Cat Health Tips – How To Detect If Your Cat Is Sick And The Importance Of Enough Eating

Your cat keeps to a fairly regular routine, and so you may be able to notice signs that could alert

you to possible health problems. Signs to watch for include:

Change in everyday routine, listlessness, behavioral changes, excessive scratching, excessive cleaning, appearance on the third eye lid, weight loss, decreased appetite, decreased thirst, and bloody urine.

Other than that, you should also check out for vomiting, bad breath, distended stomach, watery eyes, diarrhea, constipation, sneezing or coughing, difficulty breathing, dull coat and pale gums.

You should ensure your cat eats enough, particularly if he has a respiratory infection. When cats have respiratory infections, they cannot smell, and when they cannot smell, they do not eat. Place a small dab of food on your finger and insert it in his mouth.

Sometimes this is all it takes for his instinct to take over. If he still will not eat, contact your veterinarian. He or she may be able to prescribe a complete diet than can be syringe fed to your sick cat.

Cats hate to be dirty. When they are sick, they do not want to clean themselves, so it is up to you to do it for them. Start with a soft cloth dampened with warm water. Gently clean his eyes and nose and around his mouth.

And do not forget his rear end because he may be too sick to clean himself after using the litter pan. Refrain from using soap or other cleaning agents. In severe cases, try brushing him gently or using a dry shampoo.

Usually, though, when your cat is sick, just the sound of your soothing voice and the touch of your gentle hands will do wonders for his recovery. If your cat is not eating, try putting some food on one of his paws. Cats hate to be dirty, and he will probably lick it off right away.

To prevent your cat from becoming dehydrated, your veterinarian may advise you to give him fluids. Gently insert a dropper filled with liquid into his mouth, and repeat regularly until he is drinking by himself.