I think most of us know these but good list for new cat people. I thought it
was most interesting the bit about "ask children". Very good point.

http://www.ehow.com/how_16335_determine-cat-needs.html

How to Determine if Your Cat Needs Medical Care

Careful observation of daily activities and habits is key to recognizing
early signs of illness in your cat. Disguising symptoms is a cat's
specialty, so he may be sick for days before you notice. Read on to learn
more about when he needs medical attention.

 

 

Steps:

1. 
Watch your cat closely. Become familiar with his normal habits and patterns
of activity. The slightest variation may indicate the beginning of illness
or disease.

 

2. 
Learn to monitor your cat's heart rate and respiratory rate and to take his
temperature. Normal is 101.5 degrees F.

 

3. 
Listen to his chest with a stethoscope placed on his rib cage, behind the
front leg, noting his normal resting heart rate of 100 to 200 beats per
minute.

 

4. 
Observe his normal respiration at rest: 20 to 60 breaths per minute. Cats
rarely pant unless they are in extreme heat, overly excited, unduly stressed
or in pain.

 

5. 
Groom him daily (cats love this), checking for masses, swellings and
sensitive areas.

 

6. 
Take note if your cat refuses food or water, is lethargic or seems reluctant
to play. These are often the first symptoms of illness. Sick cats become
dehydrated quickly, so a prompt response is essential.

 

7. 
Take your cat's temperature if he seems listless. Even the slightest
elevation in temperature can account for a change in behavior.

 

8. 
Call your veterinarian for advice if you notice symptoms such as sneezing,
runny eyes or nose or labored breathing, which can indicate a respiratory
illness.

 

9. 
Be alert to coughing or hacking. These symptoms could mean just a hairball,
but if they persist, call your veterinarian.

 

10. 
Know that straining to urinate, especially in male cats, is considered a
sign of urinary-tract obstruction. Get medical help immediately, as this can
be life-threatening. This is often accompanied by deep vocalization or
howling and licking at the genital area.

 

11. 
Be aware that violent retching, attempting to vomit or unusual panting are
symptoms of serious illness or pain in cats, so call your veterinarian right
away.

 

12. 
Call your veterinarian as soon as you think your cat is sick. Delaying the
call often leads to greater risk for the cat, prolonged recovery and
increased expense.

 

 

Tips:

Cats are finicky eaters, so refusal to eat a new food may not indicate
illness.

Ask the kids. They often observe things that busy adults overlook.

 

Warnings:

Use caution when handling a sick cat. He may react suddenly and bite or
scratch when he normally would not do so.

Urinary obstruction in male cats is life-threatening and should be treated
as a true medical emergency.

 
Tips from eHow Users:

Watch the litter box by Tracy C.
Watch for unusual stools when cleaning the litter box. This is a good sign
that something is abnormal and that your pet's habits should be watched
closely for signs of a serious condition.

 

 

Rate this tip:

 

Odd behavior by Rose E.
If your cat is usually active and hyper, and seems to be sleeping more than
usual (Or vice versa), take your kitty to the doctor. If your cat's nose
doesn't feel damp, your cat may be sick.