Cat Sneezing With Other Symptoms
Cat sneezing in conjunction with other signs is common but doesnt always help us narrow down the cause.
Cat sneezing along with wheezing can suggest concurrent lower respiratory disease.
If a cat is coughing and sneezing, it typically means that its primarily an upper respiratory process with postnasal drip irritating the throat.
If you see nasal discharge, especially with blood or pus-colored mucus, make a note or take a picture before cleaning your cats face, as this can help narrow down the causes. Be sure to clean your cats face, as it causes discomfort for your cat.
Chronic nosebleeds raise the concern for cancer, especially in older cats, but this association is not definitive.
What Eye Changes May Be Present In A Sick Cat
Droopy eyelids, discharges that are green, yellow, or white, squinting, pupils that are dilated or constricted, or anisocoria (one pupil dilated and the other constricted are all signs that something is amiss. Cats that are sick often have elevated third eyelids the third eyelid is located beneath the lower eyelid and in a sick cat it will cover part of the eyeball. Any abnormality with the eyes can result in blindness if in doubt at all, DO NOT DELAY – see your veterinarian.
Why Is My Cat Not Eating And Lethargic
Why Is My Cat Not Eating And Lethargic? Loss of appetite is one of the key indicators that something is wrong. So be sure to pay attention if your cat suddenly stops eating. A number of different conditions may be responsible, including infections, kidney failure, pancreatitis, intestinal problems, and cancer.
People joke about cats and their finicky eating habits, but its actually a serious issue if your cat wont eat. If your veterinarian has determined that your cat is not physically sick, then anxiety or depression could be the reason your cat wont eat. Even if youre trying to make your cat eat a doctor-prescribed diet, never starve your cat into eating a certain type of food. If your cat has been eating human food exclusively, be sure to transition your pet over several weeks by mixing together your pets favorite people food with cat food.
What do you do if your cat is not feeling well? Bring your cat to a vet immediately. Changes in breathing like wheezing, rapid breathing, shortness of breath, and raspy breathing should never be ignored. If your cat is not breathing normally, it may be best to go to an emergency clinic. If the signs are very mild, see your regular veterinarian as soon as possible.
You May Like: Is Lavender Toxic To Cats
Why Your Cat Wont Eat
Illness. Loss of appetite is one of the key indicators that something is wrong. So be sure to pay attention if your cat suddenly stops eating. A number of different conditions may be responsible, including infections, kidney failure, pancreatitis, intestinal problems, and cancer. But it isnt always serious — something as simple as a toothache can make your cat stop eating.
Recent vaccination. Did you notice your cats loss of appetite shortly after you took it to the vet for routine vaccinations? If so, the reason your cat wont eat may be an adverse reaction to the shots. Although vaccines have been lifesavers for millions of animals, they do cause side effects in some. Loss of appetite is among the more common of these side effects, which are usually temporary and mild.
Travel and unfamiliar surroundings. Like many people, many cats are creatures of habit. So a change in routine can result in a loss of appetite. Additionally, some animals experience motion sickness when traveling by car or plane, which can lead to nausea and a refusal to eat.
Continued
Cat Sleeping Positions When Sick
Lethargy is a common symptom of many feline illnesses. While senior cats will naturally want to rest for longer than a young adult cat, the sleeping position assumed could be a sign of sickness.
Curling in a ball or adopting the fetal position suggests that your cat is struggling to stay warm. A cat on its side may be finding it hard to breathe or be attempting to relieve pressure on aching joints. Sleeping on the back can imply feelings of vulnerability, so the cat wants quick access to its claws for self-defense.
It is hard to diagnose illness by sleeping position alone. Cats sleep in a range of poses, many of which look uncomfortable. Accompanied by the physical symptoms of illness, a cats sleeping position can reveal what ails it.
You May Like: Umbrella Plant Toxic
Symptoms Of A Sick Cat
Cats, like many animals, are remarkably good at hiding their discomfort when they are ill. In fact, signs of illness may not be obvious until your cat is feeling very unwell. That’s why it’s important to visit your Bartlett vet as soon as possible if you notice any of the following signs or symptoms:
- Constricted or dilated pupils
- No inclination to play or appearing lethargic
- Much less or much more vocal than usual
- Sudden changes in appetite, drinking, or eating habits
- Noticeable weight loss or gain
- Rapid breathing or shortness of breath
- Neglecting grooming or over-grooming
- Improper use of litter box
- Limping or injuries
- Discharge from eyes or nose
- Hair loss or skin irritation
- Hiding
What Changes Would I See In Coat Appearance And Amount Of Shedding
Cats that are not feeling well do not tend to groom themselves very well. Therefore, you will usually see a messy or greasy coat, mats of fur, or clumps of loose hair. In some cases, you will see a difference in the coats shine or an increased amount of dandruff.
