As a cat parent, you must’ve noticed how felines are nothing like any other pet out there. They have a mind of their own, and their affection towards you might not always be obvious. However, once you understand them well, you’ll know.
But do you know your cat well enough to tell when they’re not doing okay? Cats are quite skilled at hiding signs of illness. Just like their wild relatives, cats also believe in the concept of the survival of the fittest and see illness as a sign of weakness.
Your cat might not be willing to show you they’re unwell, but we can help you notice the signs. Closely observing these furballs can say a lot about their health and well-being. In this blog, we’ll discuss five signs in cats that warrant vet's attention.
Is your cat being unusually vocal?
Just like us, cats have their own individual personalities. Some of them tend to vocalize more than others, but not enough to be considered noisy pets. However, when your pet cat is being unusually vocal, it can be a plea for help.
The most common reason behind a cat’s increased meowing is hunger. But if they’re meowing after being well-fed, it indicates a problem. Perhaps they’re in physical pain or have an upset stomach; in some rare cases, it could also be a sign of a neurological problem.
Whatever it might be, if they’ve been meowing incessantly for longer than a day, a call to the vet might help you figure out what’s wrong.
Are they not grooming themselves enough?
When you’ve got a cat for a pet, you needn’t worry too much about grooming them because it’s a task they enjoy doing themselves. Cats groom themselves not just for the sake of their appearances but also to regulate their body temperature and evenly distribute skin oils over their fur .
However, if they’re not feeling well, you can see the difference in their coat. If you notice the following signs in their fur, perhaps it’s time for a call to the vet:
-
Coat lacks luster
-
Unkempt, matted appearance
-
Greasy texture
-
Presence of dandruff
Are they suddenly drinking too much water?
It is no secret to us that cats are not fans of water. All cat parents would agree that getting their little pets to drink water is always a struggle. So, if your pet feline has been emptying its water bowl a lot faster lately, it could be a sign of trouble.
The main cause of excessive thirst in cats is often endocrine disorders like diabetes and hyperthyroidism. These diseases are more common in older cats and when detected early, they can be treated effectively. And a call to the vet will certainly help in determining what it could mean before you book your pet a vet appointment.
What about food? Do they avoid eating?
While cats might be unique pets for a number of reasons, when it comes to food, they’re just as eager as any other animal. In fact, unlike most animals, the metabolism of these felines only increases as they grow older.
Is your cat suddenly unenthusiastic about its food and cat treats? Well, there could be a number of reasons behind it, including oral problems, indigestion, and even respiratory issues.
Therefore, when you notice their continued disinterest in food for longer than a couple of days, you must ask for the vet’s opinion on how to best handle it.
Vomiting: a cause of grave concern
Like many other pets, cats also tend to throw up every once in a while. It could be something inedible that they might have tried eating when you weren’t looking. However, if the vomiting persists for longer than 48 hours, something could be seriously wrong with your pet.
Following are some of the potential causes of vomiting in cats:
-
Blockage in their intestine
-
Liver disease
-
Cancer
As a responsible pet parent, it's important to monitor your cat's health and seek professional advice when needed. However, scheduling an appointment at a vet clinic may not always be convenient or necessary. That's where Wagr's online vet consultation programme comes in handy.
By consulting with a licensed veterinarian from the comfort of your own home, you can quickly and easily determine if your cat's vomiting is a cause for concern.
Plus, our service allows you to bypass the stress and inconvenience of a physical clinic visit. Remember, cats often hide signs of illness, so it's essential to stay vigilant and seek expert guidance as needed.
Try Wagr's online vet consultation service today for peace of mind and top-notch care for your feline friend.
