Health Archives - Catastic

Helping our Feline Friends feel Fear Free

Tony Buffington, DVM, PhD Clinical Professor UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, conducted a fascinating webinar on fear states in cats and how we, as both pet parents and professionals, can work with cats in such a way as to reduce fear, or at the very least minimise its impact. I summarise in this blog post some of the discussion.

Firstly, what is fear?

Fear, by definition, is the word we use to describe our emotional reaction to something that feels dangerous; typically an uncontrollable threat from an identified source. Fear is an aversive emotional state with physiological, behavioural, and emotional reactions to stimuli which are perceived as an actual threat or danger. Feelings are what we know as ‘drive states’, they motivate us to do something and with fear it is to protect ourselves. Uncontrollable means just that: you cannot control it. Anxiety, meanwhile, is another feeling state, but is more of a general feeling of worry, unease, tension and fear. One of the most damaging things to us and animals (behaviourally and physiologically) is the loss of a perception of control. Cats can be very sensitive creatures and may often become anxious or frustrated by things going on around them, or by the way people interact with them; and as a species they like to feel in control, so when we remove this from them they feel a heightened state of both anxiety and fear.

In terms of behaviour, cats present differently depending on both their temperament and the nature of the threat. Initially they might present with ‘normal’ posture and activity states; they might orient towards the (perceived or actual) danger whilst deciding what movement, if any, is appropriate under the circumstances: they might freeze or flee and where they can’t do either of these they might choose to use defensive aggression. The fight, flight, or freeze response is how the body responds to perceived threats. It is involuntary and involves a number of physiological changes that help someone prepare to: fight, or take action to eliminate the danger.

Physiological changes are again dependent on a number of factors, not least impacted by which option the cat takes when dealing with a threat, some of these include:

Pupils may dilate
Increased heart rate
Increased respiratory rate
Increase in blood pressure
Sweaty paws
Excessive shedding
Evacuate their urinary and GI tract
Flushing around the upper ears
Occasional lip licking

What is stress and how does it relate to fear states in cats?

Stress is the body’s response to pressure. Many different situations or life events can cause stress. In cats it is is often triggered when they experience something new, unexpected or threatening, or when they feel they have little control over a situation. Confinement, isolation, conflict with other cats, noise etc are all examples of external sources of stress for cats.

We need to think about what we can do to reduce fear, anxiety and stress as much as we can. We need to think about the cat in their environment, what Tony Buffington describes as “sensitive individuals in a provocative environment”. We want to do as much as we can to look after our cats, and its surroundings, so that they do not perceive their environment, or situations, as threatening and dangerous. To help our cats live fear free lives, we need to firstly provide them with safety at home and appropriate opportunities to engage in species specific behaviours. We then need to think about how often we transport them: is it always necessary? Is there another alternative that might help them feel more secure? (examples include in-home cat sitting, grooming training so that pet parents can keep on top of their cats coats, etc). If we do need to transport them regularly, we need to think about this too; so where is the carrier being kept? Ideally it should be left out all the time and placed in the cats favourite part of the house, filled with things that entice them to use it such as tasty treats tossed in, or catnip toys. Why? Because cats are extremely attached to ‘place’ which means if we can help them feel more comfortable with their carrier, they will be less stressed about the process when you do have to transport them. In terms of the actual transport process, let’s cover their cage and carry it securely (two hands, up high and kept stable – this helps reduce the notion of being out of control; remember, always put yourself in your cats shoes and ask yourself: how would I like to be transported? What would make me feel most comfortable?)

It’s also important to change our language. I have heard over the years many people describe either their own cats, or those they work with, as ‘aggressive’. This word is powerful and places all the focus on us, what we are experiencing in that moment, how we can protect us (usually through engaging in dominant, non-loving actions to ‘control the cat’). But as we know now, aggression is most typically evident in cats who are in a fear state, such a fear state that they felt they had no other option than to resort to biting, swatting and so forth (cats really do not like confrontation and would rather escape the situation if they could!). Using the phrase ‘fearful cat’, then, positions the cat right in the centre, where they should be. It makes you think about the cat and their emotions: how are they feeling about the situation? Is there anything we can do to make them feel safer and more in control? This might mean stopping what we are doing, changing holds, certainly it’s about minimising restraint and using non-confrontational body language with the cats and being in tune with their emotions. Of course there are some cats who are offensively and defensively aggressive, but most of the time we are looking at cats who are afraid. Just very afraid!

