Are you clued up on the signs of illness in cats? Cats are super sneaky. One moment, they’re curled up in your lap, dreaming of catching mice with no effort at all, and the next, they’re planning world domination and endless supplies of catnip. They’ve always been revered for their mysterious personalities, and due to this same nature, it can be hard to spot and treat a sick cat.
Cats have a way of looking healthy and fit, while in reality, they’re just damn good at hiding their illnesses. Even when your cat is unwell, he or she will still tap into his evolutionary habit of trying to look healthy. And to the unsuspecting cat owner, this can trick you into thinking that your feline friend got sick “out of the blue”.
Here at Petz, we care about you and your furry friends, and that’s why we’re here to lend a hand. Here’s what to be on the lookout for before things head way too far south.
How to spot illness in cats
He drinks more water than usual
Cats are just as susceptible to kidney disease and diabetes as humans are, and this can lead to an increase in water intake. You might not notice that your cat is drinking more water, but if you’re scooping up more pee dumps in the little box than usual, something might be cooking. It’s always a good idea to head over to the vet for some blood and urine tests.
She’s losing weight
We recently discussed the issues with cats and their weight, because honestly, the world is full of obese cats. If your cat is currently on a diet, this one does not count since you’re aiming for weight loss after all. Weight loss in cats can be caused by a range of conditions. These include thyroid problems, liver disease, diabetes, and cancer. Sometimes the weight loss is so subtle that you don’t notice it day after day.
He isn’t grooming
If your cat usually had the best grooming habits but looks a lot more bed heady lately, something might be wrong. And he could be hiding illness. Even older cats still groom themselves as long as they’re healthy. So don’t be fooled into thinking it has something to do with old age.
There might not be a thousand ways to spot illness in cats. But it’s definitely worthwhile considering these tips we just mentioned. The sooner you spot illness, the sooner you can intervene and possibly save your cat’s life.
