As good cat parents, we all have one serious challenge. We must be alert to the cat’s little sickness signals. It is not always easy to tell.
The cat makes it so. They are determined not to let anyone know they are sick.
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This is a survival mechanism. In the wild, cats cannot let on that they feel less than par. This can invite a predator to target them, or encourage another cat to poach on their hunting territory.
Cats will expend a lot of effort to not act sick.
We must be aware of their signals so we can catch, monitor, and act on their condition as needed. What are some common cat sickness signals?
Not using the litter box. It’s astonishing how many cats turned into the shelter for “litter box problems” turn out to have an easily treated illness, especially urinary tract infections. But any illness can make the cat stop using their litter box. Whether it’s because it hurts to use their bathroom, or they just want to send a clear signal of distress, changing their litter box behavior is the cat equivalent of sending up a bright red flare into the night sky. Our first reaction should be realizing this is a distress signal, and not getting upset at the cat.
Hiding a lot. It takes extra energy for a cat to pretend they are fine. So they will tend to retreat to their hiding spots and stay there. That’s why we should periodically check their favorite hiding spots and see how they are acting. Hiding spots are a place where they can relax. If they are not, we have been alerted.
Wailing at night. Some cats are more direct. At night, there are fewer distractions, and the illness they are fighting off can be more acutely felt. This is also a time when they feel we are unavailable, and they can feel overwhelmed by their troubles.
Not eating or drinking as usual. A cat suddenly becoming very hungry or thirsty can be a sign of diabetes. Or they can feel sick to their stomach, and not want to eat or drink at all. Either way, big changes in their dining habits should be addressed immediately.
Showing their “third eyelid” while awake. It’s common for a just awakened cat to show their nictitating membrane, a translucent covering that begins at the corner of the eye near their nose and can cover their whole eye. This is a desert adaptation to keep moisture in, and sand out, in their natural environment. But if it shows while the cat is up and about, that’s a clear warning of possible illness.
Showing signs of aggression or ill-temper. Just like us, an ill cat can get cranky. Our first reaction might be to puzzle over this sudden change in personality. But it’s far more likely that the cat’s personality hasn’t changed at all. It’s their health that has changed.
Acting clingy or anxious when we leave the house. Feeling ill can make their usual response about missing us to get much larger. It’s too much for them to be both sick and alone.
Other cats are treating the cat differently. The other cats are even better than we are about picking up signals. They might groom and fuss over the cat more, or they might avoid or annoy them because they don’t understand why he or she is “acting funny.” We should always get to the bottom of sudden intercat conflict.
Any change in the cat’s usual routine can be a sign they are sick. We should be quick to have the cat checked over if we suspect something, because the cat might have been sick for a while before they show signs we can pick up.
One indication of a caring and responsive vet is how quickly they will let us bring a sick cat in.
If we call the vet and want to bring the cat in because we are worried about them, the vet should be able to fit us in as soon as possible. Good cat vets know this “hiding illness” characteristic of cats, and will be eager to get to the bottom of their difficulties.
Time can be of the essence. Illnesses caught early can be the difference between keeping the cat, or not. Any illness is cheaper and easier to treat at the beginning.
We can monitor our cat’s health by having a regular grooming routine that lets us notice if they have a tender spot, or aren’t stretching or moving the way they usually do. We can stagger such essential medical procedures as teeth cleanings and immunizations so that our cats get regular checkups. Spring for the blood panel as the cat gets older, and we will have an early warning system for needed changes to the cat’s care.
This survival characteristic of the cat can be a challenge to a caring owner. Making the cat a part of our routine, encouraging the cat to interact with us, and noticing things the cat does, are all part of having a great cat relationship.
They are also ways we can save the cat’s life.
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About Pamela
Through her amateur cat rescue, she cured problem cats and placed them in new homes. Learn to maximize cat enjoyment!
Worst to figure out: Purring can mean “I’m so happy!” or “God, I’m in so much pain.” I was freaked out by that once. (But she was fine–just me freaking out like any worried parent)
Spring for the blood panel as the cat gets older
What is that, and how old is “older’”?
I’ll be publishing a “cat age chart” which gives us a better idea of how their age will affect them.
http://catcraze.com/age.htm
But just as a rule of thumb, since a cat can get to 20, 10 or 11 is “middle age.” Getting a blood panel around that age will let you find out how their kidneys (creatine) and pancreas (blood sugar levels) are doing, and these are the most vulnerable systems as a cat ages.
They are also areas where proper diet can really make a difference.
fabulous and concise advise……yes the blood panel at age 11 or so … can be very helpful
i never thought about how the other cat’s reactions can be a clue/// ,,,,,,and we need all the clues we can get