Checklist of Symptoms

Vomiting is not usually serious unless repeated. Cats vomit more frequently than humans because of their short intestine. They should vomit hairballs if they swallow too much fur. If the vomited matter looks like a small wet hot dog, it is a hair ball. Cats can also vomit food if they eat too fast and too much or it is too hot or too cold. Repeated swallowing should also be noted.

Loss of appetite is usually not serious unless prolonged. Cats don't eat the same amount every day. Temperature, stress, a recent snack, a large meal the day before, or leaving food available between meals can ruin cat's appetite. However, a low-grade infection, painful gums, dirty teeth, constipation, dehydaration, or any one of several diseases can also cause loss of appetite. Cats won't eat what they can't smell; a stuffy nose can also cause loss of appetite.

Claw biting is a normal part of the cat's grooming procedure, but it also signal an infection, a split claw with something caught in it, an in-grown claw, or it may be because of dirty cuticles.

Dirty cuticles (especially on back claws). A buildup of waxy dirt around the cuticle is a sure sign the cat is scratching at something that itches. The cuticle dirt can infect the toe. Check for waxy ears, skin problems, and tooth and gum problems—any of which can lead to dirty cuticles.

Excessive sleeping happens naturally after a big meal or if the cat is bored. It also happens during the spring and fall sheds, but it also means the cat's body is fighting off an infection. It could also signal a weak heart, liver or kidneys. Check for other symptoms.

Sitting facing the wall, or seeking warmth or coolness are signs of depression and usually mean the cat is in pain or feeling very sick. Hiding, sitting in the litter box, or pressing his forehead against things are also signs of pain.

Coughing could be a temporary irritation or something caught in the throat. If it persists there may be a serious obstruction in the throat or windpipe, respiratory infection, pneumonia, roundworms, heart problem, or other serious disease.

Sneezing can be caused by any sudden sharp smell or by cold temperature. Dust, sigarette smoke, room deodorizer can cause coughing.

Eyes The pupils should be the same size; if they are not the same size, alert your vet immediately. If your cat refuses to let you touch the eye, there may be painful irritation. Brown discharge is not usually serious; white, mucusy, yellow, greenish, or red should be reported to your vet at once.

Scratching head with hind feet, shaking head could be due to ear discharge, fleas, mange mites, ear mites, ringworm, ear infection, or tumor.

Licking genitals or "scooting" on the floor and the like means irritation and/or itching. Have your vet check for possible anal sac disease (anal sacculitis). Also watch urinary habits for signs of feline urologic syndrome (FUS).

Urine and urinary habits The urine output should wet at least a tablespoon of litter each time the cat goes to the box. If your cat voids a smaller amount or nothing at all and runs frequently to the litter box, take him immediately to the vet to check for feline urologic syndrome (FUS) and/or bladder stones. If he voids a normal amount or more than normal and runs frequently to the litter box, this could signal kidney disease or diabetes, especially if the urine is very light yellow and if you also note excessive drinking. Urination outside the box is almost always caused by a physical problem, early FUS or, in aging cats, weak bladder or arthritis. If your cat starts his urination in a squatting position but then gradually raises his rear until the stream shoots out over the edge of the box, this could mean arthritic hips, stress in the environment, such as a new cat, or straining because of urinary infection and possible blockage. Report to your vet.

Stool The cat should pass stool once or twice a day. It should be formed (long) in 2 or 3 pieces, no more, and it should be softly firm and dark brown. Note any differences. Diarrhea is sometimes not noticed because the cat covers it and mixes it with the litter. Check the stool once a day. A too stong smell can mean intestinal infection or imbalance (flatulence or irritable bowel syndrome). Many cats get diarrhea when taking antibiotics. If stool is not passed every day or is hard and appears in balls, it could mean constipation. Check for excess shedding, lack of dietary fiber, dehydration, or diabetes.

Coat Except in the shedding seasons (February through April and September and October) shedding should be moderate. Skin should be clean, hair free of dandruff and oil.

Bad smell can indicate serious problem— Usually caused by germs, infected or dirty ears, intestinal blockage, impacted anal glands, worms, dirty teeth, licking coat with dirty mouth, or soil on the fur near the anus.

Twitching skin can be caused by dry skin due to indoor heating during the winter months or from lack of fat in diet or vitamin E deficiency. Examine the cat for scabs and parasites. Twitching skin can also happen because of heart or brain disease.

Temperature Should be 100.5 to 101.5 degress F. Excitement and infection can cause it to go up. A low temperature is usually more serious than a high one.

Dehydration is sometimes difficult to judge. There are several signs you can look for such as lack of appetite, constipation, and/or frequent drinking. Sitting with the head over the water dish, the coat separating into "clumps,", or eyes that apear to be sunken, are signs of dehydration. This is an indication of serious illness, usually high fever, and is often the last stage before collapse.

Breathing Breathing that is shallow and fast happens when the cat is purring and means nothing. On the other hand, shallow and fast breathing can also be caused by heat, stress, fear, fluid retention, or tumor in the chest or abdomen, pain, or nausea. Breathing with the mouth open is a very bad sign.

Pale whitish ears, gums, or tongue can mean anemia, shock, or weak heart.

Your annual visit to your veterianrian for teeth cleaning and checkup will help to keep your cat from emergency situations.



