If you live in Calgary, Alberta, and own one of the 135,000 registered pets (dogs and cats specifically), there is a 52% (based on officially registered dogs and cats) probability that it is a cat!
Signs that your cat may be sick
As a cat owner, it’s important to be aware of the signs that your feline friend may be sick. Here are 20 signs to look out for:
1. Change in appetite: A loss of appetite or a sudden increase in hunger could be a sign that something is wrong.
2. Water intake has changed: A decrease in water intake could be a sign of dehydration, which can be serious.
3. Bathroom habits are becoming different: If your cat is using the litter box more or less often than usual, it could be a sign of a health problem.
4. A dip in the energy level: A decrease in energy or activity level could indicate that your cat is not feeling well.
5. Sleeping habits are changing: If your cat is sleeping more or less than usual, it could be a sign of illness.
6. Change in coat: A change in the texture or appearance of your cat’s fur could be a sign of a health problem.
7. Unusual eye discharge: If you notice a change in the discharge from your cat’s eyes, it could be a sign of an infection.
8. A changed pattern of mouth or nose discharge: If you notice a change in the discharge from your cat’s mouth or nose, it could be a sign of an infection.
9. Altered behaviour: If your cat is acting differently than usual, it could be a sign that something is wrong.
10. Swelling: If you notice any swelling on your cat, it could be a sign of an allergic reaction or an infection.
11. Vomiting: Vomiting could indicate that something is wrong and could be a sign of a health problem.
12. Diarrhea: A cat with diarrhea could signal a problem that needs your attention.
13. Constipation: Like humans, the presence of constipation may signal a health problem.
14. Coughing: If your cat is coughing, it could be a sign of an infection or other problem.
15. Sneezing: If your cat is sneezing, it could be a sign of an allergy or an infection.
16. Wheezing: If your cat is wheezing, it could be a sign of an infection.
17. Eye problems: New symptoms, such as squinting, red eyes, or tearing up, could be a sign of an eye infection.
18. Ear problems: If your cat is scratching its ears, has red ears, or has a discharge from its ears, it could be a sign of an ear infection.
19. Skin problems: If your cat is itching, has bald spots, or has red or inflamed skin, it could be a sign of a skin problem.
20. Weight loss: If your cat is losing weight, it may be time to visit the vet.
What can I do to comfort my pet before going to the vet, or if I can’t go right away?
When your cat is sick, it can be difficult to know how to comfort it. There are a few things you can do, however, to help make your cat feel better.
First, try to create a calm environment for your cat. This means keeping noise and activity levels low. If your cat is comfortable, it will be able to rest and heal more easily.
Second, offer your cat soft, comfortable bedding. This will help your cat feel supported and safe.
Third, give your cat plenty of love and attention. Cats are social creatures, and they need love and attention even when they’re sick. Spend time petting your cat, talking to it, and just being there for it.
Fourth, make sure your cat has access to food and water. A sick cat may not have much of an appetite, but it’s important to make sure it stays hydrated.
Finally, take your cat to the vet if it doesn’t seem to be getting any better. The vet and a professional compounding pharmacy can provide much-needed care and medication that will help your cat feel better.
Sometimes your vet will prescribe a medication that could be normally dispensed and administered through food to your cat. In some other cases, the prescribed medication may need to be compounded. This means that the medication is specially made for your cat’s specific needs.
Chaparral Compounding Pharmacy – Remedy’sRx is one of the few compounding pharmacies in Calgary that can prepare and compound all your cat’s needs of medicines that are not commercially available. We know that just preparing a bland pet medicine and trying to administer it to your cat could be challenging. Cats (and any pet in general) will need a flavoured medicine to be motivated to take it.
So, whether your cat likes tuna, beef, or chicken flavours, we can make it for you!
Call us at 403-475-5544 to discuss more about your cat’s regularly dispensed or compounded medicine.
You can also quickly transfer your cat’s (and yours as well!) prescriptions using this link!
