Cat health problems are a challenge for cat owners, partly since your cat can't tell you when she's ill. There are many possible illnesses that your cat may face througout her life. The symptoms of these feline illnesses often overlap, just as in people.

As a rule, your cat is at higher risk for developing a disease if she has been stressed recently. Pre-existing health problems, recent surgery, or a life change of some type can all add stress to your cat's life. Life changing events may include the addition or removal of a family member or other pet, or perhaps a change of homes.

Be aware that your cat can catch a cold or a flu, just as you can. She can also be hit with parasites, certain cancers, and diabetes or heart disease. In addition, there are any number of feline specific conditions. Some of these cat health issues will require treatment.

If you notice something is not right, it's best to call your veterinarian up front and let her know. That way, if things seem to get worse, both you and your vet will be better prepared to handle the situation later. Below are some problems to watch out for.

General signs -- Your cat may exhibit some of the same signs that you'd expect to see in people if she has the flu, a cold, injury, or infection. General symptoms of cat illness include sneezing, coughing, lethargy, and nasal discharge. Your cat may experience excessive drooling if she has an infection or the flu, and may also have a fever.

If at any time you notice that your cat faints or falls down, has difficulty walking, jumping, or breathing, contact your veterinarian immediately. You should also be concerned by rapid weight loss or gain, or a bloated appearance or tightness in the abdomen. Other signs of serious feline illness are excessive vomiting or blood in the vomit, signs of pain, or signs of worms.

Behavioral changes -- A dramatic change in behavior or routine in your cat may be a sign of illness. Excessive scratching or licking behavior, a change in sleeping habits, or unusual aggressive tendencies may be signs that something is wrong. If your cat is normally social, but decides to hide in a room all day, that is probably a sign that something is wrong.

Thirst and appetite -- Cats, and other animals, will often go off food when they're ill, so loss of appetite is usually a sign of a cat health problem. Other signs may include trouble chewing or eating, or leaning over the drinking bowl but refusal to drink. Increased thirst is a sign of a number of diseases, including diabetes, and failure to drink can lead to life threatening dehrydation.

Cats are very good at hiding pain and discomfort, so it's possible to miss the warning signs. Take note of your cat's typical patterns of behavior, including drinking, eating, levels of activity, and litter box usage. If you see a change that may indicate a problem, have your cat checked.

Checking your cat regularly will help you work with your veterinarian to keep on top of any cat health problems that may crop up. A good time to check your cat over from head to tail is during weekly (or more often) grooming sessions. That way you can get a feel for your cat's flexibility, and how she reacts to being touched.

About the Author

Kurt Schmitt has put together a 150 plus page resource for cat lovers. Once there, you'll find many articles on cat health problems, as well as cat care information, and funny cat pictures too.