Just thought I'd mention... I saw a fairly new copy of a book at the library, and checked it out. It's OUTSTANDING! I strongly recommend you at least check it out, if not purchase it outright. (I'm planning to purchase it, just as soon as I have a job again; it's running about $25 from Amazon.)
It's called: Cat Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook, third edition. Authors are Eldredge, Carlson, Carlson, and Giffin.
Seriously, if you're never quite sure whether or not to contact your vet... what sort of illness might be causing the symptoms you're seeing... just about everything is covered in a fairly easy-to-find way.
The inside covers, front and back, list the most common symptoms of illness or injury, and lists the page numbers to find more information. There's a comprehensive index of topics and glossary (to help with medical terms). Other useful resources are listed (including online). There's a section on normal physiological data, different lab tests and what they measure, and even a table on some medications or drugs that are used on felines.
The only very minor bone I have to pick is that diatomaceous earth is not mentioned at all (for non-toxic flea control). I think I'll be writing the authors, via the publisher, and suggesting they think about including it in the next edition. I think it would be invaluable when dealing with very young or feeble felines, or perhaps ones that have suffered from adverse reactions to flea-control products in the past. (It might also be useful in environments where repeated flea treatment has resulted in a population of fleas that are naturally resistant to the current insecticides used.)
One minor comment, for those who might be on the squeamish side. There are many clinical photos throughout the book, depicting abnormalities due to injury, illness, infestation, etc. You should be aware that in many cases, the cats depicted are unconscious and are feeling no pain. (Some of the examinations being performed would be next to impossible if the cat were awake.)
Seriously, it costs less than a physical exam at the vet's office - and can help you figure out when a vet visit is needed, as well as what to do in an emergency. And it includes more up-to-date information, such as vaccine-site sarcomas, hyperesthesia syndrome, and mention of raw food diets. If you cannot purchase it, please at least see if your local library has a copy yet; if not, perhaps you can request it.
(There's a big disclaimer before the title page that indicates the book is no substitute for professional veterinary care; I tend to agree. But it will definitely help you become more knowledgeable about your cat, and be able to better understand your veterinarian when working together to take care of your cat.)
