Sometimes our pets do things we don’t understand or have habits we’ve learned to deal with. But there may come a point where we become worried that something’s not right. Below are a few common symptoms your cat may be exhibiting, and what they could mean health-wise.
1. Stinky Breath
Unless you brush your cat’s teeth every day, its breath probably doesn’t smell that great. But if sometimes your cat’s bad breath goes beyond the cat food smell, it could be due to one of many potential health issues. For example, cats with cancer will often have bad-smelling breath, and cats with diabetes may have a strange sweet scent to their breath.
2. Inflammation of the Eyes, Gums, or Mouth
While we’ve all seen our cats play injured by squeezing their eye shut for attention, it’s important to realize that sometimes it’s not pretend and it may be inflammation. Inflammation is a common symptom of Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), which essentially hinders the cat’s immune system, making it more susceptible to other diseases. If you notice unusual inflammation in any of these areas, be sure to have a vet check it out. Sykesville Veterinary Clinic, an Eldersbury veterinary hospital M.D. would be glad to check it out for you.
3. Breathing Difficulties or Congestion
Maybe you’ve noticed your cat is breathing more heavily, or struggling to get in a good breath. It may not seem like a big deal at the time, but it can be a symptom of Heartworm Disease or an upper respiratory infection. With both of these health issues, you may also notice your cat eating less, coughing, and sneezing. If you notice any of these symptoms for a long period of time, you should have your cat checked out by a professional.
4. Skin Lesions, Dandruff, or Redness
Any of the symptoms mentioned above may be a clue that your cat has ringworm. This is most common in young or long-haired cats and can result in itching and great discomfort. If you think your cat may have come in contact with the disease-causing spores, you should definitely have your cat checked out.
5. Fever, Seizures, and Enlarged Lymph Nodes
These symptoms could be evidence of Feline Leukemia Virus, which is essentially a road to many more health complications. Often found in younger cats due to blood and saliva transmission, this disease can be fatal. While there is no cure for this disease, it is still a good idea to take it to a vet for diagnosis and information. With proper treatment, it may be more bearable for your cat.
We hope this short list of common symptoms has helped you decided whether or not to have your cat checked out, and has given you valuable information on a few different diseases. Thank you for taking the time to read this for your pet’s benefit.