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By Carolyn Standen, DVM, Cat Clinic of Folsom

It is important to note the normal health of your feline family. Each cat has characteristics and typical behaviors of its own.

In becoming familiar with your own cat, begin at the head and take notice of the general condition of the eyes and nose, the pink color of its tongue and if you can look at the teeth, they should be free of odor and debris. Your cat should breathe with a closed mouth with respiration barely noticeable. The skin should be soft, shiny, and clean and their body weight should be optimal. Be aware of their activity level and the amount of food and water intake and urine and fecal output that is typical on a daily basis. It can be of great benefit to recognize any subtle changes from typical, normal behavior because it can be an early sign of illness.

Increased water consumption and decreased appetite can be perfectly normal especially during high temperatures in the summer, but this change should only last for a short period of time, depending on the weather conditions. A prolonged period of increased water consumption may be an early sign of kidney disease or diabetes. These conditions are also often accompanied by increased urine output and eventual weight loss and dehydration.

Cats with kidney disease or diabetes may become dehydrated in spite of large water intake if excessive urine output is also occurring. The cats cannot physically drink enough water to keep up with the amount of fluid that they urinate. If significantly dehydrated, the skin at the scruff of the neck, between the shoulder blades, when gently lifted, will stay elevated instead of falling right back into place again as it should in a well-hydrated animal.

A decrease in urine output on the other hand can be a warning sign of problems as well. Frequent trips to the litter box that produce only a small amount of urine each time can be an early sign of bladder infection. In male cats it is even possible for it to progress to an inability to urinate caused by an accumulation of a plug of crystal material in the urethra. If this is noted, an exam is warranted as soon as possible because the inability to urinate can be life-threatening.

Activity level can be a helpful indicator of illness as well. If a normally sedate cat (content to lay at rest for long periods of time at home) becomes hyperactive around the house, it may be exhibiting early signs of increased thyroid production. This is most often seen in older cats and is often accompanied by frequent episodes of vomiting (once daily or several times weekly), eventual weight loss, and vocalization.

Cats are very good at hiding sickness. Knowing your own cats' typical behavior and health is priceless. If any change begins to occur, you have the ability to recognize early signs of illness that may otherwise go unnoticed. If there is any question as to your cat's health, consult with your veterinarian for advice.

The Kitty Scoop would like to extend our sincere thanks to Dr. Carolyn Standen of the Cat Clinic of Folsom for contributing this article.

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