Cats are America’s favorite pet, but many of them don’t receive the care they deserve. Your cat needs regular exams and dental appointments to stay healthy and live a long, happy life. Although going to the vet can be challenging for some cats, putting off veterinary visits can put your cat’s health at risk.
Regular veterinary care is the best way to keep your cat healthy, but a trip to the vet is even more important if your cat is showing signs of illness or injury. Unfortunately, many cats don’t show obvious signs of sickness or are good at hiding their symptoms. Here are a few signs to look for:
Litter Box Issues
If your cat misses the litter box or chooses not to use it, he or she may have a health problem, including kidney disease, diabetes mellitus or a urinary tract infection.
Changes in Interaction
Cats are social. When the way they interact with family members or other pets changes, it could be a sign of disease, fear, anxiety or even pain.
Changes in Activity
A decrease or increase in activity or a change in daily routine can be a sign of a medical condition.
Changes in Sleeping Habits
The average cat may sleep 16 to 18 hours a day. Knowing your cat’s normal patterns is important so you’ll be able to spot any abnormal lethargy or wakefulness.
Changes in Eating Habits or Water Consumption
Most cats are not finicky eaters, so take note if their chewing or eating behaviors change. Also, drinking more or less water can be a sign of illnesses such as thyroid problems, kidney disease, diabetes and more.
Unexpected Weight Loss or Gain
Weight changes often go unnoticed because of a cat’s thick coat, and weight doesn’t always go up or down with a change in appetite. Be especially aware of obesity, which has become a serious health concern in cats.
Changes in Grooming Habits
Cats are typically fastidious groomers. A decrease in grooming behavior can indicate a number of conditions, and an increase in grooming may be a sign of skin problems.
Signs of Stress
Boredom and sudden environmental changes (new pets or family members, or a change in living space) are common causes of stress in cats, and anxiety deserves the same attention as other medical conditions. Stressed cats may demonstrate a variety of behavioral changes, from eating habits to social interactions.
Changes in Vocalization
Increased vocalization or howling could be a sign of an underlying issue, pain or anxiety.
Bad Breath
Bad breath can be an indicator of a dental issue or gum disease, or related to a digestive disorder, infection or kidney disease.
To help you spot these indicators, it’s a good idea to create a “healthy profile” for your cat. You’ll be more aware of what is normal for your cat, and it will be easier to note changes in behavior.
For additional information on the above symptoms and tips on making veterinary trips easier, visit healthycatsforlife.com. Find more websites for cat owners on our Helpful Links page.
To download a PDF of the above symptoms, click here. For even more information about cat care and ownership, click on the button below to download CATegorical Care: An Owner’s Guide to America’s #1 Companion, a helpful brochure published by Catalyst Council and the American Humane Association.
