Cat infections and their symptoms can be troubling for cat owners. A sick cat often shows changes in behavior or appearance that indicate illness. Being aware of the signs of infection in cats allows owners to get veterinary care promptly when needed. This article will provide an overview of common symptoms displayed by cats with infections, to help owners identify potential problems early.
Cats are susceptible to various bacterial, viral, fungal and parasitic infections. Some are specific to cats, while others can spread between cats and humans. Certain infections may produce mild symptoms, while others can become serious or even life-threatening if left untreated. Recognizing the initial signs of illness in a cat is key to obtaining a diagnosis and starting treatment to resolve the infection.
This article will educate cat owners on detecting infections by changes in a cat’s appearance, actions, appetite, and other observable factors. Being informed on the typical symptoms of sick cats allows owners to get veterinary examinations for their pets sooner when an illness appears. Acting quickly can make infections less severe and prevent transmission to other animals and humans.
Physical Symptoms
There are several common physical signs and symptoms to look out for when determining if your cat is sick. These can include changes in energy level, appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, and more.
Lethargy or acting depressed are common symptoms of a sick cat. A healthy cat is usually active, playful and curious. But a sick cat will often sleep more, move less, and show no interest in toys or food. This signals an underlying health issue.
Appetite changes are another indicator of illness. Some cats lose their appetite when sick, while others eat more than usual. Pay attention if your cat stops eating or seems hungrier than normal. Sudden weight loss or gain are also symptoms.
Frequent vomiting and/or diarrhea can point to gastrointestinal issues or infections. Look out for hairballs, vomit, loose stools or unusually frequent bowel movements. Vomiting more than 2-3 times per day requires veterinary attention.
Cats may also show physical discomfort when ill. Signs can include exaggerated breathing, tension, twitching, excessive licking or grooming, or unusual body postures. Monitoring your cat’s appearance and movements can pick up on these signals.
It’s important to notice any significant changes from your cat’s normal behavior and habits. Catching illness early maximizes the chances for successful treatment. Consult your vet promptly if your cat displays concerning physical symptoms.
Sources:
7 Signs Your Cat May Be Sick That Warrant a Call to the Vet
Recognizing the Signs of Illness in Cats – VCA Animal Hospitals
Skin and Coat
Some of the most common skin symptoms in a cat infected with a condition include hair loss, scabs, crusting lesions, and excessive itching and scratching, leading to bald spots or open sores on the skin. The skin may appear red and inflamed or have abnormal scaling or flaking.
According to Cornell University, some parasitic infections like mange lead to itchy skin, hair loss, and scabbing. Allergies can also cause itchy skin, rashes, hair loss, and skin infections. Fungal infections like ringworm lead to circular, scaly bald patches on the skin and head (Feline Skin Diseases – Cornell Feline Health Center).
Bacterial infections like cat scratch fever may produce red bumps, pustules, and scabs on the skin. Other bacterial infections can cause pimples and pustules. Viral infections can also lead to skin sores and scabs. Immune disorders can lead to oozing sores and crusting of the skin, ears, nose, and mouth.
Eyes
One of the most common symptoms of infection in a cat’s eyes is discharge. Thick yellow or green eye discharge often signals an infection caused by viruses like feline calicivirus or bacteria.
According to VCA Animal Hospitals, conjunctivitis is inflammation of the conjunctiva, the pink tissue lining the inner eyelids and covering the white part of the eye. Conjunctivitis causes red, swollen, runny, crusty, watery, or goopy eyes.
Other symptoms of an eye infection include:
- Squinting
- Blinking frequently
- Rubbing at eyes
- Redness
- Swelling
- Cloudiness
Cats with eye infections may have trouble keeping their eyes open. The third eyelid may protrude over the eye. Cats often try to relieve discomfort by pawing at their eyes, which can cause further damage.
Eye infections require veterinary attention. Left untreated, they can scar the cornea and lead to vision problems or blindness. Treatments include antibiotic eye drops or ointments.
Prevention involves keeping the eyes clean and free of irritants. Early treatment is key for the best prognosis.
Sources:
WebMD: Cat Eye Discharge and Eye Problems
VCA Animal Hospitals: Conjunctivitis in Cats
Ears
Ear infections in cats often cause discharge from the ear, a foul odor, redness, swelling, crusts or scabs on the external ear, and head shaking due to irritation and itchiness (WebMD). The cat may scratch at its ears frequently. You may see dark reddish-brown discharge that can have a yeasty smell or a foul odor that indicates infection (VCA Hospitals). Severe head shaking along with swelling, redness, and odor are key signs of an ear infection in cats (Huntersville Veterinary Clinic).
If the infection worsens, your cat may develop loss of balance, walk in circles, have little or no hearing in the affected ear, and scratch so aggressively it causes wounds. Seek veterinary care immediately if your cat has these advanced symptoms.
Nose and Mouth
Some of the most common symptoms of an upper respiratory infection in cats relate to the nose and mouth. These include:
- Sneezing: Persistent sneezing is a hallmark sign of an upper respiratory infection. Sneezing helps clear the nasal passages but frequent sneezing indicates an irritation or infection.
- Nasal discharge: Thick nasal discharge from the nose or eyes is common. The discharge may be clear, yellow, green, or contain blood.
- Congestion: The nasal passages become congested and inflamed, making breathing challenging.
