Love your Feline Right!
In today's busy days, we often tend to overlook the signs of discomfort or illness in our feline companions. They can also hide their symptoms from us to be left alone and to be uninterrupted. This can be problematic if not diagnosed in the early stages, depending on the type of illness your cat has. As responsible cat owners, it is important that you take your pet cat to your vet at least once in three months. However, in times of need, it is important that you know how to self-diagnose your cat's early symptoms.
Going through a self-diagnosis for a cat can help you catch the underlying issues before they escalate to the next level. You must be prepared to check your cat's weight and any other signs out of the ordinary. In this blog, we will explain to you how you can monitor your cat's health at home. The signs that you must watch for in your cat:
1. Monitor Appetite and Eating Habits
A sick cat or a cat who is ill may often lose their appetite. You can notice a change in eating habits, such as loss of appetite or overeating.. This can be a signal of digestive issues or stress. Similarly, if your cat takes in excess water, this may indicate diabetes or a kidney concern. Cats do not commonly take in large amounts of water unless there is an underlying issue. Some cats also turn to leafy plants that are particularly medicinal for cat tummies during diarrhea. These are some of the signs that you can notice over a couple of days, as your cat may be carrying a disease or an illness.
2. Check for Changes in Litter Box Behaviour
You may also have to take a turn towards the litter box to understand if your cat is passing stool as usual. Consider the frequency of the stool, the consistency, the colour of urine and the stool. Change in colours or thickness can be a side effect of the digestive issue or any other underlying diseases. If your cat avoids the litter box for longer, this may suggest that your cat is going through a urinary tract infection. The constant discomfort of urination may prevent them from reaching out to their litter box.
3. Observe Coat and Skin Condition
Another visible change that you can spot easily is the changes in your cat's coat. If your cat carries a dull fur coat with bald patches or excessive scratching, you can point out that your cat is facing an allergic reaction. It can also be because of fleas or other skin infections that they may have caught as they sneaked around the local park. As a responsible cat owner, you can engage in regular brushing to help your cat by spotting early signs of scabs or swelling.
4. Monitor Activity and Mobility
Mobility is also a strong sign of judgment. If your cat is normally active and is seen to be lethargic over a couple of days, or is experiencing stiff movement, this can be a sign of joint pain or injury. Other signs include limping, reluctance to jump or unusual sleep patterns. As these can be quite painful we suggest that you address this problem immediately or carry your cat to your local vet.
5. Check Eyes, Nose, and Ears
Eyes, Nose and Ears can also say a lot about your cat. Consider spotting for discharge, redness, or foul odour from any of these areas, should that be taken seriously. Meanwhile, cloudy eyes or squinting could signal infections or trauma in your cat.
6. Notice Behavioural Changes
Never ignore behavioural changes in your cat. If your cat is angry when you stroke their fur, this can simply mean pain or damage. Aggression, withdrawal, or clinginess may be emotional responses to pain or illness. Other noticeable changes include changes in vocals (the bass or highness of the meow). This can also reflect the change in health or mood.
7. Perform Gentle Body Checks
Be a better judge of what you feel. If you palpate around your cat to feel for lumps, bumps, or sore spots during cuddle time, this can be your first diagnosis. If your cat does not like you to stroke a part of their limb (or any other body part), this can also be considered as pain or injury. Watch out for swelling or sensitivity that may require a vet visit.
Healthy Cat, Happy Life!
Keeping your cat safe and healthy is a promise you keep to your cat. Simple steps like constant cat checkups at home and self-diagnosis can save your cat’s life or spare them from distress. Self-checks are not a substitute for professional cat medical at the vet. However, it is the first step to protecting your pet cat.
To be on time, remember there are 2 things you must do. Inspect and correctly identify any symptoms or signs. Next, trust your instincts. If something feels “off,” consult your vet. You do not have to be waiting for sad news or be nervous every time you visit the vet. Instead, all you have to do is be a little aware of your cat’s health. A little awareness and self-dignosis skills go a long way in ensuring your cat stays happy and healthy.
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