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<h2>Cat Illness: 3 Major Symptom Areas</h2> <p> If your cat isn't feeling good, you can imagine it's hard for her to clearly communicate that to you. To make it easier, then, you have to be very observant. Here are a few major areas of cat illness and symptoms to which you should be alert.<br /><br />Since a radical change in your cat's behavior can be a sign of trouble, you'll want to note your cat's typical routine. Cats are very good at hiding discomfort and signs of illness, but if you notice a change in behavior, look more closely to see if there's a physical cause.<br /><br />Elimination problems -- Cats may experience a number of issues involving urination, defecation, and litter boxes.<br /><br />Some urinary tract problems can be life threatening. FLUTD (feline lower urinary tract disease) is a label for a group of problems that can involve crystals, stones, infection, or inflammation.<br /><br />Excessive urination can be a sign of cat illness such as feline diabetes. Excessive licking in the groin or anal area can be a sign of problems.<br /><br />Constipation is fairly common in cats. Treatments are available for this, and include store bought and veterinarian prescribed treatments such as lactulose.<br /><br />It should be noted that long term constipation may lead to a serious bowel condition known as megacolon. Impacted anal glands my also be a factor which will require treatment.<br /><br />If your cat is howling or crying out while using the litter box, or makes frequent but unsuccessful trips to the box, she may have some physical problem that needs to be looked at. Also, a common sign of trouble is scooting across the floor while dragging the rear end.<br /><br />If you notice that your cat is not using the litter box, always assume a physical cause may be at fault. If your cat is not urinating or defecating or is missing the litter box, contact your veterinarian.<br /><br />Diarrhea may indicate intestinal disease and can lead to dehydration, which can be fatal. Other things to look for are evidence of blood in urine or feces, including black tarry stools.<br /><br />Eye and mouth problems -- The haw, or nictating membrane, is a "third eyelid" that you will sometimes see when a cat's eyes are open. This is often an indication of illness. Check your cat's eyes for cloudiness, pupils of uneven size, or discharge.<br /><br />Pallor of the lips and gums is a sign of disease and could indicate anemia. Other possible cat illness symptoms include bad breath, ulcers in the mouth, and obviously, loose teeth.<br /><br />Hair and skin issues -- The coat and skin of your cat can be used as a measure of her overall condition of health. Problems with the coat or skin can be a sign of illness.<br /><br />A poor or oily looking coat is a sign of illness. If you notice that cat has stopped grooming, it's a sure sign of a problem.<br /><br />Also look for excessive dryness or flaking, skin growths, hair loss, and any kind of swelling or skin eruption. Parasites on the skin are usually easily spotted. Check your cat at least once a week.<br /><br />Domestic felines may experience other health problems for sure, but these are a few of the major categories. Keeping an eye on your cat's normal routine, and being sensitive to any of the above problems is an essential part of cat care. <p style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top:5pt"> <font face="Arial" style="font-size: 10pt">Article Source: <a href="http://www.ArticlesMaker.com">ArticlesMaker.com</a></font></p> <h3>About the Author</h3> Kurt Schmitt has created an online <a href="http://www.cat-lovers-only.com/cat-health.html" target="_blank">resource on cat health problems</a> including this list of over <a href="http://www.cat-lovers-only.com/cat-illness.html" target="_blank">70 cat illness symptoms</a>

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