ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. It may be contagious to other cats in your home. 11, 2012, pp. Worse, they sometimes wait until their cat is sick. Can Vet J. When you first bring a kitten home, you may not realize that you've also brought home some other guests. If you have been feeding and caring for feral cats, you probably will notice any changes in their behavior or eating habits. Often times it's something that can be dealt with at home, but sometimes an issue can be serious, and when you're dealing with something as helpless as a kitten, it pays to know what youre looking for, and what each symptom might mean. Ophthalmologists sometimes prescribe medicine to treat active disease. If you notice a change in frequency or quantity of urine, inappropriate urination, or blood in the urine, schedule a vet appointment. You can also keep your cat as healthy as possible by feeding a healthy diet. If you are not sure about your cat's weight, make a vet appointment for a check-up or at least a weight check. Refusal to eat or drink can indicate he is in pain. Cat sneezing in conjunction with other signs is common but doesn’t always help us narrow down the cause. Even cats in single-pet homes tend to have the instinct to self-protect. Sick cats often experience fever and fatigue, which aren't easily detectable with feral cats. Answer: I don't think cats can "know" in the way we would. Many feline-friendly practices are out there, some even cat-only practices. It's your cat's way of expelling whatever is irritating the lungs, airways, or throat. Increased thirst and urination are indicators of kidney disease, hyperthyroidism or diabetes. Without human veterinary interaction, feral cats will not have the immunization history of domestic cats. Signs & Symptoms of Illnesses in End-Stage FIP in Cats. Increased vocalization may mean your cat is sick, in pain, stressed, or just bored. Cat Sneezing With Other Symptoms. Drop traps are the best way to ensure you trap the right cat in the swiftest manner. If you notice a cat is sick, the best thing you can do for him -- and the entire colony -- is to get him veterinary care. Cats are cunning creatures. Diarrhea may indicate dietary indiscretion, intestinal parasites, and a variety of other problems. The most common sign of illness in some cats is hiding in a quiet, out-of-the-way place. Your vet may be able to offer treatment options. If the signs are very mild, see your regular veterinarian as soon as possible. Keep fresh water available at all times and plenty of clean, accessible litter boxes in your home. I think my feral cat has a cold. Left … It's important to rule out a health issue first before you explore the behavioral side of this issue. Swelling in any area of the body should not be ignored. Does something seem off? Sudden major changes are often an indication that something is wrong, but sometimes the signs of a problem are more subtle. Feral cats also can suffer from ringworm, which can be passed on to humans. It is not normal for a healthy cat to have any discharge from the nose, debris in the ears, excessive salivation, bad breath, or unusual odor from other parts of the body. For example, if you observe hair loss, intense scratching and scabs, your cats could be suffering from a flea allergy. Here are signs and symptoms you should look for to determine if your cat is indeed sick and at what point you should see a veterinarian. Some cats become very anxious or even aggressive at the vet. Question: If a feral cat came around my home very sick and injured, does he know that we helped him get better by taking him to a vet? However, anything more than this warrants a trip to the veterinarian. Also, watch for ​excessive drooling and bleeding from the mouth. Upper respiratory infectionsthemselves are rarely fatal in healthy, adult, immunocompetent cats. … Either might be a sign of an underlying health problem. Lack of eating for even a few days can lead to a serious problem called fatty liver or hepatic lipidosis. 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. Increased thirst can mean many things in cats. Your vet may recommend medications to help your cat recover faster. Stray or feral cats which live on the street are exposed to multiple diseases. 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. Cats can get roundworms by eating wild animals as well as from feces or a contaminated environment. Alternatively, you may consider finding a mobile vet who can come to your home. Coughing is an involuntary reflex of the body. Upper respiratory infections are particularly common in feral kittens but can affects cats of all ages. Feline meningoencephalomyelitis of unknown origin: A retrospective analysis of 16 cases. Giacometti, Federica et al. Your veterinarian will also make sure your cat has not become sick or injured due to the loss of balance. A third study experimentally infected ferrets and found they got sick, with fevers, fatigue and coughs. If your female cat is spayed, this could be a sign of an infection. Loss of appetite is one of the very common symptoms of a dying cat. It may be a wound that has turned into an abscess. Ear debris or discharge might mean your cat has an ear infection or even parasites like ear mites. Cats who are in heat may have a swollen vulva or a slight discharge. These traps are available for sale -- or sometimes as a loan -- from local humane societies and rescue organizations. 67-73. There is probably something going on with your cat's health. A flea infestation can lead to anemia, especially in kittens. Having a sick kitten on your hands is never fun. It's understandable that people would want to avoid putting their cats through the stress of a veterinary visit. In the wild, this instinct can protect them from predators or other cats that might be a threat. Don't let your cat suffer needlessly. They often show no symptoms. 1, 2017. The Spruce Pets uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Schedule a vet appointment and, if possible, bring a stool sample. Changes in urination are always important to address. They often indicate a urinary tract issue or kidney problem. Diarrhea may indicate dietary indiscretion, intestinal parasites, and a variety of other problems. Hypothyroidism may be the explanation, but your vet will need to run tests to be sure. It's also likely painful or itchy. 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