sick cat

How to Comfort a Sick Cat

Last Updated on July 29, 2023 by admin

Every cat parent wants to make sure their feline friend stays healthy and happy. But if your cat does get sick, it can be hard to know what to do for them. This blog post will show you how to comfort a sick cat and ensure that they are getting the best care possible.

The best way to comfort a sick cat is to provide her with a warm and quiet space, such as a small enclosure or alcove, with good lighting. Additionally, offer her special treats, like a bland diet if necessary. It is also important to groom your cat regularly, as many sick cats stop grooming themselves, and you can help by gently brushing or combing her at least once daily. If her condition is deteriorating, contact the vet clinic immediately and consider force-feeding her with your bare hands or using a syringe. Make sure to stay calm and gentle with your cat so she can feel safe and secure.

Steps to Comfort a Sick Cat

  1. Visit the Vet Clinic Immediately: If your pet’s condition is deteriorating, make sure to phone the vet immediately.
  2. Offer Special Treats: Identify a quiet, familiar, and private space for your cat, such as a small enclosure or alcove with good lighting, where you can easily access them.
  3. Stay Calm: Showing sadness to your ailing cat might make you feel better, but it’s likely not what your kitty wants. The best way to comfort your sick cat is by staying calm and speaking in a soft voice.
  4. Help With Grooming: Many sick cats will stop grooming themselves, so it’s important to help your cat by gently brushing or combing them at least once daily. Just be mindful to be very gentle and not overstimulate your cat and stop if they show discomfort.
  5. Provide a Warm Bed: Give your sick cat a warm thick bed in a quiet place and consider adding a heater pad or blanket to keep them comfortable.
  6. Force-Feed: If necessary, you can force-feed your cat either with your bare hands or by using a syringe. Depending on the situation, a bland diet might be a good choice. Consult your vet on the best way to go about this.

Should I Give My Dying Cat Water?

Yes, it is important to offer water to a dying cat as it helps prevent dehydration, which can worsen their condition. Unless advised otherwise by a veterinarian, providing water to a dying cat is generally recommended. However, it’s important to consider that cats may have difficulty drinking from a regular water bowl due to weakness or illness. In such cases, alternative methods of providing water may be necessary. These can include using a shallow dish or saucer, a water fountain designed for cats, or even using a syringe or dropper to administer small amounts of water directly into the cat’s mouth. It is crucial to monitor the cat’s intake and ensure they are able to drink comfortably without choking or aspirating. If the cat is unable to drink on their own, a veterinarian may recommend subcutaneous fluid therapy to maintain hydration levels.

Do Cats Want to Be Comforted When Sick?

Yes, cats do seek comfort when they are sick. One way they may seek this comfort is by hiding their face, which creates a sense of security and privacy. By hiding, cats can also conserve energy and rest, which is essential for their recovery. Additionally, when cats are sick, they may exhibit changes in their behavior, such as becoming more clingy or snuggly. This is likely their way of expressing their need for comfort and reassurance. Moreover, cats are known to be perceptive creatures and can recognize mood and body language changes in their owners when they are sick. They may reflect this concern by giving their sick owners more attention and affection. Overall, cats do want to be comforted when sick, and their behavior often reflects their need for support and care.

How Do You Soothe a Sick Cat?

To soothe a sick cat, it is important to offer a bland diet consisting of easily digestible foods like boiled chicken or plain white rice. Ensuring proper hydration is crucial, so provide fresh water or a veterinarian-recommended electrolyte solution. Consulting a veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan is essential. Creating a quiet and comfortable environment, including a warm and cozy space for rest, can help the cat feel more at ease. Administer any prescribed medications as directed by the veterinarian. Gently grooming the cat to keep them clean and comfortable, while being cautious around sensitive areas if the cat is in pain, is also beneficial. It is crucial to closely monitor the cat’s symptoms and behavior, noting any changes or worsening conditions to report to the veterinarian. Lastly, providing plenty of love, attention, and reassurance can help soothe the sick cat during their recovery.

Visit the Vet Clinic Immediately

When faced with a sick cat, it is very important to visit the vet clinic as soon as possible. Notify the vet of any changes in the condition of a pet with a long-standing illness. If your cat is very anxious in the waiting area, or if dogs are present, ask the receptionist if you can go immediately to an exam room. Alternatively, cover the carrier with a blanket and hold it close to your body for additional comfort. Sprinkle catnip or treats inside to encourage your cat to explore and get comfortable; you can associate the carrier with pleasant experiences this way. If they have a favorite toy you might want to put it in there as well. If your cat suddenly collapses, or if he/she has gone to sleep and you can’t get him to wake up, then they need to see an emergency vet immediately. Visits to the vet can be stressful for your buddy, so keep calm and bring along some of their favorite toys and a blanket. Ask if it’s OK for them to eat or drink during the visit.

