Signs Your Cat is Sick
There are several common signs that may indicate your cat is feeling unwell. These include:
- Lethargy – Healthy cats are quite active, so if your cat is sleeping more than usual or has low energy, it could signal illness. According to VCA Hospitals, lethargy is one of the most common and telltale symptoms of a sick cat.
- Appetite changes – Cats should have a good appetite. Refusing food or treats for more than a day could indicate an issue. Vomiting and diarrhea can also cause appetite changes. Per Hillcrest Animal Hospital, monitoring eating habits is important.
- Vomiting – An occasional vomit is normal, but frequent vomiting could mean illness. Look for changes in frequency, color, and texture. Vomiting is a common symptom of many feline health issues.
- Diarrhea – Loose stools or increased frequency of bowel movements may indicate digestive issues or infections. Monitor litter box habits closely.
- Poor grooming – Cats are fastidious groomers, so a matted, dull, or dirty coat signals potential health or mobility problems. Neglecting grooming needs vet attention.
- Weight loss – Sudden or rapid weight loss merits a trip to the vet. Illnesses like diabetes, hyperthyroidism, cancer and kidney disease often cause weight loss per ASPCA.
If you notice any of the above symptoms, schedule a veterinary visit, especially if symptoms persist more than a day or two. Catching and treating illnesses early makes recovery easier on both you and your cat.
Signs Your Cat is Needy
Some cats can become excessively needy and clingy to their owners. Here are some common signs that your cat may be overly needy:
Excessive vocalization – A needy cat may meow or cry more frequently to get your attention. They may run to you meowing when you enter a room or wake up in the morning. Persistent meowing can signify your cat wants food, play or affection.
Attention-seeking behavior – Needy cats often try to stay close to their owners and rub against their legs. They may also jump on furniture or counters to be near you. Dramatic behaviors like knocking things over can be cries for attention.
Following you – Velcro cats will trail you from room to room, even waiting outside the bathroom door. They want to stay close and know where you are at all times.
Nuzzling – Excessive nuzzling, licking, head-butting or nibbling your hand shows a strong desire for affection. While natural cat behavior, needy cats may overdo nuzzling and physical contact.
Medical vs Behavioral
It can sometimes be challenging to differentiate between medical issues and behavioral causes when assessing if a cat is sick or needy. There are some key things to look for:
Medical issues often come on suddenly and cause distinct changes like appetite loss, vomiting, diarrhea, lameness, or lethargy. Behavioral changes tend to develop more gradually over time. A medical issue requires veterinary attention, while behavioral problems may be addressed through environmental changes, routine adjustments, or training techniques.
Cats exhibiting clingy behavior like increased vocalization, attention-seeking, or shadowing their owner may be responding to stress, anxiety, or boredom rather than an illness. However, any extreme change in normal behavior merits a veterinary exam to rule out underlying health problems.
Look for other symptoms accompanying clingy behavior like lack of grooming, weight loss, abnormal eating/drinking, or elimination issues which could signal a medical problem. If the cat seems otherwise normal, clingy behavior on its own is more likely attention-seeking or stress-related.
Getting to the root cause of any behavior change involves assessing what in the cat’s routine or environment may have triggered the change. For example, introducing a new pet, moving homes, or schedule disruptions could cause a cat to act needier due to stress. Providing enrichment through play, vertical space, and routine can help address behavioral clinginess.
While dramatic behavior changes should prompt a vet visit, gradual onset of attention-seeking behavior may be managed by adjusting the cat’s care and environment. Distinguishing medical from behavioral causes involves looking at the full timeline and context of symptoms.
