Here are the signs to look for:
1. Changes n Weight
Weight change in cats is actually not common. For the most part, if a cat is changing weight it signifies illness, according to Dr. India Lane from the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine.
Weight change doesn’t necessarily mean weight LOSS, either. Gaining weight could also mean that your cat is eating excess food, which could also be a problem. Keep your eye out for a hanging belly, which signifies an overweight cat. If you can feel the bones that you previously couldn’t that could mean your cat is losing weight.
Both of these are true signs that your cat could be ill, and should be monitored.
2. A Messy Coat
Cats are extremely clean animals. If you happen to notice your cat’s coat is looking clumpy or otherwise unruly, it may be cause for concern. Cats will raise the fur of their coats when they get nervous, so if you notice this it could actually signify some type of stressor in your cat’s life.
Continue on the next page to find out more signs your cat could need medical attention.
3. Poor Oral Health
Specifically, bad breath and also pale gums. Pale gums may signify poor circulation and disease. Bad breath is also a strong indicator that your cat could be sick. however, also note what you’ve been feeding them. If the cause is from some new food, then there’s no need to panic.
4. The Eyes Are Dilated
In a typically healthy cat, their pupils will be very similar and not dilated. As a cause of various illnesses, cats will have dilated pupils which remain dilated. It may also cause one pupil to be larger than the other.
5. Shallow Or Quick Breathing
This one is a bit harder to monitor but still very important. Respiratory problems can actually be a big red flag for cats. If you happen to notice they’ve been hiding or hunched up, with quick shallow breathing, then you should definitely bring them to get medical attention as this could signify serious illness.
6. Some Behavioral Changes
Some of the changes may appear as follows:
- Urinating or defecating outside the box
- Straining a bit in the litter box
- Interacting less with family members
- Hiding and hanging out in odd places
- Becoming more aggressive or irritable
All of the signs above could mean illness for your cat, so it’s extremely important to get them medical attention as soon as you can!!!
