If your cat wants rest or to be left alone, honor its wishes. Do keep an eye on it, however, to monitor its condition and make sure it improves. A warm bed can make a sick cat more comfortable. Moving your cat's litter box closer to it while resting can also make its life easier.
Your cat needs more attention when sick. The cat might not like noise or high traffic, so keep him in a quiet space, away from any commotion. Provide a warm sleeping space, special food, and an easy-to-reach litter box. Make sure you don't provoke your cat or try to rile them up.
Make a Clean, Comfortable Bed Available
To make your cat feel more comfortable, add special touches to their cat bed or whatever place your cat likes to sleep. Add extra blankets for cushioning, and be sure to change the blankets regularly if your cat is having trouble getting to the litter box.
Expert Tip: It's important to note that cats do not want to be alone when dying. Thus, you should always be around your pet as it passes away. Your presence gives them comfort and assurance during their final moments on Earth, providing them with the emotional connection they need.
In most cases, cat colds are harmless and will go away within 1-2 weeks. You do need to monitor their health, however, and if there is no sign of improvement by the fourth day, you should make an appointment with your vet as a persisting cold that does not get treated properly may develop into pneumonia.
Sick cats usually become withdrawn and may hide, although this does depend on the personality of the individual cat. Some cats become more clingy or demanding of attention, while others just become cranky.
So why do we talk to so many fellow cat parents about what they feed their kitties and suggest supplemental care for them? Because a cat's body can heal itself.
Cats will often become more affectionate as they approach their last days, wanting more attention than normal and being more vocal. Other cats may become less active and more withdrawn, sleeping more than usual and losing interest in playtime or interaction with humans.
If your cat is still eating, you can increase her liquid intake by feeding canned food and/or adding water to her food. In some cases you may be able to give her water with an oral syringe or a squirt bottle, but this should be done carefully.
Kidney Disease: When the kidneys aren't working properly, your cat may be dehydrated. This causes them to drink more and urinate more. Common causes of kidney problems in cats can be kidney stones, a kidney infection, or even kidney failure.
Cats are very good at hiding illness and pain, but if you have a feeling something is wrong — anything from missing the litter box, to new eating habits, to hiding or hunching or meowing more than usual — it's often a good indication that your cat could use a helping hand from your veterinary team.
Howling, crying, hiding, and otherwise acting in a way that is out of character for your pet should alert you that something may be seriously wrong. Changes in litter box habits, particularly in male cats, can indicate a serious health problem.
Although it's not very common, some cats may meow more often when they're sick than at other times. Some illnesses may make your cat feel afraid or may cause pain that will lead to more frequent meowing. This type of meowing will sound strained and mournful in tone.
Give your cat positive reinforcement (e.g., treats, brushing, petting) for accepting medication. Unless your veterinarian says that medication must be administered with food, do not use food as an aid to giving medications, as it may cause aversion and reduce your cat's food intake.
Some cats may seem not to care about the sick cats, while others may even seem happy and desire even more affection from their parents.” In other words, one cat's reactions to another cat's sickness or death can be just as varied as ours are.
The most common sign of illness in some cats is hiding in a quiet, out-of-the-way place. Sick cats often lie quietly in a hunched position. They might neglect grooming. They may be purring, which cats do not only when they're happy, but also when they're sick or in pain.
If your cat has a fever, try to keep them cool by placing them in a quiet, well-ventilated room. If they have an upset stomach, a bland diet of boiled chicken and rice can do wonders. However, it's important to remember that if your cat's condition doesn't improve, you should certainly seek professional help.
According to the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, the average life expectancy of a house cat is 10 to 15 years, while outdoor cats may only live on average 2 to 5 years.
All in all, even the most aloof and brooding cat will be able to pick up on your warmth and devotion. Whether they choose to admit it or not, they can sense when a person loves them (and hates them). So always make sure you're emitting good, kitty-positive vibes, and your cat will be sure to indulge in the lovefest.
Animals know when they are dying. They are not afraid of death, at least not in the sense that we people are. Nearing death, they come to a place of acceptance and try to communicate that to us. Not surprisingly, because of our own grief, sadness, and distress at losing them, we may be unable to receive that message.
Pay particular attention if your cat settles down in a so-called meatloaf position, where her nose is on the floor and her front paws are out of her body. This position often describes a cat in pain. If your cat replaces her bread loaf position with this one, it is a time to visit your vet.
Some cats may show an obvious change in their facial expression when in pain, while with others it may be more subtle for example: Your cat may squint or close their eyes. Their ears may appear slightly flattened or pressed to the sides. Their mouth, nose and cheeks may appear tenser and more compressed.
They certainly understand when they are feeling ill or that something is different or wrong.