How do you know if a cat is sick?

Bad breath is a sign of dental problems. Mild bad breath indicates that your cat's teeth should be checked during your next visit to the veterinarian. Severe bad breath should be addressed as soon as possible. Also watch for excessive drooling and bleeding from the mouth. This can be the result of a bacterial infection and can also lead to problems with the heart and other organs.

How to know if a cat is sick

What symptoms accompany various pathologies in domestic cats, types of diseases in the table, veterinarian advice on treatment and preventive measures, as well as signs. RIA Novosti, 10.12.2021.

MOSCOW, October 14 – RIA Novosti. What symptoms accompany various pathologies in domestic cats, types of diseases in the table, veterinarian advice on treatment and prevention measures, as well as signs of diseases in adult animals and kittens of different breeds – in the RIA Novosti article.Cat diseasesFemale pets are often ill – they may have reduced immunity due to hypothermia, allergies appear or the temperature rises in response to an infection. But they are not able to get rid of the ailment on their own and need human help.Cat diseases are divided into several groups:Infectious diseases of catsInfectious diseases come in different nature: viral, bacterial and fungal. The common feature is the presence of a pathogen that has entered the body from the environment (from the grass on a walk, from another animal, from humans, and so on).Whatever the infection, it makes itself known by similar symptoms:Viral diseases of catsThe most dangerous for cats are viruses. Pathogens constantly mutate and survive well in the external environment. As a rule, such infections at first look like a common cold, but then cause severe consequences and require a long recovery.Viral infections include:According to veterinarians, viral diseases are better initially prevented: timely vaccination of the pet, maintain its immunity and healthy lifestyle.Bacterial diseases of catsBacterial infections include:They are as dangerous as viruses, but are better to treat.Fungal diseases of catsSpores of different fungi species can cause pathologies of internal and external organs of the cat The most common infections of this type:Fungal diseases affect the skin, coat and mucous membranes of the animal, and if the problem worsens, can negatively affect the functioning of internal organs. Cat invasive diseasesInvasive diseases are divided into three types:The causative agents of invasive diseases in cats are worms (helminthes), protozoan single-celled organisms (giardia and so on), as well as fleas and ticks.CestodesCestodes are tapeworms that have a pathogenic effect on the cat body. Their main habitat is the small intestine and then the lungs and heart if the disease is left untreated. Over time, the animal becomes emaciated, itchy, appetite is lost, and the overall appearance deteriorates.NematodesNematodes are round worms that affect the intestines and other organs of the pet (liver and esophagus). After infection the cat loses its appetite, becomes lethargic and painful in appearance.ToxoplasmosisA asymptomatic infection that first appears in the cat's body and is capable of being transmitted to humans. The disease only makes itself known when the animal's immunity is reduced (fever, lethargy) and can complicate organs such as the lungs. If a pet has once had toxoplasmosis, the body develops lifelong immunity.LambliaLamblia cause a disease in which inflammation appears on the walls of the intestine, where these protozoan microorganisms live. In advanced cases, the ducts in the pancreas and liver become blocked, causing pancreatitis.SarcoptosisThe mites actively deposit larvae on an animal's body, causing severe itching, hair loss and sores. Such spiders cannot harm a human, but they are rather dangerous for cats because of their rapid spread.EntomosesLice and fleas seem harmless enough, but in fact they are carriers of serious infectious diseases and can cause severe discomfort to the animal: constant itching, blood loss, restlessness and insomnia. To prevent infection, veterinarians recommend treating cats regularly with drugs against ectoparasites.Noncontagious diseases in catsNoncontagious diseases in cats are often the result of improper care, a congenital factor or neglected infection. In the first case, it can be a constant deficiency of important micronutrients in the food, uncontrolled diet, overheating or hypothermia. In the second, the animal is initially born, for example, with a heart defect or predisposed to disease due to its breed.As for infections, internal pathologies are considered a secondary factor, when viruses, bacteria or fungi disrupt organ function.Diseases of the cardiovascular systemThe most common cardiovascular diseases in cats include arrhythmias, pericarditis, congenital defects, heart failure, vasculitis and aneurysm. Breeds such as Sphynxes, Maine Coons and Brits often have congenital myocardial hypertrophy (thickening of the heart muscle).Respiratory system diseasesThe main cause of respiratory system