Cat Sense Feline Hospital and Boarding, Inc

We know cats.

Cat Sense Feline Hospital

SIGNS OF ILLNESS IN YOUR CAT

Cats are notorious for hiding signs of illness and pain until they are so far advanced or excruciating that it becomes impossible. This is a survival technique from their wild cat days when showing any sign of weakness soon turned predator into prey. As your cat's main caregiver, you are in the best position to watch for subtle changes in your cat's behavior and appearance that may signal a change in health. Some things to watch for include:

♥ Changes in sleep patterns: Is Kitty sleeping more than usual or does she seem restless?

♥ Changes in vocalization: Is Kitty yowling or is your once talkative cat now silent?

♥ Bad breath: It may not just be tuna-breath. Bad breath can signal severe dental disease and Kitty may be in a great deal of pain.

♥ Grooming less than usual: Has Kitty stoppped cleaning herself and does her hair coat seem greasy or dry? Is dandruff present?

♥ Gaining or losing weight: Have you noticed an abrupt weight loss or gain? Do Kitty's sides seem indented and her spine prominent?

♥ Refusing to eat: Is Kitty refusing her food? Or does she come running at dinner time only to turn away when food is present?

♥ Eating or drinking more: Are you constantly filling up the water dish? Does Kitty seem ravenous?

♥ Urinating or defecating outside the litterbox: Is Kitty doing her business in inappropriate spots around the house? Are you finding urine or stool just outside the litterbox?

♥ Urinating more often: Is Kitty's litterbox filling up with urine faster than you can scoop it out?

♥ Lethargy, depression or less playful behavior: Does Kitty spend most of her time lying about? Is she interacting less with the family and not enjoying the things she once did?

Any one of these items can signal a change in your cat's health status. These changes can occur abruptly and by the time Kitty comes to Cat Sense for her annual exam and vaccines, diseases can have progressed to a dangerous point. You live with your cat every day and are in the best position to notice when something just doesn't seem right. If you are noticing any of the above signs in your cat it is important that he/she be seen by a qualified veterinary professional.

Cat Sense Feline Hospital and Boarding, Inc

332 South Main Street
Bel Air, MD 21014

Phone: 410-420-0535

Fax: 410-420-0537