The first indication that a cat is unwell is usually that its normal behavior pattern change. This might mean an active cat becomes inactive; sleeping more and eating less. There can be more obvious indications of poor health in the cat’s physical appearance, movements or locomotion, which change from stealth-like to clumsy or awkward.
Signs to look for are summarized in the table below. Once the early signs of ill-health are detected it is advisable to consult your veterinary surgeon as soon as possible so that an illness can be dealt with before it becomes serious.
Signs of Illness or Stress
- Unusual behavior, especially inactivity and hiding away.
- Loss of appetite.
- Weight loss.
- Excessive drinking of water.
- Regurgitation of food.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Loose stools.
- Cloudy eyes.
- Poor Balance.
- Awkward movement.
- Excessive vocalization.
- Refusal to leave the house when normally keen to do so.
3 responses so far ↓
1 darcy // Feb 26, 2008 at 3:12 pm
Hi, for the past few days i have noticed my cat, tigerlily, has been sleeping more than usual and she seems to be more slow, unactive and generally less happy than she usually is. She is very happy and playful cat. She seems to be under the weather.
Also, when she was sitting on my lap earlier i noticed that she was dribbling a lot, saliva was just above her mouth. When i wiped it off, she only dribbled some more. This saliva also smelt quite bad.
Another cat of mine, reggie, had to be put to sleep a few days ago due to an unknown cause. He was brain damaged and was possibly hit by a car. I thought she could be ill due to grief but reggies sister (iris) seems to be back to her usual self and surely cats do not feel grief? Do you know what may be wrong with her? Is it serious? please help, please respond.
2 courtney // Apr 27, 2008 at 2:59 am
my cat naruto is 5 weeks old she was bought to the pound at 4 weeks and because she didnt get along with the other kittens they sold her to me.
naruto has stopped eating and is alwase asleep.
naruto is still playful when she is awake but she is alwase falling over.
her gums have small patches of white and the rest is a very lite pink
3 emily // Jul 11, 2008 at 10:02 pm
are you sure this article is true
Leave a Comment