If you have a kitty, you’ve probably noticed that our feline overlords are full of cute quirks. Not all of Fluffy’s eccentric habits are beneficial, however. When your cat feels sick, she may very well try to hide any signs that she is ill. This can be quite dangerous, as you may not realize your pet doesn’t feel well until she’s quite sick! Therefore, it’s very important for kitty parents to be able to recognize some of the warning signs of illness in cats. Below, a Bowmanville, ON veterinarian lists some common signs of illness in kitties.

Neglected Fur

Cats normally groom themselves every day, but they often neglect their fur when they don’t feel well. If your kitty’s coat looks matted or greasy, she could be sick.

Reduced Appetite

Fluffy may be a bit finicky at times, but even if she doesn’t like what you put in her dish, she should still be interested in dinner. If your kitty isn’t eating, and doesn’t seem very hungry, she might be ill.

Behavioral Changes

The better you know your pet, the easier it will be to recognize unusual behavior that could be indicative of sickness. A shy cat that suddenly starts demanding attention, for instance, could be sick. This applies to Fluffy’s vocalizations as well: cats often meow differently when they don’t feel well.

Hiding

People often don’t feel very sociable when they’re sick. This is true with our feline pals as well. Fluffy may curl up in a closet or under the bed if she is sick, and might not want to come out when called. (Note: This does not apply to kitties that hide specifically to pounce on innocent passers-by.)

Litterbox Issues

Any changes in the amount, color, or texture of your cat’s waste could be a sign of illness. Straining to urinate is also a sign of sickness in cats, and can actually be indicative of a serious medical issue.

Vomiting

It isn’t unusual for kitties to throw up the occasional hairball, but frequent vomiting is a different story. If Fluffy is vomiting a lot, she could be sick. If your cat shows any of these symptoms, or just isn’t acting like herself, contact us, your Bowmanville, ON vet clinic, immediately. Also, feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns about your kitty’s health or care. We are here to help!