What do you do if your feline companion is sick? When should you seek a vet? This is by no means intended as a comprehensive source if information,  just as a handy guide for anyone who's cat is suffering from these symptoms. This is a continuation of the post from yesterday. Please see yesterday's post for a list of symptoms that could mean you have an ill feline.

1. Strange behavior- If you notice unusual behaviors, call your vet! Be absolutely sure what your cat's doing different before calling your vet. The more information your vet has, the better.
2. Loss of appetite- See if your vet recommends force-feeding. Feeding tubes may be required. Also make sure your cat isn't dehydrated. If you need to force-feed, you may need to make sure there's plenty of water in the food.
3. Radical change in appearance- COuld be diet, could be something more serious. A thin coat may just mean flea allergies, especially paired with vomiting(hairballs).
4. Eyes and ears- For ear mites, clean ears with a cotton ball, never a Q-tip. Drop 2-3 drops into ear and leave to dry. Mites will drown. If you're still having problems, call your vet. Change in ear color, see your vet immediately! Stuck inner eyelid, call your vet. It's probably a sign of infection. Bloodshot eyes, too. Crustiness probably means infection. Clean daily with diluted apple cider vinegar . If it does not clear up, call your vet. Frequent sneezing or discharge from the nose are also signs of illness.
5. Vomiting- Frequent vomiting-daily for two or more days, see your vet immediately
6. One more thing NEVER NEVER NEVER GIVE A CAT AN ANTIBIOTIC FOR A COLD!!! I've heard many people giving that as advice. Not only will it be ineffective(a cold is a virus, antibiotics are for bacteria), but you will be setting up your poor kitty for a super bug! If your vet recommends it, FIND ANOTHER VET!