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			Checklist of Symptoms Vomiting is not usually serious unless repeated. Cats vomit more frequently than humans because of their short intestine. They should vomit hairballs if they swallow too much fur. If the vomited matter looks like a small wet hot dog, it is a hair ball. Cats can also vomit food if they eat too fast and too much or it is too hot or too cold. Repeated swallowing should also be noted. Loss of appetite is usually not serious unless prolonged. Cats don't eat the same amount every day. Temperature, stress, a recent snack, a large meal the day before, or leaving food available between meals can ruin cat's appetite. However, a low-grade infection, painful gums, dirty teeth, constipation, dehydaration, or any one of several diseases can also cause loss of appetite. Cats won't eat what they can't smell; a stuffy nose can also cause loss of appetite. Claw biting is a normal part of the cat's grooming procedure, but it also signal an infection, a split claw with something caught in it, an in-grown claw, or it may be because of dirty cuticles. Dirty cuticles (especially on back claws). A buildup of waxy dirt around the cuticle is a sure sign the cat is scratching at something that itches. The cuticle dirt can infect the toe. Check for waxy ears, skin problems, and tooth and gum problems—any of which can lead to dirty cuticles. Excessive sleeping happens naturally after a big meal or if the cat is bored. It also happens during the spring and fall sheds, but it also means the cat's body is fighting off an infection. It could also signal a weak heart, liver or kidneys. Check for other symptoms. Sitting facing the wall, or seeking warmth or coolness are signs of depression and usually mean the cat is in pain or feeling very sick. Hiding, sitting in the litter box, or pressing his forehead against things are also signs of pain. Coughing could be a temporary irritation or something caught in the throat. If it persists there may be a serious obstruction in the throat or windpipe, respiratory infection, pneumonia, roundworms, heart problem, or other serious disease. Sneezing can be caused by any sudden sharp smell or by cold temperature. Dust, sigarette smoke, room deodorizer can cause coughing. Eyes The pupils should be the same size; if they are not the same size, alert your vet immediately. If your cat refuses to let you touch the eye, there may be painful irritation. Brown discharge is not usually serious; white, mucusy, yellow, greenish, or red should be reported to your vet at once. Scratching head with hind feet, shaking head could be due to ear discharge, fleas, mange mites, ear mites, ringworm, ear infection, or tumor. Licking genitals or "scooting" on the floor and the like means irritation and/or itching. Have your vet check for possible anal sac disease (anal sacculitis). Also watch urinary habits for signs of feline urologic syndrome (FUS). Urine and urinary habits The urine output should wet at least a tablespoon of litter each time the cat goes to the box. If your cat voids a smaller amount or nothing at all and runs frequently to the litter box, take him immediately to the vet to check for feline urologic syndrome (FUS) and/or bladder stones. If he voids a normal amount or more than normal and runs frequently to the litter box, this could signal kidney disease or diabetes, especially if the urine is very light yellow and if you also note excessive drinking. Urination outside the box is almost always caused by a physical problem, early FUS or, in aging cats, weak bladder or arthritis. If your cat starts his urination in a squatting position but then gradually raises his rear until the stream shoots out over the edge of the box, this could mean arthritic hips, stress in the environment, such as a new cat, or straining because of urinary infection and possible blockage. Report to your vet. Stool The cat should pass stool once or twice a day. It should be formed (long) in 2 or 3 pieces, no more, and it should be softly firm and dark brown. Note any differences. Diarrhea is sometimes not noticed because the cat covers it and mixes it with the litter. Check the stool once a day. A too stong smell can mean intestinal infection or imbalance (flatulence or irritable bowel syndrome). Many cats get diarrhea when taking antibiotics. If stool is not passed every day or is hard and appears in balls, it could mean constipation. Check for excess shedding, lack of dietary fiber, dehydration, or diabetes. Coat Except in the shedding seasons (February through April and September and October) shedding should be moderate. Skin should be clean, hair free of dandruff and oil. Bad smell can indicate serious problem— Usually caused by germs, infected or dirty ears, intestinal blockage, impacted anal glands, worms, dirty teeth, licking coat with dirty mouth, or soil on the fur near the anus. Twitching skin can be caused by dry skin due to indoor heating during the winter months or from lack of fat in diet or vitamin E deficiency. Examine the cat for scabs and parasites. Twitching skin can also happen because of heart or brain disease. Temperature Should be 100.5 to 101.5 degress F. Excitement and infection can cause it to go up. A low temperature is usually more serious than a high one. Dehydration is sometimes difficult to judge. There are several signs you can look for such as lack of appetite, constipation, and/or frequent drinking. Sitting with the head over the water dish, the coat separating into "clumps,", or eyes that apear to be sunken, are signs of dehydration. This is an indication of serious illness, usually high fever, and is often the last stage before collapse. Breathing Breathing that is shallow and fast happens when the cat is purring and means nothing. On the other hand, shallow and fast breathing can also be caused by heat, stress, fear, fluid retention, or tumor in the chest or abdomen, pain, or nausea. Breathing with the mouth open is a very bad sign. Pale whitish ears, gums, or tongue can mean anemia, shock, or weak heart. Your annual visit to your veterianrian for teeth cleaning and checkup will help to keep your cat from emergency situations.

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