Cat Health Danger Signs

Author: KurtSchmitt
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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.

Generally speaking, your cat is at higher risk for developing an illness if she has been stressed in some way. Those stresses may come from other pre-existing health problems, or a life change of some kind. Examples of this might include recent injury or immune disease, or a recent surgery. Life changing events may also include the addition or removal of a family member or other pet, or perhaps you've recently moved.

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 signs and symptoms -- Cat health problems of a general nature include some of the same signs that humans experience when they have the flu, a cold, infection, or injury. Your cat may experience symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, lethargy, and nasal discharge. If your cat has the flu, or an infection, you may notice excessive drooling. Sometimes your cat may have a fever.

More serious indications of feline illnesses are excessive vomiting or blood in the vomit, signs of pain, or evidence of worms. If at any time you notice that your cat faints or falls down, has difficulty breathing, jumping, or walking, contact your veterinarian right away. You should also be concerned by rapid weight loss or gain, or a bloated appearance or tightness in the abdomen.

Change in behavior -- A dramatic change in routine or behavior in your cat may be a sign of illness. If your cat is normally social, but decides to hide in a room all day, that is probably a sign that something is wrong. A sudden change in sleeping habits, excessive scratching or licking behavior, or unusual aggressive tendencies may be signs that there is a problem.

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.

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.

Groom your cat at least once a week, preferably more. This is an excellent time to examine your cat for these warning signs. Your cat's attention will be occupied by the grooming, and you can examine her while she's distracted. Checking your cat regularly will help you keep on top of any cat health problems that may arise.

About the Author

Kurt Schmitt has created a 150 plus page website 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.