Is it bad if a cat has no symptoms?
As the disease progresses, the cat’s body continues to adapt, and she continues to show no significant symptoms. This is a bad thing in one sense, since the lack of symptoms makes it impossible for the owner to know something is wrong and to intervene at an early stage. However, it is also a good thing.
Can a cat with hyperthyroidism still lose weight?
Unfortunately, most cats cannot fully compensate and continue to loss weight even if they have a good to increased appetite. Although most hyperthyroid cats have an increased appetite, some cats with mild hyperthyroidism will maintain a normal appetite, with no obvious change in amount of food consumed.
Is it normal for cats to lose their fur?
Many adult cats also experience preauricular alopecia — thinning of fur on the skin strip between the ears and the eyes, which is considered normal in cats, Dr. Hayworth says. What about acquired alopecia in cats?
Why do seemingly healthy Old Cats suddenly get sick and die?
As I mentioned, the early symptoms of chronic diseases are subtle and can be hard or even impossible to detect.
How can you tell if your cat is losing weight?
It’s not always easy to detect weight loss in your cat. The fluff of fur covering most cats can serve as camouflage for weight loss until there is a big change. Unintentional weight loss in cats can be a cause for concern.
Why does old age cause my cat to lose weight?
Wrong! Old age is not a disease! Old age does not cause feline weight loss, but old age can increase your cat’s risk of acquiring certain feline diseases or a number of problems that cause this illness symptom. But the age itself is not a reason for weight loss.
Can a fluffy cat lose a lot of weight?
The problem with cat weight loss is it can happen gradually, so much so that you might not even notice a cat losing weight until she’s dropped a significant number of pounds. This is especially true if you have a very fluffy cat, as the weight loss may be disguised by your cat’s hair coat.
When to bring your cat to the vet for weight loss?
If you think your cat is losing weight, bring her to the vet as soon as possible. A “wait and see” approach is not a good idea where cat weight loss is concerned. By the time you notice weight loss, the underlying condition might have been going on for quite some time.
What are the first signs that a cat is sick?
# 1 Lack of appetite. One of the first warning signs that a cat is sick is lack of appetite. No matter how capricious your Tabby is, no cat will go on a hunger strike or a diet.
Why are cats less likely to show signs of illness?
Even cats in single-pet homes tend to have the instinct to self-protect. There is another reason why cats and many other animals are less likely to show pain or illness: they simply do not have an emotional relationship with their discomfort. Animals tend to accept the pain or illness as the new normal and move on.
As the disease progresses, the cat’s body continues to adapt, and she continues to show no significant symptoms. This is a bad thing in one sense, since the lack of symptoms makes it impossible for the owner to know something is wrong and to intervene at an early stage. However, it is also a good thing.
What are the symptoms of a sick cat?
Increased Lethargy. Even though cats spend so much time asleep, changes in their sleeping patterns may be a sign of a medical problem. A sick cat may seem overly tired or weak, doesn’t show interest in anything, and often also exhibits other behavioral changes or a lack of interest in food and water.
Even cats in single-pet homes tend to have the instinct to self-protect. There is another reason why cats and many other animals are less likely to show pain or illness: they simply do not have an emotional relationship with their discomfort. Animals tend to accept the pain or illness as the new normal and move on.
When do you Know Your Cat has a problem?
Meowing that suddenly becomes louder or softer, more frequent, or changes pitch or tone could also be an indication that something is amiss, Levy says. “You know your cat best. When you see changes in behavior, patterns of activity, or vocalizations they produce, these should be warning signs.”
How old is a 15 year old cat?
But other times that’s not how it happens. Consider a cat I treated several weeks ago. She was 15 years old. The owner reported that she had seemed perfectly fine — except for drinking more water than usual — up until two days before she was brought in.
Why does my 18 year old cat have a lump in her stomach?
My 18-year-old cat has developed a lump in her stomach she’s not eating or drinking or going to the bathroom at all. She cries when touched or she’s picked up. I took her to the vet two weeks ago they did an x-ray and said there was nothing wrong but the other night I went to give her a bath and found a mass in her stomach.
When is a lethargic cat a cause for concern?
When is a lethargic cat a cause for concern, and when could it indicate a larger health problem for your cat? The cause of your cat lethargy can be as simple and benign as plain old boredom, however, such listlessness could also signal disease, and it is in every cat owners interest to know the signs.
Is there a cure for lethargy in cats?
Diagnosis is complicated as there are many possible causes of lethargy in cats which range from mild to severe, as lethargy is a symptom of most illnesses and disorders. Your veterinarian will require a complete medical history of your cat including detailed description of symptoms in order to narrow down a possible cause.
How old is my 4 year old cat?
My 4 year old cat is extremely active and playful. When I got home from work today she was acting like herself – ready to play. A few hours later, her behavior completely changed. She became very lethargic and sickly looking.
What are the signs of an old cat dying?
Older cats may have a hard time grooming themselves, and paired with a declining appetite, may lose weight or become dehydrated. This can give your cat an unkempt or scruffy appearance. Help with gentle grooming, if your cat will let you.