Cats are notorious for being lazy, stubborn and poor communicators. This means that you won't always know if your pet is injured and needs medical attention. However, there are some subtle signs that you cat is in pain and should be seen by a vet as soon as possible.
The Cat Refuses To Be Touched
If your cat goes from purring when caressed to hissing whenever you want to stroke it, that is a sign of an injury. The animal is likely in pain and acting out because it is stressed. In such a situation, do your best to coax your animal into its carrier and take it to the vet for medical attention right away.
Your Pet Is Hiding
When a cat is sick or hurt in the wild, it will find a spot where it can hide from predators. Therefore, if your pet is hiding in the closet or basement, it could mean that it feels vulnerable to an attack. This is a sure sign that you need to have the cat checked by a medical professional as quickly as possible.
Is Your Animal Refusing to Eat?
One of the joys of owning a cat is listening to it yowl for food before the sun comes up in the morning. If your cat suddenly stops whining or begging for food, it could be because it doesn't feel good. Felines that don't eat for more than 24 to 36 hours may be at risk for developing liver and other organ problems. This means that you need to have the animal looked at by a vet if it goes a meal or two without eating.
Animal Hospitals May Be Available at All Hours
Like human doctors, vets generally see their animal patients during the day or early into the evening. If you have any issues overnight or over the weekend, it may be necessary to visit an emergency vet in your area. In some cases, you will have to call an emergency number after which someone will call back and try to make a diagnosis over the phone.
If you're not sure about your cat's health, don't hesitate to take it to your vet or to an animal hospital, like South Seattle Veterinary Hospital. In a worst case scenario, you will have caught a potentially deadly health issue in its early stages. It is also possible that the cat is just stressed or depressed, which means a few extra treats or snuggles will make it happy again.
