Caring for a Sick Cat

A sick cat requires proper home care to quicken the recovery process. There are certain basic tips to help pets feel more comfortable during pain or sickness. Cats that are suffering from terminal illnesses require extra help and pet owners should discuss with the vet, various home care options that bring prompt relief.

Prescribed Medication

Pets that are suffering from common symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea or fever should be given medication only after a proper diagnosis is established. Prolonged vomiting or diarrhea is a cause of concern and it's best to seek medical help to determine underlying causes of illness. Prescribed medication is always better than over the counter medication as it's suited to individual cat symptoms. Caretakers should also be available to provide medication on time. The medicine shouldn't be discontinued unless otherwise directed by the vet and the pet should be monitored to check for the body's response to treatment. The vet may also train pet owners to adequately administer medication or restrain pets.

Food High in Protein, Vitamins and Minerals

Certain pets may require diet food during illness. Others may be given normal food that's rich in protein. Food that contains high quality ingredients enriched with vitamins and minerals is necessary for faster recovery. Several medications are generally administered along with food. Pet owners should also provide pets with plenty of fresh water. The water may be flavored to make it more palatable. Cats that can't ingest food by themselves should be hand fed soft food. In addition, plastic bottles may be used to feed pets a liquid diet.

Tips for Adequate Cat Care

Sick cats should be kept in enclosed areas. A clean litter box should be placed close to the cats bedding. It's also best to keep cats warm with a soft blanket.
Rectal temperature should be taken periodically to monitor the cat's response to medication.
Cat bandages and wounds should be cleaned regularly to prevent further infection.
Sick cats shouldn't be left outdoors. They should be kept in heated environments and given heated blankets if necessary.
Pet owners should follow all vet instructions for proper home care. Consider writing down instructions to have them as a handy reference.
Sick pets usually suffer from loss of appetite. Caretakers should try giving pets a few treats to get them interested in food.
Cats suffering from terminal illnesses require close monitoring. It's best to note down the cat's temperature, eating, urination and bowel pattern for veterinary purposes.
Sick cats should be kept away from other pets. Children should also be kept away from sick pets to help the cat rest longer and to protect children from infection.

Disinfecting the Home

Pet owners should discard cat bedding if the cat was suffering from an infectious disease. Pet toys should be disinfected and thoroughly rinsed before returning them to pets. Since many household disinfectants are toxic to cats, the home and surroundings areas should be well disinfected with pet friendly solutions. It's also necessary to allow strong sun rays to penetrate the home to kill germ causing bacteria.

The aim of caring for sick cats is to reduce discomfort and speed up recovery with adequate rest and medication. Although pets may appear normal after initial medication, pet owners should complete the entire course of treatment to prevent a relapse.

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