The symptoms of disease in animals can be very different from those of humans. This is why owners, such as cats, need to be able to spot specific signs of health problems in this type of pet.
Instructions
Step 1
Check the tip of the cat's nose. When healthy, it should be cool and moist. When sick, the nose becomes dry. An exception can be considered a situation when the cat has just woken up - then the nose will be hot in any case.
Step 2
Assess the condition of the animal's coat. If it falls out strongly for no reason, up to the formation of bald spots, has become dull, this can also indicate both internal and external diseases.
Step 3
Analyze the cat's behavior. A sick animal seeks to retire, even if this is contrary to its nature. It tries to stay farther from both the person and from its own kind, becomes lethargic, plays less. A decrease in appetite can also be an indicator. Excessive aggression, especially when trying to pick up, when touching certain parts of the body, for example, the stomach, can be considered an additional symptom.
Step 4
Alert if the animal has problems with the excretory system. Renal failure is a common problem in cats, especially in older cats. If your pet goes to the toilet too often - more than three to five times a day - or, conversely, you do not observe urination, if the smell of discharge increases dramatically, you should contact your veterinarian. Stool problems, such as persistent diarrhea, should also be considered a symptom of problems.
Step 5
Examine the eyes and ears of the animal. In a healthy state, only minor discharge may be present in them. If the amount of this discharge has increased, it could be a sign of inflammation. Also pay attention to the condition of the mouth. Ulcers on the tongue and mouth, and increased salivation may indicate the need for medical intervention. We can talk about both an infectious disease and a swallowed foreign body.
Step 6
Frequent vomiting should also get your attention. In a normal state, any cat can vomit hair, and this should not be considered a pathology. But if traces of blood or bile appear among the hair, and vomiting does not stop and prevents the cat from digesting food normally, find out the reason for this condition from your veterinarian.
