Your cat is unique, as you already know. So, it is best to know what is normal for your specific cat and not just what is average for all cats. Start by paying attention to your cat’s daily routine and write it down so you can refer back to it as needed. Try to add in some general details of their routine so you know when something has changes. This will help alert you to early signs that something may be wrong. When you notice changes in your cat’s normal routines – even small changes, call us and make an appointment to discuss it before it turns into a bigger problem.
Here’s a list of common signs and symptoms that mean you need to bring your cat to the veterinarian:
Eating
- Know the typical amount of food your cat eats in a 24 hour period
- Measure out portions of food, especially dry food
- Keep track of any treats or snacks you offer your cat
This is the only way to really know how much food your cat eats daily. Once you know the usual amount of food your cat or cats eat, be observant, no need to obsess over it.
Drinking
- Know where and from what type of container your cat likes to drink (bowl, fountain, glass on the nightstand, bathroom faucet, etc…)
- It is not as easy to measure exactly how much water your cat drinks as it is to measure how much food they eat. However, you can look for changes in their drinking behavior. The average daily volume of water your cat may drink from water resources can vary widely.
- If your cat eats dry food (primarily or exclusively), they will probably drink more water than cats that eats canned/wet food. A good indicator of “normal” water consumption is consistent urine volume.
Urinating
- Know how often and how much urine your cat produces daily
- If you use clumping litter, it is very easy to know how many times your cat urinates and the size of their urinations. If you use absorbent litter, you can note the number and size of wet spots before you scoop the poop and stir the litter.
- For households with more than one cat and more than one litter box, you can still know the total amount of urine produced each day. Just divide by the number of cats and it should be close to the average.
- An average adult cat produces 2-3 handful size urine balls per day. Cats are creatures of habit, so if you stay observant you can have a pretty good idea of which cat is urinating in which area of each box.
- Be sure to clean all litter boxes at least once per day
- The idea is for you to know what “normal” looks like for your cat so you can notice any changes.
Defecating
- Know how often and how much your cat defecates every day
- No matter what type of litter you are using, bowel movements should be scooped at least daily. Notice color, shape, and consistency – it only takes a moment as you transfer it to a trash bag or the toilet to flush.
- An average adult cat defecates once every 24 to 36 hours and produces a stool about the size of an old fashioned Tootsie Roll candy bar. It should be a dark brown color, well formed, moist enough that the litter will stick to it, and emits an odor, that while not pleasant, should not drive you from the room where your cat or cats spends their time.
Resting
- Most cats nap where the sun is or the action is (at a window, on your desk, in the TV room, etc.). They sleep where it is safe, warm, and quiet (often in a bedroom).
- An average indoor adult cat will sleep 14-16 hours a day and will have 3-4 favorite napping spots. Favorite spots may change with time of day or may change randomly.
- Cats look luxuriously comfortable at rest.
- A napping cat should be alert and responsive when something interesting happens. A sleeping cat will look a bit groggy when disturbed.
- Cats withdraw rather than complain when they don’t feel well. So if your cat is not spending time in they're usual places, they may have a problem. Be sure to share your observations on your next vet visit.
Action and Interaction
- Know your cat’s typical daily activity. Do they greet you at the door, wake you in the morning, follow you to the bathroom, play with toys, play with housemates, groom, or watch outdoor activity from a window?
- If you keep cat toys in a box, are they eventually found scattered around the house? If your cat is usually active, are the throw rugs rumpled and out of place when you get home?
- Any change to your cat’s usual routine means you should do a little investigation and discuss the changes on your next vet visit.
Temperament
- Your cat’s basic approach to life remains pretty consistent. It is important to know whether your cat prefers to “run first ask questions later,” “boldly go where angels fear to tread,” “go along to get along,” or “take charge.”
- Provide a sanctuary for a cautious cat and a “cat proof” environment for an adventurous trouble maker.
