The most important thing you'll be able to do when caring for a pet is confirming that he or she is healthy. Once you have a cat, this is often vital. Because a cat cannot tell you what's wrong, you need to be aware of changes in your cat. Knowing when to call your vet is extremely important, but it may be hard to understand if there's really something wrong or not.
Knowing your cat's normal behavior is vital. First of all, what are your cat's eating and elimination habits? You probably know that some cats eat their meals in one sitting, while others eat small bites all day. If you detect a change in appetite in your cat, this might indicate an encumbrance. Your cat should be using the litter box regularly, and diarrhea, constipation, and straining to urinate are all causes for concern. Every cat is different, so ensure to note how your cat typically eats and eliminates so as to detect when something is wrong.
Your cat's daily activities should even be somewhat regular. If your cat is usually playing then suddenly seems less active, you'll have cause for concern. However, slowly becoming less active may be a natural part of aging. A few cats are naturally just not as energetic as others. Ensure you note sudden chances and call your vet if you're concerned. Stay up for problems with gait as well, as this might indicate arthritis or injury, among other things. In conjunction with activity, watch grooming habits. Cats are elegant and tidy creatures naturally, so your cat should be grooming him- or herself regularly. Over-grooming can also be dangerous to your cat's health.
It's also important to understand when there's an emergency situation. Generally, if there's any doubt in your mind, call your vet or maybe take your cat straight to the vet's office. For instance, what if your cat gets hit by a car but isn't bleeding? You ought to still have her examined, as internal problems might become a more significant concern later. If your cat suddenly gets very ill, you should also consider it an emergency. For instance, if your cat suddenly begins vomiting frequently, he or she may be poisoned, which may be fatal for her.
The important thing is to never try to take matters into your own hands if you're unsure. A vet can confirm that your cat is healthy and happy. As a guardian for your pet, it's your responsibility to supply this care whenever necessary, and it's always best to be safe.