How to take care of a catImage Credit source: Getty Images
Pet cats cannot express their problems or illnesses in words, but their body gives many signals which are very important to recognize in time. If the color of your cat’s nails has started turning yellow, the fur is falling more than usual or other unusual changes are visible in its body, then these should not be ignored as just normal problems. PubMed reports that hair loss, skin redness, and scaling can be signs of common fungal diseases in cats.
Apart from this, some symptoms seen in cats can be a sign of nutritional deficiency, skin infection, liver problem or any other serious health problem. In such a situation, keeping an eye on the behavior and physical changes of the pet is very important for its good health. Let us know which changes seen in cats can indicate disease.
Also read: Thin Hair Care Tips: Why does hair become thin? Try these methods to make them as before
Excessive hair loss
Studies show that if a cat’s hair is falling more than usual or bald patches start appearing on the body, it could be a sign of allergies, fungal infection, parasites (fleas, mites), hormonal disturbances or nutritional deficiency. According to Merck Veterinary Manual, hair fall is not a disease in itself but a symptom of some internal health problem.
yellowing or discoloration of nails
Yellowness in nails, gums or skin can be a sign of increased bilirubin in the body (jaundice). It may be associated with serious liver, gall bladder or blood related diseases. Pallor is often considered an important clinical sign of an underlying disease.
constant scratching or excessive licking
If your cat is repeatedly licking or scratching its body, it may be a sign of skin disease, allergies, pain or parasitic infection. According to Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, excessive licking leads to hair loss and is not considered normal behavior.
crusting, redness, or dryness on the skin
Appearance of red spots, swelling, crusts or flaky skin on the skin can indicate allergies, bacterial infection, fungal infection or other skin diseases. These are among the most common symptoms of skin diseases in cats.
nail infection or breakage
If the cat’s nails appear infected, there is swelling around the nails, or hair is falling out in circular areas, this may be a sign of ringworm (fungal infection). According to a report by Cornell University, common symptoms of ringworm include hair loss, skin discoloration, and infected nails or nail beds.
