Vet explain the signs when your cat needs medical care

Cats are a common house pet. Despite their domesticity, they are predators by nature. Cats have a natural inclination to hide their illness to avoid showing vulnerability and to appear powerful among other predators. This elusive nature of cats and their inclination to self-protect make it difficult for pet owners to detect any signs of their illness. 

Cats’ bodies are covered with furs which makes it difficult to detect any bodily injury. Along with that, cats are not comfortable expressing pain. Pet owners are the primary health care providers of their cats. It is important for them to remain vigilant of telltale signs of cats’ illness and to provide treatment on time.

If you own a cat, look out for these common signs which are indicative of when your cat needs medical care.

Sudden Shifts in Weight

  • If you see sudden shifts in your cat’s weight, it can be indicative of an underlying health problem and usually means your cat needs medical care. Because cats are much smaller in size, even one pound of weight shift is troublesome. For cats’, one pound roughly equates to ten pounds of human weight. While over time weight fluctuations occur due to muscle loss or gain, a sudden and massive shift can be troublesome.

Weight gain is quite problematic as well. It can lead to obesity. Obesity can cause health problems such as coronary disease or diabetes. Sudden weight loss can be indicative of a serious disease like cancer.

Change in Behavior

  • If your cat is unwell, its demeanor will change. Sick cats tend to become quieter and lethargic. Their energy levels drop and they start hiding in quiet and abandoned places. An unwell cat will often lie in a hunched position. 

Look out for telltale signs such as abnormal breathing patterns. If a cat has difficulty breathing it will try to keep its head raised and will refuse to lie down. If the cat is suffering from any neurological problem, they will have seizures or display a loss of balance and coordination. Cats with neurological issues might press their heads on a surface to ease their pain. 

An unwelcome shift in behavior and demeanor is usually indicative of an underlying health issue.

Discharge of Blood in Urine and Stool

Blood in stool is symptomatic of parasitic infections and disorders of the digestive system. If your cat vomits blood, you should seek medical health immediately. Sometimes the vomit contains a dark brown liquid which is actually partially digested blood. It can mean a serious illness of the digestive system.

  • In case your cat displays any of the above symptoms, you should consult a vet on an emergency basis. If you are residing in Charlottesville, VA take your pet to Autumn Trails Veterinary Center. Their team of skilled vets will provide urgent medical care to your cat and save her from further deterioration.

Disturbed Bowel Movements

  • Disturbed bowel movements such as excessive defecation or constipation in cats also suggests your cat needs medical care. These are indicative of underlying problems of the digestive system. If diarrhea isn’t treated, it can cause dehydration in the body as excess water is expelled out of the body along with watery stool. 

Chronic constipation can cause weight issues and anorexia. If your cat is suffering from constipation, it will produce small and hard stools infrequently. Constipation is caused by the digestion and accumulation of hairballs in the cat’s stomach. A vet can help with the removal of hairball which will regulate bowel movements.Â