It is important to take your cat to the veterinarian when it is ill or injured, but noticing the signs can sometimes be difficult. Pay close attention to the cat's behavior and bring it to the vet if you notice any of the following signs.

The Cat is Having Trouble Breathing

If it looks like your cat is having difficulty breathing, this is an emergency situation. If your veterinarian's office isn't open, bring it to the nearest animal hospital. You may not notice the breathing difficulty at first, but look for signs such as excessive coughing or wheezing. If the cat is breathing with its mouth open or simply appearing to be breathing differently than normal, it is a good reason to treat it like an emergency. You might also hear worrisome respiratory sounds coming from the cat.

It Has a Cold

Cats get colds just like humans, so this is another good reason to bring your cat to the veterinarian. Similar to humans, cats have signs like a runny nose, coughing, sneezing, and watery eyes when it is suffering from a cold. These signs can also be a symptom of other medical conditions, so even if you're not completely sure if it is a cold, it is better to be safe than sorry. If it is a cold, there are simple treatment your vet can give the cat that will ease its symptoms and start helping it to heal.

There Are Signs of Pain

If you notice changes in how your cat is behaving, such as hiding or panting, it might be in pain. It is difficult for pets to tell their owners what is wrong, so they try to do so with sounds or behavioral changes. You may hear your cat howling in odd or unusually loud ways, limping, or having difficulty going upstairs or jumping. Some cats hide from the owners or jump quickly when a tender area on the body is touched if they are in pain, so that is something else to look for.

The Cat Has Odd Sleeping or Eating Habits

There may also be more subtle signs that the cat is sick or injured and needs to see the vet. For example, if the cat is suddenly eating less or not at all, it should be brought to the vet. Also look at how much water the cat is drinking. If your cat's water bowl is usually empty by the end of the day but is still full, it might be experiencing some sort of illness. Also look for other changes, such as sleeping less or more, not playing, or being generally inactive.

For more information, consider websites like http://www.1stPetVet.com.

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