diseases in cats are considered infections or helminths, but the trigger can also be cardiovascular pathologies, injuries, foreign body ingress into the airways and genetics.The most common diseases are rhinitis, sinusitis, bronchitis, pneumonia and tumors. Diseases of the digestive systemDiseases can affect different areas: oral cavity (stomatitis, pharyngitis), esophagus (obstruction or tumor), stomach (gastritis, ulcers), small and large intestine (constipation, atony, colitis), rectum (inflammation, tumor), liver (hepatosis, cholecystitis, hepatitis) and others. The first symptoms that signal abnormalities of the digestive system are vomiting and diarrhea.Skin diseasesSkin diseases in cats usually appear in the form of spots, The causes are varied, but the most common are parasites, which are carriers of infections. The causes of pathology are varied, but the most common are parasites, which are carriers of infections.In addition, skin diseases can be hereditary and congenital (e.g., pigmentation disorders), as well as metabolic, immune and endocrine.Muscle DiseasesMuscle tissue diseases can be harmless (a small sprain) or more serious. The most severe pathology is myositis – a disease that is accompanied by severe pain, fatigue and limitation in movement. Myositis can be of different forms: rheumatic, purulent and eosinophilic (affects only the muscles of the jaw and neck).Causes of muscle diseases can be malignant tumors, infectious diseases, worm infestations, hypothermia, autoimmune failure and so on.Dental diseasesCaries, periodontitis, gingivitis, tartar and others are diseases that can bother not only people, but also cats. Lack of dental care, vitamin deficiencies, and improper nutrition are the most common causes of abnormalities. Diseases can also be caused by infections and genetics.Common symptoms of disorders are bad breath, discolored teeth, red gums, pain (the animal meows pitifully, rubs its face and behaves restlessly).Ear DiseasesThe most common ear diseases include otodectosis – an ear mite infection that causes severe itching and abnormal discharge from the ear canal. This is usually avoided by a simple and regular treatment against parasites. The same can't be said for otitis media, which can be the result of an advanced infection.Eye DiseaseThe most common disease is conjunctivitis, which is accompanied by swelling, lacrimation and difficulty in opening the eyelids. It can be caused by trauma, infection, or poisoning. Ignoring these symptoms may cause deterioration or even loss of vision.UrolithiasisBlood in the cat's urine often signals urolithiasis, which is characterized by the formation of sand or stones in the bladder. With it a pet often or, conversely, rarely goes to the litter box, go to the toilet much longer than before. The cat meows miserably or behaves anxiously, especially before going to the toilet.Tail DiseaseTail Disease is often a problem of past injuries. The cat may have been pinched, bitten or accidentally stepped on, after which there is inflammation, pain and sores in the area of the injury. Less often, abnormalities of the tail – a sign of a lack of calcium in the body or infection with lichen.Surgical diseases of cats – the peculiarity of surgical diseases of cats – the need for surgical intervention, when other ways of assistance do not bring positive results.InjuriesThe most common surgical diseases of cats include injuries – fractures, cracks, dislocations, severe bruises, burns and so on. To understand that the animal is injured, it's easy enough to limp, lethargy, meow complaining, refusal to eat and decreased activity up to constant sleep. Serious injuries cannot be treated at home, but an X-ray and a veterinarian at the clinic help with bandages or a cast are necessary. Joint and bone ailments Joint and bone ailments can be caused not only by injuries, but also by conditions such as arthritis (joint inflammation), periostitis (inflammation of the periosteum), bone necrosis (tissue death) and others. Often pathologies of the joints and bones are accompanied by an infection with pus, which requires prompt assistance.TumorsTumorsTumors are pathological new growths in the cat's body, which can be caused by viruses, neglected inflammatory processes, hormonal failures or heredity. When the disease cannot be treated with medication, surgery allows it if the lesion areas are few and can be safely excised.Obstetrics and diseases of the reproductive systemEven spaying and neutering do not provide insurance against diseases of the genital organs in animals.Heifer disturbanceHormonal failure is the main cause of cat heifers. The reasons may lie in the lack of communication between the cat and the males, inflammatory diseases, lack of light (it has been proven that the length of the daylight hours affects the sexual cycle of the animal) and so on.Post-castration complicationsThe spaying and neutering of a pet can be complicated by urolithiasis, infection, obesity or stress. It is important to understand that surgery to the genital system is a risk to the health of the pet in any case. The hormonal