Cat Diseases: Watch For Early Warnings

Cat Diseases: Watch For Early Warnings
 by: Marc Deschamps

Watch your cat and disease signs that may indicate a variety of health problems. Being alert to these indicators can help treat your cat quickly and efficiently.

• Bad breath
  Don't panic if your cat has a bad breath. Check first if he had fish or otherfood with strong odours. If not, consult your veterinary as bad breath may thethe sign of a tooth decay, urinary problems or the presence of round worms.
• Abundant saliva
  This sign of cat disease may be the cause of poisoning or viral infection suchas pneumonia. However it may simply be due to a foreign object lodged in thecat's mouth. In that case take the object out before the cat swallows it.
• Decolorated gums
  This might indicate aneamia, the presence of parisites or other affection. Ifthis symptom follows an accident it may be due to internal bleeding.
• Running nose
  This sign of cat disease is, most of the time, caused by pneumonia.
• Sneezing
  Your cat caught a cold or something is stuck in his nose !!
• Red and burning eyes
  Sometimes, this sign of cat disease indicates respiratory problems. It can alsobe caused by dust.
• Running eyes
  This is always due to a cold.
• Eyes turning opaque
  This sign of cat disease indicates a major ocular problem. Consult yourveterinary immediately.
• Your cat is constantly scratching his ears
  Parasites may be present. If the ear contains brownish and smelling cruststhere might be an ulceration. If the ear is warm and aching this is probablydue to an hematom that will require minor surgery.
• Frequent coughing
  This sign of cat disease is the result of a pneumonia.
• Quick and heavy respiration
  This is the symptom of pneumonia or heart problems.
• Your cat does not eat anymore
  This is a classic cat disease symptom resulting from a variety of healthproblems. However, bear in mind that a cat in healthy condition can skip 2 to 3meals. Be concerned only if he skips more.
• Your cat is losing weight quickly
  This is a sign of probable aneamia or viral infection.
• Your cat is weak and apathetic
  Again this may be due to aneamia or the presence of parasites. This sign of catdisease may also result from heart problems.
• Your cat does not drink water anymore
  If your cat peaks over the water bowl but does'nt drink anything he may havetyphus or a kidney infection.
• He drinks too much!
  You would not suspect this is a sign of cat disease. Unfortunately, this maythe symptom of a variety of sicknesses: diabetes, liver problem, or uterusinfection.
• Vomitting
  If your cat vomits frequently it may not mean he is sick. But if he vomits ayellow liquid, often times the typhus is the culprit. You also have to watchintoxications and kidney or liver infections. In any event, consult yourveterinary immediately.
• Urinary difficulties
  This may be a serious cat disease symptom. The presence of blood in the urine,particularly with the male cat, requires a quick action you should rush to theveterinary.
• Constipation
  Here we have several possibilities but it is likely that your cat is notphysically active and that his nutrition is not well balanced. Cut on thedehydrated food for a while. You may also use a light laxative. If this is notworking, constipation may be caused by tiny hair balls .... or a tumour.
• Diarrhea
  A real diarrhoea is totally liquid. Your cat may have been excited or hisnutrition is unbalanced. Add rice or pasta to his meals for a day or two. Ifyou find traces of blood in the diarrhoea, this sign of cat disease may resultfrom a tumour or it may indicate the presence of parasites.
• High fever
  A body temperature exceeding 38.8 celsius is a sign that something is workingwrong. Don't guess, check with your veterinary.
• Drastic change in behavior
  This is a sign of cat disease that is difficult to gauge. If your animalbecomes aggressive he may have contracted the rage. You may also detect thisproblem if his mewing is low and rough.

Copyright 2006 Marc Deschamps

About The Author
Marc Deschamps is the editor of Kitten Cat Magazine, a free online publication, where people can share their passion for cats and learn more about this extraordinary animal. Other articles on cat diseases can be found at
http://www.kitten-cat-magazine.com/cat-and-disease.html