Dogs will tell you when something hurts․ Cats will not․
This instinct not to show weakness has not gone anywhere in domestic cats: a cat can be ill for a long time before it looks ill․ So cat parenting is largely about picking up on little things․ Here's what those little things mean․
Common Early Warning Signs
These should be noted before the conditions, as every cat disease can come with one of these symptoms.
- Hiding: If a cat suddenly starts to sleep under the bed or behind a cupboard, it may be more unwell. This behaviour is the earliest and most certain sign of illness․
- A change in litter box habits (more or less frequent, straining, outside the box, or a change in stool) is the best diagnostic tool you can use.
- Eating or drinking differently increases matter as much as it decreases.
- Grooming changes․ A cat that stops grooming is unwell․ If a cat starts over-grooming a specific area, it may be in pain or distress.
- Weight change occurs slowly, making it hard to notice over time, so weigh yourself and record the results monthly.
- Less jumping: arthritis is found in cats more than most people think and will limit the activity.
- Their voice may change, such as crying at night.
Urinary Tract Disease
It most commonly occurs in male cats on dry food only‚ with symptoms of repeated attempts to urinate in the tray with no results‚ straining‚ crying‚ blood in the urine‚ or urinating outside the tray․
The most serious of the conditions listed here is a blocked urinary tract, which can kill a male cat within 24 to 48 hours. This condition requires an immediate visit to the veterinarian if the male cat stops urinating․
Feeding wet food at least once a day, providing several bowls of water, keeping the litter box clean, and keeping your cat at a healthy body weight may help minimise the risk of FLUTD․
Chronic Kidney Disease
It is the most common cause of death in older cats․ Symptoms typically include excessive thirst and urination, weight loss, poor grooming, decreased appetite, and vomiting․ Annual blood and urine tests are recommended from age seven. The condition is incurable; however, with diet and medications, people can have several years of good quality of life.
Dental Disease
The disease is badly under-treated in India. Odontalgia causes chronic pain. Foul breath, drooling, dropping food, chewing on one side, pawing at his mouth, and red gums are signs that a dental checkup is needed at every vet visit. Veterinary dental cleaning under anaesthesia may be required, but the risk is negligible compared with years of discomfort and illness.
Parasites
Fleas, ticks, worms and ear mites are common, and the humid climate and popular flea and tick population in India mean kittens are exposed year-round. Signs can include scratching, flea dirt or black spots on the coat, head shaking, a pot belly ‚ and ear discharge. Prevention can include a vet-recommended monthly treatment and deworming once every three months
Ringworm
Infection may be particularly common in kittens from shelters or kept outdoors․ Symptoms include round, bald patches of scaly or crusty skin on the head, ears or paws. Because ringworm can be transmitted to humans, especially children, it is best to see a vet rather than treat it at home.
Hyperthyroidism
It is common in those older than 10 years of age that have been eating and losing weight. Signs include increased activity, thirst, vomiting, scruffy coat, and rapid respiration. Diagnosis can be made with a blood test, and the condition is easily treatable.
Upper Respiratory Infections
It is highly contagious and results in symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose and squinty eyes, runny and congested nose and loss of appetite (a stuffy nose means the cat cannot smell its food). The FVRCP vaccine is recommended for all cats, either indoors or outdoors.
Obesity
As in most indoor cats in India‚ obesity can lead to diabetes‚ arthritis‚ and liver disease․ The ribs must be easily felt‚ the waist should be pronounced‚ and the amount of food should be restricted․
Feline Leukaemia and FIV
Feline leukaemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus are lifelong viral infections which are caught via fighting and mating. For this reason, it is recommended that you keep your cat indoors and sterilised.
Things That Give The Go Signal
- A male cat straining to urinate with no urine production
- Open-mouthed or laboured breathing, as cats almost never pant normally
- Serious liver problems may occur if eating does not take place for more than 24 hours․
- Recurrent vomiting or vomiting with lethargy
- Collapsing, having seizures, or suddenly becoming weak in back legs
- Firm‚ swollen‚ or painful abdomen
- Bleeding (or very pale) gums
- Any suspected poisons to cats, including lilies, which are very poisonous to cats
The Habits That Catch Things Early
Go through the tray daily․ You'll notice things that no one else would․ Once a month, weigh the cat in its carrier on a kitchen scale. Run your hands over the cat's body weekly to check for lumps․ Check ears‚ eyes‚ teeth‚ and coat․ Visit the vet once a year until age seven, then twice a year. If blood is taken, it is only done every other visit. Keep indoor cats up to date with vaccinations and deworming.
The cats that responded best to the dietary changes were not those on the most expensive cat food, but those whose owners reported the litter tray looking better by day two, rather than day twelve.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell if my cat is in pain?
Signs that a cat is in pain include hiding more, jumping less, over-grooming, changing bathroom habits, flinching when touched, and, in a small number of cats, vocalising.
Is drinking more water a sign of a problem in my cat?
Yes. Increased thirst can be a sign of kidney disease, diabetes or hyperthyroidism․ Your doctor may do a blood test to find the cause․
Should I vaccinate my indoor cat?
Yup. They come in on shoes and clothing.
