Deciding When to Call the Vet

The most important thing you can do for your cat is to keep him or her healthy. Because a cat cannot talk, you must be alert to changes in your cat. Fortunately, your cat can display symptoms that tell you what is wrong. Knowing when to call your vet is very important, but in this hard economic time, a wasted visit to the vet could cost a fortunate.

1. Knowing your cat’s normal behavior is important. You should know what his eating and elimination habits are. Some cats eat their meals in one sitting, while others eat bites all day. If your cat has had a chance in appetite, this could indicate a problem. Your cat should also be using the litter box regularly, and diarrhea, constipation, and straining to urinate are all causes for concern. Ever cat is different, so make sure to notice how your cat normally eats and eliminates in order to notice when something is wrong.

2. Know your cat’s daily activity schedule. If your cat is usually active and suddenly becomes lethargic, this is a cause for concern. However, slowly becoming less active is a natural part of aging, and some cats are naturally just not as energetic as others. Make sure you note sudden chances and call your vet if you are concerned. Watch for problems in your cat’s gait as well, as this could indicate arthritis or injury. Other things to watch for are activity and grooming habits. Cats are very neat and tidy creatures by nature, so your cat should be grooming him or herself regularly. Over-grooming may also be dangerous to your cat’s health. (See my post on Hairballs).

3. Know emergency situations. In general, if there is any doubt in your mind, call your vet or even take your cat straight to the vet’s office. For example, if a car hits your cat, you should take him or her to a vet even if he isn’t bleeding. Your cat could have suffered internal injuries. You should also consider it an emergency if your cat suddenly has an extreme change in health. For example, if your cat suddenly begins vomiting frequently, he or she may have been poisoned, which if not treated in time can be fatal.

4. Never take things into your own hands. The important thing is to never take matters into your own hands if you are unsure. A vet can make sure that your cat is healthy and happy. As a guardian for your pet, it is your responsibility to provide this care whenever necessary, and its always best to be safe.