Signs to Detect if Your Adult Cat is Sick

Our cats are important members of the family, and like any loved one, their health concerns us. Sometimes it can be difficult to know if our feline is sick, as they tend to hide their discomfort. That’s why it’s crucial to be attentive to certain signs that could indicate a health problem.

We are going to explore how to identify if your adult cat is sick. We will pay attention to various aspects such as changes in behavior, the appearance and health of their coat, digestive and appetite problems, signs of pain or discomfort, and alterations in elimination and bathing habits.

If you notice any of these signs in your cat, do not hesitate to consult your veterinarian. Detecting an illness in time can make a big difference in your pet’s well-being. Let’s discover together how to better care for our feline friends!

Changes in the Cat’s Behavior

Cats are creatures of habit, so any alteration in their usual behavior can be a sign that something is not right. A cat that is normally active and playful but suddenly becomes apathetic or withdrawn could be facing a health problem.

Observe if your cat shows a change in their energy levels. Lack of interest in their favorite games or a tendency to sleep more than usual can be indicative of discomfort. Also, pay attention if your cat becomes more aggressive or irritable for no apparent reason.

Another behavior to monitor is excessive grooming or the lack of it. If you notice that your feline is grooming compulsively, they could be trying to deal with itching or pain. Conversely, a cat that stops grooming may be too sick or depressed to do so.

The change in eating habits is also an important indicator. If your cat suddenly stops eating or, on the contrary, shows a sudden increase in appetite, it is time to pay attention. These changes can be symptoms of more serious problems.

Pay attention to any change in vocalization. A cat that meows more than usual or makes different sounds may be trying to communicate that something is bothering or hurting them.

• Decrease in activity or lethargy
• Increase in aggression or irritability
• Excessive grooming or lack of grooming
• Changes in appetite
• Alterations in vocalization

Appearance and Health of the Coat

Your cat’s coat is a direct reflection of their health. A shiny and smooth coat indicates that your feline is well-nourished and healthy. Conversely, if their coat looks dull, brittle, or shows areas of hair loss, it could be a sign of a problem.

Observe if there are bald spots on their body. Hair loss can be due to parasites, allergies, or even stress. If you notice areas without hair, it is important to take your cat to the veterinarian for a proper diagnosis.

Excessive dandruff is another indicator to consider. The presence of dandruff can be related to skin problems, nutritional deficiencies, or even internal diseases. Keep an eye on any unusual changes in your cat’s skin.

Pay attention to any change in the texture of the coat. A coat that feels greasy or sticky can be a symptom of hormonal problems or infections. Similarly, a coat that becomes too dry and brittle may indicate dehydration or kidney problems.

Finally, a bad odor from the coat can be an alarming sign. A healthy cat should have a neutral smell, so any strong or unpleasant odor could be a sign of infection or skin problems.

• Loss of shine in the coat
• Bald spots
• Excessive dandruff
• Changes in coat texture
• Bad odor from the coat

Digestive and Appetite Problems

Changes in your cat’s appetite can be a clear sign that something is wrong. If you notice that your feline stops eating or only shows interest in certain foods, they could be facing digestive problems or some other medical condition.

On the other hand, a sudden increase in appetite can also be concerning. Conditions like hyperthyroidism can cause your cat to have an insatiable appetite, even if they lose weight.

Observe if your cat has frequent vomiting. Although it is occasionally normal for a cat to vomit hairballs, recurrent vomiting can indicate more serious problems such as infections or digestive system diseases.

Diarrhea is another symptom to watch for. If your cat has loose or watery stools persistently, this may indicate infections, parasites, or even food intolerances.

Constipation is a problem that should not be overlooked. If you notice that your cat has difficulty defecating or does so less frequently, they could be suffering from some obstruction or dehydration.

• Loss of appetite
• Sudden increase in appetite
• Frequent vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Constipation

Signs of Pain or Discomfort

Cats are experts at hiding pain, but there are certain subtle signs that can indicate discomfort. If you notice that your cat avoids being touched or petted in certain areas, they may be experiencing pain.

Pay attention to their posture and movement. A cat that limps, moves stiffly, or avoids jumping and climbing as they used to, may be suffering from some muscle or joint ailment.

Excessive vocalization is also a key indicator. If your cat meows more than usual, especially when performing everyday activities like using the litter box or eating, they may be trying to communicate that something bothers them.

Observe any change in their facial expression. A cat that squints, keeps their ears back, or has a tense face may be feeling pain. These expressions are attempts to hide their discomfort but can be detected if we observe closely.

Watch their activity level. A cat that suddenly becomes less active or spends more time hiding may be trying to cope with some type of discomfort or pain.

• Avoids being touched in certain areas
• Stiff posture or limping
• Excessive vocalization
• Changes in facial expression
• Decrease in activity level

Alterations in Elimination and Bathing Habits

Changes in your cat’s bathing habits can be an indication of health problems. If your cat starts urinating outside their litter box, they could be suffering from a urinary tract infection or kidney problems. They may also be experiencing stress or anxiety.

Pay special attention to the frequency of urination. A cat that urinates more frequently than usual, or seems to have difficulty urinating, could be facing serious problems. Frequent urination can be a symptom of diabetes or cystitis.

The smell and appearance of the urine are also important indicators. If you notice that your cat’s urine has a very strong odor or an unusual color, it is time to consult the veterinarian. These changes can be signs of infections or metabolic problems.

Also, observe your cat’s defecation habits. If your feline shows discomfort or pain when using the litter box, they could be facing problems such as constipation or diarrhea. The presence of blood in the stool is an alarming sign that requires immediate attention.

Any change in behavior related to the litter box is significant. A cat that suddenly begins to dig excessively or avoids the litter box altogether may be trying to communicate that something is wrong.

• Urinating outside the litter box
• Increased or difficult urination frequency
• Changes in the smell and color of the urine
• Discomfort when defecating
• Change in behavior with the litter box

Caring for our adult cats involves always being attentive to any sign that may indicate a health problem. We have already explored how changes in behavior, coat appearance, digestive and appetite problems, signs of pain and discomfort, and alterations in elimination habits can indicate that something is not right.

It is essential to remember that although some of these symptoms may seem minor, early detection can make a big difference in your cat’s life. It is always better to prevent and act quickly at any sign of alarm.

Do not forget that your veterinarian is your best ally in keeping your cat healthy and happy. If you identify any of the mentioned signs, do not hesitate to seek professional help. Maintaining a routine of regular check-ups is also key to ensuring that any problem is detected and treated in time.

Attentive observation and constant care are essential to ensuring the well-being of our feline friends. Make sure to give them all the love and attention they deserve, and they will reward you with years of companionship and unconditional affection.