When to Take Your Cat to the Vet: Signs and Symptoms

Cats are very special pets, and they become part of our family, so when something is wrong with them we want to take care of them the best way we can. The hard part is cats can't tell us if they are in discomfort or pain, so we can often overlook signs and symptoms that mean we need to take them to the vet. I know when my cat is acting strange I always debate if this is something serious enough to go to the vet. The last time I was at my vet, I talked to her about when you need to go into see a vet, compared to when it is okay just to call and check, and the strange behaviors that are just natural cat behaviors. If you are wondering if your cat is just acting weird or is truly sick, these are the signs to look for.

Not eating: Refusal to eat can be very serious in cats. If your cat has not been eating it can lead to hepatic lipidosis which is also called fatty liver disease. Not eating can also not point to a specific illness, but will let you know that your cat is not feeling well.

Diarrhea: If your cat has constant diarhea for more them twelve hours, you should take your cat into the vet. Diarrhea can cause dehydration which is very serious for cats. Diarrhea can also point to many other more serious illness including infections.

Change in the color of the gums: This is something many people could easily overlook, because how often do we look in the mouth of your cat. A change in he color of your cats gums can indicate many things. Bluish gums can indicate breathing problems. Yellow gums can indicate liver problems, and other colors can also indicate different problems. So if your cats gums ever alter from the normal light pink, you should contact your vet.

Ataxia: This is a fancy name for a cat that is staggering, is walking unsteadily, or is walking in circles. This can often be overlooked as weird cat behavior, but shouldn't be overlooked. This can indicate many potential problems. If your cat is staggering be sure to take them to a vet right away.

Bleeding: This seems very obvious, but often people think that as long as the bleeding stops that your cat is fine. If your cat is ever bleeding from its ears, eyes, or mouth take them to the vet immediately. If your cat is bleeding from somewhere else you still should go see your vet, cats can lose a lot of blood very quickly.

Always remember that as a pet owner, you know your cat the best. If you feel that your cat is hurting, that is a good sign to go into your vet. If you really feel like something is wrong with your pet, be sure to convey this to your vet. A good vet will really listen to you and take your opinion into consideration. Always remember these are just guideline, and you should always call your vet if you have any questions.