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This article is about cat health. It explores how cats should act from day to day but it also provides a list of signs of a sick cat. This knowledge can help save the life of your cat.

I’ll start by saying that cat health can be tricky business. You should never gamble with your cat’s life.

While it is important to treat feline diseases as soon as you recognize symptoms, it is best to leave the diagnosis and treatment to a veterinarian. So, if you have any doubt about your cat’s health, call your vet immediately.

Most cats will run and hide at the first sign of danger because they are afraid. As soon as they become secure in their surroundings, they have less reason to be scared. They get quite comfortable after a while.

Put another way, cats really do not run and hide unless they sense danger.

With all of that said, for context below is a list of actions that are normal for cats:

1. Play, act curious, attentive, alert, sniff things, including the air

2. Have a good appetite, show interest in food (remember that kittens are always hungry)

3. Enjoy being around other cats and people, show interest in family activities

4. Use the litter box faithfully and keep it generally clean

5. Groom themselves several times a day, all over

6. Walk and jump with balance, coordination and grace

7. Scratch the scratching post several times a day

8. Seldom show aggression or hostility

9. Occasionally run and pounce on imaginary things

So now you know what normal cat actions are when cat health is not an issue. However, when cat health and sickness is a problem, it can be a real challenge.

If you can catch problems early, you can usually prevent serious cat health issues. Also keep in mind that even healthy cats get sick sometimes.

Let’s take a look at 20 common symptoms of illness that warrant immediate attention:

1. Urination or feces outside the litter box

2. Blood in your cat’s urine

3. Frequently missing meals or exhibits a change in appetite

4. Constant thirst and licking

5. Unprovoked aggression or sudden change in mood

6. Acts lethargic or withdrawn

7. Has labored or irregular breathing

8. Sneezes, wheezes or coughs

9. Has bright white gums

10. Demonstrates pus around eyes or nose

11. Over grooms fur or losing too much hair

12. Stops grooming and take no interest in hygiene

13. Trembles, shakes or feels feverish

14. Frequent vomiting or chronic diarrhea

15. Frequently cries or whimpers at nothing obvious

16. Constant body odor, including stinky breath, nose or ears

17. Has lumps, swelling or open sores; wounds that don’t heal

18. Obsessively scratches at ears, day after day

19. Frequently Licks around the anus (vet can check if anal glands are impacted)

20. Walks with head tilted to one side or if oddly limps or walk with odd gait

If you do suspect a cat health issue, you’re going to need to find a good vet. When choosing a veterinarian, know what to expect ahead of time. Have a list of questions prepared. Pay close attention to the office. Look for a flexible, educated and compassionate staff.

Keeping track of cat health can be a challenge but hopefully the tips above will keep you and you furry feline happy. Pay attention to your cat and you should be able to keep serious issues to a minimum. Plan ahead a little too. Have a plan and have a vet picked out ahead of time.

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