Common Signs of Cat Illnesses
Source: aturkus
Every cat has its own unique personality so their owners can usually tell right away if their kitty seems not quite right. Perhaps he seems lethargic, isn't eating, is hiding or is acting out in some way. In a cat, a minor illness can quickly become serious or fatal if not treated quickly so it is important to pay attention to any early warning signs that indicate that your cat is ill.
Regular vaccinations, worming medications and flea and tic treatments should keep away most major ailments, so make sure you are up to date with your vet check ups. However there are a variety of other problems, both minor and severe that can make your cat ill.
Here are the top signs to look out for that may indicate something is wrong:
Loss of appetite
One of the first signs of illness in any pet is loss of appetite. If you notice that your cat's eating pattern has changed or the cat is not eating at all, something is likely to be amiss. Cats are well-known for being fussy at times so it could be something as simple as a dislike for a new brand or flavor of cat food. Offer him something that you know he really enjoys to see if his appetite returns. If you can't even tempt him to eat his favourite dish, take him to the vet sooner rather than later to avoid any condition worsening.
Excessive or extreme vomiting
Unfortunately, most cat owners are aware of the unpleasant nature of a cat bringing up a hairball. If your cat is vomiting after eating or drinking, or is being sick frequently this is probably not related to normal hair ingestion and may be a sign of illness.
Litter box issues
Well trained domestic cats are usually pretty regular with their litter box routine. If he appears to have difficulty eliminating or starts to avoid his litter box altogether, he could be suffering from a urinary tract infection or some sort of internal blockage which can quickly become fatal without treatment. Occasional diarrhea may happen because of a minor stomach upset due to the cat ingesting something he shouldn't. However, if your pet suffers from frequent or severe diarrhea, it may be caused by a parasite or virus and he will probably need special care to recover his levels of hydration as well as to eliminate the cause of the problem.
Sneezing, coughing or crying.
A cat's sneezing may mean little more than it does when its owner occasionally sneezes. Like humans cats sneeze when they inhale a minor irritant such as dust or fluff. Constant sneezing, coughing and running eyes and noses are another thing altogether. If your cat has weepy eyes, is coughing without producing a hairball or is sneezing several times a day, it may indicate an upper respirator infection.
Excessive hair shedding
An indoor, domesticated cat sheds most of the year due to regulated temperatures indoors. The amount of hair loss varies from breed to breed, however if your cat appears to be shedding excessively or is pulling out more hair than usual when grooming, it could mean that the cat is under stress, either psychological or physical. Excessive hair shedding can also point to nutritional problems.
Hiding
If your normally sociable cat begins to seek out dark corners to hide in, and there have been no recent changes in the household, such as the addition of a new animal or person, that might cause him to look for a safe place to hide you should take him to the vet immediately.
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