background undergoes changes, and with it other organs. Therefore, before surgery, the doctor should assess the patient's condition and, if necessary, cancel the procedure.Termination of pregnancySelf-induced abortion is a consequence of an infection, stress or a genetic factor in the cat. Rhinotracheitis viruses, bacteria (streptococci, staphylococci, mycoplasma) most often lead to fetal death. Sometimes an artificial termination of pregnancy is needed for indications – abnormalities, insufficient placenta or uterine abnormalities that will not allow the cat to bear and give birth successfully.False pregnancy "False" pregnancy in a cat is a pathological condition that is difficult to distinguish from a true pregnancy. The animal's body weight and abdominal volume increase, the mammary glands swell, and its appetite increases. This condition is not dangerous in a single case, but if it does not go away or occurs every time after the heat – it is a reason to consult a veterinarian, as the cause may be a hormonal failure or mental disorders.Postpartum pathologyThe most frequent pathologies of the postpartum period include pyometra, mastitis and eclampsia.Pyometra – purulent inflammation of the uterus in cats, which often occurs after childbirth. Causes can include hormonal malfunctions (taking medications, progesterone spikes), as well as bacterial infections and difficult deliveries after which severe damage is observed.Mastitis is an inflammatory process in the mammary glands. It can be triggered by trauma, stagnant milk (if kittens were weaned early), hormonal disorders, as well as hypothermia and reduced immunity.Eclampsia – a lack of calcium in the cat's body, which is associated with lactation and metabolic disorders. If the animal is faced with this disease, the general condition is accompanied by drooling and dilated pupils.Contagious diseases for humansCats are animals that are considered members of the family. But it is worth remembering that they can also be a source of danger to humans due to the fact that they carry various contagious diseases: shingles, helminthiasis, toxoplasmosis, salmonellosis, rabies and even tuberculosis. To minimize the risk, it is important to show the cat to the doctor regularly and have it treated for parasites.SignsThere are certain methods of diagnosis and treatment for each cat disease. But the first person who can notice a pet's ill health at the earliest stage is the owner. Its task is to closely monitor the condition of the pet and visit the doctor in time.In addition, according to the doctor, the pet's hair becomes disheveled and dull as the cat stops taking care of itself due to ill health.Another important indicator of a cat's health is appetite. Cats are animals whose physiology involves a constant state of satiety. If the pet is not eating, something is going wrong and it is worth seeing a doctor. Hunger for cats is extremely dangerous – even a day without food can lead to the development of fatty degeneration of the liver, and this is a completely different story.The veterinarian also refers to the first signs of disease as discharge from the nose, eyes and itching. Active licking, biting and scratching should alert the pet owner.SymptomsSymptoms of cat diseases are divided into non-specific and specific. The first are of a general nature and are suitable for different in nature diseases. The latter appear only in certain cases, indicating a specific pathology.Non-specific include:Specific symptoms depend on the place of development of the pathology. If it is an eye disease, the animal is disturbed by swollen eyelids and lacrimation, if it is a disease of the genitourinary system, blood in the urine is attached, if the gastrointestinal diseases, blood in the stool and so on.DiagnosisAn appointment at the clinic, the diagnostic process includes:TreatmentBefore starting a course of certain drugs, you need to get the recommendation of the veterinarian – this is in the case if there is no possibility to visit the clinic. The best option – to go to the institution together with the pet, so that he was fully examined and prescribed a comprehensive treatment.Novocain therapyNovocain blockade is used in the complex treatment of inflammatory processes in cats. The drug is used for local anesthesia and to dissolve other medications, so it is effective in the treatment of gynecological, surgical and infectious diseases.Euthanasia productsWhen treatment fails and the animal is in agony, the veterinarian may offer the pet owner the only option – euthanasia. A quick and painless death can be the best solution to get the cat out of unbearable pain and suffering. For this purpose the preparations Lidocaine and Magnesium Sulfate in a special dosage are usually used. Putting an animal to sleep this way happens in a few minutes and is considered the most humane.PreventionGeneral recommendations for preventing diseases in cats shared with RIA Novosti Marina Dubovikova: In addition, the veterinarian recommends keeping a balanced diet and not to miss routine examinations with a clinical examination by a doctor.

