Seemingly Minor Symptoms That Mean Your Cat Should See The Vet
Cats can be strange and awkward creatures. In fact, this is part of what makes them so endearing to their owners. You never know quite what silly thing your cat is going to do next. A lot of cats contort themselves into tiny boxes or dive off furniture to catch flies. These behaviors, while strange, are fairly normal for cats. But some silly cat behaviors are not as harmless; they actually mean your cat may be ill and should see the vet.
Suddenly Meowing Constantly
Some cats meow more than others. If you have a previously quiet kitty who suddenly starts meowing all of the time, this could be a red flag. Cats meow in an attempt to communicate with people, so if they are suddenly meowing a lot more than usual, they're probably trying to tell you that they are sick or in pain. Definitely take them to the vet for a checkup.
Head Pressing
Is your cat standing in the corner or against a wall with their head pressed against the wall? This behavior is known as head pressing, and it usually means your cat is struggling with a neurological condition. They could be having minor seizures, or they could have a brain tumor. A vet will likely do a scan, such as an MRI, to get a better idea of what's going on.
Giant Pupils
If your cat comes up to you and their pupils are hugely dilated, this usually means that there is something going on with their eye or brain health. This could be a sign of a brain tumor. It could also be an early sign of glaucoma. It's also possible that your cat accidentally ingested some medication or a poisonous cleaner; some of these compounds cause the pupils to dilate.
Pulling Their Hair Out
Cats do groom themselves, but it is not normal for them to pull their hair out. If you do see them grabbing and pulling out clumps of hair, it's likely because they are stressed out, depressed, or anxious. A vet can prescribe antidepressants, which often ease hair pulling and other symptoms of mental distress.
Cats are strange, and they do strange things. It's important to know which of those strange behaviors should be a cause for alarm. If your cat is doing any of the things above, take them to a veterinarian for a checkup. They may need veterinary care.