4 Common Cat Symptoms That Need Your Attention

Of the most common illness symptoms your cat can exhibit, these 4 probably have the most potential to signal a possible emergency. If any of these systems appear as I describe below, an immediate consultation with your vet is recommended. While it is possible that your cat may exhibit some of these symptoms and not have a serious problem, caution is in order.

The fact is, cats are fairly self-sufficient, and they may recover from a mild illness even before you know they're sick. It's easy then, to overlook something that we are sure our cat will recover from. It's also possible that one or more of the following cat symptoms could indicate that your cat may have a serious illness or underlying condition as the cause. Pay very close attention to your cat's behavior, and if you notice any of the following possible symptoms, take action right away.

Vomiting - Vomiting is a very common activity for a cat. Hairballs are probably the most frequent cause of vomiting, and are usually of little concern. Well, except for the clean up. But cats get into all manner of things, so it's not too surprising they have a habit of giving some of those things back. They may also have allergic reactions to plants and other items that can cause digestive distrubance. It might just be a hairball, but be alert to the possibility of a more serious problem if your cat is persistently vomiting. Poisons, intestinal disturbances, or serious illness could be the reason.

Diarrhea - Diarrhea, like vomiting could be a sign of a more serious problem than simply indigestion. It also causes dehydration, so do not let this go on for long without contacting your vet.

Refusing to eat or drink - Refusal to eat or drink for extended periods, or outside of your cat's normal routine is a red flag. Make sure you know your cat's eating and drinking habits well, and be alert to any changes. Sick animals often stop eating, so pay attention to what your cat is trying to tell you.

Lethargy - Cats sleep a lot, it's true. Lethargy, however, is one cat symptom that should not be ignored. It is an indication of a problem and a sign to watch out for. Since cats sleep so much, it may be hard to detect if they are sluggish. If your cat is normally bubbly and active, but suddenly begins sleeping in a corner for an entire day, something is probably wrong. I failed to catch this behavior change with one of my cats once for about a day since she was out in the open and seemed fine. By day two, however, she was too weak to jump, and she ended up needing IV fluids and an antibiotic.

For the most part, cats are pretty sturdy creatures, and will recover from mild problems. There will be those times, however, when cat symptoms indicate a more serious condition that must be treated. Be on the alert for those occasions.

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Kurt Schmitt publishes www.cat-lovers-only.com where you can learn more about cat illness symptoms and all things cat.