If you are a first-time cat owner, you may be surprised to learn that cats exhibit signs of illness in different ways than their dog or human counterparts. In fact, because of their quiet and subdued nature, cats’ symptoms of illness are typically very discreet. If felines are a members of your family, it is important to be aware of the subtle actions that may be signaling there is something wrong with their health. Being in-tune with your cat’s behavior will help you know when it’s time for a trip to the vet.

The following are key signs that your cat may need to see a vet in D’Iberville, MS:

• Excessive meowing: While meowing is a normal part of cat communication, excessive meowing can be your pet’s way of trying to tell you something is not right. If your cat is being more talkative than usual, make sure that she has enough food, water, playtime and attention. If all of these necessities are provided and your cat is still being overly vocal, it may be time to see a professional for an examination.
• Congestion: Like people, cats can get colds and allergies – though their symptoms tend to be more understated. You will want to be on the lookout for chronic symptoms including a runny nose, sneezing, coughs, wheezing or mucus near your cat’s eyes. If these symptoms do not clear up on their own after several days or if they become more severe, you will need to visit the veterinarian. Be sure to closely monitor your cat’s symptoms so you can give your vet a detailed report.
• Loss of interest in activities: It’s a well-known fact that cats can be lazy. However, if you notice that you your cat has lost interest in her favorite activities, it can be a sign that she is not feeling well. Further, if your cat has lost her appetite or declines water, you will want to take her to the vet immediately. Not eating or drinking is a clear signal that something may be seriously wrong. Your vet will be able to perform a series of tests and provide your cat with proper treatment.
• Making a mess: If your cat suddenly starts going to the bathroom outside of the litterbox, it should raise a red flag. When this occurs, you will first want to make sure that your cat’s box is clean and has plenty of fresh litter. Also, you should always provide one more litter box than your total number of cats. If this is the case and your cat still does not use a litter box, it is usually a signal that they have an illness that is causing them pain. In this scenario, you will want to take your cat to a trusted vet right away.

If you have any questions about these symptoms or additional cat behaviors, it’s important to consult your veterinarian. For more information about ways to keep your cat healthy, talk to a knowledgeable vet in D’Iberville, MS by contacting the D’Iberville Veterinary Hospital today.