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6 Subtle Signs That Your Cat May Have an Illness

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Lindsay Butzer, DVM
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Dr. Lindsay Butzer
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Look Out For Subtle Symptoms in Cats

With February being National Cat Health Month, this is an excellent time to ensure that our feline companions are healthy and well. In addition to annual wellness examinations and vaccination updates, it is important to have cats evaluated for chronic disease at least once yearly.
As I have explained to clients over three decades of clinical veterinary practice, cats mask disease symptoms and pathology quite well. Very often cats do not present to the veterinary clinic until their diseases are advanced. Cat guardians should not ignore subtle signs that can point to an underlying health issue.

Subtle Symptoms That Can Indicate Chronic Health Issues In Cats:

  • Changes in their appetite or increased thirst
  • Changes in their litterbox behaviors or habits
  • Eye and/or nasal discharge
  • Changes in coat quality
  • Difficulty in jumping or agility
  • Gradual, unexplained weight loss

Tips To Ease Stress and Anxiety Before and During Vet Visits

When it comes time to getting our feline companions to the veterinary office there are many possible tips to facilitate the process.
Cats often do not do well with changes in routine or environment, so I often recommend getting out a secure cat carrier several days to weeks before the scheduled veterinary exam. Many curious cats will explore an open cat carrier, which will cut down on the stress of getting them into the carrier on the day of the veterinary appointment.
For cats that have difficult traveling, some feline guardians will take their cats for short car rides in a secure carrier before the scheduled appointment so that they feel more comfortable on the day of the veterinary exam and visit.
For overly stressed or anxious felines, some of my clients have found the Bach Flower Formula Rescue Remedy helpful in easing emotional distress and anxiety ahead of and during travel to the veterinary office.
There are newer and mild prescription sedative medications such as Gabapentin that veterinarians often prescribe just ahead of the appointment to those fractious or anxious cats.
With careful thought and preparation, it is possible to ensure that veterinary exams and evaluations can go quite smoothly.

 

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Every pet deserves to live a long, happy, healthy life.

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