Did you know cats naturally hide their symptoms when they are sick? In nature, when a cat is unwell, it makes them an easier target to predators, so even domestic cats hide their symptoms as protection. This can make it hard for cat owners to know when their pet is sick and may need to go to the veterinarian. This is why you should not only take your cat for a check-up once a year, but should also be aware of some less obvious signs your cat might be sick. 

Changes In Eating Habits

When a cat is sick, they might show changes in their eating habits. If you notice that your cat hasn’t eaten in 24 hours, take your cat to the veterinarian to rule out any infection or intestinal problems. Sometimes dental problems can cause cats to not eat because the crunchy texture of their food can cause discomfort when they chew. However, if you notice your cat eating or drinking more than usual, this can indicate an illness such as diabetes. 

Changes In Appearance

A cat that is sick might not keep up with their hygiene because it isn’t a high priority to them. Their fur might look messy or oily due to a lack of grooming. This is especially common in older pets. If you notice your senior cat not keeping up with their grooming, this could indicate they are sick. 

Overgrooming could also be a sign your cat isn’t feeling well. When a cat overgrooms it could indicate skin infections, parasites, ticks, or even arthritis. If you see signs of infection associated with overgrooming like fever, green discharge from a wound, or swelling, contact your veterinarian. 

If you notice any irritated patches of skin with fur missing but no signs of infection, this could be a hot spot. These are caused by allergies, stress, or friction, and can be helped with HoneyCure! Apply a thin layer to the irritated area and repeat every 6-12 hours until the area is healed. 

Changes In The Litter Box Use 

A healthy cat should use their litter box at least once a day, but other factors such as age, diet, and exercise can influence how often your cat goes. Contact their vet if you notice your cat hasn’t used their litter box in 48-72 hours. It’s important to not only pay attention to how often your cat uses the litter box but also check for anything that differs from their usual bowel movements. If you notice any changes that last for more than one or two days or blood in their urine or stool, contact your veterinarian for a check-up. 

Sometimes a cat eliminates outside of their litter box, which can be unpleasant to clean up. In some cases this can be a sign of a medical problem, so be sure to look out for other signs of illness as well. Sometimes this behavior can also be caused by stress, so it’s best to talk with your veterinarian if you have any concerns.

Other signs 

Other signs of illness include abnormal fatigue, agitation, hiding more than usual, struggling to climb or jump, vomiting, excessive salivation, or unusually bad breath. 

Since cats are likely to hide symptoms of illness, it’s essential to pay close attention to your cat's daily behavior to notice when something is out of the ordinary. The best way to assure your cat is healthy is to know what signs to look for, and to take them to the veterinarian for an annual check-up!

If you don’t already have a veterinarian, you can use an online veterinarian finder to see clinics in your area!

• “Feline Behavior Problems: House Soiling.” Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, 21 June 2023, www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/feline-behavior-problems-house-soiling#:~:text=Why%20do%20cats%20eliminate%20outside,in%20places%20outside%20the%20box. 

• JacobP. “Cat Pooping Outside of the Litterbox: 6 Tips to Stop It.” Embassy Lakes Animal Hospital, 19 July 2022, embassylakesanimalhospital.com/blog/cat-pooping-outside-litterbox/. 

• Nicholas, Dr. Jason. “Cat Poop – How Often Should a Cat Go?” Preventive Vet, 6 Apr. 2022, www.preventivevet.com/cats/how-often-should-your-cat-poop. 

• “Recognizing the Signs of Illness in Cats: VCA Animal Hospital: VCA Animal Hospitals.” Vca, vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/recognizing-signs-of-illness-in-cats. Accessed 7 Aug. 2023. 

• “Why Cats Stop Grooming Themselves.” Sandia Animal Clinic, 1 Nov. 2019, www.sandiaanimalclinic.com/2019/11/01/why-cats-stop-grooming-themselves/#:~:text=Cats%20hide%20pain%20and%20illness,can%20be%20uncomfortable%20or%20painful.