How to spot signs of cat illness

About Cats | Cat Care | Cat Health | Disabled Cats

Any change in what you know to be the normal behavior of your cat should be reported to your veterinarian. Often you may be the first to see a change in behavior as you are the one who knows your cat the most intimately. Here are some warning signs to look for:

• Change in coat color or appearance or change in how the coat feels to your  touch
• Loss of appetite or loss of weight
• Lethargy or unusual restlessness
• Change in how the skin feels to your touch.. loss of substance or elasticity
• Inappropriate urination or elimination
• Change in frequency of litter box use
• Difficulty in eliminating, straining
• Vomiting and/or diarrhea
• Excessive drooling
• Difficulty in swallowing
• Difficulty in moving or unusual movements
• Difficult or labored breathing
• Excessive eye or nasal discharge
• Coughing, wheezing, or sneezing
• Elevated temperature or sudden drop in temperature, shivering
• Rapid or extremely slow pulse
• Rapid swellings, especially about the head or abdomen
• Excessive water consumption
• Any marked changes in behavior
• If you note any of these signs, you are urged to seek veterinary advice for your cat to assure their health.