7 Signs Your Cat Needs Medical Attention

A cat is a very independent creature, and it does not always show signs of illness or injury. The signs that your cat is ill can be difficult to recognize. Although cats are experts at hiding illness, some symptoms cannot be hidden. Most cats get sick once a year and their illness can last for several weeks but sometimes, these symptoms aren't visible for up to three weeks or more.

This is why you should pay attention to other symptoms of illness. In this article, I'm going to tell you seven common signs of illness in cats and it could be an indication that your cat needs medical attention.

Bad Breath

Your cat's breath is important because it is a window into its overall health. Some diseases and conditions cause a change in the structure of a cat's mouth, which can cause them to breathe abnormally.

This can occur due to a variety of causes, including dental disease, inflammation of the larynx (voice box), and tumors. Some cats will also have a change in their breath due to behavioral issues, stress, or diet changes.

Your cat's breath should not smell bad, and it should not have a foul odor coming from its mouth. If your cat's breath suddenly begins to smell bad, it may have a medical problem that needs to be addressed. If your cat's breath is extremely foul, it may have oral cancer or a condition called laryngotracheitis (throat stench).

Swelling

Cats commonly experience allergic reactions that produce swelling and dermatitis (an allergic reaction in the skin). It is also possible for a cat to experience sudden swelling due to other conditions.

Some of these conditions are kidney disease and a blood clot in the wall of the urinary tract. Cats that have arthritis or certain types of inflammatory bone diseases can also experience swelling as part of the condition.

If your cat is suddenly experiencing swelling, contact your veterinarian. Allergy medication may be used to treat swelling caused by an allergic reaction. Non-allergic swelling may be treated with oral pain medication or an anti-inflammatory injection.

Discharge From Eyes or Nose

Some medical conditions cause discharge from the eyes or nose. This may indicate that your cat has an infection of some sort or that they are having an allergic reaction.

Sometimes it's common to have black boogers coming out from the cat nasal. This can be caused by viral or bacterial infections, which are some of the most common conditions.

To properly diagnose your cat, your veterinarian will take a sample of the discharge to analyze. This will help your veterinarian figure out what is causing the problems so that they can treat the problem effectively.

Personality Changes

Do you notice that your cat is suddenly exhibiting aggression that it never showed before? Do you notice that they aren't interested in the activities they used to enjoy? Your cat may be suffering from depression or anxiety if he or she exhibits these changes.

In both cases, your cat may seem depressed or anxious because they are trying to tell you that they are not feeling well. Personality changes are often symptoms of medical conditions, such as a change in hormone levels or organ damage.

If your cat is exhibiting extreme moodiness, it may be suffering from a behavioral disorder such as obsessive-compulsive disorder or a more serious condition like cancer.

Skin Irritation or Hair Loss

Cats are very clean animals and will often groom themselves to keep their skin looking nice. If the hair on your cat suddenly begins to shed, it may be a sign of an infection. You should be aware that this does not indicate that your cat has a disease like cancer. A possible cause of their illness is an infection.

The next step is to figure out what caused the irritation or infection so that it can be treated. If your cat's skin suddenly becomes irritated or inflamed, it may have a bacterial or yeast infection.

Skin infections may also be caused by fleas or toxic substances in your environment. To treat a bacterial infection, your vet may prescribe an antibiotic. A topical antifungal can be used to treat yeast infections.

Changes in Urination

If your cat is suddenly urinating outside of the box, it may have a medical condition that causes them to urinate outside the box. Some of the more common causes of this problem include a blockage in the urinary tract, damage to the pelvic bones (causing incontinence), and urethral sphincter damage (caustic or foreign objects in the urethra or bladder).

To properly diagnose your cat, your veterinarian will take a sample of the urine to determine what is causing the blockage or damage. This can be done with an X-ray or by inserting a tube into the urethra to collect the urine.

If your cat is urinating everywhere and it is not due to a medical condition, it may just be marking its territory. A behavioral intervention can help to remedy this.

Vomiting

Some medical conditions cause your cat to vomit. The most common causes of this are gastrointestinal tumors and diseases that affect the nerves that control the movement of food in the gastrointestinal tract (gut motility disorders).

To properly diagnose your cat, your veterinarian will perform some tests to determine one of these conditions. These tests may include an x-ray of the gastrointestinal tract, a biopsy of the stomach or intestines, and/or a blood test.

If your cat is experiencing frequent vomiting. Your cat may need to be hospitalized for treatment, but some types of vomiting may be short-term and require only supportive care.

Conclusion

Cats are like family members to pet owners, and it is important to keep up with their regular check-ups. Although your cat may seem fine when they are healthy, it’s crucial to be aware of the symptoms of illness in case they do need medical attention.

Note that these are only a few general guidelines. If your cat seems to be experiencing a serious medical problem, it is important to contact your veterinarian.