Your cat is a part of your family, and it’s important to be on the lookout for any signs that might indicate that he or she is sick. Cats are especially prone to certain illnesses since they can’t tell us when something’s wrong. One way you can help them recover is by providing the right cat food during their illness. The following article will discuss how you can spot cat health problems, what cat illnesses are most common, and how to provide your cat with healthy food while he or she recovers from an illness.
Symptoms Of A Sick Cat Include Lethargy, Fever, Coughing, Sneezing
Cats are particularly susceptible to cat flu. So if you notice a cat sneezing a lot or has runny eyes then you may be able to guess that he or she is sick with the cat flu virus. If your cat suddenly starts feverishly pawing at his face in an effort to get rid of something irritating him (as some cats do), this could also indicate a sign of illness.
If your cat appears extremely tired all day long for several consecutive days then there might be more than just sleep deprivation going on here; make sure you contact your veterinarian as soon as possible because symptoms like these can mean they have cat flu.
Types of illnesses that cats can get
There are numerous illnesses that cats can get. Some types of illnesses include:
- Upper Respiratory Infection (URI)
- Lower Respiratory Infection (LRI)
- Kidney Disease
- Diabetes Mellitus
The signs for URI and LRI are similar, but if your cat is wheezing or has a high fever then it might be an LRI. Cats with kidney disease will have to go on dialysis because their kidneys no longer work. A diabetic cat will need insulin shots every day and also eat special food that caters to its diet needs.
What To Do If Your Cat Is Sick
One of the crucial questions is what can you do when your cat is sick? What do you feed a cat that has diarrhea? What if your cat is vomiting or having trouble breathing?
Chances are, the cat will need to see a veterinarian for an examination and diagnosis. However, there may be some things you can do at home first in order to make the cat more comfortable until it sees its vet.
If the cat is vomiting or having trouble breathing, call for professional help. If your cat has diarrhea and it`s not severe, you can try to give a little bit of water every 30 minutes with cat food mixed in. Keep an eye on the litter box and if it doesn’t contain any feces after 24 hours, contact your cat’s vet.
It Is Important To Know Your Cat’s Normal Behavior So You Can Notice When Something Is Wrong
Unusual behavior can be one of the first signs that something’s wrong. If your cat is normally a cuddler, but all of the sudden won’t sit on you or near you and becomes aggressive when approached, that may be because they are feeling sick.
Another sign to look out for is weight loss. Cats often hide their illnesses so it can take some time before owners notice weight loss even if there has been no change in appetite. A cat with an illness will not eat as much food as usual which means they could lose up to 20% of their body weight within 24 hours. Signs to watch out for include lethargy, depression, decreased playfulness, vomiting/diarrhea (which could lead to dehydration), and various other symptoms depending on what’s wrong.
When Should You Take Your Pet To The Vet
As some minor illnesses don’t require veterinary attention, when should you take your pet to the vet? If you’re not sure when it’s time for a visit, watch out for these common symptoms:
If they are drooling or pawing at their mouth and appear lethargic.
The nose is runny with discharge that looks like pus or blood clots.
Their ears look red and inflamed inside or have yellowish liquid coming from them (ear mites).
They seem depressed, stop eating, lose weight without trying to do so (for cats), have diarrhea more than usual, don’t want any water in their bowl anymore (dehydration)
Vomiting: generally once every two days instead of twice per week
Tips On How To Be Proactive With Your Cat’s Health
Of course, you don’t have to wait for your cat to get sick to pay attention to their health.
Some proactive things you can do are to get your cat spayed or neutered to prevent illness and overpopulation, feed them a healthy diet with quality food that has been tested for potential allergens, and brush their teeth once a week (you’ll need a special toothbrush designed for cats). This will help remove plaque buildup which could lead to infection in the mouth or gums.
As you’ve seen, there are many different types of illnesses that cats can get. It’s important to know the warning signs and what to do if your cat is sick so that they can get the care they need as soon as possible. The best way to be proactive with your pet’s health is by staying informed about their health needs through regular vet visits, vaccinations, and preventative care like flea treatments and parasite control.