These cats deserve more. They deserve to be understood for what they are: firstly as a species which is both a predator and prey, but also as individuals who have their own unique experiences and histories which have served to shape how they respond to the world, and specifically ‘scary’ or threatening situations. Let’s change our language and put the cat back in the centre of things, where we focus less on what they are doing wrong, and more on how we as owners and professionals, can change our own behaviour to get the best out of these cats.

Catastic provide a ‘one stop shop’ for all your cat needs in the Buckinghamshire area. We are a Milton Keynes based cat sitting, behaviour and holistic grooming business and are able to not only cover your holiday sitting needs (we work 365 days of the year), but also assist with behaviour issues and help teach holistic grooming skills so that your cat can be groomed at home, by you, where they are most comfortable.

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Compassionate Understanding of Pet Bereavement: Its Impact and Significance

The Society of Companion Animal Studies recently hosted a webinar on Pet Bereavement called Compassionate Understanding of Pet Bereavement: It’s Impact and Significance which I was able to catch up with this morning. The topic is one that is close to my heart both from a personal and professional perspective. Having experienced the loss of my husband in 2019 I am faced with the reality that at some point the pets we bought together will also pass away. This is but one example of the complexities associated with pet bereavement, and how there is no ‘one size fits all’ approach to take with death (of a human or pet) and that each person’s emotions and feelings associated with loss are unique to them and should be respected and honoured.

Pets are part of the family and saying goodbye can be an extremely tough for many people. And this difficult time can be compounded by a lack of understanding with regards pet bereavement and what impact it can have on someone’s life. And people grieve the loss of their pets for a number of reasons and death is not the only one. Someone may have to give up their animal due to moving into sheltered accommodate, due to illness or injury, overseas work or divorce and separation. How the loss of a pet impacts someone is unique to them and equally valid. The loss of a pet might also be the catalyst for unexpressed grief, or be the final link to a loved one who has previously passed away. Well-meaning people can say some truly hurtful things such as ‘smile, it was only a cat’ without realising what that cat meant, what they represented and what their loss now represents in this persons life.

Grieving a pet can be similar to mourning the loss of a family member or friend, with some owners going on to experience intense isolation and deep depression or loneliness. These emotions are perfectly normal and though many of the people around you may not understand why you are feeling upset, rest assured that there are plenty of others who do ‘get it’ and understand completely the range of emotions you might be experiencing.

We grieve for our pets for a number of reasons, some of which include:

• Companionship – for many people that live alone their pet is their only companion and the quietness in the home following the loss can be deafening. There is also the lack of routine which is important to consider: many people structure their day and weekends around their pets and not having the ‘need’ to get up and care for someone can compound feelings of depression, anxiety or loneliness
• Connection – sometimes the pet is the last link to a loved one, partner or family member who has passed away and this can bring grief back up to the surface and make both losses harder to deal with (also called echo grief)
• Assistance – many pets are either official assistance animals, or simply fulfil this role to their owner by way of being an emotional ‘crux’ or emotional support. For those who have lost their assistance pet, this loss will be felt emotionally and physically – it can be life changing in many ways. For owners with anxiety or depression, the loss of their pet might exacerbate feelings of loneliness and worthlessness

Many of us share our lives with animals and to us these are not ‘just cats’ but family members – bringing us joy, fun, companionship and emotional support throughout challenging times in our lives. They also provide structure to our days, make us laugh and keep us social. The loss of a pet can feel overwhelming and trigger all sorts of painful emotions, these can be particularly intense if the pet had a special significance or played an important role (for instance, a support dog). As a society I believe that we do not realise how painful pet loss can be, and this may result in a heightened sense of isolation for many owners; with the impact of grief felt emotionally and physically.

Emotions which you might feel include:

• Anger
• Sadness
• Shock
• Denial/disbelief
• Guilt
• Relief
• Helplessness
• Longing
• Shame
• Remorse over the decision to euthanise your pet

Physical sensations which you might feel include:

• Headaches
• Nausea or sickness
• Anxiety
• Flashbacks
• Brain fog
• Sleep disturbance

Having to face the reality that your pet may not be with you for much longer can be really tough, but there are a couple of things which might help the process be a little less painful. A couple of ideas are noted below:

