Recognizing When Your Cat Is Not Feeling Well
Sometimes, when a cat is not feeling well, it will sleep in a posture different from its usual one. If the owner fails to notice this change, they might miss the subtle distress signals their cat is sending, potentially delaying timely treatment.
Cats often conceal their discomfort, so changes in their body language become crucial clues for owners. For example, a cat that is sick or in pain may adopt a hunched or tense posture with legs tucked underneath, differing notably from its normal relaxed sleeping positions. They may also show other signs like squinting or glassy eyes, low or rotated ears, and a tail held close or tucked.
Additional behavioral changes may include increased hiding, decreased activity, altered vocalizations, or reluctance to jump and move as usual. Recognizing these signs early helps ensure your cat receives proper veterinary care without delay.
Observing your cat's posture and habits attentively and responding to unusual changes can make a significant difference in their health and comfort.
Sharing 3 types of "dangerous sleeping positions" that require special attention, so you can detect any unusual signs in your cat earlier.
1. The "Lion Pose" in Cats
Have you ever seen a cat lying with its front legs stretched out straight, chest lifted, and head held high, resembling the famous "lion pose"? This relaxed sitting position is common when cats feel comfortable and at ease. It allows them to quickly spring into action if needed, yet shows they are mostly relaxed and alert.
What Is the "Lion Pose" in Cats?
Also known as the "superman" or "sphinx" position, this posture features the cat lying on its belly with front legs extended forward and the upper body elevated. It indicates that the cat feels safe but remains watchful. Cats often adopt this position to rest while being ready to defend their territory or react swiftly.
When to Be Concerned About This Sleeping Position
While the "lion pose" is generally a sign of a relaxed cat, if your cat maintains this posture for a long time while sleeping and shows signs of rapid, shallow breathing or has pale nose and lips, it could indicate respiratory issues. Conditions such as pleural effusion (fluid in the chest), pneumonia, or asthma might be the cause. These symptoms require urgent veterinary attention as untreated respiratory diseases can become life-threatening.
What You Should Do
If you observe your cat sleeping like this for extended periods but also notice abnormal breathing patterns or discoloration around the nose or lips, do not hesitate to take your cat to the vet immediately. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are critical for respiratory health.
2. Curling Up and Signs of Illness
When cats curl up and squat down to sleep, especially during winter or cold weather, it is a normal behavior. They curl their bodies to keep warm and comfortable.
However, if a cat curls up into a tight ball and remains completely still even in a warm environment, this could indicate a health problem. If you call your cat but it does not respond or its eyes appear dull and lifeless, it may be a sign that something is wrong.
Additional warning signs to watch for include increased water intake, frequent urination, or vocalizing before and after using the litter box. These symptoms warrant caution, as they could be indicators of an underlying illness.
3. Why Do Cats Toss and Turn in Their Sleep?
If your cat keeps changing positions while sleeping or quickly stands up right after lying down, it may be because their body is in pain and cannot maintain the same posture for long periods. As a result, your cat will continually get up in an attempt to find a more comfortable position.
Common causes of this restless behavior include intestinal inflammation, constipation, cystitis, urinary stones, arthritis, and other health issues.
Although excessive heat during summer can also make cats toss and turn frequently, if the frequency is too high, you should observe whether your cat shows other symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, abnormal urination or defecation, or loss of appetite.
If these symptoms appear, it is recommended to take your cat to the veterinarian as soon as possible for a thorough check-up.
Key to Early Illness Detection
Cats are naturally gifted at hiding their discomfort. Because of this instinct, it is especially important for us to pay close attention to their usual behaviors. Among these, their sleeping posture often serves as a critical warning sign of illness.
By observing carefully and mindfully, we can gain an advantage in detecting health issues before they worsen. This vigilance allows us to provide our feline companions with the most timely care possible, ensuring their well-being and comfort.
