Cats are typically more stoic and reserved when compared with most dogs, so sickness is often harder to pick up on in cats.
Indications of pain can be seen in a cat who is less active than natural, and in a cat which moves more slowly and purposely.
Much less playing, or no jumping whatsoever is usually an indicator that something is unusual.
Disappearing and shying away from human attention and petting also can signify discomfort.
In extreme cases, cats will pant on account of distress, but more common is a decrease of appetite and a refusal to eat.
In a feline who refuses to eat, there are a few tricks of the trade that will help keep kitty in good condition until he can pay a visit to the vet.
Giving a food supplement, such as Nutri-Cal, can support a pet when he's not eating appropriately.
Increasing blood glucose using a tablespoon of maple syrup 3 times per day may also help compensate whenever a pet is not eating.
In a cat which is hesitant to eat, appetite may be induced in a handful of ways.
Smear some wet cat food on the cat's nose to induce him and trigger eating.
Cats who are struggling with respiratory illnesses particularly, are often hesitant to eat.
Consequently providing a strong-smelling meal can help encourage a pet to eat.
Presenting a meal of tuna, or pouring tuna water over his / her standard cat food may make a cat more likely to eat.
The same goes for chicken baby food (which has to be onion-free to avoid toxicity) - it too is often given alone or maybe together with cat food to help promote eating.
For the cat that will not drink, giving the water from a can of tuna or even bottled clam juice can encourage drinking.
However, pet owners must remember that a feline who is not drinking only has a matter of about 12 hrs before it begins experiencing significant signs and symptoms from dehydration, and therefore a vet visit will be urgently required to prevent organ harm or failure.
Heart rate will also be a great indicator of problems and pain.
Normal heart rate ranges dependent upon the size and age of the kitty, but the normal range is between 160 and 220.
A bigger cat or a cat who is at rest will more than likely have a slower standard rate.
A younger, smaller and more dynamic cat will present a more rapidly heart beat.
Pet owners should also make note of the cat's litter box material for signs of decreased/increased urine or fecal output, alterations in stool consistency, blood in the litter or any other abnormalities.
Quite a lot of hair in the pet's stool could suggest a problem involving hairballs, especially if the cat is showing additional signs of a hairball-related problem, including vomiting and a dry hacking cough, usually soon after eating.
Moreover, owners should know what's standard for their pet.
Recording your pet's symptoms and behavior in a pet record will also make the diagnostic process much simpler, as pet owners provide comprehensive details to the vet without having to worry about forgetting important information due to the stress and panic that's often associated with taking care of a sick pet.
Locate a 24-hour veterinary center in your area and go to the center beforehand so you're familiar with its location.
Ask your regular vet which location they'd recommend.
Knowing exactly where you are able to seek assistance may just mean the difference between life and death for your feline friend.