Cats that are grooming themselves excessively may also have a problem. Excessive grooming may be a reaction to a skin problem such as allergies, a parasite such as fleas, mites or ringworm, pain such as that from arthritis or a bladder problem, or a response to stress. These cats might over-groom on all parts of their body, or they may lick themselves in one area so much that they develop bald spots and the skin beneath may be red and raw or may have a rash.
Also Check: Blue Buffalo Dry Cat Food
A Playful Kitten Turns Into A Lethargic Creature
Q-What would cause a sudden and total personality change in our 4-month-old kitten? We brought Cheese home about two months ago. After a 10-day adjustment period for our other cat, 7-year-old Macaroni, the two hit it off beautifully. Mac really enjoyed the kitten`s company and she his.
Then about two weeks ago, right around the time of a fierce thunderstorm, the kitten changed from a playful, lovable pal to a withdrawn, lethargic pile of fur. She also developed a pica . The kitten doesn`t appear to be sick in any other way, and her eating and litter habits haven`t changed. Our vet said the problem appeared to be psychological. That seems like bunk to me. What could be the matter?
A-I agree with you. There`s nothing about this kitten`s behavior that indicates the problem is purely psychological. It`s possible her behavior is the result of a physical problem. For example, the pica your kitten has developed has been seen in cats with anemia, feline leukemia and liver disease. So, though pica behavior is not always based on a physical problem, it certainly can be and therefore should be investigated.
I strongly recommend not speaking to another vet on the phone about this. Instead, take the kitten in for a thorough exam and basic laboratory tests: a blood count, test for feline leukemia and feline infectious peritonitis, a chemistry profile, and a stool check for intestinal parasites.
———-
Can A Kitten With Ch Walk On Its Own
The severity of a kittens CH can vary greatly even among litter mates. While some cats may only have a slightly impacted gait, others may have significant trouble getting around, if theyre able to walk at all. Its important to remember that the cat isnt sick, weak or hurt shes simply uncoordinated.
These are all signs of winding down. Older cats exercise less and sleep more, they groom less thoroughly and less often. They lose their appetites. The early stages of this decline are so gradual that owners may not notice it.
Recommended Reading: Blue Buffalo Veterinary Diets
Symptoms Of A Lethargic Cat
It’s important to recognize lethargy compared to the normal sleep behavior of a cat. Cats should be able to wake easily and have active periods during the day. Some symptoms you should look for include:
- A listless or drowsy disposition when awake
- A marked decrease in normal active behavior like playing, roaming, and grooming
- Lack of appetite and weight loss as well as diarrhea and vomiting
- Weak physical movements and possibly tremors
- Unusual shyness and hiding
- An overall difference in how your cat behaves
Emergency Situations And Your Cat
Certain situations may be considered urgent. You shouldn’t wait for an appointment at your vet when your cat is experiencing an emergency. Keep information about after-hours veterinarians handy in case you need to rush to one. If you see the signs of an emergency, do not delay. Go to the closest open veterinarian immediately.
- Trauma
- Difficulty breathing
- Gums that are blue, white, or very pale
- Collapse, unconsciousness, or unresponsiveness
- Exposure to a poisonous substance
- Severe pain
- Body temperature over 104 or under 99
- Hasn’t eaten properly in 24 hours
If you notice anything else your cat does that worries you, it’s better to be safe than sorry. You can call your vet or the emergency vet if you need help deciding if something is an emergency.
Read Also: Blue Wilderness Mature Cat Food
Reasons Why Your Cat Is Vomiting
Cats can eat too much food or too fast, especially if they face competition for a meal from another pet. However, a cat that vomits and has no interest in eating or drinking for more than 24 hours is far more concerning.
Constipated cats will vomit and lose their appetite. Allergic reactions, toxin consumption, gastritis, and kidney disease can also lead to a loss of appetite and cause vomiting. Other medical explanations include pancreatitis, respiratory infections, or tumors. Your cat could also be experiencing adverse side effects from vaccines, medicine, or surgery.
Vomiting isnt always a sign of ill health. If the cat behaves normally and does not vomit again within 24 hours, it may have a hairball, have consumed soiled food, or have eaten its meal too quickly.
Theyve Ingested Something Poisonous
This is particularly likely to happen in the summertime if your dog gets into your garage or shed and ingests chemicals from lawn supplies or fertilizers that can be toxic.
Likelier still are things that we can consume without problems that are potentially deadly to dogs, like garlic, onions, and Ibuprofen, Williams said. If you notice a change in your dogs energy level or behavior immediately after cooking something with these ingredients or reaching for the Advil and leaving the bottle out, your pet should be examined by a veterinarian immediately.
Image:Mary Lynn Strand /Shutterstock
You May Like: How Cold Can Cats Be Outside
What Happens To A Cat In Old Age
As a cat approaches old age, age-related diseases become commonplace. While some cats may die very suddenly, many age-related diseases are slow and progressive and can be managed with veterinary care over a long period of time. Eventually, the cat will move into the late stages of the disease and pass into the dying phase.
