Check your cat regularly for any abnormalities or signs of illness. Below is a list of things to look out for.
Keeping your cat healthy
Prevention is always better than cure – and your cat’s health is no exception. Conduct regular home check ups to look for early signs of illness. Be vigilant as some cats are very good at hiding illness or pain. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, contact your vet.
Health check list
- Body condition: You should just be able to feel, but not see, your cat’s ribs. Your cat should have a recognisable waistline and a distinct tummy tuck. Watch for signs of unusual weight loss or gain.
- Ears should be clear of any thick brown or black wax and have no smell. For thinly-haired cats or cats with white-tipped ears, consider using sunscreen lotion to prevent sunburn and skin cancer.
- Eyes should be bright and clear with no redness, discharge or apparent soreness. If your cat is shying away from the light, it may be hurting her eyes.
- Nose should be soft and damp to the touch. Nostrils should be free of discharge or crusting.
- Mouth: Teeth should be white with no excess tartar, pale pink or black gums. Dropping food, excess salivation, clawing at the mouth or bad breath are signs of dental problems.
- Skin and coat: Skin can be pink or black, depending on the pigments normally found in your cat's skin. There should be no dandruff, fleas, bald patches or sores. The coat should be thick and shiny, with no broken hairs.
- Nails should be smooth and if you have an indoor cat, clipped regularly.
- Digestion: occasional vomiting of hair or grass can be normal. However, persistent sickness or choking when eating should be checked out. Make sure your cat's stools are normal in colour and consistency, with no diarrhoea or constipation.
- Thirst: Healthy cats don’t appear to drink that much, particularly when they eat wet food due to its high moisture content. Outdoor cats will often find liquids away from home. If there is any sharp increase in water intake, consult your vet.
- Attitude: Cats that feel unwell often shy away from human contact or act aggressively. Cats are good at hiding their illnesses so keep a close watch.