Cat Illness: 3 Major Symptom Areas

By Kurt Schmitt

Since your cat can't tell you where it hurts, you'll have to be on the look out for problems. Let's talk about some cat illness symptoms you should know about.

Cats are very good at hiding discomfort and signs of illness, but sometimes this comes out as a change in behavior. If you notice a change in your cat's typical routine, you'll want to check for a physical problem.

Urination and defecation -- Cats are subject to a number of issues and illnesses involving defecation and urination.

Cats my experience FLUTD (feline lower urinary tract disease). This is actually the name for a group of problems that may involve crystals, stones, inflammation, or infection. Some of these urinary tract problems can be life threatening.

Be alert to excessive urination as this can be a sign of cat illness such as feline diabetes. Cats are clean creatures and self-groom often, but excessive licking in the groin or anal area can be a sign of problems.

Occasional constipation is common in cats, and is most often caused by hairballs. Treatments are available for this, and include store bought hairball remedies as well as veterinarian prescribed treatments such as lactulose.

Constipation over the long term may lead to a serious bowel condition known as megacolon. Impacted anal glands may present and will require treatment.

If your cat makes frequent but unsuccessful trips to the litter box, or is howling or crying out while attempting to use the box, she may have some physical problem that needs attention. Also, a common sign of trouble is the act of scooting across the floor while dragging the rear end.

If you notice that your cat is not using the litter box, always assume a physical cause may be at fault. If your cat is not urinating or defecating or is missing the litter box, contact your veterinarian.

Other problems to look for are blood in urine or feces, including black tarry stools. If your cat has diarrhea, it may lead to dehydration, which can be fatal.

Mouth and eye problems -- Check your cat's eyes for uneven pupils, cloudiness, or discharge. The nictating membrane, or haw, is a "third eyelid" that you will sometimes see when a cat's eyes are open. This can be an indication of disease.

Pale lips and gums is a sign of disease which may indicate anemia. Other symptoms of cat illness may include bad breath and ulcers of the mouth.

Hair and skin problems -- Poor coat or problem skin can be a sure sign of cat illness. In fact, the coat and skin of your cat can be used as a measure of overall health.

In addition, if your cat stops grooming or looks disheveled, it's probably a sign of trouble. An oily looking coat is also a sign of illness.

Also look for excessive dryness or flaking, skin growths, hair loss, and any kind of swelling or skin eruption. Parasites on the skin are usually easily spotted. Check your cat at least once a week.

Domestic felines may experience other health problems for sure, but these are a few of the major categories. Keeping an eye on your cat's normal routine, and being sensitive to any of the above problems is an essential part of cat care.

About the Author:

Author Kurt Schmitt has created a website for cat lovers including resources on cat health and this list of over 70 cat illness problems Grab a totally unique version of this article from the Uber Article Directory