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You are the person that spends most of your time around them so behavior and temperament changes are a good indication that there’s something else going on and their health needs to be checked. Whether it’s something like they don’t want you to pet them anymore, or they want you to hold them all the time; these are temperament changes and generally there is a reason for them.

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It is generally easy to know if your cat is happy. There are no behavior changes, they eat well, and they enjoy your company. It may be a little more difficult to assess whether or not your cat is sick. Unless there are obvious and visible symptoms you may not know for quite some time that your cat is feeling under the weather. Here is a list of questions to ask yourself if you are trying to figure out how to know when your cat is sick.

Question #1: Is your cat eating and drinking normally?

This is probably one of the most obvious factors in determining whether or not your cat is feeling under the weather. Much like people, when we feel sick we don’t eat or drink the same. Chances are your cats eating habits will also change when they get sick. Some may refuse to eat or drink anything, or it may just be one or the other. It is also good to know that an increase in appetite may also be a medical problem too, so be aware of any changes in eating and drinking.

Question #2: Have you noticed a change in bowel movements and urination?

It may sound a little disgusting to actually watch your animal in the litter box but it’s a good way to let you know whether or not something is going on and if they are not feeling well. Look for things like if they’re straining to have a bowel movement or urinate, or if they have diarrhea. Have they passed something like a worm, or anything else that looks abnormal? If you do see something keep it and take it to the vet with you when you make your appointment.

Question #3: Have you noticed a change in behavior and temperament?

You of all people should be able to tell if your cat has had a change in temperament. You are the person that spends most of your time around them so behavior and temperament changes are a good indication that there’s something else going on and their health needs to be checked. Whether it’s something like they don’t want you to pet them anymore, or they want you to hold them all the time; these are temperament changes and generally there is a reason for them.

Question #4: Has your cat lost or gained a significant amount of weight?

Rapid weight loss or weight gains are reasons enough to make an appointment to see the vet, even if they don’t have any other symptoms of illness. There are some serious medical conditions and illness that are associated with weight gain and weight loss so don’t hesitate to make an appointment and get them in to see someone.

Question #5: Could your cat have been exposed to any parasite or disease?

There are several ways cats can get parasites or contagious disease. Contact with other stray cats or just stray animals is the easiest way for them to catch a disease or parasite. Has your cat been in contact with any other stray animals or have you had a stray inside your home? Even if your cat has been outside that may be reason enough to think that they have caught something from another animal or have a parasite.

You know your cat best, and are probably one of the only ones (besides your vet) that will know how to know when your cat is sick. Take a look at each of the questions posed in this article to help you better determine whether or not your cat is sick.

Visit http://www.litterboxroundup.com for more cat care advice, including how to solve litter box problems.
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