How Minor Cat Health Issues Become Major

Dinnertime Pickiness
Your cat suddenly turns its nose up at its favorite food. Is your friend becoming a demanding gourmand? If your cat walks up to its food dish and then walks away without eating, it could be feeling nauseous, say the experts. Nausea can have many underlying causes, such as liver disease, kidney disease and inflammatory bowel disease. Your veterinarian will evaluate the cause of the nausea and may prescribe medication to relieve the symptoms.

Changes In Grooming
If your kitty isn't grooming as thoroughly as usual, it could have an endocrine disease, such as feline diabetes or kidney disease, says Dr. Stern. Your cat's endocrine system includes glands and organs that produce regulating hormones. Problems with the system can affect your kitty's grooming habits. An unkempt cat might also be suffering from oral discomfort or arthritis, both of which can be eased with proper veterinary care.

Social Interaction
Too often, feline owners attribute their pet's sudden aloofness to the nature of cats, says Dr. Adamo. "If your cat is dragging itself under the bed, going off into its own area when it normally would be socializing, that's a big clue," she says. Your cat might be anxious, stressed or in pain. A visit to your veterinarian can help to determine the cause of your cat's behavior.

If you notice any of these symptoms or other changes in your cat's behavior, don't hesitate, says Dr. Adamo. Either call your veterinarian to ask if a symptom is worth further evaluation or schedule a visit. And don't feel like you have to diagnose the problem right then and there. "Don't wait and don't feel like you've got to figure it out," says Dr. Adamo. "You don't need to worry about that. We'll sort that out. That's what you're paying me for."