Panorama Pet Hospital now offers DNA health screening for your dog. With greater than 99% accuracy, our new DNA tests screen for more than 230 genetic health conditions and unlocks breed ancestry, which can inform health care.

With just one cheek swab, your veterinarian can learn actionable insights and create a personalized care plan for your dog. Together, we can be proactive and improve your dog's health! Contact us at (818) 786-4300 to take the next step in providing for your dog's wellness and schedule a DNA test.

How to Tell When Your Cat Is Sick

Sick cat hides behind paw

How to Tell When Your Cat Is Sick

Can you recognize the signs that may mean your furry friend isn't feeling well? Cats have an impressive ability to hide their illnesses, even they're very sick. Unfortunately, that may mean delays in getting much-needed veterinary care if you're unfamiliar with common illness signs.

Why Cats Don't Always Seem Sick

In the wild, sick, weak animals are much more likely to be hunted and killed by stronger predators. Although your cat enjoys a comfortable existence in your home, it still retains the instincts that kept its ancestors alive. Your pet could be extremely sick, yet not show obvious signs of illness.

13 Signs That Could Mean Your Pet Is Sick

You might notice any of these signs or behaviors if you're cat is ill:

  • Hiding. It's much easier to escape from predators if they can't find you. If your pet is spending more time than unusual hanging out under the bed, in a closet, or in another out-of-the-way place, it may be sick or in pain.
  • Thirst. Have you been refilling your cat's water bowl more frequently lately? Several diseases and conditions, including diabetes and kidney or thyroid disease, increase your pet's thirst.
  • Change in Litter Box Habits. Your cat might avoid the litter box if it has kidney stones, a urinary tract infection, feline interstitial cystitis, kidney stones, or a life-threatening urinary tract blockage. Some urinary tract conditions could also make it difficult to reach the litter box in time. Older cats may find it difficult to use a litter box with a high rim due to joint pain or arthritis or might forget where the litter box is due to dementia.
  • Loss of Appetite. Just like people, cats may lose interest in food when they're sick. In some cases, cats may feel fine, but may avoid eating due to tooth pain.
  • Vomiting or Diarrhea. Frequent vomiting or diarrhea warrants a trip to the veterinarian's office. Both can be caused by eating a toxic substance, a viral or bacterial infection, intestinal parasites, inflammatory bowel disease, a cancerous or non-cancerous growth, kidney disease, diabetes, thyroid disease, or many other diseases or conditions. If your cat doesn't receive prompt treatment, it could become dangerously dehydrated.
  • Grooming Issues. Sick cats don't feel well enough to keep up with grooming. Their fur may soon look greasy or dull and may come off in clumps. Of course, too much grooming is also a problem and could mean that your cat has fleas or a skin allergy.
  • Weight Loss. Thanks to their fur, it's not always easy to tell if a cat has lost weight. If you can easily feel or see each individual rib, your pet may be too thin. Unintended weight loss in cats could be due to kidney disease, diabetes, cancer, parasites, thyroid disease, dental issues, depression, or anxiety.
  • Lack of Energy. Has your normally energetic cat stopped zooming around the house and pouncing on invisible mice? Lack of energy is another sign that your favorite feline might be unwell.
  • Breathing Problems. Breathing problems often require emergency treatment. Take your pet to the veterinarian immediately if it is breathing rapidly, struggling to breathe or panting. Cats that are having trouble breathing may extend their necks in an attempt to get enough air into their lungs.
  • Runny Nose or Eyes. Watery eyes could mean that your cat has a blocked tear duct or an upper respiratory infection. If an upper respiratory problem is the issue, your pet may also have a runny nose and might sneeze and cough.
  • Inability to Move Back Legs. Has your cat suddenly started dragging it's back legs? The most common cause of the problem is a type of blood clot called a saddle thrombus, according to Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine. A stroke, tumor, viral or fungal infection, tick bite, spinal inflammation, slipped disc, or a broken pelvis are among the other reasons for back leg paralysis or weakness.
  • Change in Posture. You may be able to tell that your cat is sick just by looking at it. When a cat is sick, it may hunch over, walk stiffly, change the way it holds it tail or tilt its head.
  • Additional Signs. Other signs of illness can include pale gums, bad breath, more frequent meowing, unusual increase in appetite, lumps, dilated or small pupils, drooling, yellowish eyes or seizures.

