4 Easy to Spot Signs Your Cat Needs to See a Veterinarian

Because cats are so independent, when they fall ill, you might not notice at first or at all. And this is why veterinary services advise cat owners to take their cat to their local vet for regular checkups. However, there are some very clear indicators that a cat is sick. If you spot one or more of the following symptoms, your cat may be ill.

1. Your cat struggles to go to the toilet

Cats don't like to be disturbed when they visit their litter box. But if you notice that your cat's litter tray habits have changed, even subtly, then you may need to do a little detective work. If your cat visits the litter tray often but doesn't appear to be urinating, they may have a blocked urinary tract or an infection. They may also cry out in pain when trying to urinate.

Urinary issues like FLUTD (feline lower urinary tract disease), which usually affect males, can be life-threatening if not treated by a veterinarian.

2. Your cat is vomiting repeatedly

Cats sometimes vomit due to hairballs or because they have overeaten, but if you see your cat vomit repeatedly, this is an indication of something more serious. Parasites, ulcers and dietary issues may be to blame. But there could be a whole host of causes. If your cat's vomiting is accompanied by a loss of appetite and a change in litter tray habits, get them to a veterinary service immediately.

3. Your cat's appetite has changed

Cats are usually consistent with their eating habits. So, if your cat begins to eat more than usual, this could be a sign of inflammatory bowel disease. And an increase in water consumption could be due to diabetes. You can't diagnose your cat's problem without the help of a veterinarian, so pay a visit to your local vet if you see your cat's dietary habits change. 

4. Your cat is coughing or struggling to breathe

If you notice that your cat is coughing constantly, take a closer look at them. If you notice that your cat has discharge flowing from their eyes and nose, then they may have an upper respiratory infection. However, serious conditions like asthma and heartworms can cause these symptoms too. As such, if you see your cat displaying these symptoms, err on the side of caution and see a vet.  

If your cat is behaving differently, consider taking them to a veterinary service for a checkup. A vet can quickly diagnose your cat's medical condition and prescribe the necessary treatment before the symptoms worsen.