If your cat is suddenly refusing to eat, it may be an indicator of an underlying health problem. Cats are notoriously finicky eaters, and any sudden change in appetite could indicate something serious. Cats with heart disease are at risk for aortic thromboembolism, which causes sudden paralysis of the back legs and can be very distressing. Another common symptom is lumped on the cat’s body. Though these growths are usually harmless, they can still be painful and uncomfortable for your cat.
Listening to your cat’s heart and lungs
Listening to your cat’s heart and lung sounds can reveal a number of important details about his or her health. Ideally, a cat’s heart should sound clear, fast, and free of wheezing. If this does not occur, your cat may be suffering from a heart murmur. Other warning signs include rapid breathing, weakness, or collapse. If these symptoms are present, your veterinarian may recommend more extensive testing, such as blood tests, chest radiographs, and echocardiograms.
A normal heart rate for a cat is 140 to 220 beats per minute and is lower when the cat is at rest. If the heart rate is too low or too high, a veterinarian should be consulted immediately.
Observing your cat’s body language
Observing your cat’s body language can provide you with valuable information about his or her health. For example, if your cat is barking a lot, this may indicate that it is feeling anxious or nervous. Observing your cat’s ears is also an excellent way to determine if your cat is feeling stressed or in pain. Their ears may be drooping, or they may be stuck sideways.
Another way to check your cat’s health is by observing how your cat blinks. Wide pupils may signal excitement or fear, while dilated pupils indicate enjoyment. Slow blinking can also indicate comfort or contentment.
Examining your cat’s eyes
Examining your cat’s eyes for health is an essential part of a routine vet checkup. In addition to a physical exam, a veterinarian will examine your cat’s eyes using an ophthalmoscope to determine if your pet is experiencing any vision problems.
A veterinarian will first check the eyelids and skin around the eyes for discharge or inflammation. They will also check the cornea for cloudiness or redness. Some veterinarians also perform a Schirmer tear test to measure the pressure inside the eye. This test can help determine if your cat’s eyes are producing enough tears to lubricate them.
Checking for parasites
Checking for parasites in cats is a key component of a wellness exam. Cats can contract intestinal parasites from other animals or even humans, so it’s important to know how to detect them. The best way to do this is through a fecal examination. The doctor will take a sample of your cat’s stool from the litter box. This stool sample will be analyzed to see if your cat has fecal parasites.
Some of the most common parasites in cats are in the intestine, such as tapeworms and hookworm. These parasites live in the cat’s intestines and can cause a wide range of symptoms. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s best to schedule an appointment with a veterinarian to ensure your pet is healthy. Cats with parasites should be treated at regular intervals.