Concerned about your cat's health? Give us a call to schedule an appointment for your favorite feline.

Sources:

Tufts: Heart Smart: Information of Pets with Heart Disease

Readers Digest: 13 Silent Signs Your “Healthy” Cat Is Actually Sick, 2/8/2022

American Humane: Recognizing & Caring for a Sick Pet, 6/21/2022

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Read What Our Clients Say

  • "I have nothing but good things to say about Panorama Pet Hospitals Dr. and staff. Took my dog in for a dental exam and Dr. Suman addressed the problem immediately. Dr. Suman and the veterinary assistant were so gentle with my dog and made him feel very comfortable. I ended up booking a deep cleaning and I could not have been happier. Dr. Suman took great care of my dog and got his teeth cleaned. All I can say is if you want a trust worthy doctor and a kind staff head over to Panorama Pet Hospital you wont regret it! Thank you again Dr. Suman and staff!"
    Tanya D.
  • "I was contemplating coming here due to the distance. Since I was extremely unhappy with our previous vet. I took the hour's drive. Needless to say, was one of the best decisions I made in my dog's life. Our initial visit was let me just say first impressions go a long way. Dr. Prabhakar showed great concern immediately about my dog Molly's condition. I have worked closely with doctors throughout my career and I have a good intuition on whether a doctor genuinely cares about their patients and Dr. Prabhakar does. A lot of Doctors just prescribe medication. Without determining the underlying problem. When I leave all my questions and concerns are answered. The staff there are so nice and friendly. Tammy is the best! No matter how busy she is she takes the time to stop and listen to me and answers my questions. Definitely worth the drive. I wouldn't go anywhere else."
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  • "Came across Doctor Suman after looking for a vet to perform surgery on my kitty leg ! I went to 5 different
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    done, I felt so comfortable! He did a fantastic job! Thank You Doctor Suman and Staff! My dog needed the same
    surgery and Doctor Suman was there again performing his magic! He truly cares and has love for every animal
    that comes through his door! The entire staff is full of love and caring hearts!"
    Susie M.
  • "I love this vet so much. Dr. Suman is so smart and kind. Everyone here is very accommodating and whenever
    I've come in stressed and worried for my pet, they are so comforting. It is always a quick and easy experience
    and one of the less expensive vets. Thank you for all your help!"
    Amber F.
  • "This wonderful office squeezed an appt in for my cat's urinary tract infection. They were kind and considerate,
    and accepted Care Credit. Since I lost my teaching job during Covid, the doctor was very compassionate and
    affordable. Thank you, Dr. Prabhakar!"
    Elizabeth F.
  • "Dr. Suman really cares for his patients. Personally even does follow ups and calls to check on how his patients
    are. He respects the pet parents and understands that life us difficult- he presents the real scenario and issue and what needs to happen but also presents options on how to go about the situation if needed."
    Cris Q.
  • "Dr. Suman is the best Veterinarian. I brought my dog in extremely ill suffering from ITP. He was able to place her
    on the right medication to control her illness. The way he demonstrated care, nurture, compassion and
    responded quickly was the best care my fur baby could have received. Thank you Dr. Suman and the whole."
    Erika G.
  • "I've been bringing my cats to dr. Suman for many years now. I find him to be caring and a great vet. They've
    got a wonderful new addition to the team in Dr. Gupta. She is helping me with my cat Joey who has dental
    issues. I feel very confident with her. The ladies in the front office are very nice too."
    Susan M.