The following are some clues that can help you determine if it is time to visit your veterinarian:

• Appetite: Decrease or Increase
• Eliminations: Vocalizing during eliminations, Increase or decrease, Changes in ability to get in and out of the box, Changes in how stool or urine is passed
• Sleep: Sleeping more, Restless, Sleeping less and/or unable to get comfortable
• Grooming: Overgrooming, Not grooming and/or matting
• Play: Decrease
• Activity: Increase OR decrease
• Vocalizing: Increase or decrease in purring, Purring can be a way for cats to comfort themselves, Not meowing for treats or food as usual, Yowling that you have not noticed before at any time of the day
• Interactions with people or other cats/dogs:  Aggression with other cats that you have not noticed before,  Human-directed aggression, “Cranky” cat, or “Clingy” cat

If you believe your cat may be feeling pain, please do not hesitate to give us a call. Only subtle changes may be noted.  One idea is to put a current photo of your cat on the refrigerator.  Each year, post a new photo.  Subtle changes will be easier to detect this way.

Share your observations with Dr. Carlos and our knowledgeable staff at Companion Veterinary Hospital in Blaine, Minnesota.