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Cat Illness Symptoms: 3 Major Categories

by: KurtSchmitt
Total views: 10 | Word Count: 530

Your cat has a hard time telling you when she's ill. Here are some of the major cat illness symptom categories and how to spot problems.

Pay attention to changes in your cat's behavior as this can indicate signs of illness. Cats tend to disguise signs of pain and illness as a throw-back to their wild days.

Urination and defecation -- Cats are subject to a number of issues and illnesses involving defecation and urination.

Cats my experience FLUTD (feline lower urinary tract disease). This is actually the name for a group of problems that may involve crystals, stones, inflammation, or infection. Some of these urinary tract problems can be life threatening.

Excessive urination can be a sign of cat illness such as feline diabetes. Excessive licking in the groin or anal area can be a sign of problems.

Occasional constipation is common in cats, and is most often caused by hairballs. Treatments are available for this, and include store bought hairball remedies as well as veterinarian prescribed treatments such as lactulose.

It should be noted that long term constipation may lead to a serious bowel condition known as megacolon. Impacted anal glands my also be a factor which will require treatment.

If your cat makes frequent but unsuccessful trips to the litter box, or is howling or crying out while attempting to use the box, she may have some physical problem that needs attention. Also, a common sign of trouble is the act of scooting across the floor while dragging the rear end.

If your cat is not urinating or defecating or is missing the litter box, contact your veterinarian immediately. Inappropriate elimination is common and is the number one cause that adult cats are brought to shelters. It has a number of physical and behavioral causes. You should address any medical problems first.

Other things to look for are evidence of blood in urine or feces, including black tarry stools. Diarrhea may indicate intestinal disease and can lead to dehydration, which can be fatal.

Eye and mouth problems -- The haw, or nictating membrane, is a "third eyelid" that you will sometimes see when a cat's eyes are open. This is often an indication of illness. Check your cat's eyes for cloudiness, pupils of uneven size, or discharge.

Pale lips and gums is a sign of disease which may indicate anemia. Other symptoms of cat illness may include bad breath and ulcers of the mouth.

Hair and skin issues -- The coat and skin of your cat can be used as a measure of her overall condition of health. Problems with the coat or skin can be a sign of illness.

Certain cat illnesses will manifest as poor or oily looking coat. In addition, if a cat stops grooming, it's a sure sign of trouble.

Also look for excessive dryness or flaking, skin growths, hair loss, and any kind of swelling or skin eruption. Parasites on the skin are usually easily spotted. Check your cat at least once a week.

There are certainly other health problems that your cat may encounter, but these are a few of the major categories. Keeping alert to your cat's routine, and being sensitive to any of the possible above problems is an integral part of cat care.

About the Author

Kurt Schmitt has created a website for cat lovers including resources on cat health and this list of over 70 cat illness symptoms and signs

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