Signs that your cat is sick.

By the time you notice something is wrong with your cat, the disease takes longer to develop than you think. To detect the disease early, pay attention to even the slightest change in behavior! Pay attention to what is abnormal for cats in general and what indicates any abnormality. Never ignore obvious signs of illness. If in any doubt, ask your veterinarian for advice.

Here are the most obvious signs of illness and/or abnormalities in your purrfect cat:

Loss of appetite may not be related to the cat's health problem, but it still shouldn't be ignored. If your cat occasionally skips meals, but mostly eats normally, you should monitor the situation closely. If your cat stops eating completely or eats very little, you should see your veterinarian as in all other cases. Remember: not taking even a few days can lead to a serious problem called liver lipidosis.

Increased appetite can also be a cause for concern, especially if it appears suddenly in an older cat.
Hypothyroidism may be the explanation, but tests should be taken to be sure of its presence or absence. Increased appetite should not be ignored, even in young cats. Even if the disease is not confirmed, it can lead to overeating and obesity.

You should always pay attention to weight changes in cats, whether it's gain or loss. Both can be a sign of a serious health problem. Remember that even without disease as a cause, weight gain over time is detrimental to health. If you don't know your cat's optimal weight, make an appointment with your veterinarian to check your purr's weight for dystrophy or obesity.

Increased thirst can tell you a lot about a cat's health. Most often it indicates problems with the kidneys or the urinary tract. Many owners do not even pay attention to how much water their cats drink. So if you start noticing your cat near a plate of water more often than before, that's a reason to be concerned about his health.

Emergencies.

Certain situations require IMMEDIATE action. You should urgently go to the vet or call the vet when any of the following happen to your cat. Keep information on the vets closest to you on hand in case you need immediate professional help.

• Trauma (such as falling from a height or being hit by a car)
• Difficulty breathing
• Gums turning blue, white or very pale
• Shortness of breath
• Collapse, loss of consciousness
• Seizure
• Dizziness
• Loss of ability to walk
• Excessive bleeding
• Exposure to a poisonous substance
• Severe pain (evidenced, for example, by loud screaming or aggressive behavior when touched)
• High body temperature

If you notice something that bothers your cat, then remember it's best to reassure yourself. At the very least, you can call your veterinarian for a consultation.

Nasal oozing

Mucus secretion is produced by specific glands and is necessary to deactivate and expel pathogens from the respiratory tract as quickly as possible along with dead white blood cells.

With a severe runny nose, the mucous secretion clogs the nasal passages. This causes the cat to be forced to breathe by opening its mouth. But open breathing with only the mouth is a serious symptom that requires the owner to immediately go to the veterinary clinic.

When a pet has a cold infection, the mucus secreted is clear and has a low viscosity percentage. Changes in mucus color, consistency and appearance (such as bloody or pus-like snot) means that the cat does not have a cold at all. It is a dangerous symptom, the cause of which can only be determined by a veterinarian in the hospital.

It is not uncommon in cats with colds to have lacrimation. Such a set of symptoms can be regarded as the development of an allergic reaction. Therefore, it is important to make an accurate diagnosis and develop an individualized treatment. In outdoor cats, the common cold is not manifested by redness of the mucous membrane of the eyes. However, red eyelids mistaken for a cold can be a sign of high blood pressure.

Coughing and wheezing

An accumulation of mucus in the respiratory tract and an inflammatory process caused by viruses or bacteria lead to an increase in the activity of defense mechanisms. These defense mechanisms are sneezing and coughing. With these reactions, the body gets rid of mucus by clearing the airways.

It is important to remember that if the cat sneezes, but there is adhesions of pus, blood or exudate on the muzzle, then the pathology is much more serious than it may seem. Treatment will need to include immunomodulators or antibiotics.

Movement disorders

The sick animal is sedentary and inactive and has a wobbly gait and an inability to jump on taller objects (sofa, chair, window sill).

Bone fractures, dislocated joints, sprains and neuritis are characterized by lameness of various degrees – from barely noticeable to complete loss of the function of the limb, when the cat simply does not stand on its foot.

Hind limb paralysis can be caused by severe intoxication, pelvic and spinal trauma, spinal and brain tumors, functional brain disorders.

Seizures with clonic and/or tonic seizures are associated with the occurrence of a pathological focus of excitation in a particular area of the brain, and may be due to epilepsy, poisoning, high or low blood glucose levels, serious liver and kidney dysfunction.

Respiratory problems

Cats do not catch colds, as it is commonly believed among zoologists, so rapid breathing, open-mouth breathing, shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing indicate serious physiological disorders or infection.

In particular, young and unvaccinated pets can be suspected of a dangerous viral disease – panleukopenia. Respiratory problems in older animals are often associated with congestion in the small circulatory system, indicating cardiac problems. At a certain stage of helminth development, numerous tiny larvae attack the lungs, which provokes coughing in a reflexive attempt to get rid of the irritant.

Some murkies are prone to aspiration allergies, in which case the ingested allergen causes inflammation of the respiratory mucosa, leading to allergic rhinitis, tracheitis, bronchitis and even bronchial asthma.

The discharge from the nostrils and eyes may be watery, mucous or purulent, and is a symptom of an infectious disease, allergy or the presence of worms. Bloody discharge is characteristic of acute trauma or a tumor process in the decay stage.

"Dirty" ears are also a very unpleasant signal. The cat shakes its head, scratches and rubs the ear with its paw, holds the affected ear on its side. The most common cause of otitis media is bacterial, allergic, parasitic (ear mite) or fungal. Thus, in order to prescribe the right treatment, it is necessary to establish the cause. Note that neglected chronic otitis media is very difficult to treat.

