How to Diagnose Cat Illnesses

Diagnosing a cat's illness can be quite difficult without a degree in veterinary medicine. However, you can help train yourself to notice the signs of an illness in your cat and help keep your cat healthy. You can also figure out when the best time would be to bring your cat to the vet's office. Some people do not have the ability to notice when their cat is ill until it is too late. Diagnose your cat's illnesses for better health care.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Observe your cat's healthy behavior: how she walks, how she sounds, how she eats and drinks, how she looks, and what she generally does during the day. As the caretaker of your cat, you are responsible for keeping her safe and healthy. Monitoring her behavior when she is healthy can help because you will more easily notice any changes in that behavior that could indicate that your cat is ill.

2. Learn about the different illnesses that cats are susceptible to. This will help you diagnose cat illnesses. Cats can get cancer, liver disease, colitis, digestion disorders, gastric ulcers, intestinal parasites, hypoadrenocorticism, enteritis, dyspnea, blood clots, kidney stones, bladder stones, inflamed bowels, internal injury, heart disease, pulmonary disease, anemia, vaginitis, urinary incontinence, urogenital tract infection, arthritis, ligament or tendon ruptures, herpes and respiratory virus. This is just a summary of the most common feline illnesses.

3. Check the symptoms of your cat's illness to help you diagnose your cat. Symptoms of illness in cats could be vomiting, difficulty breathing, scratching, blood in urine or stool, coughing, lethargy, limping, not eating as much as usual, drinking more fluids than usual and discharge. This is where the change in your cat's behavior can help you diagnose the problem. Observe and note any changes.

4. Take your cat to the vet if your cat is sick and not getting better within one day. If the symptoms are severe, then take your cat to the vet immediately. When you visit the vet pay attention to what he or she has to say about your cat's health and your cat's illness. Ask as many questions as you can and take notes.

5. Read about cat health to learn more about your cat. There are magazines, newsletters, websites, and books about cat health. You can find some magazines and books at your local library about cat health. You can subscribe to newsletters online about cat health. See the Resources below to help you get started in learning more about cat health and staying on top of the latest cat health news.

Tips & Warnings

• Always observe your cat's behavior. Any changes in your cat's behavior could be a sign of an illness. Apply for cat health insurance.
• You know your cat the best. If you think your cat needs to be seen insist on a prompt appointment.

Resources

• Pet Care Insurance
• Cat Channel
• Cat Health
• Purrfect Post
• Cat Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook, Fully Revised and Updated

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