Signs of Sickness in Cats

Kitties are very opinionated little furballs. Your cat may make it very clear when she wants you to pet her, or stop petting her. Fluffy also doesn’t have many qualms about letting you know she is feeling hungry or playful. However, when it comes to being sick, our feline friends aren’t quite that forthcoming. In fact, kitties often try to mask signs of illness! Read on as a local Omaha, NE vet lists some common signs of sickness in cats.

Hiding

Just like people, cats tend to get a bit antisocial when they don’t feel well. Fluffy may retreat and hide under the couch or in a closet if she is sick.

Poor Grooming

Our feline friends are very diligent about keeping their fur clean. Fluffy will take time every day to carefully groom herself. However, if your kitty isn’t feeling well, she will likely forego her usual beauty ritual. If so, it won’t take long for her coat to show the neglect, and start looking greasy or matted.

Lack of Appetite

Fluffy can be finicky at times. However, if your kitty just doesn’t like what you put in her plate, she should insist that you offer her something else. A cat that simply isn’t interested in food could be ill. Changes in thirst can also be red flags.

Unusual Vocalizations

Some cats are furry little chatterboxes, while others tend to be fairly quiet. Any change in Fluffy’s usual vocalizations can be a warning sign.

Strange Behavior

We know, for kitties, strange behavior is sort of the norm. We mean behavior that is unusual for your cat. For instance, if Fluffy is usually cuddly, but suddenly hisses when you pet her, she could be ill.

Litterbox Woes

Litterbox issues can be a serious red flag. If Fluffy stops using her litterbox, or seems to be having trouble going, she could be very sick!

Respiratory Issues

Coughing, sneezing, and wheezing can also be signs of trouble in our feline friends. Don’t ignore these serious symptoms!

Tummy Trouble

While the occasional hairball may just be par for the course for your furry pal, frequent or excessive vomiting is a different story. Diarrhea is another warning sign.

If your cat has any of these symptoms, or just isn’t feeling like herself, please contact us right away. As your local Omaha, NE vet hospital, we are here to help!