Does He Have Diarrhea Or Constipation
Diarrhea can result from nervousness, a change in diet or water, food sensitivities, intestinal parasites, infections, poisoning or many illnesses. Watery diarrhea, diarrhea with blood, or diarrhea accompanied by vomiting or other signs of illness warrants a call to the veterinarian. Cats commonly become constipated. They may strain to defecate cry or meow in the litterbox pass only small, hard feces or pass small amounts of watery feces. Examine your cat’s litterbox to make sure he’s defecating as he should be.
Don’t Miss: When A Cat Head Bumps You
Your Cat Has Changes In Activity
According to The Cat Hospital, if you notice a change in your cat’s activity level, either an increase or a decrease, it may be an indication the cat is not feeling well. If you notice your cat is reluctant to jump up on things that were easy for her to reach before, or she seems to be jumping differently, there could be a medical reason. A noticeable change in the cat’s gait could also be a sign of a sick cat.
What If My Cat Keeps Sneezing
It depends on the cause. If it is an isolated episode of cat sneezing, the issue is likely to go away and not return.
If your cat starts sneezing suddenly and it lasts several days, there is a possibility that the issue will resolve, but treatment will likely be needed.
If your cat suffers from chronic sneezing, however, they will likely be sneezing intermittently for the rest of their life. Persistence of sneezing to a chronic state substantially raises the odds that an underlying disease process is at play.
Also Check: How To Stop Cat From Scratching Door
Protracted Vomiting And/or Diarrhea
This is among the cat emergencies that require immediate veterinary attention, especially when blood is present. Almost all cats occasionally yak or have soft stools, and such incidents usually arent emergencies. But cats who vomit repeatedly or have blowout diarrhea should see the vet immediately.
Cat Sleeping With Eyes Open
Cats appearing to sleep with one eye open is a common occurrence. Your cat is genuinely sleeping. Cats have a transparent third eyelid that closes.
The purpose of this is so a cat can stayalert. The cats peripheral vision will still capture potential threats.Equally, the cat can react faster upon waking up. The cat was not in a deepsleep and will thus not be groggy.
Sick cats often sleep with their eyes open. Cats with urinary infections will want to make a rapid trip to the litter box. Cats that struggle for breath will be concerned about falling asleep too deeply. Keeping the eyes open ensures the sleep never gets further than a light nap.
If your cat adopts a variety of sleeping positions, its likely to be fine. One sleeping position at all times can suggest that a cat is sick.
Don’t Miss: What Does It Mean When Your Cat Headbutt You
Why Does My Cat Have A Lot Of Eye Discharge
Watery eyes or other eye discharge can be a sign that your cat has an eye infection. Respiratory infections and eye infections can cause a cat to be lethargic and not eating with eye discharge. Sometimes, these infections go away on their own, and sometimes, they need medical attention.
Watery eyes or other eye discharge can be a sign that your cat has an eye infection. Respiratory infections and eye infections can cause a cat to be lethargic and not eating with eye discharge. Sometimes, these infections go away on their own, and sometimes, they need medical attention.
How Long Does It Take For An Old Cat To Die
However, it will be the frequency and severity of these conditions that determine your cats overall state. The Home to Heaven pet hospice service lists several signs that indicate a cat may be within a few days to a few hours of death. These include: Geriatric cats can die from several types of medical conditions.
Also Check: When A Cat Head Bumps You
Why Is My Cat Suddenly Lethargic And Weak
If you have noticed your cat is acting lethargic all of a sudden and potentially shows some of the accompanying symptoms above, something likely is wrong with them. However, you must know precisely what is wrong with your cat so that you can help them get better.
Lethargy is a symptom of a huge range of medical conditions some are minor and need little to no help from you, whereas others are serious and potentially life-threatening.
As such, I have split this section into three: common minor problems common serious conditions and rarer serious conditions.
Knowing When Your Cat Is Sick
No one knows your cat as well as you do. Be sure to watch your cat for subtle changes in behavior that others may not notice take note of any changes to your cat’s usual body language or demeanor.
If something just doesn’t seem right, it’s a good time to take your cat to the vet for a thorough examination, even if your cat isn’t showing any of the symptoms listed above.
Read Also: How To Take A Tick Off A Cat
Theres Been A Major Change In The Household
Bourquin believes that a permanent absence of a loved one either a human or another animal can leave a dog or cat feeling depressed and, thus, lethargic. This can last for a few days or, depending on how close the animal was to the deceased, can change behavior long-term.
Williams said, however, that no scientific study has been conducted regarding a link between behavior changes and the absence of a loved one. If your pet is acting lethargically in other cases of absences, like someone in the family leaving for college, its best to consult with a vet.
Other minor changes in the household, like rearranging a room or switching up where the dog sleeps or eats, should not cause lethargy. Ask yourself: Would a normal animal be distressed by this? If the answer is no, something is wrong, Williams said.
Image:Dmussman/Shutterstock