Behavior changes in your cat are the primary indicator of pain. As the person who knows your cat best, you are an important member of their healthcare team and key in helping to detect the signs of pain as soon as possible. The signs of pain may be subtle because cats hide signs of discomfort and illness which could make them appear vulnerable to their enemies. This trait comes from their wild ancestors who needed to avoid becoming another animal’s prey. This can make it difficult to recognize if your cat is sick or in pain. Veterinary professionals have been trained to evaluate these subtle behaviors and physical health changes.
Categories of Pain
Acute Pain
- This type of pain occurs in conjunction with inflammation and healing after an injury and can last for up to 3 months. It can be caused by injury, trauma, surgery, and acute medical conditions and diseases.
- Acute pain generally begins suddenly and usually doesn’t last long.
Chronic pain
- This is usually described as either pain that lasts beyond the normal healing time or pain that lasts in conditions where healing has not or will not occur.
- Degenerative joint disease (DJD), also known as feline arthritis, is an extremely common, chronic, painful disease in cats, with as many as 92% of all cats showing some signs of this disease. It is also one of the most significant and under-diagnosed diseases in cats.
Persistent pain
- Cats with persistent pain may need palliative care.
- Palliative care is the all encompassing approach that provides cats, who have a disease that is not responsive to curative treatment, with a plan to provide an improved quality of life with pain control being the principal feature.
During regular check-ups your veterinarian talks with you about your cat and obtains a patient history. Regular check-ups should occur a minimum of once yearly, and more frequently for senior cats and those with chronic conditions. So, when you notice changes in how your cat is behaving, interacting, or his daily routine, be sure to discuss on your next vet visit.
Signs and Symptoms
It is important for you to know your cat’s normal temperament and behavior. Just the slightest change could be a sign that your cat is sick or in pain. Since your cat is nonverbal and can’t tell you he is in pain, your veterinarian relies on you to determine if there are any abnormal behavior patterns that may be pain related. If your cat displays any of the following changes, contact us or your primary immediately.
- Decreased appetite or no interest in food
- Withdrawn or hiding
- Reduced movement or mobility, or hesitation to climb steps or jump
- Diminished exercise tolerance and general activity
- Difficulty getting up, standing, or walking
- Decreased grooming
- Changes in urination or defecation habits
- Squinting
- Hunched or tucked-up position instead of curled-up when sleeping
- Sensitivity or vocalization to petting or touch
- Temperament or other substantial behavior changes for your cat (e.g. seeking solitude, aggression, loss of appetite)
Management of Your Cat’s Pain
Your cat’s pain management plan that you develop with your veterinarian may include:
- Medication
- Physical Therapy
- Environmental changes such as using special bedding, ramps and or low sided litter pans
Your veterinarian is committed to developing a strategy with you that provides your cat with compassionate care; optimum recovery from illness, injury, or surgery; and enhanced quality of life.
Monitoring
Once a veterinary plan has been developed, you may be asked to monitor your cat at home. It is important that you receive verbal instructions or written instructions, and ask for a hands-on demonstration of how to administer medications and handle your cat at home.
When you are monitoring your cat at home, we recommend that you:
- Use a notebook to record your observations.
- Include any changes in behavior, activities, or routine even if they seem minor.
- Schedule follow up appointments with your veterinarian to share your observations.
- Alert us or your primary veterinary practice (if you were referred to us) right away if there are changes, you have questions, or you notice early signs of adverse reactions.
Continuous management is required for chronically painful conditions, and for acute conditions until pain is resolved. When pain is not recognized or managed, it can result in what may be considered unfavorable behavior changes.
Please remember – cats do not act out of spite, and any behavior change can be a sign of pain or another health problem. Being able to recognize and manage your cat’s pain can be as life preserving as any other veterinary medical treatment.
If your cat is showing signs of pain or you have questions about the health of your cat, please contact us to schedule a visit or call us today to see how we can help!