• Create a bucket list of all the things you would like to do with them while they are still alive. If your cat loves exploring but is too weak to do so, consider taking them out in a pet buggy so they can enjoy the tactile and mental stimulation they will get from feeling the wind on their fur, smelling new things and being with you
• If they still enjoy eating, consider giving lots of their favourite treats or the meals they love, some people like to even throw their pet a little party and have loved ones gather around to celebrate them and talk about good times
• Create a memory box and fill it with pictures, items or anything else which reminds you of them
• Commission a picture of them which you can hang up in your home

Because the grieving process is a highly individual experience, there is no ‘right’ way to grieve or ‘normal’ time in which you will feel better. For some people grief will come in stages, whereas for others it will be more akin to waves or a series of lows and highs over time. The process of grieving happens gradually and for some people they will feel ok after a few weeks or months, but for others it can take years. It’s important to be patient with yourself, or those you know who are experiencing grief, and allow the process to unfold organically and naturally. Reach out to others who have lost pets if those you know are not sympathetic or understanding, and also do not let anyone tell you how to feel – your grief is your own.

MY FOREVER PET
There’s something missing in my home, I feel it day and night. I know it will take time and strength before things feel quite right.

But just for now, I need to mourn, my heart– it needs to mend. Though some may say it’s “just a pet”, I know I’ve lost a friend.

You’ve brought such laughter to my home, and richness to my days, a constant friend through joy or loss, with gentle loving ways.

Companion, pal and confidante, a friend I won’t forget, you’ll live for always in my heart, my sweet forever pet.
– AUTHOR UNKNOWN

Article, Cat, Health, News

Feline Fear

Fear and anxiety are normal emotions that enable animals to avoid harm. With both of these emotions the cat is in a heightened state of arousal in preparation for a negative outcome such as physical pain. Anxiety is where the threat is anticipated but not actually present; with fear, however, the threat is present and imminent. A cat may become anxious in a situation in which they anticipate harm, and then switch to fearful when the threat has been identified.

Normal fear response behaviours might include:

Facial and postural expressions such as dilated pupils, ear and tail position, muscular rigidity and piloerection
Muscle tremors
Attempts to escape
Aggression towards stimulus
Urination and defection

When frightened, animals engage in:

Flight (the preferred response to fear, i.e. escape and avoid it)
Fight (where they have been prevented escape and have no other choice but to resort to aggression in an attempt to drive the anxiety producing stimulus away)
Freeze (the cat may feign sleep but actually be fully alert and aware of threats in their environment)
Fiddle/Fidget (this might include apparently unrelated behaviours such as grooming)

Cats that have a fear of loud noises, such as fireworks or thunder, may hide whilst outside the home so that their behaviour goes unobserved by their owners. At home, cats may hide when frightened by loud noises, and do not show the overt signs of distress that we might observe in dogs (for instance, whining, pacing, etc) and therefore many owners often misinterpret this apparent passivity from their cat as a lack of fear, especially when the cat engages in self-maintenance behaviour, such as grooming, that many of us associate with the cat being relaxed, calm and settled. However, increased grooming can also be a displacement activity, or an attempt at self-appeasement, that is actually a good indicator of stress especially where it happens in excess and is performed out of context, or in times of conflict or in the presence of anxiety-inducing stimuli.

Fear responses in cats, in general, are context specific; so that means they may react fearfully to otherwise familiar stimuli when it is presented in an unfamiliar context or outside its own familiar territory boundaries (for instance, your cat may be comfortable being touched by you at home, but when he is brought to the vet or groomers may present with aggressive behaviour on being stroked). This change to their behavioural repertoire may be due to a significant part of the cat’s emotional self-control system being based on its innate ability to engage in avoidance behaviours when discriminating the level of (perceived) threat in a given environment or situation.

It is important that cats who are exhibiting fear-related behaviour problems are given choice and control over their environment. Forcing them to deal with their fears (through flooding or poorly managed exposures) will likely make the problem worse. That said, sometimes it is necessary to expose the cat to specific stimuli that it fears in order to help them overcome them; however, it is important that this is done through the correct desensitisation and counterconditioning protocols, with positive reinforcement and associations made.

