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