How to Know When Your Cat Is Sick

One of the greatest attributes of the feline species is also partly to blame when they don’t get the help they need. Indeed, cats are secretive, mysterious, and dead set against revealing any signs of weakness. It is their stealthy nature that hides the truth even from the most experienced and involved cat owners.
Knowing the signs that your cat is sick is a great place to start, but it’s not always clear or easy. However, being able to identify symptoms can help you address illness or injury in a timely fashion.
Where Are You?
One of the most obvious indicators that your cat is sick has to do with their behavior. They are creatures of habit, any departures from their routine should be noted and addressed. For instance, a previously chatty or clingy cat that suddenly withdraws from company or attention is clearly not feeling themselves. Likewise, a quiet cat that suddenly starts to vocalize more than ever is signaling they need help.
Odds and Ends
Any changes, even slight ones, may be linked to something serious. Cats that stop eating or drinking in their normal ways might also be suffering from an illness or injury. A general rule is to carefully measure food and water to ensure they are receiving optimal nutrition and hydration.
Dehydration is a common malady and should be treated right away. Similarly, when cats stop eating they can quickly develop a condition called hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease) that can have serious consequences.
Speaking of Eating and Drinking…
It is possible that your cat is sick if they gain or lose weight in a relatively short period of time. It’s not always easy to spot these changes when you spend a great deal of time together. That’s why we recommend two appointments per year for cats over age seven. This way we can stay in front of age-related concerns, such as rapid weight gain/loss before they get out of hand.
Not So Subtle
Vomiting and diarrhea are not normal feline behaviors and they definitely aren’t subtle. Contrary to popular opinion, coughing up hairballs should really only happen 1-2 times a year (if at all). Please call us right away if you notice changes in your cat’s litter box habits or inability to hold down food or water.
A sick cat may also strain or vocalize distress when trying to urinate or defecate. It takes a lot for a cat to react this way and their pleas shouldn’t be ignored.
When Your Cat Is Sick
If your cat is sick they will likely stop their fastidious grooming habits. You may see an oily or greasy coat, ear or eye buildup, or even tangles or mats.
Dental disease can cause excruciating pain if ignored and can lead to major illness throughout the body over time. Keep track of worsening breath, dropping food, or sensitivity when eating.
An Eye on Routine Visits
Cat wellness exams allow us to prevent significant health problems. Despite the best efforts of cat owners and our veterinary team, accidents do happen. If your cat shows serious symptoms, please seek emergency veterinary care immediately.
Our vets at Cat Care of Vinings are always here to help you through any potential cat illness or emergency. Please call us at (404) 792-0700 with any questions or concerns.
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The staff are always welcoming and hospitable. Doctors will go out of their way to make sure your cat is taken care of and comfortable. They always return your calls and even call to check up on your cat after an appointment.
I am extremely fortunate to have taken her to Cat Care of Vinings… They take time to listen…answer questions, offer guidance…compassion, and give frequent and welcome updates.
Where do I begin? There are so many positives about Cat Care of Vinings…this entire practice is on a whole other level… The environment is relaxing and the staff are comforting and supportive.
CCV is a warm, quiet environment that helps my nervous cat feel more comfortable… The vet techs and office staff are skilled, helpful and friendly. A+
The Vets have taken time to know and understand both my kitties. All clinic staff are caring, knowledgeable, and generally first rate.
The quality of treatment and unbelievable care with which my kitten was treated are priceless to me especially as kitten moves into her later years. I wouldn’t take her anywhere else.
These people love your pet almost as much as you do… This seems less like a business and more like a labor of love. [They]…always keep you in the loop of what is happening…and put both you and your pet at ease…providing first rate care for you cat.
The veterinarians and staff here are very professional, caring and thorough (they check for things other vet clinics don’t). They genuinely love their clients (i.e. cats)…
I was shocked at how little we knew even after more than a decade of cat ownership and regular vet visits. I really can't say enough about how thrilled we are with Dr. Palmer and Cat Care of Vinings. We just feel so fortunate to have you in our lives and are most grateful. Thank you all for all that you do! :-)
At Cat Care of Vinings, every person…demonstrated care. Everything was well explained… I received phone calls updating me on his progress and asking how he was after I took him home. They are compassionate and knowledgeable about cats and that is what really matters.
I have had cats my whole life and have used many veterinarians over the years. Cat Care of Vinings provides the best care I have ever received for my 'kids' - cats
This veterinary clinic changed my cat's entire life…[he had] severe dental problems… I was reluctant to…do the procedures… I cannot stress how happy I am… Everyone treats the cats with love and care, and they treat the people with respect and offer great advice.
Cat Care is exactly what it says. The whole office is geared toward all felines… There are cat trees, and cat friendly furniture throughout. But is what is more important is the feline expertise…
…more information than the previous…places… Also,…we did not feel like they were pressuring us into paying for expensive procedures that may or may not work… [They] actually showed care and concern for our kitty…
Dr. Michael Friedlander is experienced, capable, kind, and caring with my cat and with me. Her staff is also excellent. Besides the excellent care for my cat, Michael also educated me on what I need to do to take care of my cat, such as vaccinations and heart worm prevention. This is a top notch feline veterinary hospital with a top notch staff!
…We must say that Dr. Jennifer Palmer…is the BEST. Her medical experience, bedside manner, candor, and quest for knowledge…is immeasurable. She goes beyond the call of duty to ‘reach-out’ for answers and health options you may not be aware of.
Knowledgeable, caring vets and a very supportive team. Highly recommended based on my personal experiences…