Fear-based behaviour treatment typically involves the following:

The cat’s environment: ensure your cat has control over its key resources and feels safe in their home. This is absolutely essential in helping to reduce generalised anxiety and stress
Your reaction: sometimes our own behaviour is what needs modifying as we may unintentionally be adding to the cat’s stress by poor handling techniques, our own stress and anxiety, a lack of consistency, and inappropriate punishments
Behaviour modification: techniques such as desensitisation and counterconditioning are helpful in fear-based anxiety issues and a separate post will go into this in more detail
Psychoactive medications: in serious cases of anxiety and fear, it may sometimes be necessary to put the cat on medication so that their anxiety or fear can be brought down to manageable levels, whereby the behaviour modification plan put in place has a greater chance of success (always liaise with your vets with regards medications)

Reference:

Horwitz, D., and Landsberg, G., (n.d.), ‘Cat Behaviour Problems – Fears and Phobias’ Available from: https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/cat-behavior-problems—fears-and-phobias

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CAT Interaction Guidelines

Based around a “CAT” acronym, these guidelines aim to provide a memorable and easy to implement set of instructions for people to follow during all Human-Cat Interactions, with the exception of situations requiring specific handling for formal veterinary procedures and so forth.

The “C” represented providing the cat with Choice and Control during any human-cat interactions, enabling them to both “opt in” and “opt out.”
The “A” encourages people to pay attention to the cats’ behavioural and postural responses during interactions, and to moderate their behaviour accordingly.
The “T” encourages people to restrict their touching of cats primarily to the cats’ temporal regions.

Choice is a primary reinforcer for cats, with primary reinforces being things that they desire without having to learn anything about them – for instance feeling safe, having access to key resources such as water, food and a place to sleep. When our pets are not given choice, or the ability to control outcomes, they may have elevated stress levels which in turn may manifest in a number of other health issues such as a poor cardiovascular system, increased inflammation, reduced immune function and impaired learning abilities (Adelman, B., 2019).

Cats have their own way of saying ‘stop, I’ve had enough’. Sometimes they may just walk away; other times they may give a very subtle signal which is then up to us to identify and listen to.

Some of the signs cats give us to say ‘please stop touching me, I’ve had enough’ include:

• Excessive vocalisations: “angry meows”, hissing, growling, snarling)
• Ear positions: flat, sideways or back of head
• Tail: it might be flicking or lashing
• Skin: their skin might be twitching
• Pupils: dilated or slit
• Claws: out and ready to attack
• Whiskers: pushed forward
• Body: stiff legs or shoulders
• Paws: raised and ready to strike

Where we don’t listen to or respect the signals our cats give us to back away we are giving them no option but to escalate – and this is often with a swat or bite. Cats would like to be able to decide when they are going to be touched, where they will be touched and for how long. When we respect their needs and wishes our relationship with them changes. We learn to identify and honour the subtle signals they give us, and they learn that we can be trusted not to hurt them. And as they learn this (through time and patience) they may even solicit increased contact with us as they know that we will respect their personal space and boundaries. Aggression is typically considered to be a problem behaviour, especially when it is directed towards humans; with its presence negatively impacting the owner-cat relationship and the cats health and wellbeing – both emotional and physical – and may contribute to poor welfare outcomes and eventual rehoming.

Using the CAT guidelines as ‘best practice’ may help cats behave less aggressively during contact, but also present with fewer negative behaviours associated with conflict overall; it may also result in an increase in positive human-directed affiliative behaviours such as attention seeking, rubbing flanks on legs, slow blinks, etc and helps promote wellbeing and relationships which are built out of mutual understanding and trust.

References:
Adelman, B., (2019), ‘Choice: what it means for cats’ Available from: https://www.fearfreehappyhomes.com/choice-what-it-means-for-cats/

Article, Cat, Health, News

Feline senile dementia: signs you might spot in your cat

Also known as cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS), this condition is characterised by several key behavioural changes which may occur when cats are between 7 to 10 years old (though it varies cat to cat as each are individual, and age at different rates just as humans do). It is also important to note that the below changes in behaviour can also be associated with other chronic diseases such as diabetes, cancer, renal failure and more. Therefore, it is important that the cat is seen by the vet for health check-ups on a regular basis (every 6 months is recommended for a senior cat) to rule out any other diseases or illnesses. Dementia can only be diagnosed once any other possible chronic illnesses have been ruled out.

