Cats can be very good at hiding signs of illness. Many cats don't see a vet until they are very sick simply because their owners didn't realize anything was wrong.
In the wild it's a survival instinct to hide any illness or weakness. Survival of the fittest. So a sick kitty would be an easy target for a preditor.
Become very familiar with how your cat normally acts. Spend a few minutes with your kitty every day, petting her from head to toe. You'll know right away if any strange lumps or bumps appear anywhere on her body. Play with her too!! Daily exercise will help keep her in top shape. You'll notice if she's having trouble jumping or moving around.
Any changes in litter box habits can indicate a urinary tract infection (UTI), especially if kitty is urinating someplace else. Sometimes a cat will associate the pain of a UTI with the litter box. Kitty thinks that if she goes someplace else, it won't hurt. We humans know it doesn't work like that, but she doesn't.
A kitty who has stopped using the litter box completely may have a urinary blockage. This is an emergency, and you need to take kitty to the vet ASAP.
Watch your kitty's eyes. Cats have a "third eyelid" or nictitating membrane. If you notice this membrane covering the inside third of your cat's eye, it means that she's not feeling well.
Cats are normally very careful in their grooming. If your kitty starts looking a bit scraggly or moth-eaten, that's a tip-off that something is wrong.
Has your kitty's personality changed? A formerly friendly, happy cat who suddenly becomes grouchy or aggressive could be in pain from a bad tooth, or an ear infection, or arthritis.
If your sociable, out-going cat becomes a recluse who prefers to be alone, she could be seriously ill.
Does your cat cry out if you pet her in a certain spot?
Does she meow when she's using the litter box?
How about when she jumps down from the sofa or a window?
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