Cats Hide Illness Well: Here is what to watch for

 Cats Hide Illness Well: Here is what to watch for

Learn to spot cat illness early. Prevent common problems and know when veterinary care is needed.

Introduction

It is often difficult to tell if a cat is ill because cats are typically very good at disguising their physical symptoms. Cats can continue to eat normally, groom themselves regularly, and behave as usual while having an undetected illness. Therefore, each cat owner should understand some common illnesses cats experience.

Most cat health problems are minor and can be managed effectively with diagnosis; however, there are serious cat health emergencies that require urgent veterinary attention, including (but not limited to) urinary tract blockages, breathing difficulties, poisonings, and some infectious diseases. As well as being prone to developing chronic illnesses like kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, diabetes, and arthritis, older cats have an increased risk of suffering from other serious medical conditions.

The positive side is that several health concerns for cats may be minimized with preventative health practices. These include having regular veterinarian checkups; vaccinations that are relevant to your cat's age and lifestyle; parasite control; dental care; proper diet/nutrition; weight control; environmental stimulation (toys/scratching posts); and monitoring your cat carefully at home.

This guide identifies some of the most frequent health issues that affect cats; what owners can look for in terms of symptoms; what are some possible reasons for these conditions; ways to help prevent them; and when to seek the help of a licensed veterinarian. This guide is for educational purposes only and cannot substitute for an assessment or diagnosis made by a licensed veterinarian.

 

What are some of the most common health issues for cats?

Cats may experience issues related to virtually all areas of their bodies. Many of these issues are associated with aging, whereas some are influenced by genetic predisposition, nutritional intake, lifestyle habits, exposures to infectious agents, environmental conditions, or a combination thereof.

Some common feline health conditions are listed below:

• Dental disease

• Obesity

• Chronic kidney failure

• Lower Urinary Tract Issues

• Diabetes mellitus

• Hyperthyroidism

• Disorders of the digestive system

• Intestinal Parasites

• Fleas and additional external parasites

• Breathing disorders

• Skin problems and/or allergic reactions

• Eye and ear problems

• Viruses like FeLV (feline leukemia virus) and FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus) cause many of the most serious illnesses in cats.

• Heart disease

• Mobility issues/arthritis

• Hairball-related issues

• Poisoning and household hazards

A single symptom does not indicate that a cat is suffering from a specific illness. Vomiting is a prime example; it can be caused by gastrointestinal disease, parasites, poor diet, kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, poisoning, and many other ailments. Therefore, a vet will usually require both a physical exam and diagnostic testing to identify the root problem.

Cats can get dental disease.

Dental disease is a significant health issue that all cat owners need to be aware of. According to Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, dental disease is common among cats and especially so as cats mature.

Dental issues such as gingivitis, periodontitis, and tooth resorption may result in discomfort while eating and can lead to pain.

 

Signs of Dental Disease

A cat that has an infection in its mouth or teeth can exhibit several signs:

• Bad breath

• Swollen and/or red gums

• Gum bleeding

• Drooling

• Chewing is difficult

• Dropping food out of your mouth

• Reduced appetite

• Prefers soft foods.

• Pawing at its lips

• Anger when the face is touched.

• Weight loss

Cats are often very effective at concealing pain in their mouths. Just because a cat continues to eat doesn't mean it has a healthy mouth.

 

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is defined as swelling of the soft tissue (gums) that covers the base of your teeth. The most common cause of gingivitis is plaque build-up on the surfaces of your teeth; however, several additional types of conditions can also cause swelling in the mouth.

As gingivitis progresses, additional, more severe forms of periodontal disease can occur.

 

Tooth Resorption

The other major feline dental disease that occurs is called "tooth resorption." This process destroys part of a cat's tooth, and it may cause discomfort to the animal.

The veterinarian may need to do a complete oral exam and possibly take dental X-rays because many dental problems develop below the gum line.

 

How can you help prevent dental problems?

Preventative dentistry may include:

• Annual Vet Visits for Your Dog's Teeth•

• Brushing your cat's teeth using toothpaste made especially for cats.

• Appropriate dental diets or products as suggested by your veterinarian.

• Watch your cat's mouth for any new signs of change.