Some of the signs associated with feline senile dementia are:

Increased vocalisations (this may occur at greater frequency during the night when the house is quiet and dark)
Seemingly lost and easily confused, especially when looking for food/water bowls or litter tray
Changes in activity levels
Increased irritability
Decreased desire to groom, coat greasy and unkempt, long-haired cats may suffer with matting and need help from the owner or a cat groomer
Changes in activity levels
Excessive licking (one or more parts of body)Increased anxiety and restlessness
Temporal disorientation
A lack of spatial awareness
Incontinence or constipation
Random new phobias
Changes in sleep/wake cycle
Inappropriate toileting location (both urination and defecation)
Forgetting commands or other tricks the cat might have learned
Altered relationship with owner and other pets in the house (either an increase in attention seeking behaviours or a decrease in these with more aggression seen in an otherwise friendly/sociable cat)
Changes in activity – pacing, wandering and aimlessly staring at walls

CDS cannot be cured but negative symptoms can be reduced through correct diagnosis and care. Through making changes to the environment, supplementing their diet and possibly drug therapies, your cat can go on to live a comfortable life (iCatCare, 2018). We can help cats suffering with this condition by firstly feeding them a species-appropriate diet which is high in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids. Routine veterinary care is vital at this stage in a cat’s life. It is recommended that a senior / geriatric cat is brought in for check-ups twice yearly, this is where the vet will be able to pick up any health conditions you might have missed and advise on environmental alterations that may be made to provide the cat with as much support as is possible during their senior years.

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How might obesity affect the behaviour of a cat?

Obesity is an accumulation of excess body fat which can negatively impact a cat’s health and longevity. Many of us sadly do not realise when our cat is overweight, often both feeding too much at mealtimes and giving too many treats (possibly to alleviate the guilt associated with leaving the cats all day whilst going to work). Obese cats are those that are at least 20 percent heavier than their optimum weight, with a cat who is 10-19 percent heavier being classed as overweight. Long-term studies suggest that obesity may shorten a cats life expectancy and makes them more susceptible to disease.

Some cats may be more predisposed to obesity, these being:

Middle age or senior cats – when their activity levels naturally decline
Domestic cats – over purebred cats
Male cat’s vs females
Anxious, nervous, or living with emotional or physical stress
Spayed/castrated cats – this reduces their energy requirement, but their appetite may increase
Indoor cats
Cats suffering from stress – emotional, physical or both

Obesity puts pressure on the cat’s joints and internal system, leading to a variety of health risks, including arthritis. Obese cats are at a greater risk of developing diabetes and have a compromised immune system; they are more prone to urinary stones. Cardiovascular and respiratory systems are also affected by obesity, leading to heart problems, and breathing complications. They may become glucose intolerant and develop non-allergic skin conditions. Feline urinary disease is another condition that may develop in obese cats along with hepatic lipidosis (which comes with a fatal risk).

All these health implications naturally impact upon the behaviour of the cat. As we will know from when we ourselves feel unwell, cats also become more ill-tempered, snappy, and irritable when they are not in good health; they may also become withdrawn, bored, and depressed. Obesity will make it harder for them to groom themselves, so they may develop skin conditions which will further compromise their wellbeing. As they will also not be able to play and move around in an agile way when overweight, this can impact on their emotional health as an overweight cat is unable to react as quickly when they need to, leaving them feeling anxious and distressed. Physical inactivity, indoor confinement (which may lead to depression and extended periods of sleeping) can all lead to an increase in obesity, with the main contributing factor being over-feeding combined with a lack of mental and physical stimulation (Martin, G., Rand, J.S., 2004).

Reference:

Martin, G., Rand, J.S., (2004) ‘Feline Obesity: Causes, Consequences and Management’ Available from: https://www.vin.com/apputil/content/defaultadv1.aspx?meta=&pId=11181&id=3852204

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Is your cat’s eyesight failing? Here are some behaviour changes you may notice.

The behaviour of a cat losing their vision might take place over a few weeks or months, they may present as confused, fearful, and lost – as if they recognise that something has changed or gone wrong. They may freeze more and have a fearful expression on their face. This tends to be the case with cats who have lost their vision suddenly. With cats who have suffered with a condition whereby their sight has gradually reduced over time, they will present in a more relaxed manner as they have had the opportunity to get used to the changes. What is termed ‘sudden blindness’ can be seen in elderly cats with hypertension, a condition which causes eventual detachment of the retina and bleeding in the back of the eyes. It is, in fact, a progressive condition so there is nothing so ‘sudden’ about it really, more so that owners become aware of it suddenly. This condition is rarely seen in young cats, although it can occur (Cornell Feline Health Centre, 2016).

Several feline diseases may lead to blindness, but a common one to be aware of is inflammation of the uvea: the middle part of the eye that is made up of the iris, the ciliary body and the choroid. Some of the symptoms of inflammation in the eye include enlarged eyes, squinting and a swollen third eyelid. This disease is associated most frequently with cats who are FeLV, FIV or FIP positive.

