| CLINICAL SIGNS | CAUSES | ACTION |
| SCRATCHING/EXCESS LICKING | External parasites are the most common cause of scratching, but allergies
to
food or environmental causes may also be responsible. Cats lick most wounds thoroughly. Impacted anal sacs cause a cat to
lick its anal region. | Check the skin thoroughly for signs of parasites such as specks of black glistening flea
droppings, and treat accordingly. If there is a small wound, see your vet. It may seem insignificant but there might be hidden
damage. |
| EYE CONDITIONS | Viral,bacterial,and chlamydial infections cause inflammation and discharge. Many of these diseases
transmit easilt to other cats. Eyes may be injured or become inflamed through environmental irritation or allergy. |
Vaccinate your cat preventatively against transmissible infections. Treat affected individuals with appropriate antibiotics
or other drugs. Always have your vet examine any physical injuries to the eyes. |
| EAR CONDITIONS | Ear mites cause dark, gritty wax to build up in the ears. Cats scratch and shake their heads.
Infections are common. Many older cats have benign tumours of the ear canal called ceruminomas. | Eliminate parasites
with appropriate medications. Break down built-up ear wax with olive oil. Untreated chronic ear infections lead to ceruminomas.
Which may need surgical removal. |
| BAD BREATH/DROOLING |
Gum infection is the most common problem suffered by felines. Fetid breath is caused by bacteria multiplying at the tooth
margins. Severe gum inflammations, which may be virus-induced, causes drooling. | Prevent gum disease by permitting
your cat to exercise its teeth and gums. Chewing on bones is the most effective and natural method. But beware of possible
splinters. Viral gum disease needs veterinary attention. |
| SNEEZING/NASAL DISCHARGE | A variety of viral and bacterial cause sneezing or nasal discharge. Allergies and
foreign objects such as blades of grass in the nose may also be responsible. Older cats can develop irritating nasal polyps
or tumours. | Vaccinate your cat preventatively against transmitted diseases. If your cat has allergies. Avoid allergerns
when possible or use antihistamines and other treatments to reduce irritation. |
| COUGHING/GAGGING | Coughing may be caused by a variety of medical conditions, including allergies, parasites,
chest and upper respiratory infections, more serious chest complaints, or forms of heart disease. | Although it may
simply be an allergic bronchitis, cat can suffer from a wide range of more serious chest complaints. If your cat is coughing
always consult your vet for an accurate diagnosis |
| BREATHING DIFFICULTIES | Chest and upper respiratory tract infections may cause breathing difficulties. so too
does asthma, a serious, even life threatening problem. trauma to the chest or diaphragm seriously affects breathing. |
All breathing difficulties are serious. your cat should be seen immediately by a vet. intervention with drugs or surgery
is often vital to restore ease of breathing. |
| VOMITING | Occasional vomiting is often caused by diet or eating grass. cats regurgitate hairballs, an action
seemingly similar to vomiting persistent vomiting often has a metabolic cause elsewhere in the body. | Use cat laxatives
for cats suffering from hairballs. Offer grass to eat. All cases of persistent vomiting should be seen by a vet who will make
an accurate diagnosis of the cause. |
| DIARRHOEA/CONSTIPATION | Diarrhoea is often diet induced but it may also be caused by parasites infection, malabsorption
conditions, or in older cats by masses in the intestinal wall. Do not confuse the straining of diarrhoea with constipation.
| Contact your vet for advice. Simple diarrhoea can be treated successfully with a short fast The cause of persistent
needs to be know for effective treatment prevent constipation with cat laxatives. |
| LOSS OF WEIGHT | This is a general sign that a cat is unwell. Starving is the most common cause in young cats.
Kidney problems or overactive thyroids are the most common causes in older cats that continue to eat well. | Always
see your vet if your cat is eating but still losing weight; it is usually a sign of significant problems. Changes in diet,surgery,and
other medical treatments may be useful. |
| LOSS OF APPETITE | A short loss of appetite is seldom a problem. A cat may be bored or have eaten elsewhere.
Loss of appetite for more than a day is an important clinical sign that a cat is unwell; it is associated with many problems.
| Consult your vet,who will carry out an examination and possibly test to find the cause of your cat's loss of appetite.
Although many causes are serious,others can be trated easily. |
| BIRTH PROBLEMS | Most cats experience few difficulties giving birth. Some,however,have poor contractions or
are unable to deliver their kittens because of problems in the birth canal. | If your cat is pregnant,make sure that
your vet is informed of the expected due date. prepare a quiet place at home for the birth. If labour lasts for more than
two hours,veterinsry help is required. |
| URINATION PROBLEMS | Straining to urinate may be caused by mineral crystals or infection in the urinary tract.
Decreased urination is caused by dehydration or blocked bladder. Increased urination has a variety of significant causes.
| Contact your vet if there are any changes in your cat's urination routines. All are significant and some changes
are associated with serious conditions that need immediate medical attention. |
| LOSS OF BALANCE | Injuries are most common causes of balance problems. Blood loss,strokes,middle-ear infections,viral
diseases,and other serious problems can cause a drunken-like walk. | All causes of loss of balance are potentially
serious;some are life-threatening emergencies. see your vet immediately. Your cat may look normal outwardly,but have very
serious internal problems. |
| SEIZURES/PARALYSIS | Epilepsy,brain inflammation,and poisons can cause seizures. Paralysis is frequently associated
with severe neck injuries,but may also be caused by infections and poisons. | Seek urgent veterinary attention for
paralysis,and urgent veterinary advice for seizures. Vaccinate your cat against infectious diseases,including rabies where
warranted or necessary. |
| BEHAVIOUR CHANGES | A variet of physical but also emotional problems may manifest themselves only through moderate
changes in your cat's behaviour. Trauma,infection and metabolic conditions have behaioural consequences. | If your
cat's behaviour changes,no matter how slightly,always consult your vet.A minor behaviour change may signify a considerable
problem; cats are naturally reticent and seldom complain. |
