Cat Articles, Symptoms

Urinating Outside of the Litter Box (House Soiling) in Cats

Causes for this frustrating problem fall into two categories: medical problems and behavioral problems.

Common Medical Causes of House Soiling

More common causes are listed first. Less common causes are listed later.

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Trembling in Cats and Dogs

Most instances of trembling in pets are the result of temporary excitement, fear, or cold. Therefore, in most cases, trembling is not a serious concern.  However, some instances of trembling may be caused by serious medical problems.

Common Causes

More common causes are listed first.   Less common causes are listed later.

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Head Shaking in Cats and Dogs

Common Causes

Causes are listed in order from most common to least common. In dogs and cats, ear problems are by far the most common cause of head shaking.

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Limping in Cats and Dogs

Common Causes

More common causes are listed first.  Less common causes are listed later.

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Panting in Cats

Panting is very rare in cats. It is often a sign of a serious problem.

Common Causes

More common causes are listed first. Less common causes are listed later.

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Changes in Thirst or Urine Output in Cats and Dogs

Marked changes in an animal’s water consumption or urine output have many causes. Chronic or long-term changes in thirst or urinary habits may be indicative of serious disease.

Causes of Increased Water Consumption or Urine Output

More common causes are listed first. Less common causes are listed later.

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Scratching or Licking the Skin (Itching) in Cats and Dogs

Scratching and licking the skin generally have similar causes. Excessively licking the skin is a way of scratching the skin. Skin irritation leading to itching is responsible for most instances of excessive licking and scratching.

A certain level of scratching or licking is considered normal in all animals. Also, both cats and dogs groom themselves with their tongues. Therefore, it is important to determine whether your pet is scratching or licking excessively, or whether he or she is engaging in normal behavior.

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Vomiting in Cats and Dogs

Vomiting is very common in both cats and dogs. Mild, isolated incidents of vomiting usually does not represent a major concern. Protracted, severe, or chronic vomiting may be caused by serious illness. As well, severe vomiting can be dangerous in its own right.

Common Causes

More common causes are listed first. Less common causes are listed later. There are thousands of causes for vomiting, but they can be loosely grouped as follows.

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Hair Loss, Shedding, Balding, and Unkempt Hair in Cats and Dogs

Shedding, unkempt hair, and hair loss in pets are extremely common complaints among owners.   In many cases, shedding is normal and harmless for the pet.  However, hair loss leading to baldness, or hair loss accompanied by itchy, red, scabby, moist, or malodorous skin usually is linked to a medical problem.

Common Causes

More common causes are listed first.  Less common causes are listed later.

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Low Appetite, Decreased Enthusiasm for Food, or Finicky Eating Behavior in Cats and Dogs

Finicky eating behavior and decreased appetite are often related in cats and dogs.  Food preferences and minor behavioral issues are responsible for many instances of finicky eating behavior.

However, a very large number of diseases suppress appetite in pets.   Pets with suppressed appetites may eat less, or may become more selective (finicky) about what they eat.

Common Non-medical Causes

More common causes are listed first. Less common causes are listed later.

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