Sick cat: how to know? 12 objective reasons!

For the past few days, Minou has barely touched his bowl, he isolates himself and his hair is dull. He limps, he bites, his eyes run or he vomits and seems to be in pain. It is obvious that something is wrong. When the cat is sick, it usually does not go unnoticed. Moreover, many symptoms justify a consultation with the veterinarian.

1 – The cat has a fever

Body temperature is a good indicator. A cat is considered to have a fever when the thermometer reads 39°C and above. Below 38°C, it is a sign of a state of weakness. It is in any case essential to take the rectal temperature of the Kitty to take stock. If the animal does not let it go, either we get help from a member of the family who will have to hold it while his master introduces the thermometer into his animal’s anus, or we entrust the task to the veterinarian.

2 – Unusual behavior

When sick, the usually gentle-as-a-lamb cat can become aggressive, not hesitating to scratch or bite. Similarly, a cat that communicates frequently with its master through different meows suddenly becomes silent. No doubt he is in pain. Pain impacts a cat’s behavior and only the attentive master can realize that his little companion is not as usual: he hides in a corner or on the contrary is agitated, he moans, takes distance. We will have to determine the cause of this change in behavior. Illness, stress? We consult as soon as possible.

3 – His eyes are running

When a cat is sick, it can be seen by its eyes. They are watery, become glassy, ​​are sometimes swollen. They sink and scabs form… These are the symptoms of many pathologies. He needs care.

4 – Weight loss

I’ weight loss of the cat must be considered seriously because it is the symptom of many diseases, some of which are serious. If the animal has lost a lot of weight in a short time, it may be suffering from kidney failure or even cancer? We do not wait to consult.

5 – The cat keeps going to its litter box

It is a recurrent symptom in the event of affection of the urinary system or the genital system. Urinary obstruction, stones, cystitis, infection of the uterus: nothing should be left to chance. The cat must be taken care of quickly because certain urinary or genital problems can lead to complications.

6 – The cat vomits

Vomiting is a symptom that occurs in many cases. Ingestion of hairballs, spoiled food, intoxication, poisoning can be at the origin of sometimes painful vomiting. It is better not to wait to take your cat to the veterinarian because it can be an emergency.

7 – Bad breath

I’ halitosis may be a sign of dental or gum problem. If the cat has bad breath, we start by checking its teeth, gums and tongue to make sure that it does not have an abscess or that its teeth are not too tart. It is necessary that the small feline can be examined by a veterinarian specialized in animal dentistry. But beware, bad breath can also make you suspect a digestive trouble. Better to refer as soon as possible to the veterinarian.

8 – Breathing difficulties in cats

Sneezing, coughing, gasping, hoarse breathing, snoring are respiratory symptoms that should not be overlooked. They are common in case of coryza or asthma. It is important that the cat can benefit from treatment as soon as possible.

9 – The cat is shaking

Poisoning, poisoning, infectious diseases are all health problems that can cause tremors in cats, or even seizures which are neurological symptoms. The veterinarian must auscultate him urgently.

10 – The cat’s mucous membranes have changed color

Pale or yellowish mucous membranes, even punctuated with red dots are in some cases the sign of a serious illness or poisoning that can put the cat’s life in danger. It is very important to consult the veterinarian when the color of the gums has changed, knowing that in normal times they are pink.

11 – The Box Cat

Lameness can be a symptom of a bite, an abscess, an injury or even a fracture. But certain pathologies such as thrombosis of the aorta lead to difficulty in walking, or even paralysis members.

12 – The cat constantly scratches and licks itself insistently

These are symptoms dermatological frequent in case of allergy or parasitic disease. Check the condition of the animal’s skin and look for any changes. Redness, pimples, edema, wounds, ticks, fleas are to be taken seriously. A diagnosis is essential so that an appropriate treatment can be prescribed.

Some diseases set in insidiously. They are asymptomatic at the beginning, and when the symptoms appear, it is sometimes too late. This is why a cat should undergo a annual health check which allows the veterinarian to diagnose a disease early.

Admittedly, visits to the veterinarian are expensive, as are health checks, preventive procedures and medication. But these expenses can be covered, partially or totally, by the pet insurance. It is therefore very useful to take out a contract to take care of your cat’s health without breaking the bank.