If your cat isn’t showing other symptoms, monitor him/her for 24 hours (of course, it’s fine to get her checked by a vet before this if you are worried). If he/she enters a second day of excessive tiredness then it’s time to take him/her to the vet clinic. [1] X Research source BSAVA Manual of Textbook of Veterinary Nursing. Cooper & Moulineaux. BSAVA publications.
A feverish cat usually sleeps heavily, may refuse food, and often has a dull coat that sticks out at odd angles. Its nose and ears may be dry and warm when you touch them with fingers at normal body temperature. While touching the ears is an inaccurate way of checking temperature, if the cat’s ears feel cool then it is unlikely he/she has a fever.
Male cats are prone to urinary problems where they have difficulty passing water. The signs include visiting the tray frequently, and perhaps even squatting outside the tray. The cat may squat for several minutes or keep getting up and moving to a new spot then squatting again. If possible, check to see if he/she produced any urine (is the patch wet or dry?) and if he/she did, check for blood. [5] X Research source Small Animal Internal Medicine. Nelson & Couto. Publisher: Mosby. 5th edition
If your cat refuses food for more than 24 hours, get him/her checked by a vet so that the underlying problem can be corrected before he/she develops complications. [6] X Research source [7] X Research source Consultations in Feline Internal Medicine. August. Publisher. Saunders.
You can also physically check. Carefully and gently, grasp his/her skin between his/her shoulder blades. Pull the skin up and away from his/her body (again, very gently) and then let go. If your cat’s skin does not snap immediately back into place, he/she is more than likely dehydrated and should be taken to the vet.
In the early stages of conditions such as diabetes or hyperthyroidism, the cat may seem otherwise well, but lose weight. Seek medical advice if the cat keeps losing weight. Some illnesses, such as cancer in the belly or heart disease, mean the cat’s overall weight stays the same but he/she loses body condition. This means you can feel his/her ribs and backbone more easily as there is less fat cover, but his/her belly might look rounded or swollen. If in doubt, get him/her checked by a veterinarian. [10] X Research source Small Animal Internal Medicine. Nelson & Couto. Publisher: Mosby. 5th edition
Changes in grooming habits may also be a result of arthritis. Grooming may be painful if your cat is stiff and sore. Once again, it’s a sign that a trip to the vet is necessary.
Many cats are happy vomiters, meaning they throw up from time to time (once or twice a week) as a means of cleansing their system. This is nothing to worry about in a cat that’s active, responsive, behaving normally and eating well. [14] X Research source Small Animal Internal Medicine. Nelson & Couto. Publisher: Mosby. 5th edition
Take note of your cat’s personality. If your cat is unusually tired and loses interest in exercise and regular daily activities, this could be a sign that your pet is undernourished or ill.
Sometimes purring can confuse the respiratory rate (it makes the rate appear faster), so try to count her breaths when he/she is not purring or asleep. The normal respiratory rate in the cat is about 20 - 30 breaths a minute, and should be at the lower end when relaxed.
Also check pupil dilation. Some illnesses cause cats’ eyes to dilate and remain that way. You should take your cat to the vet immediately if you notice that your cat’s pupils remain very dilated.
You can also check for fleas by grooming the cat over a sheet of blank white paper. You may see fleas in the comb’s teeth or flea dirt on the paper. Flea dirt is black and comma shaped. If placed on damp cotton wool it dissolves into bloody streaks. Many commercial products are available to kill fleas and remove them from your home. Ask your vet for specific recommendations.
Other effective home remedies include adding supplements to their diet such as: Slippery Elm Bark to lubricate the hairball passage or pumpkin pulp (canned) which adds bulk fiber to stools, easing the hairball out. These items can periodically be added to treats like fish or cooked chicken/livers as a preventative for hairballs. You should consult with the veterinarian to be certain that a more serious problem is not the cause.
Increased appetite is a handy warning sign that your cat needs veterinary attention. The thyroid hormone that triggers appetite also raises the metabolic rate and puts organ function under strain. [24] X Research source Consultations in Feline Internal Medicine. August. Publisher. Saunders.
FLUTD has a number of causes, from decreased water intake and urine retention to viruses, bacteria, or diet. Some dry foods can cause crystals to build up in the urine which scuff and irritate the bladder lining. If left untreated, they can form bladder stones which are potentially serious if they cause a blockage.
