Cat Symptoms You Should Be Aware Of

Owning a pet is not all just fun and games. Cats are one of the most affectionate and loyal pets around. A lot of responsibility comes with taking home a new pet. Just like humans, house pets get sick and need lots of love and attention. Having a housecat is not the same as owning a dog, a rabbit or any other household pet, each has to be taken care of in a particular way and each has its own common ailments. There are many cat symptoms that every pet owner should be aware of to keep their feline in tip-top shape.

If you ever hear your cat making a funny noise, listen carefully, because your pet may have a cough. It may sound cute, but it should be taken seriously. A cough may lead to a fever, difficulty in breathing and discharge from both the cat's eyes and nose. Anything from a collar that is too tight to asthma can cause a cat to cough. If the cough seems minor, it is okay to give it treatment at home. However, if your cat is having trouble breathing, is wheezing, has a loss of appetite and is visibly losing weight, a veterinarian should be consulted immediately. Coughs can be a sign of the following cat symptoms, heartworms, bronchitis and asthma.

Many say that cats are picky eaters. Being a choosy eater and being anorexic are two completely different things. When a pet refuses to chow down on its pet food it is usually a cause for concern, but more so when it comes to felines. Cats that do not eat can potentially cause liver damage. Some cat symptoms that can be a factor to loss of appetite are illness, new surroundings and recent vaccinations. Anytime that your cat completely refuses to eat should be a red flag. There are a few stimulants you can give to your cat to encourage it to eat but it is always best to consult a veterinarian beforehand.

Cats are not known for their minty fresh breath. However, their breath should have a tolerable aroma. If your cat seems to have bad breath or halitosis there could be a concealed medical condition. A lot of the times the bad breath may be triggered by plaque or gum disease but in some cases even a cats diet can affect the way their breath smells. However, if the odor becomes extremely foul smelling, it could be the indication of more serious health problems like problems in the mouth area, respiratory system and liver. By visiting the veterinarian, proper treatment can be given to your cat and any further concerns you have can be addressed.

Many assume that giving the veterinarian a call should be reserved for emergencies. The fact of the matter is, when you are dealing with a pet that obviously cannot tell you how it feels, it is always a good idea to be aware of the possible symptoms and signs of illnesses. Whenever you are in doubt, call the veterinarian. Never risk the health of your beloved pet.