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Old May 3rd, 2009, 06:21 PM
FountainDew FountainDew is offline
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Cat has pale gums, should I be alarmed?

I was doing some searches on why my cat breathes through his mouth, and found that it could be any number of reasons from fatigue, low stamina, hyperventillation, asthma, etc. Until I stumbled upon a site that talked about feline anemia. I went through the symptoms list and only two really apply, one in that my cat can become fatigued quickly IF I have him chase a little bit of string round and round in a circle for a minute straight. And second, his gums are fairly pale, but not totally white.

Pale gums are a sign of low RBC count, which could also be any number of problems from leukemia, to feline aids, to infection. So I went from an innocent google search to the possibility of my cat having leukemia or worse. Should I be freaking out right now?

P.S. I've had my cat for about 5 months now, and behaviourly, he's more or less the same. The mouth breathing thing was part of him since he was a kitten when I got him, and the pet store didn't mention anything about anemia.
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Old May 3rd, 2009, 06:45 PM
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krdahmer krdahmer is offline
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Well I would definitely get your kitty in to the vet for some tests. I too have a mouth breather, who is winded easily due to a bad infection when he was young. But that paired with the pale gums would have me worried too, just because well that's the way all us pet parents are... I'm sure the vet could clear up your fears, so get in soon before you worry yourself sick about it. that it's nothing serious!
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Old May 3rd, 2009, 06:54 PM
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rainbow rainbow is offline
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I agree 110%.

A person should never try to diagnose their pet (or themselves) by using the internet. You should ALWAYS go to the vet/doc first and then you read up on what the affliction is.

Good luck .....I hope it's nothing serious and please keep us posted.
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