Identify a Quiet, Familiar, and Private Space

Once you’ve taken your cat to the vet, it’s time to create a comfortable environment for them to rest and recuperate. Cats are territorial creatures and need a quiet, familiar, and private space to relax in. A small enclosure or alcove with good light is ideal, and make sure the area is free from drafts and has clean bedding. Place treats, catnip, or a feline stress hormone spray like Feliway in the area to help your cat feel calmer and more secure. Additionally, provide your cat with ramps or stepping stones so they can access their resting area safely and easily. Respect your cat’s sleeping spot, don’t allow children to disturb them when they are resting.

Offer Special Treats

If your cat is having difficulty eating, try offering special treats like tuna or salmon. You can also make your own by mixing a bit of cooked white fish with a bit of tuna or salmon in a blender. Make sure to only offer small amounts as treats and not as meals. If your cat enjoys it, this may help encourage them to eat other foods as well.

Provide a Warm Thick Bed

Providing your sick cat with a warm, thick bed is important for their comfort. Make sure it’s easily accessible and in a quiet place where your cat can relax and get some rest. You can also place a heated cat bed or extra blankets in the room to keep your furry friend warm. If your cat is elderly, try to make sure the bed is close to an area where they can access warm sunlight or a heater pad. Whatever you choose, make sure the bedding is designed for cats so that it won’t cause discomfort.

Warming Food to Body Temperature

One of the most effective ways to comfort a sick cat and help them get back to full health is to ensure they are eating well. Encourage your cat to eat small, frequent meals of a palatable, high energy, highly digestible food. Warming food to body temperature often makes it more acceptable and appetizing for cats. Try buying a few types of canned food (pate-style, flaked, etc.) In different flavors. Place some on a small plate and warm it slightly. If you notice your cat is still not interested in the food, try buying different types of food or warming it up even more. Food can be slightly warmed to release aroma which can often make it more palatable for cats. The opposite can be true for nauseous cats where strong scents should be avoided and feeding should be done in a quiet place away from other cats.

Help Your Cat with Maintenance Grooming

Grooming is an important part of your cat’s health, especially when they’re not feeling well. It’s important to help your cat keep up with their maintenance grooming even when they’re sick. To do that, you can gently brush or comb their fur at least once a day. You may also want to use a shampoo and conditioner specifically designed for cats, as they are more delicate than humans. When you’re done, make sure to rinse off any shampoo and conditioner thoroughly so that your cat doesn’t have any residue on its fur. Grooming can be a great way to show your cat love and care during times of sickness.

Encourage Your Cat to Eat Small, Frequent Meals

It is also important to encourage your cat to eat small, frequent meals. It is best to offer wet food for sick cats, which should have soft, meaty chunks in jelly or light gravy for easy digestion. You can also try feeding them hypoallergenic semi-moist cat food. It is suggested to offer treats or strong-smelling foods such as fish or chicken, if permitted by your veterinary team, to encourage cats to start eating. Place some of the food on a small plate and warm it slightly as this can make it more appealing. To prevent bullying and competition for food, feed your cat out of direct eyesight of any other cats/dogs. If vomiting occurs and your pet is unable to keep food down, then try missing one meal, but still allow access to water. Your vet can provide help in formulating a feeding plan that will provide the nutrients your cat needs.

Provide a Heater Pad or Blanket

In order to comfort a sick cat, providing a heater pad or blanket is a great way to keep them warm and cozy. Heating pads are a great option for cats with arthritis as they provide warmth that can help with pain relief. When using a heating pad, make sure it is set on the lowest setting and that it is covered with a thin blanket. Heating blankets or electric blankets can also be used if supervised, but make sure not to let your cat use them without supervision. You can also line the bottom of the bed with a small heating pad or electric blanket to help keep your cat warm.

Stay Calm and Reassure Your Cat

Stay calm and reassure your cat when they are ill. Cats may respond positively to the presence of someone they know and trust, so talking to them or even singing to them can be helpful. Try to give them rewards for positive behavior, such as sitting calmly near their carrier. To feel safe, your cat needs their own space and a way to escape if it all gets too much. Avoid crowding them or making sudden movements. Cats will feed off your stress, so the more anxious you are, the more anxious your cat is likely to be. Talk to your cat in a soothing and gentle tone of voice and provide a quiet, familiar, and private space for them. This can help to reduce their levels of stress and will ensure that they feel secure in their environment.

Monitor Your Cat’s Progress and Take Notes

If the sickness lasts more than a day, it’s important to take notes. Write down the times of observation and any unusual signs you notice. Also take pictures and videos to document the condition. Taking detailed notes will help you assess the situation and can be shared with your vet for a better diagnosis. Try to get contact information from your vet if the situation is concerning to you so you can keep in touch and provide them with timely updates. You need to be your cat’s best advocate in their time of need.

Phone the Vet If Your Pet’s Condition Is Deteriorating

It’s important to keep a close eye on your cat if they’re unwell and to phone your vet if their condition is deteriorating. Your vet may advise additional medications or treatments to help alleviate their symptoms. If you suspect that their condition is worsening, don’t hesitate to contact your vet for advice. They are the best source to guide you in helping your cat get better. Don’t write off any changes no matter how insignificant they may seem without some kind of reassurance from your vet. It’s important to stay on top of things. If you need to leave your sick cat alone for work or school, try to arrange for someone to cat sit in your home rather than taking them out of their familiar surroundings.