• When needed, professional teeth cleaning.

Only use human toothpaste on cats if your vet has told you that it is safe to do so.

 

Obesity in Cats

As with humans, there are many issues associated with obesity in cats. In addition to the potential for developing type II diabetes and/or joint diseases, cats that carry too much fat will also be at increased risk of other health problems.

Indoor cats have an increased risk of obesity if they are consuming too many calories each day and have a low amount of physical exercise.

 

How Can You Tell If Your Cat is Fat?

A healthy body condition can best be determined by assessing it rather than by just looking at the cat's weight, since there is no such thing as an "ideal" weight for all cats; rather, the ideal weight for each cat will depend on its own size, breed, age, and activity level.

Possible signs that you have too much body fat are:

• It's hard to find your ribs anymore.

• No Waist, Little Waist.

• Large Amount of Abdominal Fat Pad

• Decreased interest in participating in activities (play)

• Trouble with grooming

• Decreased jumping/climbing abilities

• Becoming more sedentary

Body conditioning scoring systems will assist veterinarians and owners to determine if a cat is underweight, at an ideal weight, overweight, or excessively overweight (obese).

 

Why Obesity Matters

The presence of an excessive amount of fat on a person's body may increase the risk of developing certain diseases, including:

• Diabetes mellitus

• Arthritis

• Reduced mobility

• Difficulty with grooming

• Skin problems

• Decreased quality of life

A pet's weight management needs to be gradual and unique to each individual. Your veterinarian will assist in determining a proper goal weight and food plan for your animal.

A cat's diet cannot be drastically reduced without professional consultation. Reducing the amount of food that a cat receives too quickly can have serious negative effects on its health.

 

Chronic kidney disease.

In the aging cat population, chronic kidney disease (CKD) has become a major issue.

The kidneys are vital organs that assist in removing waste from the bloodstream, controlling fluid levels and electrolyte concentrations, and carrying out numerous additional vital processes. When the kidneys' ability to function properly decreases, waste products can build up within the body.

Cornell University estimates that chronic kidney disease affects more older cats than any other disease.

 

Early warning signs may be hard to detect.

One of the problems with kidney disease is that most of the time cats will exhibit very little evidence of having a problem in the early stages.

Owners of animals with this condition will continue to see changes in their pet’s health.

• Increased thirst

• Increased urination

• Weight loss

• Reduced appetite

• Vomiting

• Lethargy

• Bad hair/fur

• Dehydration

• Weakness

• Bad breath

The signs described above do not uniquely indicate the presence of kidney problems in cats; therefore, these signs alone should not be relied upon for diagnosing a cat at home.

 

Kidney disease diagnosis is done by a number of methods.

Veterinarians may utilize:

• Blood tests

• Urinalysis

• Monitoring of blood pressure

• Ultrasound and X-rays are examples of imaging techniques.

• When required, additional laboratory testing.

The sooner the problem is identified, the better able a veterinarian will be to keep an eye on how well the kidneys are functioning and deal with any issues that may arise as a result of the disease.

 

The process of caring for a cat with kidney disease.

The management of a cat with CRF will vary depending upon the individual animal and the severity of the condition. In addition to veterinary care that can involve changes in diet, providing hydration assistance, tracking the progress of the disease, and managing other conditions that develop as a result of CRF (e.g., elevated blood pressure or anemia), there are also options for management at home.

Water from a fresh source will always be accessible.

 

Lower urinary tract problems

Lower urinary tract disease is an umbrella term covering a number of conditions affecting the bladder and urethra.

Common signs include:

• Frequent attempts to urinate

• Straining to urinate

• Crying while urinating

• Blood in the urine

• Urinating other than in the litter box

• Licking at the vagina/pens/groin area

• Only urinating little bits

There are many causes, including inflammation of the bladder, urinary stones, urethral plugs, and other disorders.

 

The diagnosis of urinary obstruction is a serious medical emergency.

A cat who tries to pee often and produces small amounts of pee or none at all could possibly be experiencing a blockage of its urinary tract.

In comparison to females, this presents a greater risk for males as a result of having a smaller urethra.

