any daily habits, something is probably off. It could be because he’s not eating which is a red flag on its own. But if he’s eating his meals and still losing weight it can be the result of some underlying disease like diabetes, parasites, or other causes.
Vocal changes
Most people ignore vocal changes because it’s hard to believe that something so minor could indicate a health issue. It’s important to remember that you know your cat better than anyone and that you should go with your guts if something has changed in your cat’s routine. If your cat has suddenly become strangely quiet or chatty or if the pitch in the voice sounds different it can be a sign that she isn’t feeling the best.
Conclusion
Cats have many underlying issues and hopefully, by reading this article you may spot them and have them properly treated to ensure that your feline friend is happy and healthy.