- Runny nose: A runny nose with watery discharge dripping may occur.
- Drooling: Some cats may drool more than usual due to nausea or mouth pain.
- Ulcers: Ulcers may develop on the tongue, gums, lips, or mouth.
These nasal and oral symptoms are caused by the viral or bacterial infection irritating the mucous membranes in a cat’s respiratory tract. Left untreated, the symptoms can worsen and lead to pneumonia. Veterinary care is crucial for diagnosing the underlying cause and properly treating a feline upper respiratory infection.
According to the VCA Hospitals, common causes behind the symptoms include feline herpesvirus, feline calicivirus, Chlamydophila felis, and Bordetella bronchiseptica. Antibiotics can treat secondary bacterial infections while antivirals help against viral infections like herpesvirus and calicivirus (https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/feline-upper-respiratory-infection).
Behavioral Changes
When cats are sick or not feeling well, they often exhibit behavioral changes. Some of the most common behavioral changes in sick cats include:
- Hiding – Sick cats tend to hide more than usual. They seek out quiet, isolated places where they can rest undisturbed. Hiding under beds, in closets, and behind furniture is common. Cats hide when sick because their instincts tell them to retreat to a safe place to recover.
- Decreased social interaction – A sick cat will often stop socializing with their human and feline housemates. They become less affectionate, playful and withdrawn. A normally social cat that starts hiding more and avoiding human interaction could be an indicator of illness.
- Changes in vocalization – Some sick cats vocalize more through meowing or crying, especially when their needs are not being met. Others become less vocal than normal. Any unexplained change in a cat’s typical vocalizations can signify illness.
- Lethargy – Lethargy and depression are common in ill cats. A sick cat will sleep more, move less, and show little interest in playing or activities they normally enjoy.
- Changes in litter box habits – A cat struggling with illness may start eliminating outside their litter box. They have difficulty making it to the box, especially if they are weak, in pain or mobility is impaired.
While cats have evolved to disguise signs of weakness for survival, attentive pet parents may notice subtle behavioral clues that something is amiss. Monitoring a cat’s habits and watching for deviations from normal behavior is key to identifying illness early on.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing illness in cats can be challenging since cats tend to hide symptoms when they are feeling unwell. However, a veterinarian has several methods to determine if a cat is sick or infected:
Physical exam – The vet will do a complete physical exam, checking the cat’s vital signs, listening to the heart and lungs, palpating the abdomen, and assessing the eyes, ears, skin, and coat. Changes like fever, fast breathing or heart rate, or abdominal pain may indicate illness.
Medical history – The vet will ask about any changes in the cat’s appetite, litter box habits, activity level, and behavior which can help identify sickness.
Diagnostic tests – If the cause of illness is still unclear, the vet may run tests like a complete blood count, biochemistry profile, urinalysis or imaging tests. These can check for anemia, infection, kidney issues, or abnormalities in organs.
Cultures and biopsies – Samples like skin scrapings, urine, feces or tissue biopsies may be cultured to identify infections. Biopsies can help diagnose cancer or other diseases.
Ultimately, a combination of medical history, exam findings, and diagnostic testing is required for the vet to make an accurate diagnosis of illness in a cat. Some conditions like upper respiratory infections can be diagnosed on exam, while others like cancer may require multiple tests to confirm. But veterinary expertise is key to determining what is making a cat sick.
Treatment
The main treatment for bacterial infections in cats is antibiotics. Common antibiotics used include amoxicillin, ampicillin, cephalosporins like cefazolin, and fluoroquinolones like enrofloxacin (Source). The type and dosage of antibiotic depends on the location and severity of infection. Antibiotics are usually given for 7-14 days. It’s important to finish the full course as prescribed, even if your cat seems better, to prevent recurrence.
Anti-inflammatory medication may be prescribed alongside antibiotics to reduce swelling, pain, and fever. This can help your cat feel more comfortable as the infection clears. IV fluids are sometimes given to prevent dehydration. Nutritional supplements can support recovery. With prompt treatment, most cats recover fully from bacterial infections.
At home, keep your cat rested, hydrated, and eating. Monitor for worsening symptoms and contact your vet if the infection persists or recurs. Clean any wounds as directed. Avoid self-medicating cats with human antibiotics, which can be toxic (Source). Work closely with your vet for proper diagnosis and care.
Prevention
There are several steps cat owners can take to help prevent their cats from becoming infected with diseases. The most important is keeping up with routine vaccinations. Core vaccines like rabies, panleukopenia, calicivirus, and herpesvirus are essential for all cats according to the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) guidelines. Additional vaccines may be recommended based on the cat’s lifestyle and risks. Staying current on vaccinations is key to building immunity against common feline diseases.
Proper nutrition and exercise also help keep a cat’s immune system strong. Feed high-quality commercial cat food and avoid unhealthy human foods. Make sure your cat gets daily playtime and enrichment. Providing scratching posts helps prevent stress-related illnesses. Additionally, maintaining good hygiene like regularly cleaning the litter box, washing bedding, and keeping food/water bowls clean reduces disease transmission.
Routine veterinary checkups allow early detection and treatment of any health issues. An annual exam along with regular preventative care like deworming and flea/tick control is recommended. Monitoring your cat for any signs of illness and promptly seeking veterinary care can help minimize the impacts of infections. With vigilance and proactive care, cat owners can do their best to keep their feline companions healthy.