Do you have a chatty cat? Whether your pet is quiet or talkative, Fluffy probably doesn’t have trouble letting you know when she wants food or attention, or when she wants you to play with her. Your kitty may not be quite so forthcoming when it comes to being ill, however. In fact, your feline pal may very well try to hide signs of illness. Therefore, it’s very important for people with cats to know what to look for. In this article from Fairfield Animal Hospital, a local Cy-Fair vet lists some common symptoms of sickness in kitties.

Poor Grooming

Kitties take their beauty regimens very seriously. Fluffy may spend a good chunk of the day grooming herself and making sure that her fur is soft and shiny for her next nap. Just like people, cats don’t always feel up to their regular routines when they are sick, however. Unkempt, greasy, or matted fur is a definite red flag.

Lack Of Appetite

We all know that Fluffy can be, well, a bit fussy about her food. (Note: this is because cats naturally avoid anything that smells even slightly off.) However, if your furball simply doesn’t like what you put in her bowl, she should demand that you replace it right meow. A kitty that isn’t interested in food at all, on the other hand, may be ill. Increased appetite and/or changes in water consumption can also be warning signs.

Litterbox Issues

Cats are very clean by nature. The fact that Fluffy will discretely use her litterbox to do her business is definitely a plus for her owners! If your feline pal starts avoiding her private powder room, or seems to be having trouble going, she could be sick.

Grumpiness

Being sick certainly doesn’t do much for Fluffy’s mood. Although some kitties are naturally furry little curmudgeons, if your furball starts acting unusually cranky and withdrawn, she could be ill.

Vomiting

While the occasional hairball may be par for the course with cats, excessive or frequent vomiting is definitely a red flag.

Unusual Behavior/Vocalizations

Keep an eye out for any changes in Fluffy’s day-to-day appearance, behavior, or vocalizations. Anything that seems out of character could be a sign of sickness. Please contact Fairfield Animal Hospital, your local Cy-Fair animal clinic, if your cat has any of these symptoms. We are always here to help!