Sick Cat
Once you learn to recognize the signs of a healthy cat, those of the sick or injured cat will stand out by contrast, and, although you will have to train yourself to be observant, you will be armed with a standard of comparison.
The sick cat behaves in a manner markedly different from that of healthy cat. It will lie around listlessly or sit in a hunched position, staring into space. Or it may slump down with its head hanging over the water bowl. Perhaps the cat will lie still with its head sunk on its chest, eyes closed. Illness or injury changes the cat from a bundle of energy into a dull, listless animal. An ailing cat has a poor appetite or none at all. Remember, a refusal to eat one or two meals does not mean a cat is ill. It may not be hungry. But a prolonged fast does indicate that all is not well.
A dull, dry and listless coat also indicates that something is wrong. Metabolic malfunctions, poor diet, internal or external parasites, skin diseases and allergies - all these affect the condition of the cat’s skin and coat.
Soft bowel movements, diarrhea, or bloody stools are symptoms of disorders or disease, as is a straining movement while trying to urinate. Cats suffering from cystitis or urinary stones urinate frequently and with difficulty. The urine may be tinged with blood and the cat may cry out with pain. If the urinary tract is blocked, the cat’s abdomen will be distended and painful. Cats with urinary trouble may vomit. Vomit-in also is a sign of certain other diseases and of poisoning. A rise in temperature means that something is wrong. Although it isn’t necessary to take a cat’s temperature every day, it should be checked when you suspect that the cat is ill.
The sick cat may have an offensive breath. Mouth odors may because by certain foods, but urinary ailments and decayed teeth also cause bad breath, if your cat has a persistent breath odor and you have eliminated offensive foods as the cause, it is time to consult your veterinary surgeon.
Chronic coughing and sneezing, particularly when accompanied withal heavy nasal or eye discharge, are symptoms of serious respiratory diseases. Continued redness of the eyeballs, conjunctiva or haw all point to some ailment.