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How to Recognize if Your Cat is Sick
By HollywoodPet.net |
Sun, 10 Dec 2006
Spotting and recognizing if your cat is sick is the first line of defense in keeping your pet healthy and safe. Small changes in looks and behaviour are a helpful clue in getting medical treatment to avoid bigger problems. These tips for spotting changes in your cat are no replacement for medical help. Remember to always consult your veterinarian as early as possible.
Changes in bathroom habits.
This is a big clue. Any changes in bathroom habits can be an indicator of overall health. How often your cat uses the litterbox and whether or not your cat refuses to use the litterbox can be a sign of internal problems. Keep an eye on this becoming a trend. Temporary bathroom changes could mean an infection or upset stomach. Check with your veterinarian if a trend develops.
Changes in energy level.
Many times when a cat is sick the energy level drops. In more rarer instances, your cats energy level will go up. Keep an eye on these changes. If your cat has more than one "down" day, consider seeing your veterinarian.
Changes in Relationships.
Disinterest in usual things like being groomed or playing with toys is also a sign of illness. In rarer instances cats will become agressive during usual interactions. Keep an eye on your cats temperament.
Changes in Sleeping Habits.
This one is harder to spot because cats sleep long hours. Cats fall into sleeping rhythms that are less noticeable when they change. Keep an eye out for when your cat is up and how slow your cat awakes. If your cat is up when you turn on the nightly news or cook dinner each night and this suddenly changes, it may be a clue. Over sleeping or continued disinterest may mean a visit to your veterinarian.
Changes in Food and Water Consumption.
This one speaks for itself. Not eating, or drinking too much water are indicators your cat is not feeling well. Keep an eye out for trends in this area.
Changes in Weight.
A cat that is losing weight needs to be watched very closely. See your veterinarian quickly if your cats lose weight steadily. Also, remember that putting on a lot of weight can cause health problems in cats.
Changes in Grooming.
Changes in grooming is a whole shopping list of symptoms. Disinterest in grooming, grooming too much, scratching, bald spots, matted hair, an overall rough look to your cats coat, and difficulty in performing grooming are all indicators of health issues with your cat. The main thing is to be aware of changes. See your veterinarian if needed.
Changes in Vocalization.
Increased meowing and howling are traits of older cats, but can also be a sign of discomfort or pain. Watch for changes in how much your cat talks to you.
Changes in Breath.
Bad Breath can be a sign of poor dental health including gum disease. See your veterinarian for an oral check up for your cat if the problem persists.
Spotting changes in your cat are a good step towards better health for your pet. When temporary symptoms or behaviour becomes a trend it might be time to take your cat to the veterinarian for a check up. With a little observation your cat can be kept healthy and happy for a long time.