A total blockage will prevent urine from exiting the body, and it may quickly lead to serious metabolic issues.

If your cat has been trying to use the litter box, but isn’t able to produce much or any urine, then you need to get him/her to the vet right away.

Wait until you find out if the problem goes away on its own.

 

Reducing Urinary Symptoms

Depending on each cat, there are many ways you can provide your cat with a positive environment, such as:

• Fresh water is provided

• Clean up after your pets.

• Make sure you have enough litter boxes for your cats.

• Keep litter boxes in quiet areas.

• Keep up with a regular schedule

• Weight control

• Encourage appropriate activities

• Use veterinary-prescribed diets.

 

The disease known as Diabetes Mellitus in cats.

When the body does not have enough insulin to function correctly, this causes feline diabetes mellitus.

Cats that are older or heavier than average have a higher risk of developing this condition. However, any cat may be at risk for developing this condition.

Common Signs

Owners can typically identify these as the two main indicators of disease.

• Increased thirst

• Urinating more often than usual

In addition to the previously listed signs, you could also observe other indicators that indicate a need for help.

• Although they have an appetite, they lose weight.

• Increased hunger

• Weakness

• Reduced activity

• Poor hair quality

Obesity has been identified as a significant risk factor; therefore, keeping oneself in good physical shape, as well as being involved in regular exercise, may significantly decrease the chances of having this problem.

 

Diagnosis

A veterinarian will assess both blood sugar levels (blood glucose) and urine sugar levels (urine glucose) in conjunction with any symptoms that the cat exhibits.

Because stress can temporarily elevate blood glucose levels in cats, a single high blood glucose reading may not provide sufficient evidence to confirm a diagnosis.

As a result, further testing could be required.

 

Treatment

Treatment is tailored to the needs of each cat and may include insulin therapy, dietary management, glucose monitoring and/or additional treatment options.

The veterinarian needs to manage a dog's diabetes carefully since the incorrect dosage of medicine can result in life-threateningly low blood sugar levels.

Owners should not adjust their pet's insulin dosage until they have consulted with a veterinarian.

 

Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism is a prevalent disorder that typically affects older adult cats. The condition results from an overproduction of thyroid hormones by the animal's thyroid glands.

Since thyroid hormones regulate various organs, hyperthyroidism has an impact on several systems.

 

Common Signs

As a result of developing hyperthyroidism, a cat can experience:

• Weight loss

• An increased desire for food

• Increased thirst

• Increased frequency of urination

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Increased movement/restlessness

• Poor hair/fur quality

At the beginning of some cases, cats may display slight variations in their behavior.

The reason why diagnosis is important.

Hyperthyroidism is associated with increased risks of cardiovascular disease and hypertension, in addition to being linked with kidney disease.

A veterinarian may use several diagnostic tests to assess a patient's overall health status, including blood chemistry, urinalysis, blood pressure measurement, and potentially evaluating thyroid hormone levels.

Depending upon the situation, treatment methods can range from the use of medications to the administration of radioactive iodine therapy to surgical intervention to dietary control in some cases.

The right choice for your cat will vary depending upon the type of cat you have.

 

Gastrointestinal problems.

The most frequent cause for a cat to vomit or experience diarrhea is due to some form of digestive issue.

Frequent and persistent vomiting cannot just be accepted as typical feline behavior, although there are numerous potential causes of infrequent vomiting in cats.

 

Possible Causes

Digestive issues may be related to:

• Dietary changes

• Food intolerance

• Parasites

• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

• Foreign objects

• Diseases of the pancreas

• Kidney disease

• Hyperthyroidism

• Poisoning

• Communicable Disease

 

Signs to Watch

If the animal has ongoing, serious digestive issues, or if the issue is accompanied by:

Blood

Weakness

Dehydration

Significant reduction in body weight

Abdominal pain

Repeated vomiting

Refusal to eat

Severe diarrhea

Changes in behavior

If your cat has stopped eating, they could potentially develop a life-threatening illness. An extended period of not being able to eat will require veterinary treatment.

 

Intestinal Parasites

Cats may get many different kinds of intestinal parasites.

Worms and other microorganisms.

