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. 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 typical patterns of behavior. This includes habits related to sleeping, eating, drinking, using the litter box, and levels of activity.
If you see a change, keep a closer eye on your cat to see if there's a problem. Remember that cats are very good at hiding discomfort, so you'll have to be very observant. 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 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.