Seven Subtle Signs of Sickness in Cats

           

                      “Masters of Disguise.”  This common phrase describes my feline patients to a “T” when it comes to illness.  I attribute this to the fact that cats living in the wild become “prey” if they demonstrate any sign of weakness.  While this description might be advantageous if you are a free roaming cat, the carry-over of this to domestic cats can be life-threatening when the early signs of illness go undetected by cat owners.

            The next phrase that comes to my mind then is “too little, too late” as sick cats are often taken to veterinarians when they are so desperately ill that they can no longer carry on their charade, nor be rescued from the devastation of their disease.

            With these thoughts in mind, I would like all cat owners to consider yet another phrase:  “Seven Subtle Signs of Sickness in Cats.”  Through awareness of these signs, you and your veterinarian can work together to detect and treat your cat’s illnesses sooner, leading to a more successful outcome for treatment.  The “Seven Subtle Signs of Sickness in Cats” are as follows.

             LETHARGY: This first sign is often the most difficult to detect because the majority of a cat’s day (16 to 18 hours on average) is spent sleeping.  Much of this napping is truly “catnapping” during which a cat will be quick to respond to stimuli.  The key to detecting unusual lethargy then is to first know your cat’s normal sleeping patterns. Snoozing more often or not responding to your entrance into a room or the rattle of the can opener should always get your attention.

                        VOMITING:  Who among cat owners has not had the experience of stepping out of bed or into a dark room, only to experience the unsettling sensation of your cat’s stomach contents squishing between your toes?  Occasional or persistent vomiting can be an early indicator of intestinal disease, kidney disease, diabetes, heartworms, and more. A visit to your veterinarian for a physical examination and wellness testing may help allay your concerns.

            CHANGE IN FOOD CONSUMPTION:  An increase or decrease in a cat’s food consumption should always send up a red flag. A diminished appetite can be a sign of many disorders while a voracious appetite can occur with thyroid disease, diabetes, intestinal parasites, and more. Also, watch for changes in water consumption, which can be more difficult to assess, especially for outdoor cats. Contact your veterinarian if your cat’s food or water intake suddenly changes.

            UNEXPLAINED WEIGHT LOSS: The simplest method to assess your cat’s body weight is to feel over its ribs while it is standing, facing away from you.  You should be able to just barely feel your cat’s ribs under a thin layer of flesh.  If your cat begins to lose weight in the absence of a diet, please consult your veterinarian, as weight loss may be a sign of diabetes, hyperthyroidism, organ failures or cancer. Once again, early detection is key to treating these ailments.

            DIFFICULTY URINATING: The nemesis of every veterinarian has to be the cat that can’t urinate due to a urinary obstruction. These blockages are treatable, but success in doing so is directly related to the duration of the blockage. Signs of difficult urination include frequent trips to the litter pan, straining to eliminate, spending a long time in the cat box, or crying during urination. Sometimes the only symptom noted is urinating in inappropriate places. If your cat urinates small amounts frequently or its urine is blood-tinged, you should contact your veterinarian immediately.

                        CHANGES IN GROOMING HABITS:  Being the proud animal that it is, no self-respecting cat likes to be caught with a hair out of place or “cooties” on its coat. Glamour is every cat’s goal so if your cat suddenly stops grooming or becomes an obsessive groomer, it is trying to tell you that it is having more than just a bad hair day.  A decrease in grooming behavior can be a sign of multiple illnesses while compulsive grooming can signify skin problems. If your cat’s coat lacks its usual luster, please talk with your veterinarian.

             BAD BREATH: Contrary to popular belief, “tuna breath” is NOT the rule for all cats. Studies show that 70% of cats exhibit signs of dental disease as early as three years of age. Careful observation of your cat’s oral health can be critical in early detection of dental disease as well as other illnesses such as kidney disease, diabetes or oral cancers.  Lift up your cat’s lips daily to look for reddened gums, tartar or any unusual lesions. And, if your cat’s breath smells, seek the advice of your veterinarian.

            As a fellow cat owner and as a veterinarian, I hope you will help me help you detect your cat’s illnesses sooner, rather than later. Observe your cat regularly for the “Seven Subtle Signs of Sickness in Cats,” and take your cat to visit your veterinarian “twice a year for life” (yes, yet another phrase to remember!). Your cat’s life may depend on it.

Author: Dr. Bonnie Jones