We never want our pets to be sick, but sometimes it happens. If your cat gets sick, you will probably have to take care of him until he gets better. Depending on how sick he is, you may have to give him medicine, feed him or help to keep him clean. This can take up a lot of your time.

Your sick cat should stay indoors until he feels well again. Cats that don't feel well may not be able defend themselves in their usual way and they might get hurt.

You will have to do exactly what your veterinarian tells you to do. But if you take good care of your kitty, he will get better much faster.

Keep a Journal

You should keep a record of everything about your pet. Write down things like when he has his medicine, when he goes to the bathroom, and whether or not he is eating and drinking. You should also write down any problems that you notice. Take this journal with you when you take him back to your veterinarian.

Medicine

Your veterinarian may prescribe medicine for your cat to help him get better. This is not an easy thing to do, and your parents will probably want to do this with your help. Your veterinarian can show you how to give a pill or liquid medicine. You can help by making sure the medicine is given on time.

Diet

You may have to feed your kitty special food while he is sick. It may have certain nutrients to help healing or it may be a soft diet. You may have to help your pet get used to it. Make sure it is room temperature; sometimes putting some on your finger and letting him lick it off will encourage him to eat. If you see that he is not eating or drinking, make sure you let your parents know so they can tell the veterinarian. You might want to write everything down that he eats and drinks.

Bed

Make sure your cat has a clean, soft, warm bed to lie in. It should be in a quiet place where he won't be bothered by noise or other family pets. You want to make his bed nice so that he will spend a lot of time there resting so that he can get better.

The Litter Box

Depending on how sick your cat is, he might have trouble using the litter box. If he is able to use it, you can move the box closer to him or bring it right to him on occasion. You might have to help him climb in and out. Then take the box away because cats don't like to be near the box.

Grooming

Your pet may not be able to keep himself clean while he is sick. You can brush him every day. In fact, this might feel good to your kitty and it will let him know you care about him.

Love

Make sure you give your pet lots of love. Make sure he knows that you understand he is not feeling well. Give him lots of attention and talk to him in a soothing voice. This might be the most important thing you can do.

The Geriatric Patient

If your cat is old, he may need extra care. You may have to keep him in one part of the house so he doesn't go to the bathroom where he isn't supposed to. You should make sure his bed is soft and comfortable because his joints may hurt. You may have to feed your pet occasionally, too, if he has trouble eating.

If your cat has trouble walking, you may have to help him stand or lie down or help him get into the litter box. If your cat can't walk, make sure there are plenty of absorbant towels or pads under him. You may have to have his hair clipped around his rear end to keep him clean(have your vet do this for you).