13 Silent Signs Your "Healthy" Cat Is Really Sick (2023)

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Cats are known to be the strong, quiet types of the animal kingdom when they're sick, so it's important to look for those silent signs that something might be up.

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she is MIA

"Cats are very stoic, which makes it difficult to tell they are sick. If your cat is hiding more and being less sociable than usual, it could be a sign that something is wrong," says Ashley Rossman, DVM,Glen Oak Dog and Cat Hospital.Although it's more vague than most signs that your cat is sick, don't ignore it. Possible causes could include an infection, an endocrine disorder, or something more serious like cancer. Here they are17 Other Things Your Cat Is Trying To Tell You In His Feline Way

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He drinks like a fish

Cats generally don't lick large amounts of water (about one cup per ten pounds), so it should be pretty easy to tell if the water bowl is draining faster or if it's trying to get water from other sources like the sink or the toilet. bathroom. "If your cat is drinking more water than usual, it could be a sign that he has an endocrine disorder, such as an overactive thyroid or diabetes," says Dr. Rossman. Be sure to call your vet if you notice your cat lapping up more water than usual; It is one of the signs that your cat is sick. Make sure you know which one is common.Food is toxic to catsbefore you feed them.

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She turns up her nose at her favorite food

Your cat will freak out when you bring home a new bag of cat food, but if he hasn't shown much interest lately, take note. Decreased appetite can indicate many things such as an underlying infection, cancer, or maybe they are bothering your lifters. “Cats have a variety of dental problems, including gingivitis, periodontitis and stomatitis, which result in the resorption of many tooth roots. Cats also suffer from tartar buildup and broken teeth," says Dr. Rossman.Feed your pets these 11 foods.

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She has runny eyes and a runny nose

"If your cat is sneezing, runny nose, coughing, fever or runny nose, it could be due to a variety of causes, including feline upper respiratory disease, which is similar to the common cold in humans," says veterinarian Heidi Cooley. Senior Manager of Customer Experience and AdvocacyBanfield Pet Hospital. However, if the tearing is excessive or accompanied by clear discharge, Dr. Alert Cooley to a blocked tear duct or other eye irritation. Green or yellow discharge likely means she has an infection that would require medication from your vet. When your cat is sicklearn to give him a pill.

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He is taller than usual

OK, so this isn't a "silent" sign that your cat is sick, but it is noticeable when your cat is noisier than usual. In fact, if his meow lasts longer than 24 to 36 hours, he may be sick. “Vocalization is a very broad clinical sign in cats – it can mediate pain, but also many different underlying diseases,” says Dr. Rossman. Contrary to popular belief, purring doesn't always mean he's healthy and happy. DiscoverThings You Do That Your Cat Secretly Hates.

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she is losing weight

A few pounds off a five-pound cat is quite noticeable - and it's a symptom you shouldn't ignore. "If you notice signs of weight loss in your cat, the first thing you should do is consult your veterinarian to ensure your cat has been properly evaluated for internal illnesses, oral health and other conditions that could be contributing to the loss. weight." says Dr. Cool. Make notes about what your kitty is eating and drinking, and whether she's eating more or less than usual, to share with your vet.

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He is losing hair and his skin is hardened

Hair loss and crusty or scaly patches of skin that may be red, with or without itching, are clear signs that your cat is not well. These are typical signs of tinea and it is important that your cat see the vet immediately. "If you suspect your pet has ringworm, it's important to work with your veterinarian to diagnose and treat it because it's transmissible to other pets and people," says Dr. Cool. don't miss theseSigns that your cat is mad at you.

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He lets his skin scales pile up

Cats are great groomers, so if you notice hair accumulating on their belly or butt, something is wrong. “One of the hardest things for senior cats that have developed arthritis can be the loss of their ability to groom themselves properly,” says Dr. Cool. "While we're not sure, we think it causes them stress, and these cats seem uncomfortable or even in pain when scratching their butt or lower abdomen." Avoid this at all costs.12 Common Mistakes Cat Owners Make.

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she vomits a lot

It is not uncommon for a cat to vomit immediately after eating or when too much fur is being digested due to self-grooming. It's the acute vomiting - lasting more than two to three days - that can lead to dehydration and warrant a call to the vet. "If your cat vomits, keep track of the frequency and appearance of the vomiting to let your vet know," advises Dr. Cool. Vomiting is one of the biggest signs that your cat is sick, as it can be a sign of many things such as infection, bowel obstruction, liver disease, or cancer. If not treated, these diseases can lead to serious complications and even death.

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He's just not himself

You can't say exactly, but something is wrong with your cat. He's not as playful and seems to be sleeping more. It doesn't seem too serious, but once you start watching his activities, you'll also notice that he's been going up and down the stairs more slowly, has trouble using the litter box, or has stopped jumping to his favorite spot on the windowsill. . He might even get irritated or vocal when you touch him. Dr Cooley says these subtle signs that your cat is sick could actually signal arthritis. Treatment is similar to humans, so call your vet for an exam and discuss pain management. these are the11 subtle signs your kitty is sad

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His breathing is bizarre

If your cat seems to be having trouble breathing, you'll notice that her stomach and chest are moving, or her mouth is open, or her neck and head are hanging off her body. Other signs of trouble include rapid breathing or whistling and scraping noises. “Changes in breathing should be treated by a veterinarian as soon as possible. Cats can suffer from many different respiratory illnesses including, but not limited to, asthma, pneumonia, lung cancer and lung disease," says Dr. Rossman.

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He spends a lot of time caring

No, he's not that conceited, he's just trying to tell you to call the vet. "Excessive grooming, known as psychogenic alopecia, can be a sign of illness," says Dr. Rossman. And the types of diseases range from psychological ones, such as increased anxiety, stress or boredom, to fleas, infections, allergies, food intolerances or even hormonal imbalances. Discover12 home remedies for fleas.

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Did you notice a bulge while stroking it?

Lumps, bumps, discolored skin, visible tumors, and other masses are commonsigns of cancer in cats, according toAmerican Veterinary Medical Foundation.Other symptoms you shouldn't ignore include difficulty breathing and eating, abdominal swelling, persistent diarrhea or vomiting, and bleeding from the mouth, nose, or other orifices. A biopsy is required to confirm the diagnosis. It's scary to find out your cat has cancer, but some cancers, like lymphoma, respond to treatment and there are ways to ease the pain and provide comfort. Next, check out theseCat adoption photos that will melt your heart.

Lisa Marie Conklin is a Baltimore-based author who regularly writes for Reader's Digest about pets and home improvement. Her work has also been published in The Healthy, HealthiNation, The Family Handyman, Taste of Home and Realtor.com, among others. She is also a certified personal trainer and walking coach for a local senior center. Follow her on Instagram @lisamariewrites4food and on Twitter @cornish_conklin.