As you may have noticed, cats can be very forthright when they want to tell us something. Fluffy may vocalize to let you know she wants dinner right meow, or hop into your lap when she wants to snuggle. However, cats aren’t always that open. In fact, when it comes to showing signs of illness, your pet may deliberately try to hide her symptoms. Therefore, it’s very important for you to know what to look for. Read on as an Ellicott City, MD vet lists some signs of sickness in kitties.

Hiding

Just like people, cats don’t often feel very sociable when they are sick. If your feline friend seems to be hiding a lot, and doesn’t want to leave her chosen spot, she may be ill.

Poor Grooming

Cats are usually very dedicated to keeping up with their beauty regimes. Fluffy will groom herself every day, making sure that her fur stays soft and shiny. However, your pet may not feel much like keeping up with her regular routines if she is ill. Unkempt, greasy, or matted fur can be signs that your furry little buddy isn’t feeling well.

Changes in Appetite

A sudden increase or decrease in your feline pal’s appetite can be a sign that she isn’t feeling well. Increased or decreased thirst can also be symptoms of illness.

Unusual Vocalizations

Cats are all very unique characters, with their own purrsonalities. Sudden changes in your pet’s normal behavior or vocalization can be a red flag.

Vomiting

While the occasional hairball isn’t anything unusual with our furry friends, frequent vomiting is another issue. If Fluffy is throwing up a lot, she could be sick.

Litterbox Woes

Changes in the amount, color, texture, or odor of a kitty’s waste can all be indicative of sickness. Difficulty going is also a red flag, and can be a sign of a very serious medical emergency.

Respiratory Issues

Coughing, wheezing, and ragged breath can all be signs of respiratory trouble in kitties. These issue can grow worse very quickly, so act immediately if your cute pet is having trouble breathing. Sneezing can also be a warning sign. An occasional sneeze now and then may not be unusual, but frequent sneezing is definitely not normal.

Please do not hesitate to contact us, your Ellicott City, MD pet hospital, for all your cat’s veterinary care needs. We’re here to help!