Cats are resilient creatures and a popular pet choice here in Boca Raton.

It can sometimes be difficult to discern when a cat is in need of medical attention, though. Here are some signs to be on the lookout for.

Change in Appetite

There are plenty of picky eaters in the feline community so skipping a meal shouldn’t be too much of a concern. But if your cat refuses to eat or only eats small amount, it could be a serious problem and could lead to hepatic lipidosis or more commonly known as fatty liver. On the other end of the spectrum, overeating can be a sign of hyperthyroidism. Schedule an appointment asap with a vet to rule out anything serious.

Bad Breath

This is a sign of an oral infection and can lead to diseases of the heart, liver, kidneys and other organs. Keep an eye out for favoring one side of the mouth when eating, blood, drooling, or inappetance. Routine dental cleanings and oral x-rays are needed to evaluate your cat’s mouth.

Increased Thirst

Most cat owners rarely catch their cat drinking from the water bowl – but if you notice your cat drinking a large amount of water this can indicate kidney disease, diabetes, thyroid disease, or urinary tract problems.

Trouble jumping

If your normally active cat stops jumping and moving about normally, there could be an underlying issue. An injury that has gone unnoticed or arthritis could be the culprit. Schedule a visit with your vet to determine the cause and to move forward with a treatment plan.

Discharge from Eyes or Nose

Depending on your cat’s coloring, it can be hard to see discharge around the nose and eyes. If you notice discharge though, this could be due to an upper respiratory infection. This is highly contagious among cats and can cause your cat to feel very ill and stop eating. An antibiotic and sometimes an eye ointment will be prescribed to clear up the infection.