A cat has a wet muzzle (but has not drunk water).

If the cat is leaking from the nose and eyes, this may be a sign of an upper respiratory tract infection. The feline cold is similar in symptoms to the human cold. In most cases, the pet tolerates it easily, although a trip to the veterinary clinic is not unreasonable. Sometimes the cold leads to dangerous secondary infections, such as pneumonia. Especially carefully monitor the condition of kittens and older cats. Also allergic irritation with the same symptoms are caused by fleas.

In addition, the muzzle may be wet because of increased salivation . This happens if the cat is poisoned and vomits. And if you don't see other symptoms, such as vomiting or diarrhea, excessive saliva accumulation can signal problems with the glands, teeth, gums and even the kidneys.

A cat won't stop vomiting

Sometimes animals vomit when they overeat and regurgitate their fur. If this happens sporadically, there is no cause for concern. You can give food in small portions so that the hungry pet does not sweep it off the plate. And regular brushing and special food will help him deal with hair clumps.

Severe vomiting may be a symptom of allergies, gut inflammation, kidney disease or even cancer. Do not expect the problem to go away by itself: even with trivial poisoning, the animal's body dehydrates. Before taking your furry pet to the clinic, write down the frequency and color of discharge. This will help the doctor to diagnose the problem.

High fever

The normal temperature for a cat is 37-39°, and the larger the animal, the lower it is. Fever occurs for a variety of reasons and can be associated with a variety of symptoms. It is often caused by infectious diseases, including deadly ones:

• Distemper, or panleukopenia (other symptoms include liquid stools and vomiting, skin inflammation);
• Calcivirosis (discharge from eyes and nose, salivation, skin lesions);
• Rhinotracheitis (cough, runny nose, shortness of breath, ulcers on the tongue and cornea);
• Chlamydia (similar symptoms);
• Salmonellosis (vomiting and salivation, diarrhea, seizures).

Diseases are especially dangerous for kittens, but adult animals should be treated as soon as possible.

Lumps, swellings and ulcers on the body

Tumors on or under the skin, obscure spots and ulcers are symptoms of cancer. Their other signs are nonspecific: lethargy, loss of appetite, weight loss. In cats, cancer proceeds quickly, so a timely visit to the veterinary clinic is very important.

Each cat is individual, and there are many causes of ailments. It is impossible to cover all symptoms in one article. If you notice anything suspicious in your pet's behavior or appearance, have him checked by a veterinarian. May your tails be healthy!

Sick cat's nose

There is an opinion that the nose of a sick cat should be dry and hot. This is not true. During deep sleep, cats do not moisten the lobe of the nose, and it becomes warm and dry. But, nevertheless, when cats have a high fever their nasal lobe does become not just dry and warm, but overdry (sometimes there are even cracks and the nose becomes sort of flaky) and hot. Therefore, it is impossible to determine the state of health of a cat by its nose alone.

All diseases have certain symptom complexes. Therefore, if a cat shows one of the signs, there is no need to go to the vet urgently. You can postpone the visit to the clinic for a while and observe the cat. But cats are animals with a fast metabolism, so many diseases, often of infectious etiology (origin) in them develop quickly.

Such cat diseases require immediate medical attention and are characterized by the following signs:

• Significant (often persistent) changes in body temperature;
• Persistent vomiting and/or diarrhea;
• dehydration;
• intoxication (weakness, lethargy, apathy, lack of appetite);
• neurological abnormalities (disorientation, fainting, paralysis/semiparalysis);
• blood in urine and/or feces;
• purulent, hemorrhagic discharge from nose, eyes, genitals;
• eye, head injuries;
• "enlarged" third eyelid;
• extensive wounds or other skin injuries;
• profuse salivation;
• bloating of the abdomen;
• difficulty breathing; coughing;
• Itching and/or a foul-smelling odor in the ear canals;
• Profuse bleeding of various origins.

What to do if the cat is sick

If you suspect that the cat is not feeling well, you should go to the veterinarian. Experienced owners can give first aid to their cat themselves. But if you are skilled in care and maintenance it is better not to risk the health of the cat, because self-treatment can have the opposite effect and the cat will have to be ill for longer. How long the cat will not feel well depends directly on the owner.

It is always necessary to observe the pets. For an owner who knows well the behavioral habits and favorite habits of his cat, it will not be difficult to notice changes in his well-being.

If this is the case, you will need to explain in detail what has changed in the cat's behavior when you visit the veterinarian at the clinic. This will help the specialist to make an accurate diagnosis much faster. And timely initiated treatment is half the success.

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