Cues for Vet Visits

Cats are experts at hiding pain, making it tough to know when they need a trip to the vet. With early detection and disease prevention in mind, here are some early signs of illness in felines:

• Prolonged vomiting, constipation, or diarrhea
• Fever, poor appetite, decreased or increased water consumption
• Rapid, shallow, labored, or raspy breathing
• Poor motor coordination, staggering, lameness, or collapse
• Panting, pacing, or agitation
• Lethargy, withdrawal, or hiding
• Persistent sneezing or coughing, runny nose and eyes
• Bad breath or body odor
• Pale gums, tongue, or ears
• Lumps

This list is by no means exhaustive, so if you're ever in doubt, call your vet.