How to Comfort and Care For a Sick Cat

Making your sick cat comfortable is essential for a full recovery. Whether your pet is on medication or you’re just taking care of minor illnesses or injuries, you can do a few things to make them feel loved and happy.

Sometimes you do not need a specialist’s advice on comforting a sick cat unless you feel it’s really necessary. Spending more time with your cat, ensuring it’s well-groomed, and making sure it is well-fed and hydrated are some of the things you should do.

You need your cat to eat well, drink enough water, and remain active because all these will help them recover faster.

Signs a cat is sick

The most common signs a cat is sick include:

• Sudden changes in appetite
• Refusal to eat or drink
• Rapid breathing
• Shortness of breath
• Sudden mood change
• Noticeable weight loss or gain
• Constricted or dilated pupil
• Lethargy or increased inactivity
• Vomiting or diarrhea

How to comfort a sick cat

You should do the following to keep your sick cat as comfortable as possible:

1. Provide a comfortable space to rest

Making sure your cat is living in a comfortable environment is key. Keep your cat in a quiet place, keep it away from unnecessary interruptions, and make sure its resting area is dry and clean.

Make sure the cat has a warm place to sleep and easy access to the litter box. In some cases, you may need to supervise its bowel movements to help your cat relieve itself.

2. Groom your cat

Grooming a sick cat is important because they yearn for attention and tender care. Clean eyes, ears, and nose, and comb its fur. It makes them feel good. Take the time to pet your pet more than you usually do.

3. Cuddle with your cat

Cuddling with your cat is the best way to show love and attention. One of the reasons why cats love to rub against you is to create and nature a bond with you. And the best way to show your love and care when it is sick is to spend more time cuddling and, if possible, playing. Your cat loves your warmth, so keep them close to you.

How to care for a sick cat

Apart from comforting your sick cat, you should also care for them and make sure they have everything they need. Ways to care for a sick cat include:

1. Feed and hydrate your cat

Your cat needs to eat well and stay hydrated to fully recover. Unfortunately, sick cats tend to lose interest in food and water. That’s why you’ll need to supervise their food and water intake to ensure they are taking in enough.

Depending on your vet’s instructions, you may need to make changes to your cat’s diet and the amount of water it drinks. Your vet will recommend hand-feeding your cat if it can’t eat on its own. If that’s the case, be sure to only give small portions to make it easier to chew and swallow.

Your vet may also recommend using canned food, especially if your cat is reluctant to eat regular food. Canned wet cat food is easier to swallow and comes with the added advantage of keeping them hydrated.

2. Medicate your cat appropriately

If you have veterinary prescriptions for your cat, make sure you administer them properly and at the right time. Sometimes a sick cat may not be willing to take its medicine, which calls for you to be gentle and creative.

First, make sure your cat is relaxed before you administer the medicine. Gently open its mouth and place the meds in the back of its throat. Gently massaging its throat up and down will encourage the cat to swallow. Alternatively, you can also add the medicine to their favorite treats if you have to.

3. Consider visiting a vet clinic

You should seek veterinary help if you’ve done all the above and you do not see any improvements in your cat’s health. You should also consult your veterinarian if your cat is refusing t eat or drink as this can lead to dehydration. Other symptoms such as persistent vomiting, diarrhea, and noticeable weight loss call for immediate vet intervention.

Your vet will do tests to determine the best course of action. They may also recommend hospitalizing your cat for a few days until it is strong enough to be discharged. In case of severe dehydration, the vet will IV fluids before the cat can take in fluids orally.

FAQs about comforting a sick cat

Let’s now have a look at a few frequently asked questions about comforting and taking care of a sick cat.

a). How do I comfort a very sick cat?

You comfort a sick cat by giving it special treats, providing a comforting space to rest, spending more time with your cat, cuddling, and grooming. Cats love human touch, so do not let your sick cat stay all alone in isolation.

b). How do I know my cat is sick?

Common signs of a sick cat include sudden changes in appetite, refusal to eat or drink, rapid breathing or shortness of breath, sudden mood change, noticeable weight loss or gain, constricted or dilated pupils, lethargy or increased inactivity, and vomiting or diarrhea.

c). What is the best food to feed a sick cat?

Canned wet food is ideal for a sick cat. Try pilchard cat food; they have a strong inviting smell. Alternatively, give your cat homemade chicken soups or bone broths with minimal seasoning. Make sure not to add onions or garlic because cats are allergic to them.

Final thoughts

Keeping your sick cat as comfortable and happy as possible is the key to a quick full recovery. Make sure your cat has a comfortable place to rest, eats well & drinks enough water, and remains well-groomed. You should also spend more time cuddling and playing with your cat.