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Cat diseases : watch for early warnings
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by: Russell
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Watch your cat and disease signs that may indicate a variety of health problems. Being alert to these indicators can help treat your cat quickly and efficiently.
Bad breath
Don't panic if your cat has a bad breath. Check first if he had fish or other food with strong odours. If not, consult your veterinary as bad breath may the the sign of a tooth decay, urinary problems or the presence of round worms.
Abundant saliva
This sign of cat disease may be the cause of poisoning or viral infection such as pneumonia. However it may simply be due to a foreign object lodged in the cat's mouth. In that case take the object out before the cat swallows it.
Decolorated gums
This might indicate aneamia, the presence of parisites or other affection. If this symptom follows an accident it may be due to internal bleeding.
Running nose
This sign of cat disease is, most of the time, caused by pneumonia.
Sneezing
Your cat caught a cold or something is stuck in his nose !!
Red and burning eyes
Sometimes, this sign of cat disease indicates respiratory problems. It can also be caused by dust.
Running eyes
This is always due to a cold.
Eyes turning opaque
This sign of cat disease indicates a major ocular problem. Consult your veterinary immediately .
Your cat is constantly scratching his ears
Parasites may be present. If the ear contains brownish and smelling crusts there might be an ulceration. If the ear is warm and aching this is probably due to an hematom that will require minor surgery.
Frequent coughing
This sign of cat disease is the result of a pneumonia.
Quick and heavy respiration
This is the symptom of pneumonia or heart problems.
Your cat does not eat anymore
This is a classic cat disease symptom resulting from a variety of health problems. However, bear in mind that a cat in healthy condition can skip 2 to 3 meals. Be concerned only if he skips more.
Your cat is losing weight quickly
This is a sign of probable aneamia or viral infection.
Your cat is weak and apathetic
Again this may be due to aneamia or the presence of parasites. This sign of cat disease may also result from heart problems.
Your cat does not drink water anymore
If your cat peaks over the water bowl but does'nt drink anything he may have typhus or a kidney infection.
He drinks too much !
You would not suspect this is a sign of cat disease. Unfortunately, this may the symptom of a variety of sicknesses : diabetes, liver problem, or uterus infection.
Vomitting
If your cat vomits frequently it may not mean he is sick. But if he vomits a yellow liquid, often times the typhus is the culprit. You also have to watch intoxications and kidney or liver infections. In any event, consult your veterinary immediately.
Urinary difficulties
This may be a serious cat disease symptom. The presence of blood in the urine, particularly with the male cat, requires a quick action you should rush to the veterinary.
Constipation
Here we have several possibilities but it is likely that your cat is not physically active and that his nutrition is not well balanced. Cut on the dehydrated food for a while. You may also use a light laxative. If this is not working, constipation may be caused by tiny hair balls .... or a tumour.
Diarrhea
A real diarrhoea is totally liquid. Your cat may have been excited or his nutrition is unbalanced. Add rice or pasta to his meals for a day or two. If you find traces of blood in the diarrhoea, this sign of cat disease may result from a tumour or it may indicate the presence of parasites.
High fever
A body temperature exceeding 38.8 celsius is a sign that something is working wrong. Don't guess, check with your veterinary.
Drastic change in behavior
This is a sign of cat disease that is difficult to gauge. If your animal becomes aggressive he may have contracted the rage. You may also detect this problem if his mewing is low and rough.
About the Author
Copyright 2006 Marc Deschamps
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