You may have noticed your cat isn’t acting like his or her normal self. This may seem alarming, and pet owners are quick to assume that their pet may be sick. Oftentimes, they are often quite right. If your cat is acting strangely, you might start looking for signs and symptoms that they are truly sick. But how can you tell? Here are some signs to alert you that your cat is indeed sick.
Behavioral Changes
As mentioned, you’ve probably already noticed that your cat is acting differently. Some changes in your cat’s behavior could include anxiety, fatigue and a shy demeanor. Notice if your cat hides away, seems quiet, or deliberately avoids interacting with you. If your cat is normally friendly and energetic, and you notice behavior changes, it could be because your cat is in fact, sick.
Grooming Changes
Have you noticed your cat isn’t grooming himself/herself as much as normal? Or perhaps he or she is grooming a bit too much. Excessive licking, little to no licking, or clumps of hair everywhere are all indicative of a wellness problem. If your cat is grooming more or less than usual, this may be a sign that your cat has a skin condition.
Coughing
With the furballs your pet often hacks, it may be a little hard to tell if they are in fact coughing or just clearing their throat. Listen carefully to the sounds your cat is making. If you can hear a clear difference between their usual hairball hacking, and it sounds a little rough or scratchy, then you can consider it a cough. In this case, it’s highly likely that your cat is sick.
Strange Eating Habits
If your cat’s bowl has been full the past few meals, they could be choosing not to eat due to a lack of appetite. Conversely, if you’ve noticed your cat has been overeating this could also be linked to poor health. If eating suddenly becomes irregular, it’s likely an intestinal issue that should be brought to your veterinarian.
Diarrhea or Vomiting
On the topic of intestinal problems, you should note your cat’s bowel movements. Healthy cat feces should be fairly solid. If your cat’s feces are currently more liquidus or happening more frequently, it’s likely that your cat is sick. Also, be sure to monitor your cat’s urine. If you notice his/her pee has changed color or if the smell isn’t the same, that could be further evidence that your cat isn’t well.
In addition to your cat’s bowel movements, you’ll want to monitor other intestinal changes. Is your cat vomiting? This is yet another way to tell if they’re sick. The inability to keep food down likely means your cat isn’t feeling well. If you notice your cat vomiting more than once, take note. In addition to not keeping food down, watch your cat’s eating habits to see if they have changed, as well. If your cat is overeating or has lost their appetite, it’s possible their health isn’t 100%. If your cat experiences these symptoms but you are leaving town soon, you may want to hire pet sitting services. They can take care of your pet as well as bring them to the vet in case of emergency.
Bad Breath
When you snuggle with your cat, have you noticed his/her breath has gotten foul? Bad breath is yet another condition that could be linked to intestinal issues or could be a sign your cat has a deep dental issue. This is something you’ll want to have your vet look into as soon as possible.
Vocal Noises
Oftentimes, if you hear your cat making sounds beyond the usual meowing he/she does when they’re hungry or wants attention, it could be because there’s a wellness problem. Moreover, if your cat is making a wailing noise, it’s likely due to something that’s causing them pain. Keep an ear out for any strange or excessive noises your cat makes, and if it gets serious, see your vet.
Body & Movement Abnormalities
If you’ve petted your kitty recently and noticed any type of swelling, make sure to have it looked at professionally. This may be a sign that your cat got hurt while you were away, or it could be a tumor. Monitor if the swelling goes down, and if it doesn’t get better, visit your veterinarian to find out what to do next.
Additionally, if your cat has been walking differently, limping, or you’ve noticed their movements aren’t the regular, that could be another indicator they aren’t well. This may be due to an injury in their limbs and it should be seen by a professional.
Contacting Pet Sitting Services
Your cat’s health is important and should be monitored regularly. If you want him/her to be in optimal health, pay attention to these signs and their general behavior. Be sure to see the vet if you notice any changes in your cat’s behavior or actions and visit your vet regularly for checkups, too. The best way to show your cat that you care is my helping them maintain their health as best as possible. Pet sitting services are a great way to help assist your pet if they are in need but are out of town.
We hope these tips on cat wellness were helpful for you. Our goal is to be helpful to you and your pets in other areas too. If you are planning a vacation out of town and want to make sure that your cat doesn’t suffer through an illness, book pet sitting services from pet sitters who are specially trained in understanding the warning signs that your cat is sick. Pet sitting services will allow your cat to receive the best care possible, as well as transportation to the vet if needed. Get started online or call us today at (703) 345-1695.
