As your cat ages, it will inevitably develop some cat health problems. And understanding the signs that something may be wrong can be made easier by knowing your cat’s personality and habits. Any changes in them may indicate a health problem that may need a veterinarian’s attention.

Obviously, if you’re worried about your cat, you should see your vet right away. By the time your cat actually shows a sign of illness, it could be quite advanced, so we need to educate ourselves as much as we can, as we can’t totally rely on vet visits due to the time and cost of each event.

Here are some things to keep in mind:

Eating
Usually, a sick cat will not eat or drink as much or at all. If your cat is losing weight or not eating normally, it could be a sign of an illness, infection, or other health problem. Weight loss alone can be a serious health problem, even in the absence of other problems. If your cat isn’t eating as much but isn’t losing weight, it could be a sign that he’s found better food elsewhere or he may have a mouse or two hiding somewhere.

Lethargy
When a cat is not feeling well, it will tend to become less active. As with humans, rest helps conserve energy so the body can fight a health problem more effectively. In addition to lethargy, your cat may also be reluctant to get on or off furniture or your lap.

Coat
Cats normally keep their coats impeccable. If the coat looks unkempt, has bald patches, is dull, or your cat is not groomed regularly, it may be a sign of illness.

Temperature
The only true way to take your cat’s temperature is rectally. It should be between 100.4 and 102.5 degrees. Unless you like to be scratched, you should always take your cat’s temperature with the help of another person. If your cat’s temperature is outside of this range, you should call your vet right away.

stool
It’s a good idea to check your cat’s stool from time to time. Diarrhea is a sign that something is wrong, just like smelly urine or hard stools. Knowing what is normal and what is not will help you assess your cat’s health on a regular basis.

There are other symptoms of cat illnesses, including itching, coughing, sneezing, anemia, and physical changes in your cat’s appearance. The most important thing to remember is that if your cat just doesn’t look like he used to, he may not feel well. If your cat is still eating and drinking, you can wait a day or two to see if she starts to feel better. We all get sick now and them. If he doesn’t, it’s time to make a trip to the vet to see if something more serious is at hand.