Warning Signs Your Cat Is Crying For Help: Seek Help Before It’s Too Late
Cats are not expressive. So, if you think your feline friend will share their problems with you, then you are not in luck. It is difficult to understand from the subtle changes that often indicate health problems.
They are very good at hiding issues and illness. However, this particular instinct can help them in the wild from predators or other cats that pose a threat. This is common cat behavior.
There are some common warning signs your cat is crying for help. These help you understand when your fur baby is in distress.
Types Of Pain In Cats
Do cats cry when they are in pain? They hide their emotions and any sign of illness as much as they can. This is because they think of it as a sign of weakness. This is something they inherited from their ancestors.
Pain in cats is of two different types- chronic pain and acute pain. Chronic pain is continuous, and has discreet signs that are difficult to spot. At the same time, acute pain happens from a sudden illness or injury. Spotting the signs for this is easier.
What Causes Chronic Pain?
Chronic pain is something that is lingering and causing constant discomfort. This can be severe sometimes, and sometimes the level of pain can be low.
Regardless of the type, this weakens them over time. Here are some of the conditions that cause chronic pain:
- Dental disease
- Arthritis
- Stomach issues like inflammatory bowel disease
- Ingrown or overgrown nails
- Bladder issues like lower urinary tract disease
- Organ pain, like chronic kidney disease or pancreatitis
- Skin conditions
- Matted fur
What Causes Acute Pain?
A sudden illness or injury causes acute pain. Moreover, this can sometimes be life-threatening. This could be one of the signs your cat is dying or one of the cat illness symptoms. Here are some of the causes of acute pain.
- Skin allergy
- Fractured bone
- Dental disease
- Upset stomach, like diarrhea or vomiting
- Ear infestation or some other condition that got infected
- Pain from post-surgery
- Inflamed bladder
Warning Signs Your Cat Is Crying For Help
It might have been a while since they started showing the signs, but you didn’t notice. Try to pick up even the slightest change in their behavior and look for some more signs.
It could be hidden in their body language or food habits. Here are some of the warning signs your cat is crying for help.
1. Vomiting
A cat throwing up sometimes is nothing to be concerned about. However, keep a track of the frequency. If you notice a pattern that is more than occasional, then it’s time to take them to a veterinarian. This is one of the major cat illness symptoms.
2. Diarrhea
Diarrhea could be a sign of intestinal parasites, dietary indiscretion, or some other kind of problem.
If you fail to notice it, they may become dehydrated and develop intestinal inflammation. This is a very uncomfortable situation for a cat. Take them to a vet and also collect a stool sample.
3. Increased Appetite
Increased appetite in older cats is a cause of concern. Hyperthyroidism could be the case, but you cannot be sure until some tests are run.
However, if this happens in younger cats, don’t ignore it either. It could be nothing, but it can still contribute to obesity. You should know how much you should feed your cat.
4. Loss Of Appetite
You might think, “Why is my cat not eating much but acting normal?” It is mostly normal in cats, but do not ignore it if you notice a pattern. If they are not eating at all or in very small amounts, it is better to consult a vet. It could be a symptom of fatty liver.
5. Increased Thirst
There is no single, specific meaning to these symptoms. Mostly, it means that a kidney disease is involved. Most pet parents have never seen their cats drink water. So, it is one of the major signs your cat is sick.
6. Weight Changes
Whether your cat is gaining or losing weight suddenly, it is a cause for concern. It is one of the warning signs your cat is crying for help. It is a sign of an underlying health issue.
Losing weight is often a sign of short-term problems, while weight gain can cause harm over time. It is best to consult a vet and not make any decision alone.
7. Lethargy
If your cat is not showing interest in things or seems worn out all the time, that is not normal. Moreover, if you notice them lying around or sleeping more than usual, consult a vet immediately.
They might be suffering from anxiety or some other health condition. Yes, cat anxiety is a real thing, if you didn’t know.
8. Body Language
If you want to know about sick cat body language, look for changes in their facial expression, a tense muzzle, eyes half-closed, or ears flattened.
Pain can change their body posture. So, keep a close eye on their body language, as it may indicate if your cat is in pain.
9. Changes In Urination
This is always one of the major warning signs your cat is crying for help. This could indicate a kidney or urinary tract issue. If the frequency or quantity changes, or you see blood, schedule an appointment immediately.
10. Discharges From Nose/Eyes
This is most commonly seen when a cat is suffering from an upper respiratory infection. They might also stop eating because of this. Moreover, if you have other cats, you have to separate them. It could be contagious.
11. Increased Vocalization
There might be times when you will think, “Why is my cat meowing so much?” Well, it could be because they are in pain, or want your attention, or are just stressed. However, it is better to be safe and rule out any chance of health concerns.
12. Skin Irritation
Skin irritation can be a symptom of various issues, such as external parasites or allergies. It makes their skin itch and is often painful. This might not be a serious concern, but why let them suffer for something that can be easily treated. Get them checked by a vet.
13. Change In Personality
If this issue persists over time, there is no cause for concern. However, if this is sudden and they are becoming aggressive or scared, then you should investigate the matter further. This is a concerning sign that something is amiss.
14. Bad Breath
This is a sign of dental problems. Moreover, a severe bad smell should be immediately addressed. Also, check for bleeding or excessive drooling from the mouth. It could be an oral infection that can lead to more significant problems over time.
15. Overgrooming/Not Grooming At All
Overgrooming could indicate skin issues. Your vet will be able to decode the actual reason behind this. However, if they are not grooming, it could be because of dental disease or arthritis.
Seek Help: Take Them To A Doctor
If you want to know how to comfort a sick cat, it is best to take them to a doctor first to determine the cause of their distress. Home remedies come later; first, you have to know what is wrong with your fur baby.
Moreover, if you notice any of these symptoms, take your pet to a veterinarian immediately.
- Seizures
- Trauma
- If their gums turn very pale, blue, or white
- If they become unconscious
- Difficult breathing
- Difficulty in urinating
- Severe pain
- Inability to walk
- Imbalance and dizziness
- Has not eaten properly in 24 hours
Keep A Close Eye On Them
As a parent, you have to schedule regular check-ups. Some do not understand the importance of this and wait until it’s too late. Never wait till your cat is sick. Remember, they are not expressive, so you cannot wait for them to tell you when they are ill.
You have to look for warning signs your cat is crying for help. First, they may become aggressive and anxious about going to the vet. But try to find practices that are not very stressful.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the commonly asked questions people discuss when talking about warning signs in cats.
To determine if your cat is suffering, observe their behavior, vocalizations, activity levels, posture, and facial expressions.
You will observe several changes in them, both behavioral and physical. Extreme weakness, difficulty breathing, loss of thirst and appetite, and sometimes a drop in body temperature are some of the symptoms
How To Tell If A Cat Isn’t Feeling Well?
If your cat is not feeling well, they may hide from you and experience a decrease in energy levels. Moreover, you will notice a change in their grooming habits.
When a cat is sick, they sleeps in unusual places and positions to cope with their illness and discomfort. They often hide in secluded areas and hunch with their head down.
In the final stage of kidney failure, you will notice lethargy, vomiting, loss of appetite, dehydration, and sometimes seizures. This is when waste products and toxins accumulate in their body.
Sleeping is essential for their healing process. Like humans, they also need rest to replenish their mental and physical strength. When they are ill, they often sleep a lot to allow their natural healing mechanisms to reboot.
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