Friday, October 29, 2010

Health Problems With Cats


If You Think Your Cat is Sick...
Common cat health problems range from simple inconveniences to life-threatening accidents and illnesses.
If you notice anything unusual or unusual behavior in your cat or kitten (especially things like not eating, constipation, lethargy, or a dull coat), you should contact your veterinarian. Your cat may be sick and may need immediate veterinary care.
Sick Cat Health Symptoms
Symptoms that something is wrong with your cat or kitten include the following:
  • loss of appetite,
  • a dull coat,
  • excessive grooming or itching,
  • not grooming after eating,
  • lethargy,
  • hiding in unusual places (places your cat normally doesn't hide),
  • vomiting,
  • diarrhea,
  • appearance of the third eyelid extending from the corner of your cat's eyes while awake,
  • difficulty using the cat litter box (from either end) or using another location for elimination when your cat usually uses her litter pan,
  • excessive drooling,
  • drinking lots and lots of water, or
  • any other behavior that seems unusual for your cat.
This is not an exhaustive list of all the possible symptoms of kitten or common cat health problems; just the basics.
You need to know your cat and know his or her regular behavior.
If you're a new cat owner, it's a really good idea to read information about cat behavior and cat health. Sometimes, local animal shelters offer classes to help you get to know your cat better, as well as how to train your cat, and make adjustments in your home for your new cat or kitten.
If you suspect something is wrong with your kitty, you should consult a veterinarian immediately. There is no way for you to know the extent of the problem with your cat or kitten without having a vet take a look.
And you really should consult your vet as soon as possible to avoid a possible minor problem from becoming more serious. For example, if your cat refuses to eat, it can lead to a serious health problem called hepatic lipidosis.
If your kitty doesn't eat for more than 24 hours, call your veterinarian right away.