Instructions
Checking the litter box and keeping an eye on your cat's activities there are a primary means of assessing your cat's state of health. Blood in the urine or stool, the cat straining to urinate or defecate, the cat frequently visiting the box or the cat avoiding the box are all signs of illness. These symptoms most often indicate urinary tract or digestive tract disorders. Male cats are prone to a blockage of the urinary tract, with the first symptom often being the cat straining to urinate. This is a life-threatening condition and if you suspect that your cat is blocked, you should take him to a veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital immediately.
Monitor how much your cat eats. When a cat stops eating, it's a sure sign there's a problem. A lack of appetite may be stress induced. It can also be a signal that the cat has an upper respiratory infection if the decline in eating is accompanied by nasal discharge, eye discharge or frequent sneezing. A lack of appetite may also indicate dental problems or more serious health issues. If your cat goes more than 24 hours without eating, you should take her to a veterinarian. A sudden decrease in caloric intake can cause damage to the cat's liver.
Monitor your cat's water consumption. A cat that drinks more water than usual may be exhibiting symptoms of a serious condition such as kidney disease or diabetes. If your cat stops drinking, the pet will quickly become dehydrated. When a cat stops drinking, there is also a strong indication of an underlying medical condition. Examine your pet's gums, which are normally a healthy pink color. If the gums are yellow or white, you cat has a serious illness and is likely dehydrated. The animal should see a veterinarian immediately.
Monitor your cat's appearance. Most cats are fastidious about grooming and keep their coats in great shape. If the appearance of the coat is suddenly messy or looks as if the cat is not maintaining it, this is a sign the cat isn't feeling well. Lesions on the skin, missing patches of fur or scabs in the skin may indicate a host of problems, most associated with topical parasites such as fleas and mites, or with fungal infections such as ringworm.
Look at other aspects of your cat's health. Sudden weight loss or weight gain, abnormal chewing, over-grooming, sleeping more than usual, restlessness and changes in behavior may also indicate your cat has a medical issue and needs to see a veterinarian.
How to Diagnose Medical Problems With My Cat
Cats are often creatures of mystery. Felines keep their secrets and they may do this to their own disadvantages at times--especially when they attempt to keep illnesses, injuries and pain hidden from their human caretakers. Unlike dogs, cats are not likely to whine, whimper or otherwise communicate to you that they are unwell. Because of this, it is up to you to learn the signs of sickness in cat, what these signs may indicate and when the symptoms necessitate a trip to the veterinarian.