As with humans, cats occasionally have days when they feel a bit off colour or lethargic but if they show more than one symptom, then there may be something serious amiss. Cats' noses are typically damp to the touch so if your cat's nose is dry and he is displaying other symptoms, he may be ill.

Cat illness symptoms can include: high temperature, sickness, diarrhoea, lethargy, excessive drinking, sneezing, coughing, runny eyes, loss of appetite and weight loss.

1. Cat flu or Feline viral rhinotracheitis is a viral infection of the respiratory tract which is extremely contagious amongst felines. The symptoms are similar to those of human flu including sneezing, coughing, high temperature, no desire to eat and runny eyes. Although antibiotics may help, there is really no treatment for this except general nursing. The cat may end up with a damaged or useless eye. Every responsible cat owner should have their cat vaccinated against cat flu.

2. Feline leukemia is likely to be fatal. It is the equivalent of human leukaemia and is cancer of the blood. Symptoms include high temperature, sickness, anaemia and respiratory difficulties. Again, be a responsible owner and have your cat vaccinated,

3. Feline infectious enteritis is a virus which can spread amongst cats very easily. The symptoms are diarrhoea and vomiting sometimes accompanied by apparent depression. There is a readily available vaccination - please use it!

Catteries in Europe will not accept a cat which hasn't had immunisation against Cat flu and enteritis. Check with your boarding kennel if there are any other vaccinations or treatment required.

4. Excessive drinking may indicate one of a couple of serious diseases including diabetes, which can be treated or kidney failure which can't. It could also indicate a urinary tract infection when coupled with high temperature, blood in the urine or general listlessness.

5. Weight loss and excessive eating without other symptoms may indicate that your cat has worms. If you can get a look at his stool, you may be able to tell, but administration of a worming tablet should fix the problem. If the symptoms persist, it may be something more serious.

6. A cut or swelling probably indicates that your cat has been in a fight but combined with lethargy may indicate an infection which needs to be treated with antibiotics or at worst surgery.

There are other cat illness symptoms as well as other diseases which your cat may contract, such as aids, if it is an outdoor cat. In any event, if your cat seems to be out of sorts or behaving differently to normal for more than a couple of days, please see your vet. If you can't afford to see a vet, there are charitable organisations in Europe which will help you out. If you can't identify a charity to help you, please talk to your vet anyway and explain your situation as most vets, by their very nature, are animal lovers and won't want to see your pet suffer.

You may well be able to save yourself expensive vet bills by taking out pet insurance as soon as you get your cat. This may seem like an expensive option but if your cat needs lengthy drug treatment or an operation, you'll be glad you did.

========

Liz Canham is the owner (or perhaps servant) of four cats currently and has had cats in the family all her life. Her website, The Cat Lover has lots of information for cat owners. To find out more about cat illness symptoms click here.