Identifying Cat Illness: Key Signs & Symptoms

Appetite

Just like humans may lose their appetite when they're unwell, cats can experience the same. If you've noticed that your feline friend has been showing a significant lack of appetite lately, even turning down their favorite treats, it's a sign to be vigilant. This change in eating habits might indicate that your cat is suffering from some sort of illness. Generally, a healthy cat will maintain a good appetite, so if you're observing a decline, it's time to take notice.

Eyes

Many cats, when ill, will exhibit a noticeable change in their once clean eyes. You might find a surplus of eye boogers and sticky discharge. The presence of such secretions can signal inflammation within the cat's body. Additionally, during illness, the third eyelid may become more prominent, indicating the severity of the condition. If you notice these symptoms, it's crucial to seek treatment promptly.

Mouth

Cats have different colored mouths depending on their paw pads. Black paw pads usually mean a black mouth, while pink paw pads correspond to a pink mouth. When a cat is sick, changes in the mouth can be observed. For instance, a cat with a pink mouth may have a flushed appearance if it's feverish, or appear pale if it's anemic. For blackmouthed cats, check for any discharge around the mouth and inspect the gums and throat for signs of sores, swelling, or blisters.

Mental State

Sick cats often become listless and their spirits may droop. They might retreat to a secluded corner, showing no interest in play when you try to engage them. If your cat is limping while walking, it's a red flag that something might be wrong with its body. Pay close attention to these signs.

Ears

Cats' ears are highly sensitive and wellmaintained. They are acutely aware of external sounds and may twitch their ears in response to discomfort. However, when a cat is unwell, its sensitivity to sound may decrease. Additionally, the ears may produce secretions and there might be excessive shedding.

Important Tips

Cats can't express their discomfort in words, so it's up to their caring owners to be observant and detect any abnormalities. Since they rely solely on us, we must always be attentive to their health and wellbeing.