3 Subtle Ways To Tell If Your Cat Is Sick
Cats are notorious for their mysterious nature. Your feline friend can hide an illness until it has progressed to a serious stage. In order to ensure that you are able to provide your cat with the best possible care, you must be vigilant in watching for even the slightest change in your cat's behavior.
Here are three seemingly innocent warning signs that could indicate your cat is in desperate need of medical attention.
1. Changes in Appearance
Felines are renowned for their fastidious nature. A healthy cat will groom itself multiple times throughout the day. Even small changes in your cat's appearance could indicate that their grooming habits have been put on hold. Some of the earliest warning signs of illness that show up in a cat's appearance include dandruff, loose fur, and a lack of shine to the coat.
If you see any of these changes in your cat, schedule an appointment at your local animal hospital to get to the bottom of the problem.
2. Increased Water Consumption
The amount of water that your cat drinks each day can provide you with a lot of information about their health. A cat that suddenly starts drinking more water than normal should be taken to a vet for screening. This is especially true if your cat is older.
Endocrine disorders, like diabetes and hyperthyroid disease, tend to manifest as increased thirst in older cats. Fortunately, these endocrine disorders are easy to treat when they are discovered in their early stages.
Any changes in your cat's water consumption should serve as a sign that it is time to have your cat checked out by a vet.
3. Increased Vocalization
Your cat is capable of making up to 21 different sounds. Most cat owners get to know their cat's unique vocalization patterns over time. If you notice that your cat is expressing increased vocalization over the course of a few days, this could be cause for concern.
Check to ensure that your cat has adequate food, water, and toys to rule these out as a source of the vocalizations. If you aren't able to pinpoint a cause and resolve your cat's increased vocalizing quickly, the excessive chatter could be your cat's way of telling you that something is wrong.
Schedule an appointment with your vet to determine if the increase in vocal activity is tied to pain, an upset stomach, or a neurological problem.
Contact a local veterinarian to learn more.