How to Determine if Your Cat Needs Medical Care

Careful observation of daily activities and habits is key to recognizing early signs of illness in your cat. Disguising symptoms is a cat's specialty, so he may be sick for days before you notice. Read on to learn more about when he needs medical attention.

Things You'll Need

  • Rectal Thermometers (for Animals)
  • Cat Beds
  • Cat Carriers
  • Cat Collars
  • Cat Combs/brushes
  • Cat Dishes
  • Cat Toys
  • Catnip
  • Veterinarian

Instructions

    • 1

      Watch your cat closely. Become familiar with his normal habits and patterns of activity. The slightest variation may indicate the beginning of illness or disease.

    • 2

      Learn to monitor your cat's heart rate and respiratory rate and to take his temperature. Normal is 101.5 degrees F.

    • 3

      Listen to his chest with a stethoscope placed on his rib cage, behind the front leg, noting his normal resting heart rate of 100 to 200 beats per minute.

    • 4

      Observe his normal respiration at rest: 20 to 60 breaths per minute. Cats rarely pant unless they are in extreme heat, overly excited, unduly stressed or in pain.

    • 5

      Groom him daily (cats love this), checking for masses, swellings and sensitive areas.

    • 6

      Take note if your cat refuses food or water, is lethargic or seems reluctant to play. These are often the first symptoms of illness. Sick cats become dehydrated quickly, so a prompt response is essential.

    • 7

      Take your cat's temperature if he seems listless. Even the slightest elevation in temperature can account for a change in behavior.

    • 8

      Call your veterinarian for advice if you notice symptoms such as sneezing, runny eyes or nose or labored breathing, which can indicate a respiratory illness.

    • 9

      Be alert to coughing or hacking. These symptoms could mean just a hairball, but if they persist, call your veterinarian.

    • 10

      Know that straining to urinate, especially in male cats, is considered a sign of urinary-tract obstruction. Get medical help immediately, as this can be life-threatening. This is often accompanied by deep vocalization or howling and licking at the genital area.

    • 11

      Be aware that violent retching, attempting to vomit or unusual panting are symptoms of serious illness or pain in cats, so call your veterinarian right away.

    • 12

      Call your veterinarian as soon as you think your cat is sick. Delaying the call often leads to greater risk for the cat, prolonged recovery and increased expense.