In this video, we will look at the most potentially serious signs that a cat needs help and must be rushed to the vet immediately.
#16. Dragging hind legs
If your cat has always walked normally, but suddenly starts dragging their back legs, it could be a sign of a serious problem.
Cats can sometimes develop blood clots in their bodies. If the clot travels down to the back legs, it can get stuck there and block the blood supply to the hind legs. This can cause the cat to lose control over their back legs.
This condition is very painful, usually causing the cats to cry excessively. Owners typically notice heavy breathing along with the inability to move the rear limbs properly. It may look as if the cat suddenly has a broken back. You may also see that the paw pads are pale in color and cold to the touch.
More often than not, this type of clot happens in both of the back legs, but it can also happen in just one of the legs, the front legs, or even other parts of the body. This problem is more common in cats with heart disease.
It’s important for every cat owner to know the signs of this condition. If it happens to your cat, a vet visit is urgently required.
#15. Trying to use the bathroom but nothing comes out
A cat who tries to go potty but isn’t producing anything may have a urinary tract blockage.
They might sit in the litterbox straining but still not be able to urinate. This is especially a concern if the cat seems to be in pain while trying to do their business. This is a tell-tale sign of a serious blockage, and it could be life-threatening if it’s left untreated.
Urinary tract blockages are extremely common among neutered male cats. Therefore, it's critical for cat parents to know the signs of the condition. If this happens to your pet, a vet visit is urgently required.
#14. Too many hairballs
When cats groom themselves, tiny hook-like structures on their tongue catch loose and dead hair, which is then swallowed. The majority of this hair passes through their digestive tract with no problems. But some hair stays in the stomach and forms a hairball. Oftentimes, your cat will vomit the hairball to get rid of it.
While vomiting an occasional hairball isn't cause for alarm, if your cat is constantly throwing up hairballs, it is a sign that they have a problem with their digestive system, and a vet visit is necessary.
And keep in mind that to help avoid the formation of the hairballs, you can brush your cat once a day and add more fiber to their diet.
#13. Coughing
Identifying a cat’s cough can be confusing. At first, it is hard to understand what is happening because the cat looks like she is trying to throw up but isn’t able to do so. This is in fact a cat who is coughing.
Coughing can be caused by allergies, hairballs, and asthma to name a few of the more minor inflictions. It can, however, also be caused by more serious conditions like heart disease, heartworms, respiratory infections, and other serious problems.
It may be normal for some cats to cough occasionally. But if the cough persists or recurs consistently, a vet visit is necessary.
#12. Change in pupil size
31 май 2024
