Six signs that your cat mightn’t be feeling well:
Cats, by their own nature, are often solitary creatures that need naught (nor want naught) from anyone, unless it concerns their lack of food, their amusement, or their full litter tray. However, there are signs to watch out for, signs which can reveal hidden ailments that your furry-friend is instinctually trying to hide.
Let’s go through a few of these signs now!
1. Meow-meow:
In case I hadn’t mentioned it in the past, cats only meow for our benefit. However, if your normally silent cat has suddenly started meowing for all they’re worth, that could be a key sign that they’re not feeling well. For cats that never stop letting you know how they feel, it can be hard to tell if their meowing frequency has increased, so this shouldn’t be used on its own as a symptom of an illness. Remember, only a trained Vet (like us) can properly diagnose a pet!
2. Pet me, pet me not:
Arguably one of the easiest ways to tell if there’s something bothering your feline-friend is if a normal or usual pet or scratch upsets them. This could indicate a sensitivity in the area in which you’ve touched them or perhaps a general discomfort across their whole body. This is especially pertinent if you’re one of the lucky cat owners out there who’s got a boy or girl who loves you as much as you love them!
3. Empty bowl, full bowl:
Many owners think that their cat leaving behind a full bowl of food is a cause for concern, and they’d be right in thinking so. Conversely, a cat emptying their bowl and still looking for more can also be sign that something isn’t quite right with them. Gastro-intestinal issues are often the result of worms and, like any animal, worms require food in order to sustain themselves — thus leaving no sustenance for your cat. If you happen to notice full bowls or empty bowls that are not consistent with your cat’s regular feeding patterns, it may be time to give us a call!
4. Crouching tiger, hidden cat:
Your cat wanting to hide is certainly nothing new. The domesticated feline is an opportunistic hunter and will lie in wait, ready to ambush their prey, or your leg, or your other cat. However, if your cat is spending extended periods of time in a hiding spot or perhaps a different spot than where they’d usually hide, it can be a key sign that there’s something bothering them. This can range from a new or sudden sensitivity or aversion to light, to seeking a place where they can warm their cold bones. Like most signs in our list, this is not a definitive indication that there’s something wrong, but if you notice three or more in your cat it wouldn’t do any harm to schedule a visit to your local Vet.
5. The light, the light!:
As we touched on in our last point, cats will often seek dark or shaded areas if they’re experiencing a sensitivity to light. However, an easier way to confirm an aversion to or an issue with light is to check your cat’s eyes. If both pupils are dilated in a bright room, or if they’re constricted in a dark place, that can be a sign that your cat is experiencing an illness or malady. In the worst of cases, your cat’s pupils may be constricted and dilated at the same time. This is a huge cause for concern and should be addressed by a Vet immediately.
6. 12 angry cats:
Cats come in all shapes, sizes, colours, patterns and, unfortunately, temperaments. If you notice that your normally docile cat has turned into a grouch, a sour-puss or is generally a pain to be around, this can be a good indication that they’re not feeling their usual selves. Alas, this sign really only applies to docile cats, so you’ll have to use some of the other signs on our list for your normally sour paw-pal.
Armed with the information above, you should now be able to recognise the signs of an ill or bothered cat. As we mentioned earlier, one sign alone isn’t really enough of an indication as to your cat’s wellbeing, however, if your cat is displaying more than two of the above it might be time to involve a Vet. If nothing else, you’ll at least get to the bottom of what’s bothering them!
For now, feline-friends, we say ciao!