When to See the Vet
Certain red flags warrant an urgent veterinary visit. If your cat displays any of the following symptoms, contact your vet right away or go to an emergency animal hospital:
- Not eating or drinking for more than 24 hours (https://www.tandcvets.com/warning-signs-your-cat-needs-to-go-to-the-veterinarian/)
- Repeated vomiting or diarrhea that lasts more than 24 hours (https://www.freeportvet.com/services/cats/blog/secret-knowing-whether-your-cat-needs-go-vet)
- Difficulty breathing or panting (https://www.tandcvets.com/warning-signs-your-cat-needs-to-go-to-the-veterinarian/)
- Sudden collapse or inability to stand or walk (https://www.tandcvets.com/warning-signs-your-cat-needs-to-go-to-the-veterinarian/)
- Signs of pain such as whimpering, crying, or aggression (https://www.tandcvets.com/warning-signs-your-cat-needs-to-go-to-the-veterinarian/)
- Seizures or spasms (https://www.freeportvet.com/services/cats/blog/secret-knowing-whether-your-cat-needs-go-vet)
Other concerning signs to have your vet evaluate as soon as possible include significant lethargy, weakness or inability to use the litter box, drastic change in food or water intake, or an obvious injury or trauma. It’s always better to err on the side of caution when your cat’s health seems compromised.
Providing Enrichment
Mental and physical stimulation is important for cat health and happiness. An enriched environment helps prevent boredom and destructive behaviors in cats. There are many simple, inexpensive ways to provide enrichment at home.
Rotate new toys into your cat’s environment to pique their curiosity. Items like balls, toy mice, feather wands, and laser pointers engage their natural hunting instincts. Make sure toys vary in texture, sound, and movement. Hide treats or food inside puzzle toys to mentally challenge your cat while they play (1).
Set up areas for climbing, scratching, and perching, like cat towers, scratching posts, and window hammocks. Cats love high vantage points for supervision and security. Place the items near windows for entertaining bird watching opportunities.
Offer novel scents by rubbing cat-safe herbs like catnip, valerian root, or silver vine on toys. You can grow cat grass for them to munch on as well. Introduce new textures with mats, tunnels, paper bags, and cardboard boxes (2). Change up play areas and routines to keep things exciting.
Consider adopting a second cat for social enrichment, if possible. Cat companions provide playtime, grooming, and snuggles. Multicat homes need extra litter boxes, food bowls, and play spaces to prevent conflict.
With a little creativity, you can enrich your cat’s world every day. A stimulating home environment enhances overall health, satisfaction, and bonding with your cat.
(1) https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/feline-diy-enrichment
(2) https://www.aspcapro.org/resource/5-free-or-darn-close-feline-enrichment-ideas
Creating a Routine
Cats thrive on routine and consistency. Establishing a daily routine for your cat can help reduce stress and anxiety, improve behavior, and strengthen your bond (Source). Try to feed your cat, play with your cat, and clean the litterbox at the same times each day. This allows your cat to anticipate regular events and satisfy basic needs. For example:
- Feed your cat scheduled meals rather than free-feeding. Feed wet food in the morning and evening and leave dry food available during the day.
- Initiate playtime right before meals, as cats tend to be more active when hungry. Use interactive toys like wands and balls for 10-15 minutes.
- Scoop litterboxes first thing in the morning, before meals, and before bedtime when cats are most likely to use them.
Making a daily checklist can help remember your cat’s routine. Be patient and consistent in following the routine each day. Cats prefer repetition and can take weeks to fully adjust to schedule changes. Over time, your cat will learn the routine and remind you when it’s time for their favorite activities.
Positive Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement is a training method that focuses on rewarding desired behaviors and ignoring unwanted behaviors. This encourages cats to repeat actions that result in something pleasant. According to the Cat Vets position statement, positive reinforcement is the best way for cats to learn because it enhances the human-animal bond and reduces stress compared to punishment (catvets.com).
When using positive reinforcement, give your cat a reward immediately after the desired response. Common rewards include treats, petting, playtime with toys, catnip, or praise. Start with small successes so your cat quickly learns the connection between behavior and reward. Consistency is key – reward your cat every time they demonstrate the preferred action. Over time, reward intermittently to maintain the trained behavior. Make sure rewards are enticing and varied to hold your cat’s interest.
While ignoring undesired behaviors, also redirect your cat’s attention to alternatives that can be rewarded. For example, provide appropriate scratching posts when furniture scratching happens. This trains your cat what to do instead, while discouraging the unwanted habit through lack of attention (hshv.org).
