Write an article based on this "Realize that sometimes other ailments can be mistaken for signs of abuse. Take note of how the animal reacts around his owner. Strike up a non-confrontational conversation with the cat owner. Understand what constitutes unintentional abuse. Be aware of intentional abuse."
Make sure to consider the bigger picture before making a judgment call. Sometimes it can be easy to mistake an animal that is sick, but receiving veterinary treatment, for a pet that is being abused. For instance, an animal that is very thin may have a medical condition that is being managed, not starving from lack of food. The cat's behavior around his owner can be a good indicator of its feelings towards the owner. If the cat runs to greet his owner and rubs around his legs purring that is a good sign. If the cat flinches and cowers, it is possible he is being abused. Even this is not conclusive, especially if you witness the cat struggling due to being fed medication or given a bath. To determine if there is a possible explanation for a cat in distress, simply approach the owner and ask gently. Ask him whether the cat is all right, and listen attentively to the answer. Try to keep your tone conversational. If the owner says the cat is on medical treatment, you can try asking which vet the cat is seeing. If you are not satisfied by the answer, do not confront the owner, but consider putting the problem in the hands of the authorities. Unintentional abuse is just what it sounds like, abuse that occurs due to inadequate care, but is not malevolent. Sadly, even people who consider themselves animal lovers can perpetrate unintentional abuse. This type of abuse typically involves failing to meet all the animals' basic needs, such as adequate food, clean water, a clean place to rest, and shelter from the elements. Unintentional abuse is common when people hoard more animals than they can care for, or when they neglect their cats by not providing adequate food while they are on holiday. Intentional abuse occurs when the owner knows that the animal is being harmed or injured, but does nothing about it. In the worst case, this can be intentional neglect with cruel intent, intentionally inflicting pain and suffering on the cat. Besides physical injury, intentional abuse includes not taking a sick cat to the vet or not treating a flea infected cat.