Generally speaking, your cat is at higher risk for developing an illness if she has been stressed in some way. Those stresses may come from other pre-existing health problems, or a life change of some kind. Examples of this might include recent injury or immune disease, or a recent surgery. Life changing events may also include the addition or removal of a family member or other pet, or perhaps you've recently moved.



Your cat can catch the flu or a cold in same way you can. Cats may also get heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and are subject to parasite infestation. Some of these cat health problems will require treatment.

If your cat is not acting right it may turn out to be nothing. Even so, if you see any of these signs, call your veterinarian and get instructions on the best course of action. If things get worse, your vet will already be engaged. Below are some problems to watch out for.

General signs -- Your cat may exhibit some of the same signs that you'd expect to see in people if she has the flu, a cold, injury, or infection. General symptoms of cat illness include sneezing, coughing, lethargy, and nasal discharge. Your cat may experience excessive drooling if she has an infection or the flu, and may also have a fever.

More serious indications of feline illnesses are excessive vomiting or blood in the vomit, signs of pain, or evidence of worms. If at any time you notice that your cat faints or falls down, has difficulty breathing, jumping, or walking, contact your veterinarian right away. You should also be concerned by rapid weight loss or gain, or a bloated appearance or tightness in the abdomen.

Behavior patterns -- If your cat exhibits a dramatic change in routine or behavior, she may be ill. Changes in sleeping habits may be a sign of trouble. In addition, excessive licking, scratching, or unusual showings of aggression may be signs that something is amiss. If your normally social kitty hides in a corner for a long period, that may also mean that something is not right.

Appetite and thirst -- A classic indicator of a cat health problem is refusual to eat, so loss of appetite is certainly suspect. Also on this list would be difficulty in chewing or eating. Failure to drink can lead to dehrydation, which can be life threatening. Refusal to drink while leaning over the drinking bowl is a definite sign of trouble. Increased thirst is also a sign of a number of diseases, including diabetes.

In order to stay alert to cat health problems, you'll want to be alert to your cat's typical patterns of behavior. This includes habits related to sleeping, eating, drinking, using the litter box, and levels of activity. If you see a change, keep a closer eye on your cat to see if there's a problem. Remember that cats are very good at hiding discomfort, so you'll have to be very observant.

You should groom your cat at least once a week. Take the opportunity during these sessions to examine your cat for some of these warning signs. You can get a feel for how your cat is reacting to being handled, and easily check all the body parts, the mouth, and so on. Checking your cat regularly will help you work with your veterinarian to keep on top of any cat health problems that may arise.