It is always the hardest to know when to take your cat to the vet clinic. This is mainly because, as we all know, they don’t have any means of letting you know what is really bothering them or how serious what’s bothering them is. Read on to this article and get to know when to take your cat to vet.
Does your cat seem a bit ‘off’?
Sometimes, it may be difficult to judge whether a cat is in real trouble, and when they are experiencing a fleeting problem. Though your cat may never be able to tell you what is going on directly, you can actually learn to identify the common signs that you cat is not actually doing well, and must already need a vet visit.
Do you observe your cat being a bit off? Well, since you spend lots and lots of time with your cat, you perhaps have a good sense of their usual behavior, how much time they spend in sleeping, how often they eat, and how much interaction they like. Whatever major nonconformity from the oh how your cat commonly behaves is already an indication that there might be some kind of problem, most especially when it lasts for a long period of time. You need to be watchful for the change in the energy level of the cat. In case they become disinterested so suddenly, both in food and in play or your cat hides from you in an unusual manner. Changes in the behavior of the cat may be an indication of an illness.
Below are some signs to know when to take your cat to vet. Keep on scrolling to learn more!
Signs to Know When to Take Your Cat to Vet
Here are some signs to know when to take your cat to vet:
After a major trauma or fight with another animal.
In case your cat is struck by a vehicle, fights with another animal, or experience whatever trauma, paying a visit to the vet is important. Even though your pet seems to be fine, it might have some internal wounds or injuries beneath its fur. An easy tri to the vet for some checkup is worth the time. This is for you to reduce the risk of the infection or some other complications later on.
Discharge from nose or eyes.
The discharge from nose or eyes, specifically when in combination with the shortness of breath, sneezing or panting, may be an indication of a respiratory infection. These particular infections may progress easily when not treated.
Breathing changes, like coughing.
Whatever changes on the respiratory system like coughing, sounds, increase in breathing, and sounds of shallow inhalation. These must be taken in a serious manner. Furthermore, the respiratory conditions may be a symptom of parasites, tumors, exposure to toxins, or respiratory disease.
Unusual growth or a lump.
Bumps or lumps might be perfectly harmless. However, without any examination, it is not possible for anyone to tell. Even though the new growth is benign, it may develop on a particular area, which causes discomfort for the pet.
Dragging back legs.
The aortic thromboembolism is a problem, which may develop in cats that have heart condition. In this particular condition, a blood clot may become blocked at the back legs. This is what causes distress and paralysis. It is necessary to get your cat some medical attention immediately.
Sudden appetite change.
Cats may have a character for being finicky, yet you know too well, what’s normal for your own pet. In case its appetite suddenly changes, with it showing either more or less attention in its food that commonly, it might have some undiagnosed health condition.
Overwhelming fatigue.
A lot of cats are low energy in nature. However, in case your cat becomes wholly sedentary suddenly, goes off by itself to sleep in strange locations, and doesn’t work up eagerness for things it normally enjoys, something might be seriously wrong.
Recurrent vomiting.
Occasional vomiting of hair or food is normal. However, recurrent vomiting may already be an indication that something is extremely wrong. In case your cat keeps on eating and drinking, and use the litter box, call your vet to discuss the symptoms. Nonetheless, if your cat stops to eat, drink, and urinate, it may be considered as a medical emergency.
Abnormal behavior in litter box.
The changes in the habits of a cat in its litter box, specifically in male cats, may be an indication of a serious problem. Further, the urinary obstruction is an illness, which prevents the cat from passing its urine. This might be lethal without any treatments. In case your cat starts urinating outside its litter box so suddenly, crying and training while peeing so little, or starts to groom its genital area unduly, ask your vet or pay a visit immediately.
Obvious distress.
Cats are usually so stoic of an animal. Hence, if your cat seems to be so in distress suddenly, it is already a cause for concern. Crying, hiding, acting, and howling must alert you that something is not right.
In case your cat experiences any of these conditions, go to the nearest vet clinic for proper assistance. Immediate medical attention is necessary. This may help in improving the outcome of the conditions, as well as help your cat feel much better as soon as possible.
Thank you for mentioning appetite change as one of the reasons to take a cat to the vet. My cat used to eat at the exact same times of the day, but it lately hasn’t been eating as much and it’s starting to make me worry. I’ll take this as a sign that I need to find a vet hospital in the area right away before it starts developing a worse condition.
There are suspicious lumps under her arm pit, now she has eruptions behind her ear.I I brush her,I give her full body massages. She has watery eyes and has asthma. We recently added two rescue kittens but they don’t interact. They are in my husbands man cave turned kitten paradise
Thanks for the pointing out that fatigue can be a good enough reason to take my cat to a veterinary cleaning. My cat has been prioritizing sleep over food lately so I’m a bit worried about her. I should take her to the vet while she still has enough energy for that.