Learn how to identify if your cat is unwell by looking out for these symptoms of common illnesses in cats. If you are ever in doubt about your cat’s health, you should always take him or her to the vet for a check-up.
Six symptoms that could point to a common illness in your cat include:
• Repeated vomiting
• Excessive scratching
• Dull and listless behaviour or lacking in energy
• Increased thirst and excessive drinking of water
• Swollen, red or inflamed eyes
• Bad breath
But what do these symptoms mean, and what could be the cause?
Vomiting: this could be an indication of worms, including tapeworms, roundworms or hookworms. Other symptoms of worms can include a pot belly, weight loss, deterioration of coat fur and vomiting. Worms are easily cured with medication available from your vet, but if left untreated, they can cause serious health problems.
Excessive scratching: fleas often cause your cat to scratch extremely hard at themselves, and a heavy infestation can cause anaemia. Dermatitis and skin irritation is also a common result of fleas and as the flea feeds off the cats blood, they can also spread tapeworm. Visit your vet for fast and effective flea treatment.
Lacking energy: can be a symptom of several common illnesses, including Lyme Disease, Feline Infectious Peritonitis or deterioration of health. You should always take your cat to the vet if you see a marked change in behaviour.
Increased thirst: can indicate a kidney infection. Unfortunately older cats often die from chronic kidney failure. If your cat starts drinking more water than usual, you should take him or her to the vets.
Swollen eyes: conjunctivitis can cause watery, red, crusty or swollen eyes. The eye membrane becomes inflamed which is very painful for your cat and they should be treated swiftly to avoid losing their sight all together.
Bad breath: tooth decay or digestive problems can lead to bad breath. Cats don’t always have the sweetest smelling breath, but you should notice if it becomes very bad.
Multiple symptoms: If your cat is displaying multiple symptoms from the list above, along with excessive meowing, spraying around the house and other erratic behaviour, then your cat could be suffering from feline stress.
You know your cat best, and you will be in a good place to notice any subtle changes in your cat’s normal behaviour. This could be your cats way of communicating that they aren’t feeling well, and if you have any concerns you should take them to the vet immediately.
Your cat insurance will usually cover treatment and medication deemed necessary for your cat; the cat insurance provider may even pay your vet directly. All you need to think about then is getting your cat back to health.
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