The health of your cat is always in the back of your mind, and sometimes, it's hard to know what actually a symptom is. Here are five signs your kitty needs a vet.
Felines Anonymous: 5 Signs Your Kitty Needs a Vet
Labored Breathing
Labored breathing can mean several different things, but one of the problems could be Pericardial Effusion, a rare heart disease in cats characterized by the build-up of fluid in their pericardial sacs.
If paired with the loss of appetite or vomiting, it is critical to take your cat to the vet right away.
Coughing Up Bloody Fluid
This tinted discharge may not be as noticeable as straight blood, but it can still be a huge issue.
Many vet clinics, including Seattle Emergency Veterinary Hospital, can look for pulmonary contusions.
This is a disease found in cats that is caused by a tear in the lung: a very serious matter that needs to be looked at right away.
Depression
It is important to note any intense and/or long-lasting personality changes within your pets.
Any signs of depression can be bad, and when combined with the loss of appetite and other troubling symptoms, it can mean your kitty has Pancreatitis.
Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas, and it moves rapidly in felines, causing possible damage to the organ if not treated quickly enough.
Pale Pink Gums
Checking the teeth and gums of your cat is an important routine to keep.
When checking the gums, it is good to look for a pale pink color if your kitty hasn't been feeling well lately.
This color in your pet's mouth can mean a number of things, including septic shock.
Sepsis is an infection in the body that, when left untreated, can cause multiple organ failures in your cat.
Increased Flatulence
This symptom can be more than just an inconvenience if paired with any other unusual symptoms such as a swollen stomach or defecation issues.
Abdominal Distension is bloating in the belly of your pet.
This can cause discomfort and a hard, swollen feel to their stomach.
The causes of this distension can vary and you will need an exam from a vet to know exactly what problem is happening to your cat and why.
If you see any of these symptoms or are worried about your feline friend, make sure to make an appointment with your local vet.
When it comes to our furbabies' health, it's better to be safe than sorry.
Antoinette M says
Very informative. Thanks for sharing!
Stacey A Smith says
thanks for the info I have 9 cat's to keep a eye on.
Calvin says
Important obverse and recognize these so you can treat in time
Ann says
Thank you for posting this. I try to gather as much information as I can about this sort of subject, and to not take my cats' good health for granted. <3
Darcy Koch says
All cat owners should be aware of the signs and symptoms of a cat needing medical attention. Cats are just like humans. They do become ill.
Patti Kirk says
I had no idea that pale pink gums could indicate septic shock. Scary. I'm going to be more vigilant.
Becky Richardson says
I've heard of some of these but not all. Thanks for sharing.
Lisa F. says
I've never had a cat who was gassy. I suppose if I ever did, I'd definitely get them to the vet to be checked out!
Becky Richardson says
Will share this with my granddaughter, as she has 4 cats.
Margaret Appel says
Thank you for an informative article! My little dog has five feline friends that we want to keep in good health so they have many years of fun & loving play ahead of them!
Brandi Dawn says
This is a great article. My kiddo recently took our kitty off to college with her. I will forward this to her!