Wellness

Checking a Kitten for Signs of Illness

When animals are younger they are more vulnerable to illness. In a younger animal, humans included, relatively mild illnesses can have very serious consequences. Recognising the signs of illness in kittens is doubly important then. Here are a few things to look out for:

Fleas can be a problem for cats of any age. They can be extremely uncomfortable, and should be treated as soon as possible. To indentify fleas in a kitten look for bugs on the fur, and any patches of irritation.

Eye complaints are very common too, such as conjunctivitis. Your cat may have an eye issue if they have discharge from the eye, swelling or red patches. Eyes should be bright and healthy looking. All sorts of things can affect eye health, from scratches to insect stings.

You can also look for signs of illness in the cat’s litter box. Basically you should be looking for anything abnormal, and this usually means signs of diarrhoea. You can also check the kittens bottom for signs of spotting or diarrhoea too.

Just like in humans, when cats get infections on their chests they might begin to wheeze or have difficulty breathing. Listen closely to the quality of your kitten’s breathing, as it might suggest your cat has a health issue.

Vets are in the best position to diagnose health issues, so you should consult them if you have any problems. You can also choose Hills Pets food for healthy kittens, and look for hills pets online.