With persistence and positivity, your cat can learn good manners. Reward-based training enhances your bond through mutual understanding and fun. Your cat becomes motivated to repeat actions that bring you both joy.
Ensuring Safety
Cat-proofing your home is an important part of keeping your feline friend safe. Here are some tips for making your home safer for cats:
Avoid poisonous plants like lilies, poinsettias, and azaleas, as these can be toxic to cats if ingested. Make sure houseplants are out of reach or in a space the cat cannot access.
Keep household cleaners, automotive fluids, and other chemicals safely stored in locked cabinets. Avoid leaving cleaners and chemicals open and accessible.
Secure loose wires, cords, and cables so cats don’t chew on them. Tuck electric cords behind furniture or consider cord covers.
Keep the toilet lid closed to prevent cats from drinking toilet bowl water, which could contain cleaners.
Check appliances before use and close doors immediately after to prevent cats from crawling inside. Cats can be injured by washers, dryers, dishwashers, refrigerators, and other appliances.
Use safety latches on drawers and cabinets that contain harmful items. Child-proofing latches can prevent cats from opening cabinets.
Avoid poisonous human foods like chocolate, coffee, onions, raisins, macadamia nuts, xylitol gum, and alcoholic beverages.
Place screens on windows to prevent falls. Consider stopping window access if living in high floors.
Keep garbage cans covered or latched, as cats can get into and eat harmful items.
Check for small spaces cats can get stuck in, like recliners, sofas, and appliances.
Use caution with exercise equipment, which can choke or strangle a curious cat.
Inspect balconies, decks, and outdoor spaces for gaps or unsafe ledges.
Managing Stress
Cats can experience stress from many sources, including changes to their environment, loud noises, conflicts with other pets, and lack of mental stimulation. Identifying and minimizing stressors is key to keeping your cat happy and healthy.
Create a predictable routine so your cat knows when to expect meals, playtime, and affection. Cats feel more secure when their environment is stable. Limit disruptive events like moving furniture or hosting large gatherings. Introduce any changes gradually to allow your cat to adjust.
Provide a quiet space where your cat can retreat when they feel overwhelmed. This could be a spare room, cat tower, or covered bed. Place the space in an area away from noise and foot traffic. Make sure your cat always has access to this safe zone.
Use pheromone diffusers and calming treats or sprays to alleviate anxiety. These products mimic cat pheromones and help induce a relaxed state. Place diffusers near your cat’s favorite spots. Give calming treats before events that normally cause stress like car rides or vet visits.
Consider using puzzles and interactive toys to engage your cat’s natural hunting instincts. Mental stimulation through play helps prevent boredom and frustration. Rotate toys to keep your cat interested and active.
If your cat exhibits stressed behaviors like aggression, unusual vocalizations, or inappropriate urination, consult your veterinarian. They can help identify underlying issues and recommend targeted solutions.
When to Get Help
If your cat’s behavioral problems persist or worsen, it’s important to seek professional help from your vet or an animal behaviorist. Ongoing issues like aggression, inappropriate elimination outside the litter box, excessive vocalization, or destructive behaviors often need expert guidance to resolve.
First, schedule a visit with your vet to rule out any underlying medical conditions causing the behavior. Your vet can examine your cat for illness and prescribe medication if needed. Be prepared to provide a detailed history of your cat’s behavior changes.
For long-term behavioral issues, consider consulting with a certified animal behaviorist. These experts can observe your cat’s behaviors in their normal environment, pinpoint triggers, and design a customized behavior modification plan. This may involve techniques like desensitization, counterconditioning using positive reinforcement, or creating environmental modifications.
A veterinary behaviorist is a vet who specializes in behavior and can both prescribe medication and develop behavior plans. A certified cat behavior consultant focuses specifically on felines. Working closely with a professional provides the best chance of correcting unwanted behaviors and improving your cat’s quality of life. Don’t hesitate to seek help from experts if problems persist.