The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) and Fort Dodge Animal Health encourage cat owners to watch for subtle signs of sickness. The top 10 signs to watch for, they say, are:
Inappropriate Elimination Behavior
Your cats annoying behaviors can often indicate an underlying medical condition. This includes urinating or defecating outside the litterbox, which can be signs of numerous illnesses.
Changes in Interaction
Cats are social animals and enjoy interactions with their human family and often with other pets. Changes in those interactions may signal problems such as disease, fear and anxiety. It may also signal pain, which can cause aggression.
Changes in Activity
A decrease or increase in activity can be a sign of disease. As cats age, there is an increased risk for arthritis. Discomfort from joint disease or systemic illnesses can also lead to a decrease in activity. Cats usually don't slow down just because they are old. Increased activity is often seen with hyperthyroidism.
Changes in Sleep Habits
The key to differentiating abnormal lethargy from normal napping is to know your cats sleep patterns. The average adult cat may spend 16 to 18 hours per day sleeping, but much of that sleeping is catnapping. If your cat sleeps more than usual or has discomfort getting up and down, this may be a sign of underlying disease.
Changes in Food and Water Consumption
Increased food consumption can be caused by diabetes mellitus, hyperthyroidism or other health problems. Decreased food intake can be a sign of anything from poor dental health to cancer. Increased water intake can be an early indicator of thyroid problems, kidney disease, diabetes or other problems.
Unexplained Weight Loss or Gain
Obesity has become a serious health concern in cats, with an increased risk of developing diabetes mellitus, joint disease and other problems. Cats with hyperthyroidism or diabetes mellitus can lose weight despite good appetites. If your cat goes to the food dish and then backs away from it without eating, nausea may be the source.
Changes in Grooming
Typically, cats are fastidious groomers. Note whether your cat's coat is clean and free of mats. Patches of hair loss or a greasy or matted appearance can signal an underlying disease. A decrease in grooming behavior can indicate a number of conditions, including fear, anxiety, obesity or other illnesses. An increase in grooming may be a sign of a skin problem.
Signs of Stress
Your cat can be stressed despite having an easy life. Because the social organization of cats is different from people and dogs, changes in the family, such as adding a new pet, should be done gradually. A stressed cat may spend more time awake and scanning their environment, hide more, withdraw and exhibit signs of depression and have an increased or decreased appetite.
Changes in Vocalization
Increased vocalization or howling is more common in older cats and is often seen with some underlying condition. Many cats also have increased vocalization if they are in pain or anxious. If you note a change in vocalization, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to rule out medical problems and for suggestions on minimizing or eliminating the behavior.
Bad Breath
Because dental disease is considered a silent one, it is important to have your cat's teeth checked to help prevent dental disease. One early indicator of an oral problem is bad breath. Regular home teeth brushing and veterinary dental care prevent bad breath, pain, tooth loss and the spread of infection to other organs.
Posted: July 19, 2006, 5:00 a.m. EST