Cat Health Danger Signs
Kurt Schmitt
Feline illness symptoms often overlap, just as in humans, and it's often hard to really know your cat's level of wellness. The various cat health problems your cat may face are many and varied, and some can have subtle signs. Since your cat can't tell you how she's feeling, you'll have to be observant.
Stress is an important risk factor for contracting illness. Your cat may be stressed by pre-existing health problems, or a life change of some kind. Examples of some stressors would be a recent injury or illness, or a recent medical procedure. Keep in mind that moving residences, or the addition or removal of a family member or other pet may put stress on your cat.
Your cat can catch the flu or a cold in same way you can. Cats may also get heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and are subject to parasite infestation. Some of these cat health problems will require treatment.
If you notice something is not right, it's best to call your veterinarian up front and let her know. That way, if things seem to get worse, both you and your vet will be better prepared to handle the situation later. Below are some problems to watch out for.
General indications -- General cat health issues are sometimes similar to what you might experience if you had the flu, a cold, an injury, or an infection. You may see your cat coughing or sneezing. In addition, nasal discharge, lethargy, a fever, or sometimes excessive drooling may be present.
Some more serious indications of feline illnesses are signs of pain, excessive vomiting, evidence of worms, or blood in the vomit. If your cat experiences any of the following, contact your veterinarian immediately: fainting or falling down, difficulty breathing, walking, or jumping. In addition, rapid weight gain or loss, or a bloated belly are also points of concern.
Behavior patterns -- If your cat exhibits a dramatic change in routine or behavior, she may be ill. Changes in sleeping habits may be a sign of trouble. In addition, excessive licking, scratching, or unusual showings of aggression may be signs that something is amiss. If your normally social kitty hides in a corner for a long period, that may also mean that something is not right.
Appetite and thirst -- A classic indicator of a cat health problem is refusual to eat, so loss of appetite is certainly suspect. Also on this list would be difficulty in chewing or eating. Failure to drink can lead to dehrydation, which can be life threatening. Refusal to drink while leaning over the drinking bowl is a definite sign of trouble. Increased thirst is also a sign of a number of diseases, including diabetes.
In order to stay alert to cat health problems, you'll want to be alert to your cat's usual behavior patterns. Cats are very good at hiding some of these warning signs. Pay attention to your cat's habits including sleeping, drinking, eating, litter box usage, and levels of activity. If you see a change, keep a closer eye on your cat to see if there's a problem.
You should groom your cat at least once a week. Take the opportunity during these sessions to examine your cat for some of these warning signs. You can get a feel for how your cat is reacting to being handled, and easily check all the body parts, the mouth, and so on. Checking your cat regularly will help you work with your veterinarian to keep on top of any cat health problems that may arise.
Kurt Schmitt has put together a 150 plus page http://www.cat-lovers-only.com/) cat lover resource. Once there, you'll find many articles on http://www.cat-lovers-only.com/cat-illness-symptoms.html cat health problems, as well as cat care information, and funny cat pictures too.
|