Parasites are likely to occur more frequently in kittens and cats who spend time outside; however, even though indoor cats are less exposed to parasites than those that go outdoors, they do not necessarily have total protection from all types of parasites.

 

Possible Signs

A parasite can cause:

• Diarrhea

• Vomiting

• Weight loss

• Poor quality hair/coat.

• Reduced appetite

• Dehydration

• Pale gums

• Enlarged abdomen, specifically for kittens

Intestinal parasites may be able to infect people; therefore, it is vital to practice proper parasite management and hygiene.

 

Prevention

Veterinary prevention of parasites in cats is dependent upon their age, how they live (lifestyle), where they spend time (environment), and the potential for disease in the area they reside (local risk).

Your vet may suggest you get a fecal sample tested as well as suggest a good way to control parasites.

Deworming medications can be harmful if not used properly. It is important to find out if the dewormer is safe for your cat before you purchase it.

 

Other Exterior Parasites and Fleas

Fleas can irritate your pet’s skin by biting them, which can make your pet scratch themselves and develop a skin condition. Fleas can also lead to additional health conditions.

Excessive grooming can make it hard to find fleas on your cat even if he has them.

Fleas could be present in your home. Some common signs include:

Look for:

• Over-grooming

• Scratching

• Hair loss

• Small scabs

• Redness, or redness that is irritated

• Flea dirt

• Restlessness

Cats may also suffer from Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD), where a cat has an allergic response to flea saliva, causing severe pruritus.

 

Important Safety Warning

Some products used to treat fleas on dogs may be harmful or deadly to cats.

Do not use a flea treatment intended for dogs on your cat unless you have received direct confirmation from a veterinarian that both the treatment and dosage are appropriate and safe for use with your cat.

Respiratory Issues with Your Cat

The spectrum of respiratory diseases ranges from the relatively benign upper respiratory infection to serious lung disorders.

The symptoms of this condition include;

• Sneezing

• Nasal discharge

• Eye discharge

• Congestion

• Coughing

• Reduced appetite

• Lethargy

More severe forms of respiratory disease will cause visible breathing difficulty.

The Emergency of Shortness of Breath

If your cat appears to have difficulty breathing, has their mouth open while they are breathing, falls over/collapses, or if their gums appear either blue/pale, then you need to get them to the vet as soon as possible.

There are several possible causes for respiratory distress, such as asthma, infection, heart problems, excess fluid in the lung area, or other serious health issues.

Do not try to take care of a serious breathing problem on your own.

Keep the cat as relaxed as possible until you can find veterinary assistance.

 

Feline Asthma

Feline asthma involves inflammation and narrowing of the airways.

Some cats experience intermittent episodes, while others may have more persistent respiratory problems.

Possible Signs

Owners may notice:

• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Rapid breathing
• Difficulty breathing
• Reduced activity
• Episodes that appear to come and go

A veterinarian may use physical examination, imaging, and other diagnostic methods to determine whether asthma or another respiratory disorder is responsible.

Because several serious diseases can cause similar signs, coughing should not automatically be assumed to be asthma.

 

Cats with eye problems may exhibit a number of symptoms.

Cats may suffer from many types of eye problems.

Common symptoms include:

• Redness

• Squinting

• Excessive tearing

• Eye discharge

• Cloudiness

• Swelling

• Closing one of your eyes

• Pawing at the eye

• Changes in vision

Eye disorders can be caused by infections, injury, ulcerations, inflammatory processes, foreign objects, glaucoma, or any number of other disorders.

Because many eye disorders are capable of progressing rapidly, severe eye pain, rapid changes in vision, and/or serious reddening of the eyes require immediate attention.

You should never give your cat any type of medication for its eyes that was intended for use on humans, without the recommendation of a professional such as your vet.

 

Ear Problems

Ear disease may produce itching, pain, redness, and drainage.

Signs could include the following:

Frequent scratching of ears.

• Head shaking

• Ear Odor

• Any dark or unusual drainage from your ear.

• Redness

• Swelling

• Sensitivity when ears are touched.

• Head tilting

Ear mite infestation may occur more frequently in young kittens or adult cats that have had particular exposures; however, not all ears that appear dirty are due to mites.

