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A Cats are masters at masking their pain, because their survival might depend on it. As small creatures who are vulnerable to larger predators, cats can’t afford to disclose any weakness. With obvious injuries or illness, they become easy targets, which explains why they instinctively mask signs of pain or sickness, even from the people who love and protect them. Unfortunately, this is why many of my veterinarian friends relate stories of clients who bring in cats who are just “not acting right” only to discover that their pets are in full-blown stages of cancers or kidney failure or other serious health problems.

Since cats prefer to hide any signs of weakness, we need to be attuned to any subtle signs of illness. Here are some clues to look for and to report to your veterinarian.

Inappropriate elimination

Changes in eating habits

Eating litter

Sudden weight loss

Bad breath

Changes in normal activity level

Changes in sleep habits

Changes in social interactions

Changes in grooming habits

Becoming more vocal

Suddenly hiding and declining attention

CAT BITE CARE

An undetected bite wound can cause an abscess, which is a buildup of fluid and debris under the skin. Wounds like these nearly always require medical attention, because cats have bacteria in their mouths that can cause infection.

If you discover a bite wound and cannot get to the veterinary clinic right away, wrap your cat in a towel to make it easier and safer to clean the wound. Use hydrogen peroxide or warm water to flush the puncture area. Try to clip away as much hair from around the wound as possible and leave the area open to breathe. Do not clip if you feel unsure or if your cat resists. If the wound is bleeding profusely, apply a compress.

Then bring your cat to your veterinarian as soon as possible. You don’t want to risk further damage or a serious infection.

If you are bitten by a cat, be very alert for signs of infection. It is hard to clean a puncture wound properly, and you may well need antibiotics if the bite is deep enough.

Cat Scratch Fever

Q I’ve always had fish and turtles and finally decided that I was ready for a more complicated, interactive pet. I recently adopted a big orange tabby from the local animal shelter. Gus is great, but he loves to claw and tear at his scratching post. Luckily for me, he leaves my couch alone. Why does he have this need to scratch?

A Bravo! With no disrespect intended for the fish and turtles in your life, I am happy that you are ready and willing to enjoy the perks of feline companionship. And I am happy to hear that you adopted from a local shelter because you have given a homeless cat another chance.

Scratching, as you have discovered, is one of the signature actions of cats. Even declawed cats will perform scratching gestures. You’re lucky that Gus adores his scratching post and not your expensive sofa. Cats scratch for a couple of reasons. One reason is to keep their claws in shape — what I call a “peti-cure.” Those scratching sessions remove the dead outer nail covering and hone the claw’s shape and sharpness, keeping Gus prepared to defend himself or to pounce on a passing mouse.

However, the paramount reason cats scratch has to do with turf talk. When Gus scratches, he is leaving a feline business card, if you will. He not only leaves physical marks, but also the scratching action releases a scent from the sebaceous glands in his paws that communicates to other cats — and to himself — that this is his domain.

You mention that you are grateful he only scratches the cat post, but I’ll bet if you pay close attention, you will discover that old Gus is pawing and rubbing his face to leave his scents on doorways and wall corners. It appears as a dirty, oily discoloration on the walls and doors. (See Cat-to-Cat Communication, page 76, for more on scent marking.)

The Need to Knead

Q Whenever I’m sitting down, my cat will climb into my lap, circle around, plop down, and busily start to push