 It's important you be able to recognize the signs a cat is sick. It may be difficult to know if subtle changes in your cat indicate a health problem. Cats are experts at hiding illness. In the wild, this instinct can protect them from predators or other cats that might be a threat. Common signs that a cat is sick are vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, lethargy, increased thirst, and many more. Signs that your cat is sick. By the time you actually notice something is wrong with your cat, it might have been going on for a longer amount of time than you think. Note subtle changes in behavior and watch for more. Observe your cat's demeanor and body language. Does something seem off? Learn what is normal for cats and know what is normal for your cat. Never ignore obvious signs of illness. When in doubt, contact your vet for advice. Vomiting on occasion is not a concern. However, anything more than this warrants a trip to the veterinarian. Loss of appetite can be normal for cats but it still should not be ignored. If your cat skips the occasional meal but otherwise eats normally, then you should watch closely for trends. If your cat stops eating entirely or is only eating tiny amounts, you need to get your veterinarian involved. Lack of eating for even a few days can lead to a serious problem called fatty liver or hepatic lipidosis. Increased appetite may also be a concern, especially if it comes on suddenly in an older cat. Hyperthyroidism may be the explanation, but your vet will need to run tests to be sure. 3. Increased appetite should not be ignored, even in younger cats. If nothing else, it can lead to overeating and obesity. Diarrhea may indicate dietary indiscretion, intestinal parasites, and a variety of other problems. Left untreated, diarrhea can lead to dehydration and further intestinal inflammation. It's also very uncomfortable for your cat. Schedule a vet appointment and, if possible, bring a stool sample. Weight changes in cats are always concerning, whether it's gain or loss. Either might be a sign of an underlying health problem. Weight loss is more urgent in the short term whereas weight gain is usually more harmful over time. If you are not sure about your cat's weight, make a vet appointment for a checkup or at least a weight check. Lethargy is a sign of a problem, even if it's subtle. Contact your vet if your cat seems to be lying around a lot, sleeping more than usual, or just generally has a low energy level. There is probably something going on with your cat's health. Increased thirst can mean many things in cats. Most often it means there is a problem like a kidney disease or diabetes mellitus.5 Many owners never even see their cat's drink water. So, if you start noticing your cat near the water dish more than before, it means something. Changes in urination are always important to address. They often indicate a urinary tract issue or kidney problem. If you notice a change in frequency or quantity of urine, inappropriate urination, or blood in the urine, schedule a vet appointment. If your cat is straining to urinate and nothing is coming out, this might be an emergency, particularly in male cats. Bring your cat to a vet immediately. Changes in breathing like wheezing, rapid breathing, shortness of breath, and raspy breathing should never be ignored. Discharge from the eyes or nose indicates a possible upper respiratory infection.5 This can make your cat feel ill and stop eating. It may be contagious to other cats in your home. Your vet may recommend medications to help your cat recover faster. Ear debris or discharge might mean your cat has an ear infection or even parasites like your mites. Waiting to address this may cause the eardrum to become affected. Plus, it is very uncomfortable for your cat. Skin irritation or hair loss may be a sign of allergies, external parasites, or another skin condition. It's also likely painful or itchy. Don't let your cat suffer needlessly. Your vet may be able to offer treatment options. Overgroup Hello. This video is sponsored by Beemix Pets. Are you looking for high quality cat collars at an affordable cost? Check out BeemixPets.com. Use coupon code KittenLife, to get 20% off. Changes in behavior. Has your usually friendly and outgoing cat suddenly become a shy and anxious mess? Or has your typically energetic and happy furball turned into a tired and touchy grouch? Changes in behavior can be signs your cat is sick. Another change in behavior you should notice problems using the litter box. Cats who stop using the litter box, urinate more frequently, or seem to be in pain while going may have a urinary tract infection or other common cat illness. If you notice any of these signs of common cat diseases or less subtle signs like diarrhea or vomiting, you should contact your veterinarian sooner rather than later. Early detection can help make treatment easier and improve your cat's outcome. 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 veterinarian's 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, examples include falling from a hide or being hit by a car. Difficulty breathing. Gums that are blue, white, or very pale. Collapse, unconsciousness, or unresponsiveness. Seizure. Dizziness, imbalance, or circling. Inability to walk. Moderate to profuse bleeding. Straining to urinate without producing urine. Exposure to a poisonous substance. Severe pain, showing signs like crying out loudly and excessively or acting aggressive when touched. Body temperature over 104 or under 99 degrees Fahrenheit. Normal is usually 100.5 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. 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. How to prevent illness in cats. Many owners underestimate the importance of routine veterinary care for cats. They may wait several years to bring their cats to the vet for checkups. Worse, they sometimes wait until their cat is sick. It's understandable that people would want to avoid putting their cats through the stress of a veterinary visit. Some cats become very anxious or even aggressive at the vet. Rather than waiting, try to find a veterinary practice that is less stressful for your cat. Many feline friendly practices are out there, some even cat only practices. Annual veterinary exams are essential for cats. Senior cats can benefit from biannual checkups and routine lab work. These visits give the vet an opportunity to examine your cat when he appears healthy. The vet may find minor abnormalities on the exam that indicate a minor problem before your cat gets really sick. Early detection might mean you and your vet can take action before the illness becomes serious. You can also keep your cat as healthy as possible by feeding it a healthy diet. A healthy diet can help your cat avoid obesity and a wide array of other health issues. Many vets recommend wet diets high in protein and low in carbohydrates. Be sure to use routine parasite prevention as recommended by your vet. This can prevent fleas, intestinal parasites, and other parasites from making your cat sick. Provide a happy, low stress home for your cat. Keep fresh water available at all times and plenty of clean, accessible litter boxes in your home. In smaller homes or multiple cat homes, provide vertical space like cat trees and wall shelves. If you enjoyed this video, kindly press the like button. Also don't forget to subscribe with notifications on, so that you don't miss out on videos like this. Thank you for watching.