Sometimes it's obvious when your cat needs medical attention. If, for example, a passing vehicle or stray dog causes trauma to your cat, you wouldn't hesitate to rush her to the veterinarian. The same goes for a seizure, eye injury or severe allergic reaction.
Sometimes, however, the need for medical attention isn't as apparent -- but it may be just as important. If your cat just doesn't seem to be herself, it could signal a more serious problem. This is why being tuned in to subtle changes in your cat's body or behavior is crucial -- such knowledge could save your cat's life.
1: Losing Fur
Cats are fastidious groomers and some fur loss is normal, but if yours grooms to excess or begins to lose fur in patches, it's time to see the veterinarian. Loss of fur in circular patches that reveal scaly skin could be a symptom of ringworm, a fungal skin infection that can be passed to humans but is easily treated with antifungal cream. If your cat has been exposed to fleas, the fur loss could be an allergic reaction -- after an application of flea-preventative medication, your cat should stop scratching and the hair should grow back. Sometimes hair loss signals an internal problem, such as thyroid disease or Cushing's disease, so if you don't see an obvious external cause for your cat's hair loss, consult your veterinarian.
2: Missing the Mark
If an otherwise compliant cat refuses to use a litter box, it may be in protest to its (lack of) cleanliness. If you provide scoopable litter, remove waste as soon as possible after its occurrence. If you use another type of litter, such as clay or recycled newspaper, change it daily. Whatever the type of litter you use, wash the litter box at least once a week. Make sure you have one litter box for each cat, plus one extra, and place them in quiet, low-traffic areas.
If your cat still misses the mark, it's probably a medical issue that needs veterinary attention. Your cat could have a virus, bacterial infection or parasite that is causing him pain (which your cat may associate with the box itself and thus avoid it) or hampering his ability to get to the facilities on time. If your cat has other symptoms, such as drinking excess water or straining to urinate, contact your veterinarian immediately.
3: Skipping Meals or Snoozing 24/7
Cats sleep about 16 hours a day. But if your cat would rather sleep than eat, drink or play, it's cause for alarm. All this snoozing is a response to illness. And even if this illness is a temporary condition (like the common cold), failure to eat and drink can have disastrous effects.
4: Catching a Cold
If your cat has a runny nose, frequently sneezes or coughs or has crust-rimmed eyes, it could be a cold -- or something much more serious. Make sure your cat receives routine immunizations because they help prevent feline viruses. However, this protection isn't infallible; your cat could still contract feline herpes or feline calicivirus -- the symptoms of both mimic the common cold.
5: Upping the Decibels
If your cat isn't normally much of a talker, excessive vocalizations could signal pain or a medical problem. Get to the root of the issue by making sure all of her needs are met, especially those for food and attention. If your cat is female and unspayed, she may be going through a fertile heat cycle and calling for male companionship.
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