The Sick Cat Checklist

I subscribe to daily newsletter and I received a checklist for 10 of the most common signs of health problems among cats which I want to share with you. If your cat shows any of these signs, please bring them to your vet immediately.

Less active - Cats that don't feel well are often less active.  This is often mistaken for "getting older".  The safest thing to do is to have your vet examine your cat to ensure there are no underlying health issues that are making your cat less active.

Weight loss - Losing weight is another common sign of disease or illness.  Sometimes it is difficult to notice weight loss, especially in longhaired cats. If your cat feels bonier, lighter, or if you can easily feel the ribs, it could be a sign that there is a problem.  Seek veterinary care.

Increased water consumption - Drinking more water is associated with a few diseases including kidney disease and diabetes mellitus. If you notice your cat is drinking a lot more water, see your veterinarian.

Not grooming - Cats that don't feel well don't groom themselves. Sometimes this is the first sign of illness that cat owners notice. The hair coat is matted or just not being kept as clean. If your cat is not grooming like normal, see your veterinarian.

Bad breath - Bad breath, also known as halitosis, can result from dental disease as well as other metabolic disorders.

Inappropriate elimination - Most often this involves urinating outside of the litter box.  This can be a behavioral disorder or it could be caused by a variety of urinary tract diseases. Have your cat checked by your vet to determine if there is an underlying medical problem.

Sleeping more - If your cat is sleeping more and showing less interest in life, it could be a cause for concern.  Cats sleep an average of 13 to 16 hours each day depending on the age and personality of the individual cat.  If you notice that your cat is sleeping a lot more than he used to, don't assume it is just age.  Make sure that it is not an underlying disease or illness.

Drooling - Drooling or hypersalivation can be associated with oral or dental disease and should be evaluated by your veterinarian.

Difficulty breathing - This is a very severe sign of illness.  It can be a sign of heart or lung disorders or anemia.  If you notice that your cat is breathing more quickly, exerting more effort to breathe, or if you notice open mouth breathing or a posture in which the arms are slightly abducted and your cat's neck is extended, see your vet immediately.  This is a life-threatening emergency.

Bloody urine - This can be a sign of urinary tract disease or infection in cats.  It should be evaluated immediately. 

source: PetPlace.com