Tips for Coping with a Cats' Illness

A cat's illness can be a devastating experience, regardless of the severity of it. You may worry about the health of your pet and may lose sleep, so here are a few tips to help you cope with this situation. Coping with the illness may also help your cat recover, as your cat may sense the tension you're feeling and may be stressed because of it.

Keep Calm

Being calm can be very important when your cat is ill. If you are agitated and stressed, your pet senses this and becomes agitated also, which can delay the recovery process. If you are calm, your pet will feel more comfortable and will be able to rest and heal faster.

Get Veterinary Help

Even if you think you know what's wrong with your pet, you should always get veterinary help. A vet will be able to diagnose your pet and prescribe suitable medication to prevent further complications. If you don't get help, your pet's condition may worsen, even if you administer some drugs you think may work. Ask the vet the things you need to do to alleviate pain and keep the cat in a positive frame of mind.

Follow the Vet's Guidelines

Following the vet's guidelines can help you cope with the cat's illness, because you'll know you're doing your best to keep the cat comfortable and help his recovery. Never give your pet over the counter medications or additional doses of medication, as you may not help the cat and may overwork his liver. Keep the cat warm and give him a room where he can rest.

Monitor the Pet

After the diagnosis, you should keep an eye on him and see if the condition is healing or worsening. You should always get veterinary help if you see additional symptoms of possible side effects of the medications your cat gets.

Join Support Groups and Forums

Talking about your experience and reading about the experiences of other pet owners that have ill cats can help you cope with your pet's condition, especially if your cat is affected by an incurable illness. Join support groups and forums and ask any questions you may have. Answering other pet owner's questions may also be a rewarding experience. On these websites, you will also find out about other possible treatments and alternatives.

Decide for Your Pet

Your pet cannot decide for himself and you will need to take a few decisions regarding his condition and treatment options. This is particularly important if the cat has an incurable disease. Become informed on all available treatment options and the disease prognosis. In some cases (i.e., terminal stages of cancer, when the cat is in great pain), the solution may be euthanasia. Opting for euthanasia can be a difficult decision, but you should know that your cat is in great pain and may be better off this way.

 

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