No two cats are the same, which makes being a cat owner equally rewarding and challenging. But no matter the quirks or temperament of your cat, part of your responsibility is to keep her happy and in good health. In addition to a balanced, nutritious diet and exercise your vet is an important resource for maintaining good health in your pet.

Have you noticed changes in your cat's behavior? Maybe she has been sneezing more often. Is it just seasonal allergies or something more? Has your cat gained excess weight? She may be eating the wrong type of food or not getting enough exercise. There are often certain dietary or environmental reasons for the changes in your cat's behavior that your vet can help you better understand.

Finding the, right questions to ask can be the hardest part of speaking with your vet about your pet's health. Here are some questions on common cat health conditions to help start the conversation.

• How can I tell if my cat's not feeling well?
• What are some ways I can keep my cat healthy at any age?
• At what age is my cat considered "senior" and what does that mean for his lifestyle?
• What's my cat's healthy weight range?
• My cat has been going outside of the litter box. What's causing this?
• Why is my cat scratching and licking her coat so much?
• What does the thyroid gland do and how does it impact the health of my cat?

Just like people, pets benefit from a healthy, happy lifestyle that allows them to do the things they love, even if all they love to do is lie in a sunbeam. Simply paying attention to changes in behavior and asking your vet a quick question can make a difference in your cat's health.