The veterinarians will check your pet's ear canal, and then they can decide what treatment is needed.

 

Skin Problems & Allergies

Skin problems in cats can be due to many things such as parasite infestation, allergies, infection, environmental issues, or disease.

Signs can include:

• Itching

• Over-grooming

• Hair loss

• Scabs

• Redness

• Dandruff

• Skin lesions

• Repeated licking of the abdomen or leg(s)

Owners can expect to observe feline hair loss prior to observing an obvious skin condition; cats are known to frequently groom themselves.

Unexplained hair loss or continuous itching is a condition that warrants investigation rather than being addressed by using any number of products.

 

Feline leukemia virus

Feline leukemia virus (FeLV), a significant infectious illness among cats, has been identified.

This virus has an effect on both the body's ability to fight off disease as well as the tissue in the body that produces new blood cells; it is associated with a number of serious illnesses.

The way in which a cat becomes infected with Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) is primarily via direct contact with another cat. This includes the transfer of saliva or other body fluid from one animal to another. In addition, the likelihood of contracting FeLV will depend greatly upon both the cat's environment and level of exposure to FeLV-positive cats.

Possible Signs

An infected cat may show symptoms of:

• Weight loss

• Poor appetite

• Poor quality coat

• Swollen lymph glands

• Persistent fever

• Pale gums

• Inflammation of the mouth

• Chronic or repeated infections

• Long-lasting diarrhea

• Eye problems

• Neurological disorders

For a while, some infected cats will show no symptoms.

The testing and vaccination process for each individual cat will depend upon their lifestyle and how much they are exposed to other cats.

 

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus, also known as FIV, can affect the immune system of a cat.

FIV is primarily spread through cat-to-cat bites; however, many cats will show no signs of illness for up to several years prior to the onset of immunodeficiency-related disorders.

Problems that may occur with FIV include repeated infections, mouth problems, weight loss, and other types of illness.

An FIV-positive diagnosis does not necessarily imply that the cat will rapidly develop severe illness. However, regular veterinary care and proper management may help to maintain a high quality of life.

Cats need to receive testing based on veterinary advice; particularly, if you do not know the cat's background or if there is a possibility that it may have been involved in a fight.

 

Heart disease in cats.

Owners may find it hard to identify when their cat has developed heart disease, as many cats do not display obvious physical symptoms until the condition progresses to a severe stage.

HCM (Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy) is the number one type of heart disease that is found in cats.

The disease will cause the heart to thicken, which may affect the normal functioning of your heart.

Possible Signs

Signs may include:

• Rapid breathing

• Trouble breathing

• Reduced activity

• Weakness

• Collapse

• The sudden inability to move one or more extremities in the event of a severe complication.

Some cats with heart disease may not show obvious symptoms at home.

Certain breeds have a higher known risk of HCM, but individual cats outside those breeds can also develop the disease.

Veterinary examination and, when indicated, cardiac imaging such as echocardiography can help with diagnosis.

 

Arthritis and issues with movement

Cats are affected by arthritis at all ages, but it can be especially troublesome for older cats.

Unlike dogs, who typically display a noticeable limp with joint pain, cats will usually alter their behaviors gradually.

Signs of Arthritis

Look for:

• Less jumping

• Difficulty going up and/or down the stairs.

• Sleeping more

• Staying away from high locations

• Stiffness after rest

• Reduced grooming

• Urination Outside Of The Litter Box

• Irritability

• Decreased interest in activities related to play.

A cat who ceases to jump up on furniture is not necessarily being "lazy." Pain could be the cause of this behavior.

Making Homes More Accessible

The use of environmental modifications will depend on what type of cat you are working with; however, possible examples of environmental modifications that could be beneficial include:

• Simple access to both food and water.

• Low-entry litter box

• Restful seating options

• Favorite places to go to by steps or ramps.

• Non-slip surfaces

• Warm resting areas

The veterinarian can make a determination regarding the proper strategy for managing the cat's pain.

Do not administer any prescription human pain relievers to your cat without first consulting with a veterinarian. There are many common human prescriptions that can potentially cause severe harm or death in cats.

 

Hairballs & Grooming Issues

During the process of grooming, cats will often ingest some of their own hair.

