How to tell if a cat is unwell?

More Than Just a "Grumpy Day": A Vet’s Guide to Spotting a Sick Cat in Australia

By the Pawssum Veterinary Clinical Team

We love felines. These majestic creatures have graced our homes with their mysterious nature. Cats don’t ask for sympathy, nor do they hang around looking sorry for themselves. If they’re not feeling great, they disappear. Millions of years of evolution have made domestic cats masters of the poker face.

This guide will discuss common health complaints and how you can quickly spot the signs. If your feline friend is exhibiting any of the signs below, they might not be having a “grumpy day.” They might need medical attention.

When in Doubt: The “Meatloaf” and the Hiding Spot

If your feline friend is curled up like a meatloaf and hiding, they are not cuddly and playful they are in pain. Cats that aren’t feeling great tend to “hunch.”

If your cat has suddenly shifted from napping on your keyboard to hiding behind the washing machine, it might not be curiosity killing the cat; it might be seeking shelter from what ails them.

Ticks, Heat and Other Common Cat Health Complaints in Australia

As much as we love our cats here in Australia, we need to be mindful of certain cat health complaints unique to this region, such as:

• Ticks: If you’re down near the coast and your cat’s meow is husky or faint, or if they seem a little wobbly, you might have an emergency on your hands. The paralysis tick is a common menace in certain parts of Australia. It’s always best to check their fur regularly for any unwanted hitchhikers.
• Dehydration: Often a result of heatwaves during summer. If your cat is hanging out by the water bowl but not actually drinking much water, they could be feeling nauseous or suffering from kidney issues.

If your cat has stinky breath or is dropping biscuits whilst eating, it could be mouth ulcers or dental pain. Cats should not have stinky breath.

If the cat suddenly starts urinating outside the litter box, they might have a urinary tract infection or kitty litter trauma. If your male cat is straining in the litter box Paws-Off emergency! An urgent trip to the vet might be necessary.

The “Third Eyelid” and Eye Changes

If you spot a white or clear membrane creeping up from the corner of your cat’s eyes (the third eyelid), it’s a sure sign they’re feeling a bit under the weather. Cats’ eyes are sometimes the first thing to give away if they aren’t feeling great.

If you see changes in iris color or cloudiness, don’t wait book an appointment with your local vet straight away!

Your Cat’s Behavior Says It All

Cats may seem aloof to the untrained eye, but feline behavior changes are loud signs of underlying issues.

If your talkative cat has gone quiet or your lazy cat suddenly can’t sit still, there might be something going on under the surface. Cats hate going to the vet because it’s stressful for them; what you get there might not be an accurate picture of their health.

The Best Way To Know If Your Cat Is Unwell

The best way to find out if your feline friend’s health complaint is more than just a “grumpy day” is for a vet to carry out an in-home assessment somewhere your cat feels safe.

A local vet will come equipped with everything they need for health checks and spot any cause for concern that will get your furry friends back on their paws as soon as possible!

Check out the why is my cat vomiting article

A lot of those cases can be found during the Pawssum annual check up

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