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Cats are masters at masking symptoms when they’re sick or in pain. It’s business as usual, when in reality, it’s anything but.
That’s what makes it so important to know and understand signs your cat is sick. Not only will you or your sitter be able to help them feel better but you can prevent anything from worsening by taking them to their veterinarian. Learn common signs of sickness and how our soft cat carrier at Cat-in-the-Bag can help with vet visits.
Grooming in and of itself is not a problem. But if your cat is doing more than usual or has created bald spots, it’s usually a symptom that your cat is sick. Their skin may also appear red or have a rash. This could be an indicator of allergies, a parasite like fleas or mites, or even a sign of cat stress.
Alternatively, your cat may also not groom themselves as well. You may see a messy coat or mats of fur.
Is your cat nowhere to be found? Or maybe less social than normal?
Withdrawal is a subtle symptom sick cats display. They hide and withdraw to help themselves cope and conserve energy when they’re not feeling well. However, this very much depends on your cat’s personality. Some may get clingy. Some may just get cranky!
Any big changes in litter box habits is a sign your cat is sick. This includes both diarrhea and constipation. While the first is more obvious, constipation can be harder to catch. Their stool will usually be small, hard, or dry if they’re constipated.
Other litter box-related symptoms sick cats show include:
Sometimes, sick cat symptoms can mimic that of humans: sneezing, coughing, sniffles, or runny eyes. These symptoms are often a sign of Feline Upper Respiratory Infection, or “cat flu.” Think of it like the common cold.
Mild symptoms usually go away on their own after a few days with rest, humidifiers, and home care. However, we always recommend calling or visiting your vet at Cat-in-the-Bag. They can diagnose your cat’s sick symptoms and provide the proper care.
Sick cats also often have less energy. They’re less interested in play. They’re sleeping more or sleeping in unusual places. Some may also avoid human contact when they’re not feeling well.
Notice your cat is uninterested in their favorite treats or food? Take note; this is a common symptom of sick cats. Loss of appetite could signal a range of illnesses, from dental pain to digestive problems and stress. So be sure to see your vet if it lasts for over 24 hours.
Cats may also experience increases in appetite when they’re ill, which is often a sign of things like diabetes and hyperthyroidism.
Drinking lots of water is normal, right? Well, it depends. Cats generally drink about 4 ounces of water per 5 pounds of body weight. So if your cat is 10 pounds, that’s a cup of water each day. Large and very active cats drink more.
It’s also normal if your cat drinks more water on a hot day or you’ve recently started incorporating more dry food.
But if you’re refilling their water bowl multiple times a day or they’re running to the faucet each time you turn it on, you may want to consult your vet. It’s often a symptom that sick cats exhibit.
Because signs your cat is sick can be subtle, it’s best to err on the side of caution and make your way to the vet. They know what’s normal (and what’s not) and provide the right care.
Of course, vet visits aren’t often easy on a good day, let alone when your cat is experiencing sick symptoms. We recommend trying our Cozy Comfort Carrier at Cat-in-the-Bag.
While some cats love their crates, others have a fear of confinement that makes getting them into a carrier a big fuss. Our cat carriers are designed with a heads-out design to keep them calmer going into and staying in their carrier. They also feature an adjustable Velcro collar and a snug design to keep them secure at the vet. This makes it great for medication administration!
It makes taking a cat to the vet easier too, thanks to our seat-belt pass-through loop. Just slide your seat-belt and shoulder strap through the pass-through loop and clip them in!
Need a solution for easier vet visits? You may want to give our Cozy Comfort Carrier a go! With its roominess and heads-out design, most cats respond quite well to our bag for car rides and vet visits.
Follow our tips for how to get your cat in a cat carrier and find ways that make the bag work for you! If it’s not the right fit, you always have our 30-day money-back guarantee.
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Jeanne Starmack is a lifelong cat lover and the inventor of the Cozy Comfort Carrier, an innovative and mindfully-designed soft cat carrier. After creating the carrier and starting Cat-in-the-Bag, Jeanne participated in cat shows for 15 years where she built relationships with many cat owners. After seeing how much her own cat disliked traditional carriers and learning the issues other owners faced when traveling with their cats, Jeanne perfected a solution focused on the cat’s comfort above all else.