It is normal for many healthy cats to develop a hairball once in a while. However, when your cat has been vomiting regularly, or trying to throw up frequently, you don't necessarily have to blame it on the hairball.

Persistent coughing can be easily confused with hairball-like symptoms.

Causes of recurring hairball-like episodes can include: gastrointestinal disorders, excessive grooming, skin diseases, or upper respiratory issues.

Regular brushing helps to minimize the amount of loose hair that your cat has; this is particularly true for cats with longer coats.

A visit to the vet would be appropriate for any cat who is repeatedly gagging, vomiting, refusing food, being lethargic, or exhibiting other concerning behaviors.

 

Poisoning & household hazards

There are many household toxins that can harm cats.

Hazards may exist; however, there are also benefits.

• Certain plants

• Human medications

• Dog flea products

• Chemical cleaning agents

• Pesticides

• Rodenticides

• Antifreeze

• Certain foods

Lilies pose an especially high risk to cats, potentially leading to significant kidney damage.

Human prescription drugs may also pose a great threat and be very harmful to cats.

 

How to respond when you think someone has been poisoned.

If you think that your cat has eaten something poisonous:

If possible, remove the cat from the area where the problem is occurring.

Immediately contact your vet or an on-call vet service.

To the extent possible, retain the container of the product, its label, and/or the plant sample.

Provide information regarding the type of substance(s) that might be responsible for the illness, as well as an estimate of how long ago the animal was exposed to them.

Follow all professional guidelines.

Do not make your pet throw up unless told to do so by a vet or another type of animal health professional (poison control).

The ingestion of some materials may lead to further damage when the animal throws up.

 

How Cats Hide Signs of Illness

The most crucial thing for cat owners to know about their pet is that they may hide their illness.

A cat showing signs of illness has probably been sick for quite a while.

The value of these small shifts in behavior lies in their ability to provide us with information about how our environments affect us.

Changes in:

• Appetite

• Water consumption

• Urination

• Defecation

• Grooming

• Sleep

• Activity

• Jumping

• Communicating with individuals

• Relationship with other animals

• Vocalization

• Body weight

• Coat appearance

• Litter-box habits

The way your cat behaves, the way he eats, drinks, sleeps, etc., may be a better indicator of how he is feeling than any individual symptom.

 

There are several warning signs you need to take seriously.

Prompt attention from a vet is required for some symptoms.

Get in touch with your veterinarian immediately if you notice any of these signs in your cat:

• Constant vomiting

• Lasting diarrhea

• Significantly diminished desire for food

• Unintentional weight loss

• Blood in your urine or stool

• Urinating multiple times

• Urinary Habits/Drinking Changes

• Persistent cough

• Pain in the eyes or a sudden change in your eyes

• Severe itching

• Sudden behavior change.

• Trouble getting around

• Severe weakness

• Persistent fever

Seek Emergency Veterinary Care for:

• Severe breathing difficulty
• Open-mouth breathing
• Collapse
• Seizures
• Severe trauma
• Suspected poisoning
• Inability to urinate
• Severe bleeding
• Sudden severe weakness
• Loss of consciousness

When in doubt about a potentially serious symptom, contacting a veterinary professional is safer than waiting for the condition to worsen.

 

Preventing Common Health Problems in Cats

Prevention cannot eliminate every disease, but it can reduce risk and improve the chances of detecting problems early.

Schedule Regular Veterinary Examinations

The routine examination performed by veterinarians will enable them to assess:

• Weight

• Body condition

• Teeth and gums

• Heart and lungs

• Skin

• Eyes

• Ears

• Abdomen

• Mobility

• Vaccination status

• Parasite risk

The proper frequency for a cat's grooming will vary based upon the cat's age, physical condition, and unique situation.

The need for increased monitoring of senior cats.

 

You should keep your vaccinations up-to-date.

Feline preventative care includes immunizations as part of a comprehensive strategy.

Vaccine schedules will vary by each cat; however, many factors influence what vaccines a cat should receive, such as:

• Age

• Lifestyle

• Exposure inside or outside

• Meeting other cats

• Geographic risk

• Past vaccination records

• Overall health

The proper vaccination schedule should be discussed with the veterinarian.

