| In addition to your cat's regular vaccinations, how | | | | Uncontrolled urination |
| can you know when your cat needs to see a | | | | If your cat's urinating habits change, this could be |
| vet? The following conditions and behavior are red | | | | a sign of tumors, cysts, stones, infection or |
| flags. | | | | inflammation. It is important to see your vet and |
| Diarrhea | | | | take a fresh urine sample with you, if you can. |
| Diarrhea can be caused by lots of things - diet, | | | | Use a clean jar. |
| infections, parasites and metabolic problems. | | | | Excessive drinking |
| Diarrhea is never normal and can cause | | | | If your cat seems to be drinking more than usual, |
| dehydration and death if it persists. If you can, | | | | and urinating more often, you should take her to |
| take a fresh poo sample with you to the vet for | | | | a vet. Unless it is a really hot day, increased thirst |
| testing. One way to test for dehydration is by | | | | can be caused by diabetes, kidney and liver |
| pressing your finger against your cat's gums. It | | | | problems. |
| the spot takes more than two seconds to return | | | | Not eating |
| to pink, there's a problem. | | | | If your cat is off his food, you should report this |
| Vomiting | | | | to your vet straight away. |
| Cats often wretch and vomit up stomach | | | | Bleeding |
| contents including hairballs. Hairballs are common | | | | Your cat may have been in a fight or been hurt |
| and some cat foods are now formulated to | | | | elsewhere. Lacerations and bite wounds can |
| reduce them. Vomiting, however, is a problem if it | | | | become infected, so it is important to have these |
| happens more than once a day, contains blood or | | | | checked out by your vet. |
| mucous and if your cat also has diarrhea, lethargy, | | | | Excessive scratching |
| salivation and is not eating. Excessive vomiting can | | | | Although occasional scratching is normal, |
| cause dehydration and death. | | | | excessive scratching could indicate a skin infection, |
| Coughing, panting or wheezing | | | | allergies or parasites. The scratching can lead to |
| These signs are never normal and could indicate | | | | inflammation and further infection. See your vet! |
| viral, bacterial or fungal infections. They could also | | | | Anytime your cat's behavior or patterns change, |
| be signs of heart or lung disease. You must take | | | | it is best to have these checked out. |
| your coughing, wheezing or panting cat to a vet. | | | | |