Never gamble with your cat’s health. While it is important to treat cat diseases as soon as you recognize the symptoms, it is best to leave the diagnosis and treatment to a veterinarian. If you have any doubt about your cats health, call the veterinarian immediately. Somehow cats have gotten the reputation that they hide all the time or are constantly skittish.

While most cats will run and hide at the first sign of danger, that is because they are afraid. As soon as they become secure in their surroundings, they have less reason to be scared. Cats really do not run and hide. They are more likely to do the following:

1. Play, act curious, attentive, alert, sniff things, including the air
2. Have a good appetite, show interest in food (remember that kittens are always hungry)
3. Enjoy being around other cats and people, show interest in family activities
4. Use the litter box faithfully
5. Groom themselves several times a day
6. Walk and jump with balance and coordination
7. Scratch the scratching post several times a day
8. Seldom show aggression
9. Occasionally run and pounce on imaginary things

Signs of illness: Even healthy cats occasionally get sick. Below are 20 common symptoms of illness that warrant immediate attention from the vet.

1. Urinates outside the litter box
2. Has blood in his urine
3. Frequently misses meals or exhibits a change in appetite
4. Is constantly thirsty
5. Shows unprovoked aggression or sudden change in mood
6. Acts lethargic or withdrawn
7. Has labored or irregular breathing
8. Sneezes, wheezes or coughs
9. Has white gums
10. Has pus around eyes or nose
11. Over grooms or losing hair
12. Stops grooming
13. Trembles, shakes or feels feverish
14. If a kitten vomits or has diarrhea, or if an adult cat has chronic vomiting or diarrhea
15. Frequently cries or whimpers
16. Constant body odor
17. Has lumps, swelling or open sores
18. Obsessively scratches at ears
19. Licks around the anus (veterinarian can check to see if anal glands are impacted)
20. Walks with his head tilted to one side

Finding a good vet: Cats hate going to the vet. The first step towards making veterinarian visits go well is finding a good doctor. Vets that will not declaw are highly recommended. Quite often, veterinarians who refuse to declaw are more in tune with and concerned about your cat’s needs.

Look for veterinarians who describe themselves as “alternative,” “holistic” or “old-fashioned.” When you call, ask about their position on declawing. See if they are knowledgeable about natural or home remedies, not just antibiotics, antidepressants, tranquilizers or steroids.

Ask what they charge. Prices for the same procedures can vary by more than 100%.

When you call a vet you are considering, see how patient and receptive he or she is to your concerns. Check the atmosphere of the place, if the people in the office seem uninterested or authoritarian, find another vet.