It is not always possible to recognize a cat's disease at first glance. Sometimes the animal looks healthy, but a loving owner notices changes in the pet's behavior and begins to sound the alarm. In order not to overload the veterinarian once again in vain, calling him for every trifle, it is easier to learn how to identify the signs of cat ailment yourself.
Instructions
Step 1
Pay attention to the cat's appearance. A dry and hot nose is far from the only sign of an animal's illness. If your pet is unhealthy, most likely, her coat will grow dull and bristle, her mobility will be reduced, her appetite and interest in everything that happens will abruptly disappear. You should also be on your guard when a sociable and playful pet suddenly begins to spend most of the time in a closed and dark space, for example, in a closet or under a bed.
Step 2
Observe your cat's discharge for several days. Constipation or diarrhea, blood in the stool, too dark or too light color of the faeces should be the reason for going to the doctor. On the part of the genitourinary system, violations can be signaled by: urinary incontinence, crying of an animal when urinating, refusal to go to its usual place (if visiting the tray is associated with pain and discomfort).
Step 3
Do a self-examination of the cat. Take it in your arms, put it on your lap, paws up, and gently feel your stomach. If it is swollen or hard, and your touch clearly hurts the animal, then the patient has problems with the gastrointestinal tract. Run your fingers over the entire skin to see if there are ulcers, tumors and growths under the coat. Look the cat in the eyes and ears: in a healthy animal, they should be clean, without purulent discharge. Open the cat's mouth: plaque and sores on the tongue, a pungent odor indicate illness.
Step 4
Weigh your cat if it seems to you that she has dramatically lost weight or put on weight. Find the pulse line on your inner thigh and count it. If the result is above 120 beats per minute, the animal may have a fever. You can check this using an electronic thermometer, lubricating its tip with petroleum jelly and inserting it into the anus under the tail of the animal for a few minutes. However, be prepared for the fact that the cat may not allow the owner to perform such manipulation with it.
Step 5
Call your veterinarian and list all the symptoms you find. Sometimes doctors give advice over the phone. But if you are told that a personal examination is necessary, do not hesitate to take the cat to an appointment or call the veterinarian at home.
