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How To Tell If Your Cat Is Sick - Pet Care Information
The most important thing is to know your cat.
Recognizing what is “normal” for your
cat, i.e. his daily routine sometimes is the only
way to tell that something is not right. If he
normally eats at 7 a.m. when you’re having
your coffee but opted to stay on his pet bed one
morning should not be overlooked. Cats are subtle
creatures and you must learn to read their moods
and quiet signs for trouble.
If you do notice that your cats behavior has suddenly
changed such as you notice his litter habits are
different, his appetite has subsided or increased,
he’s staying in more, or limping you should
get immediate veterinary care for him. Nothing
is a substitute for seeing a professional. You
should never try to diagnose or treat your pet
on your own as they many require medication or
physical therapy. A monthly hands-on examination
will help you become aware of changes that could
signify something serious.
Some helpful tips on getting to know your cats
health is a monthly hands-on exam where you stand
back and study your pet for a few minutes, consider
his posture, activity level, gait, coat and overall
appearance for an impression of good health. Trouble
signs include exposed skin, thin or dry coat,
ribs showing, sluggishness, limping, or just lack
of "spring" in his step.
Next, you’ll want to pick your cat up put
him on the bathroom scale. Note your weight with
your cat, then yours alone. The difference is
your cat's weight, and it should be between 8
and 10 pounds. Your cat is normal if a comfortable
pad of fat lies over his ribs but you can still
feel the ribs if you press your hands in gently.
A difference of a pound up or down is fine over
the course of a few months; anything more or rapid
weight loss is reason for concern.
Other signs you should look for include:
Nose. Your cat's nose should be moist and clean,
not dry, scabbed or cracked. There should be no
discharge or bleeding.
Eyes. Probably the most beautiful part of any
cat, eyes should bright, moist and clear, centered
between the eyelids, with the pupils of equal
size. Eyes that are dull or sunken, that appear
dry or have thick discharge are not right. Take
your cat into a darkened room, then quickly turn
on a light. The pupils should contract quickly,
with no difference between them.
Ears. The skin should be clean, dry, smooth and
without wounds. The ear canal should be clean
and almost odor-free. Crust, moisture, discharge
or strong odor in the ear canal is bad news, as
is pain at the touch or an unusual way of holding
the head or ears.
The mouth. Your cat's teeth should be clean and
white, with gums that are uniformly pink. Press
on your pet's gum with your finger or thumb and
release quickly. The color will be white but should
return to the same color as the surrounding tissue
within one or two seconds, a sign your cat's circulatory
system is working well. Problem signs here include
loose or missing teeth, tartar, or gums that are
red, pale, inflamed or sore in appearance.
Breathing. It should be hard to hear your cat
breathe, and his chest wall should move easily
in and out as he does. Most of the act of breathing
should be performed by the chest wall; the stomach
should barely move. "Crackles" or wheezes
indicate a problem, as does labored or rapid breathing.
The abdomen. Start just behind the ribs and gently
press your hands into the abdomen. Proceed toward
the rear of your pet, passing your hands gently
over the abdomen. Some bumps should be there --
they're internal organs, such as the kidneys.
You should find no other lumps, bumps or masses,
though, and your pet should feel no discomfort
as you press gently into him.
Hydration. Check to ensure your cat has enough
fluids by pulling the skin just behind his shoulder
blades into a tent and then releasing quickly.
Your pet's skin should snap immediately back into
position. Another good sign of hydration is that
the gums just above the teeth are moist when touched.
Again, if anything comes up that worries you make
an appointment with your vet.
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