How To Tell If A Cat Is Sick

Cats can be difficult to determine whether or not they are sick. Since they cannot talk, they communicate their needs differently than humans. You need to be in tune to your cats communication skills and recognize behaviors that could warrant a call to the vet. Take the time to learn how to tell if a cat is sick so you don't delay getting the appropriate treatment from your vet. If you notice your cat is acting strangely, or different from its usual behavior, you will need to pay close attention to its behavior. Some behaviors such as vomiting, not eating, lethargy, difficulty going to the bathroom, etc... are easy to identify, and always warrant a call to your vet to obtain professional advice to determine if your cat is sick, and for further instructions. Sometimes cats will exhibit signs of illness in a not so easily identifiable way.

If for any reason you are wondering whether or not a cat is sick, then that always warrants a call to the vet for some professional advice. Sometimes, though, cats can exhibit strange behaviors when they are sick, that are not always what a person would consider a symptom of being ill. For instance, cats are prone to urinary tract infections and often, one of the first signs that the cat is sick is that the cat will stop using its litter box. Urinary tract infections can be painful, and because the cat does not know why it hurts, they often will start to associate the litter box with pain, and the result is the cat stops using it. If you are experiencing this problem with your cat, your cat may be sick and you should contact your vet.

Sometimes cats can become more aggressive and cranky. Now, of course, cats can do this naturally, and it doesn't mean they are sick. However, any change in your cats personality or behavior could be an indication of an illness and should be reported to the vet. It is as simple as picking up the phone and talking to the vet. Once the vet has the information, he can determine if your cat should be examined. Cats are very good about hiding their illnesses, and often exhibit a change in behavior, a change in bowel or bladder habits,  a decreased appetite, an increase in sleeping or less playtime when they are ill. Because many people just don't understand how to tell if a cat is sick, the cat will often get worse until a vet visit is an absolute emergency.

I always recommend to be safe rather than sorry when it comes to the well being of an animal. Cats will try in their own way to let you know something is wrong. You need to pay attention to your cat and notice these kinds of changes so you can be the best pet owner you can be. If you are experiencing a change in your cats behavior, personality, decreased food or water consumption, a change in bladder or bowel habits or decreased energy, you should consider the fact that your cat may be sick. Even a simple phone call to the vet to let the vet know what kind of symptoms your cat is having can be very beneficial and the vet will be able to tell you whether or not the cat should be examined. And remember, a phone call is free. Only a vet will be able to give you the most accurate and best advice on what you should or should not do. Many times cat illnesses can be easily treated with medicine provided by the vet and your cat will thank you for it