 

Maintaining a healthy diet.

Cats need to be fed nutrition-rich foods that meet the dietary requirements of their specific life stage and overall health.

Do not make any major dietary modifications for your cat until you have taken into consideration the cat's nutritional needs.

Fresh water is a must.

A sudden lack of interest in eating may be more than just your cat's way of telling you he/she doesn't like what you are feeding him/her. An ongoing loss of appetite can be an indication of an underlying health issue.

To keep your cat's weight at a healthy level.

A veterinarian will use measurements of your cat’s food intake to help determine the correct amount of food to give him, but also his physical condition; do not rely solely upon the weight of your cat when determining whether he is eating too much or too little.

Play every day encourages movement and provides mental stimulation.

The use of interactive toys, climbing structures, food puzzles, and proper environmental enrichment are ways that owners of indoor cats can keep them active.

Provide a safe environment.

Keep toxic or harmful chemicals away from cats.

Secure:

• Human medications

• Cleaning products

• Chemicals

• Pesticides

• Toxic plants

• Dangerous foods

• Small things that may be eaten

Also, you need to think about what else might cause a problem in your home, such as windows, balconies, electrical wires, etc.

 

The Litter Box needs to be monitored.

A cat's litter box will often tell you how healthy your pet is.

Watch for:

More frequent urination.

Straining

Blood

Diarrhea

Constipation

Outside the box to urinate

Stool changes.

In addition to the automatic assumption that a sudden change in litter box use is a problem behavior, we also need to consider other reasons why cats might alter their litter box usage.

 

Medical conditions may need to be assessed.

 

Cat Owners: Learn from Your Mistakes!

The idea that indoor cats do not become ill.

Indoor living does decrease a cat’s risks of many types of harm, but indoor cats continue to suffer from periodontal disease, excessive body weight, chronic kidney disease, type II diabetes mellitus, lower urinary tract diseases, cardiovascular diseases, cancers, and various other health problems.

Indoor cats can also be exposed to infectious organisms in a roundabout way.

The assumption that all vomiting is normal.

Occasional vomiting is common; however, if you are experiencing frequent or persistent vomiting, then this may warrant medical intervention.

Giving Human Medication

Cats and human medicine can be a deadly combination.

Don't take anything safe for humans; assume ′ what ever it is, a medication may be in the human safe for a cat.

An example ofa  proscribed and avoided technique: Check: Use Dog Flea Products on Cats

Some flea treatments for dogs can even contain ingredients that are toxic to cats.

Check that the product is for cats (this one seems obvious, but it's worth repeating).

How Long To Wait When A Cat Is Unable To Urinate

Urinary obstruction can quickly become life-threatening.

Cat that cannot urinate: Emergency veterinary attention is needed when a cat strains over and over to do away with urine but gets none out.

Don't ignore your teeth.

Cats don't all have bad breath, just like cats are not born with bad breath.

Bad breath that won't go away could mean you have some sort of oral problem.

When making significant dietary changes, do so under the supervision of a professional.

Cats that have a kidney disease, an infection in their urinary tract, a problem with their stomach/bowel, diabetes, or another type of illness may benefit from a special diet.

Consult with your vet about using therapeutic diets.

Assume that the behavior change is only behavioral.

If a cat begins to display changes in behavior such as stopping to use the litter box, hiding, becoming aggressive, or no longer jumping, it is possible there is a physical condition developing.

Medical reasons need to be investigated prior to identifying the child's conduct as "bad."

 

The effects of aging on cat health.

As you go through various stages of life, your priority for maintaining good health will change.

Kittens

The most important part of caring for kittens is:

• Vaccination

• Parasite control

• Nutrition

• Growth

• Socialization

• Exposure to communicable illnesses

Cats with serious illness will experience a loss of fluids and calories at a much quicker pace than an adult cat who is healthy.

Adult Cats

Adult cats can be helped by:

• Weight Control with Health in Mind

• Dental care

• Veterinary examinations that are preventative in nature.

• Vaccination based on personal risk factors

• Parasite prevention

• Environmental enhancement

 

Senior Cats

As cats get older, they are more susceptible to developing many long-term health problems.

