How to Treat a Sick Cat
A sick pet can be emotionally and financially draining. Vet visits, medication costs, and the time and energy spent to get your pet well again can be a struggle for even the most stable pet owner. Cats can be especially difficult to care for, as they are generally very independent and do not like to be handled during an illness. Treating and rehabilitating a sick cat might be a challenge, but nursing your beloved pet back to health is well worth the effort.
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Instructions
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How to Treat a Sick Cat
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Schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to diagnose your cat's illness. A wide variety of health problems share similar symptoms, so a diagnosis from your vet is the only way to know for sure what your pet is ailing from. Your vet will prescribe any necessary medications and advise you on the best course of treatment.
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Isolate your sick cat from any other pets in your home. Many illnesses, such as respiratory infections, are highly contagious and can quickly infect your entire household. An empty, quiet room like a spare bathroom or closet works well as a sick room. Place your cat's favorite bed, as well as a litter box and food and water dishes in the room to keep him as comfortable as possible.
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Observe her food and water intake. Sick cats are often reluctant to eat, so monitor her food bowl throughout the day to see if she is eating. Continue to feed her a normal diet unless otherwise instructed by your vet, as sudden changes in diet can cause vomiting and diarrhea. Make sure she is drinking water to prevent dehydration. If she refuses water, a small medicine dropper can be used to force feed her liquids.
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Dispense medications as instructed by your veterinarian. Antibiotics, prescriptions, and dietary supplements work best if given at certain intervals, so follow his instructions carefully. Your cat might be reluctant to take his medication, so wrap him gently in a thick towel to keep him from scratching or biting as you medicate him.
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Keep your cat quiet and do not allow her to engage in too much activity during her recovery. It is important that she rest and give her body as much time as possible to recuperate to prevent a relapse. Spend time petting her and allowing her to be close to you to keep her from feeling abandoned, but keep toys and other stimulants away from her until she is fully healed.
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Tips & Warnings
Be sure to disinfect his living area before letting him out of the isolation room. Many illnesses can live outside the body, and you do not want to risk him getting sick again. Wash his bedding in hot water and dry it on the high setting. Wipe down any hard surfaces with a bleach solution to prevent reinfection.
Never try and treat your cat without proper veterinary supervision. A number of illnesses share the same symptoms, and self-medicating your cat can actually cause more harm than good.
