Are you ever worried if your cat may be sick?
Maybe your cat isn't eating, not using the litter box or simply not being themselves...
You can usually tell when something is up with your furry friend.
We never like to see our pets in pain but sometimes a trip to the vet may not be ideal...
Its important that you know what signs to look for when checking to see if you cat is sick or not.
We've put together a few quick and easy ways you can examine your cat at home:
1. Spend some time on your cat's skin
While petting your cat, feel for any lumps, scratches, scabs, swelling or any other irregularities. Dandruff and oily or missing fur can indicate skin or internal problems. Part the fur to look for fleas; specks that look like black pepper are actually "flea dirt" (flea feces that contain your cat's blood and turn red when wet). Keep an eye on any lumps, especially if they appear after a vaccination.
2. Examine your cat's ears
The hairless part of your cat's ears should be clean and odorless. If your cat is having problems, they may shake their head a lot and scratch their ears. Check for flaking, scabs, foul odor or discharge. If you see a black, gritty substance inside, they probably have ear mites, which are parasites that cause severe itching and are contagious to other cats.
3. Spy into your cat's eyes
Look for bright, clear evenly focused eyes. If you see redness, discoloration or discharge, squinting or the emergence of the third eyelid, your cat may have a problem that requires a call to your veterinarian.
4. Make time for your cat's mouth
Healthy gums are pink, pale or bright; red gums may mean something is wrong with your cat. Drooling and pawing at the mouth are cause for concern as well. Brown streaks and tartar build-up on the teeth may indicate a dental problem. If your cat's breath is so bad that you can't stand to have them near you, it's probably time for a veterinarian to take a look.
5. Don't be shy—get nose-y with your cat
A cat's nose should be clean. Depending on their activity level and the temperature of their surroundings, their nose may be cold or warm. If your cat paws at their nose or sneezes frequently, or if you see mucous or other discharge, contact your veterinarian.
6. Take a look under your cat's tail
Look under their tail. If you see what looks like grains of rice or spaghetti, you are looking at signs of parasites—some of which may be spread to you or other pets. Your vet can give you medication to rid your cat of these unwanted guests.
7. Focus on your cat's feet
Most cats don't like to have their feet touched. If yours doesn't mind, look for stuck-on litter, torn claws, cuts, swellings or infections. Also, check your cat's claws regularly to see if they need to be trimmed. Untrimmed claws can inadvertently scratch you, get caught on carpet and furniture and grow into the paw.