Veterinary observation could emphasize the following areas:

• Kidney function

• Thyroid function

• Blood pressure

• Dental health

• Weight changes

• Mobility

• Diabetes

• Heart health

Changes that occur due to aging should not simply be written off as "old age."

 

When Do I Bring My Cat to See a Vet?

A good guide is to watch for changes from what you typically do.

The way in which you understand your cat's typical actions is more complete than anyone else. When your cat begins to alter its daily routine by eating less, drinking more, hiding more, ceases grooming, alters the frequency of using the litter box, experiences loss of body weight, or decreases activity level, then there should be concern.

In some cases, you will need to act right away instead of using a standard calendar or schedule.

Emergency examples:

• Difficulty inhaling/exhibiting labored respiration

• Not able to empty bladder

• Collapse

• Seizures

• Severe trauma

• A possible poisoning event

• Severe bleeding

• Weakness that is sudden and severe

For non-emergent yet ongoing alterations in your pet's behavior or physical appearance, reach out to your veterinarian and describe the observations you have made.

Recording can be very beneficial:

When the transition began.

• The frequency of occurrence

• Appetite

• Water intake

• Urination

• Stool

• Vomiting

• Weight changes

• Pills, tablets, capsules, etc. (medications) or vitamins/supplements

• Food changes recently.

• Poisonous/Hazardous Substances: Exposure to toxic chemicals.

• Current environmental developments

A video or photograph may be able to assist a veterinarian in understanding the cause(s) of intermittent clinical signs.

 

How to Prepare Your Pet for a Veterinary Visit

A small amount of preparation will help you get more out of your trip.

Bring in facts on:

• Current diet of your cat

• Medications

• Supplements

• History of vaccinations

• Preventing parasites

• Other Health Issues

• Recent symptoms

• Changes in the way you act

• Alterations to an animal's intake of food/water

Please list the specific dates that apply to this event.

As a result of this rewrite, I would say, "In addition to replacing," as opposed to, "For example, instead of saying:"

"My cat is drinking a great deal of water."

You could say:

"For about a week now, it seems like the water bowl has been running empty faster than usual and my cat has had to use the litter box more than before."

Observations that are specific to a particular animal will allow the veterinary staff to determine what types of questions and tests would be most beneficial.

 

Early Diagnosis is Critical.

Early diagnosis is not an absolute guarantee of a successful outcome for patients, but it does allow doctors to manage medical problems more effectively.

In addition to the previous point, chronic kidney disease often produces few noticeable symptoms during its early stages. Regular vet visits and relevant diagnostic tests will allow veterinarians to recognize changes in your pet prior to them exhibiting any severe illness.

In addition to the above-mentioned issues, dental problems may be ongoing for a period of time before they are noticed as a result of the cat being able to continue to eat.

Therefore, preventative veterinary care is not to be used solely in emergency situations.

The health status of a cat may appear to be normal, but a regular checkup would still provide useful information.

 

Final Takeaway

The most frequently occurring health problems among cats are: dental problems; obesity; renal (kidney) disease; urinary tract diseases; diabetes; hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid gland); parasitic infections; respiratory diseases; infectious diseases; heart disease; and mobility limitations due to aging.

In addition to being able to appear as symptoms of multiple illnesses, the signs of illness can also overlap. For example, increased thirst may be seen in more than one illness, and vomiting can be caused by many different things. Therefore, symptoms alone will never be reliable indicators for diagnosing a cat.

The best way to tell if something is wrong with your cat is to get to know what "normal" for your cat is, and then be on the lookout for any major changes. Give your cat a balanced diet, fresh water, regular preventive care, prevent parasites, have his teeth checked regularly, provide him with toys/enrichment, and make sure he has a safe place to live. Make sure that your cat's vaccinations and vet visits are based on his specific health requirements.

Most importantly, recognize serious symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, inability to urinate, collapse, seizures, suspected poisoning, or any other emergency symptoms, and seek immediate professional veterinary attention.

The cat doesn't have any way of telling us when he/she is hurting; thus, watching our cats carefully can be considered one of the best methods an owner can use to maintain his/her pet's overall well-being.