Cats’ eyes are also highly susceptible to damage, they are very large in proportion to the size of their face and thus extra vulnerable to traumatic injuries which may lead to partial or full blindness.

A cat losing its vision might behave in the following ways:

Move more cautiously
Bump into things more
Have trouble finding its food bowl
Present more withdrawn and reclusive (increased desire to hide away)
Increasingly fearful of dangers that might be ‘lurking’ in its environment (despite nothing having changed within or around the home)
Disoriented and distressed (especially if the blindness was sudden)
They will rely more on their sense of scent and memory to find their way around
There will be a reluctance to go out as much, especially at night
They may walk slower and more cautiously, with their legs wider apart than normal (some cats may stay close to the wall as if they are using it to guide them)
There could be increased vocalisations (possibly more so at night when the house is quiet and dark)
A reluctance to jump or misjudging distances when jumping off furniture or cat tree
They may seem confused and disoriented when looking for their food and water bowls or litter tray
A squinting of the eyes
As always, if you notice any changes in behaviour which are new or unusual for your cat then we always recommend you book a visit with your vet for a full health check-up.

Reference:

Cornell Feline Health Centre, (2016), ‘Feline Vision Problems: A Host of Possible Causes’ Available from: https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/feline-vision-problems-host-possible-causes

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Is your cat excessively hungry and eating all the time?

The scientific term of excess intake of food beyond a cat’s caloric need is polyphagia. Primary causes of this condition can either be psychogenic or behavioural, but it is important to note that some drugs can also stimulate the appetite centres in the brain; as can the aging process which also may cause some cats to overeat, because as they get older their ability to properly digest proteins and fats can decrease while their energy requirements increase. Poor food quality (for instance, those high in carbs/sugars/salts and low in protein) may cause a cat to increase its food consumption as their body is struggling to get what it needs from the food provided. Pregnancy is one ‘normal’ cause of an increased metabolic rate which may lead the cat to needing more calories (thus an increase in appetite), as is cold temperatures and an increase in activity levels; but several diseases can also be the cause and these include a digestion and absorption system which is not working correctly, diabetes and hyperthyroidism.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease – this is a condition where the cat’s GI tract becomes chronically inflamed and irritated. Inflammatory cells invade the walls of the stomach and/or intestines, thickening the GI tract and disrupting the cat’s ability to properly digest food and absorb the nutrients from it. There are several causes of IBD in cats such as environmental factors, bacteria in the cat’s intestines / a bacterial infection, a poor diet (including an intolerance to a specific protein), a compromised immune system, autoimmune diseases or parasites (Williams, K., n.d.).

Signs that a cat has IBD include:

Defecating outside the litter box (cats with soft stools may have discomfort when passing them and associate the litter box with this pain)
Diarrhoea
Vomiting (this might be because of overeating but also a symptom of IBD itself)
Vomiting hairballs more than once a month
Weight loss despite an increase in appetite (poor appetite can also be seen)
A ravenous appetite as the cat is unable to absorb the food it is taking in

Parasites – an infestation of worms can cause increased hunger because they are eating the nutrients ingested by the cat, instead of the cat itself. The most common parasites affecting cats are tapeworms, hookworms and roundworms.

A couple signs to look out for include:

Constant hunger – the worms are eating the food which the cat ingests so it will feel hungry all the time as the nutrients are simply not making it into its system
Weight loss – associated with the above
Lack of appetite – not all worms cause a cat to overeat, sometimes it can go the opposite way
Anaemia – if the cat has hookworms, they may be feeding on the animal’s blood
Worms or blood detected in the cat’s stool
Lethargy – not always easy to detect, especially in cat’s who are naturally lethargic (due to breed or age) and may also be indicative of a wide range of other health issues

Polyphagia is a sign of an underlying issue which should not be ignored, regardless of the cause, because obese cats are at an increased risk of a wide range of health issues associated with carrying this excess weight. Veterinary advice and guidance must be sought to identify the cause of the overeating and to treat it accordingly, along with a concerted effort to help the cat lose its weight (if it has gained any) through a combination of increased exercise and a change to diet – both in terms of quantity and quality. Using activity centres where the cat has to work for their food is one way of increasing movement during mealtimes but also is a form of feeding enrichment which will serve another purpose: simultaneously boosting the cat’s wellbeing and confidence through mental stimulation.

Reference:

Williams, K., n.d.), ‘Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Cats’ Available from: https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/inflammatory-bowel-disease-in-cats Accessed 9th January 2022