Often times a cat, or kitten, owner will panic. Their pet is sick, what should they do? Some owners turn to the Internet for help with their sick kitty. If you have a sick cat, or a sick kitten, this guide will offer you basic help.

If your cat, or kitten, is not feeling well the first thing you need to do is consider what symptoms it has.

• Is the cat eating?
• Is the cat drinking?
• Does it have diarrhea, bloody stool, or is it constipated?
• Has the cat vomited?
• Is the cat lethargic?
• Does the cat have a fever?
• Is the cat sneezing?
• Is there a discharge from the nose, or eyes?
• Any other symptoms, such as disorientation, or seizures?

You also need to consider the factors in the cat's life that are relevant to diagnosing the problem.

• How old is the cat?
• Is the cat vaccinated?
• Is the cat spayed or neutered?
• Does the cat go outdoors?
• Do you have other cats?
• Is the cat pregnant?
• Have you made any pet food changes lately?
• Did the kitty eat anything it should not have?
• Are there any other factors that could be important?
• Is your cat on any medication, including flea/tick medication?
• How long has the cat been showing the symptoms?

From these lists you need to consider that cats who go outside are more likely to get sick, even vaccination is not a 100% protection against disease. Indoor only cats are also at risk of getting diseases if you work with cats, or are at a place with a sick cat, as you can bring viruses home on your clothing. URTI, an upper respiratory tract infection, is often spread via clothing, and cats who are stressed are most at risk.

Be aware that if a cat has two, or more, symptoms the problem could be more serious.

Once you have listed the symptoms and the contributing factors the next step is to call your veterinarian. Sure you can look for help on the Internet, but in many cases you are asking strangers, who might not really know what they are talking about (myself included, although I claim to have knowledge and experience with cats, how do you really know?).

Quick Tips to Help a Sick Cat – Emergency Care when you cannot get the Cat to a Veterinarian

• If the cat is vomiting, remove food for 12 hours and slowly reintroduce the food in small helpings.
• If the cat has diarrhea make sure it is drinking or it is at risk for dehydration.
• If the cat is sneezing keep in in a warm area, with food, water, and its litter box. Give it several small helpings of canned cat food (preferably a chicken mush type food, not chunks) per day.
• For more severe symptoms, or when a cat has more than one symptom, call your veterinarian, or even call a vet in another area for help, since some problems (such as poisoning) require instant help. Most veterinarian are available 24 hours a day. If the cat is very young, or very old, getting it the right help as soon as possible is very important.
• If the cat is wearing a flea collar, remove it immediately!  Bathe the cat if you treated it with over-the-counter flea medication.

Further Reading

Upper Respiratory Problems in Cats

Causes and Treatments for Vomiting Cats

Causes and Treatments for Cats with Diarrhea

Diagnosing Common Cat Health Problems