As a cat owner, cat health problems are at the top of my list of concerns. The various illnesses your cat may face are many and varied, and your cat can't tell you how she's feeling, at least not in words. Feline illness symptoms, like that in humans, often overlap.
As a rule, your cat is at higher risk for developing a disease if she has been stressed recently. Pre-existing health problems, recent surgery, or a life change of some type can all add stress to your cat's life. Life changing events may include the addition or removal of a family member or other pet, or perhaps a change of homes.
Cats can catch a cold or the flu, or develop any number of feline specific problems, such as cat parasites. She can also be affected by heart disease, certain cancers, and diabetes. Some of these cat health issues 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 signs -- Your cat may exhibit some of the same signs that you'd expect to see in people if she has the flu, a cold, injury, or infection. General symptoms of cat illness include sneezing, coughing, lethargy, and nasal discharge. Your cat may experience excessive drooling if she has an infection or the flu, and may also have a fever.
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.
Behavioral changes -- A dramatic change in behavior or routine in your cat may be a sign of illness. Excessive scratching or licking behavior, a change in sleeping habits, or unusual aggressive tendencies may be signs that something is wrong. If your cat is normally social, but decides to hide in a room all day, that is probably a sign that something is wrong.
Eating and drinking -- Loss of appetite is very common in sick cats, as many animals will refuse to eat when they're not feeling right. Also on this list would be difficulty in chewing or eating. Failure to drink or excessive drinking are indicators as well. Dehrydation, which can be life threatening, results from failure to drink. Refusal to drink while leaning over the drinking bowl is a definite sign of a problem, and increased thirst is a symptom of a number of diseases, including diabetes.
Cats are very good at hiding pain and discomfort, so it's possible to miss the warning signs. Take note of your cat's typical patterns of behavior, including drinking, eating, levels of activity, and litter box usage. If you see a change that may indicate a problem, have your cat checked.
Checking your cat regularly will help you work with your veterinarian to keep on top of any cat health problems that may crop up. A good time to check your cat over from head to tail is during weekly (or more often) grooming sessions. That way you can get a feel for your cat's flexibility, and how she reacts to being touched
Kurt Schmitt has put together a 150 plus page resource for cat lovers. Once there, you'll find many articles on cat health problems , as well as cat care information, and funny cat pictures too. Visit the Uber Article Directory to get a totally unique version of this article for reprint.