Symptoms of Cat Illness

 

If your pet cat is behaving strangely or seems to be feeling under the weather, it can be very worrying not knowing what the problem is. The following list outlining some of the symptoms of cat illness should give you some idea what might be wrong with your cat. It is by no means a comprehensive list of all cat illnesses and the best course of action should you suspect something to be really wrong with your pet is to take her to the vet.

 

 

Diabetes

Although excessive urination and thirst are the classic symptoms of diabetes in cats, there are other less common symptoms to be aware of. These include weight loss, vomiting and loss of appetite, dehydration and lethargy. If you suspect diabetes you should make an appointment with your vet straight away.

 

Gastrointestinal Parasites

Worms come in many different forms. Tape worms, round worms and hook worms are a few examples. One of the more common cat illnesses, symptoms can include a “pot-bellied” appearance, changes to the cat’s fur and an increase in appetite. The parasite can also weaken the cat’s immune system, leading to more illnesses developing.

 

Ring Worm

Although often confused with parasitic worms, ring worm is actually a fungal disease of the skin and gets its name from hair loss that occurs in ring-like shapes on cats with the illness. Another sign of ring worm is that the affected area will become slightly raised and blotchy. Also known as Dermatophytosis this condition usually clears up on its own and isn’t a cause for major concern, although if severe your vet may be able to suggest some treatment.

 

Upper Respiratory Infection (URI)

If your cat has runny eyes or a thin white film develops over the eye, it could be a sign of a respiratory infection. Particularly if coupled with moisture around the nose area and sneezing. Healthy cats rarely sneeze unless there is an obvious reason for it such as excessive amounts of dust in the air so if your cat is sneezing a lot you should definitely get her checked out. Respiratory infections can be treated with antibiotics and usually clear up fairly quickly with treatment.

 

Fleas

Although fairly common, an untreated case of fleas can lead to your cat developing anemia or worse and becoming seriously ill. Fleas have even been known to cause death in young kittens. If you notice your cat scratching a lot, losing weight, or if her coat becomes dull or scraggly then it is possible she has fleas and you should check her thoroughly to be sure. In some cases, particularly on white cats, you may even be able to easily spot the fleas.

It is impossible to provide a complete guide to the symptoms of cat illness. The conditions, diseases and infections cats are prone to are far too numerous to cover them all. If your cat is displaying abnormal behavior or showing signs of illness it is always best to take her to the vet.