When cats lose their appetite or seem unhappy, as cat owners, we often feel confused: Is my cat sick? However, most cat owners have no idea what causes their cats to get sick or how to resolve such problems. This is why it’s so important to find out what made your cat sick, and how to treat your cats.
In This Article
Why is my cat being sick?
- Dietary Issues: Cats have sometimes delicate stomachs, and a sudden change in diet or eating bad food may cause the cat to vomit.
- Hairballs: It is through frequent self-grooming with their tongues that a cat can accumulate hair inside her stomach. This can cause irritation and vomiting, which will send a hairball on its way.
- Foreign Objects: Cats are naturally curious creatures, and often eat foreign objects like toys or plants. And if some foreign object gets lodged in their digestive system, they will experience pain and vomiting.
- Viral or Bacterial Infections: Cats can contract various types of viral or bacterial infections such as feline calicivirus, or feline panleukopenia. Some of these infections can also cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting and other illness-related signs.
- Intestinal Parasites: Cats are susceptible to roundworms, tapeworms and giardia which can upset the stomach.
What to do if my cat is sick?
- Monitor Symptoms: If you notice characteristics of the disease in your cat, either specific symptoms or any changes that have occurred recently–vomiting and diarrhea; not eating; weak response to stimulation (listlessness); difficult breathing-then return immediately. This information will be useful when you talk to a vet.
- Provide a Comfortable Environment: Make a tranquil, empty room for your cat to sleep in. Have a clean litter box and fresh water available near them.
- Contact a Veterinarian: Contact your veterinarian and explain what is going on with your cat. They will be able to advise whether there is a need for immediate veterinary attention, or if you should just observe the situation at home.
- Follow Veterinary Advice: If you’re advised to bring your cat in for treatment, do so as soon as humanly possible. Your veterinarian may make suggestions regarding care at home, and even recommend certain remedies.
- Keep Your Cat Hydrated: To prevent dehydration, encourage your cat to drink plenty of water. If your cat is not drinking, ask the veterinarian what you can do. You might be able to feed wet food or get it Swedish-fed with water using a syringe.
- Maintain a Consistent Diet: Unless your vet tells you otherwise, keep giving your cat their usual diet. If your cat is taking a break from eating, try small meals throughout the day or serve heated food, which will make its aroma more appealing.
- Avoid Over-the-Counter Medication: Do not give your cat any over-the-counter human or animal medications unless under the direction of a veterinarian. Some drugs are quite toxic to cats.
How do I prevent my cat from being sick?
- Regular Veterinary Care: See your veterinarian regularly for vaccinations, physical exams and preventative care. Frequent vet visits can catch any health problems early.
- Proper Nutrition: Feed your cat a balanced, appropriate diet that fits its specific nutritional requirements. Check with your vet to find out what kind of food and how much, per meal or daily intake is right for the age, breed and health status.
- Hydration: Provide your cat with plenty of fresh, clean water at all times. Some cats prefer running water, so providing a water fountain will help them drink more.
- Parasite Prevention: Protect your cat from fleas, ticks and internal parasites like worms by using recommended veterinarian preventives. Inspect for parasites regularly, and ask your veterinarian what preventive measures should be taken.
- Safe Environment: Give your cat a safe, pleasant environment. Keep hazards and toxins out of their reach. Give toys and scratching posts to suit their craving for sports and avoid boredom.
- Regular Grooming: Brush your cat regularly to avoid excessive hairballs, and help it maintain a shiny coat. This means brushing their fur, clipping nails and cleaning ears and teeth as necessary.
- Stress Management: A Stable and Secure Environment Keep stress down in your cat’s life. Make sure they have an assigned area where they can go and feel safe. If necessary, try using pheromone products or see a veterinarian for additional stress management tips.
- Exercise and Mental Stimulation: Play with your cat regularly so that she gets some exercise and a change of scenery. This prevents obesity and behavioral problems.
Optimal food for cat being sick
When your cat is ill, what it needs most of all is to eat easily digestible food that helps its recovery. Here are some options for optimal foods for a sick cat:
- Veterinary Prescription Diets: In certain instances, your vet may suggest a special prescription diet designed for cats with particular medical conditions. These regimes are tailored to meet particular nutritional needs and foster recovery.
- Wet or Moist Food: A sick cat can probably eat and digest wet or moist food more easily than dry kibble. The high moisture content can also prevent cats from dehydrating and make it easier to swallow, especially for cats with a weak appetite. Find high-quality canned or pouch cat food.
- Easily Digestible Proteins: Select foods with easily digestible proteins, e.g., lean and cooked chicken or turkey; or fish. These proteins are stomach friendly and can be a good source of nutrients.
- Homemade Bland Diet: Homemade bland diet can be made up of boiled boneless, skinless chicken or turkey combined with cooked rice or pumpkin. This combination is very simple and gentle, lessening the burden on a sick cat.
This food choice depends on the particular illness or condition. Therefore before changing a sick cat’s diet, it is always recommended that you first ask your veterinarian for advice. Your vet can offer personalized advice and lead you toward the best nutritional options for your cat’s specific situation.
Finally, when your cat is sick it’s good to give the correct care and help them recover. So treatment involves consulting a veterinarian, observing their symptoms and supplying them with the best diet. You can help your cat feel better by following veterinary advice, feeding them foods that are easy to digest and enjoyable to eat. Also make sure they remain hydrated at all times. Also, always consult a professional and customize care to your cat’s particular temperament.