6 simple signs to tell if your cat is healthy
Dr Jo Righetti is an animal behaviourist for Pet Problems Solved and Purina One Ambassador. She has over 20 years’ experience helping people understand and solve their pet’s behaviour problems.
When it comes to their health, cats don’t tend to hiss up a fuss, so it is not always easy to tell if they’re feeling their best. However, there are six visible signs of cat health that every owner can use to identify if something is not quite right with their furry friend.
1. Immune system
A healthy cat is curious and alert to its environment, and this is a key indicator of good immune function. Cats are creatures of habit and they love routine, so any major changes such as visitors staying, or another animal or baby arriving can increase their stress levels. It is important to be wary for signs of stress, such as abnormal sleeping patterns, inappropriate toileting and significant hair loss, as this can suggest a compromised immune system.
2. Digestion
Healthy cats love to eat! As a guide, most cats like to graze, eating regular, small meals at least four times daily, so a loss of appetite could be a sign that your cat is sick. Remember that proper nutrition is essential to your cat’s health and happiness so ensure they are eating a healthy and balanced diet filled with all the high-quality ingredients they need. Feeding them advanced nutrition daily supports the six visible signs of health.
As digestion is the process of eating right through to toilet habits, peeking into their litter box will give you a good indication of their digestive health. Small, firm stools are a sign that improved nutrition is making a difference to your cat’s health as less of the food is passing through as waste.
3. Dental health
Healthy teeth and gums are a key indicator of a cat’s health, especially as chewing is vital for digestion of food and the utilisation of nutrients. Just like humans, cats benefit from having their teeth cleaned, but remember, it’s best to do this with a soft cloth - avoid using human toothpaste as the fluoride can make them sick. Check your cat’s teeth regularly for plaque and tartar build-up and be sure that they visit the vet on a routine basis for a thorough dental check-up.
4. Body condition
Cats do tend to vary in size among individuals and breeds, but you should be able to feel and observe a ‘waist’ behind their ribs. This is a good sign that your cat is well proportioned and in top shape. However, if you have to apply pressure to feel their waist, this is an indication that your cat’s weight may be too high.
While your cat might be happy to laze around all day, it is still important that they’re keeping active, so think about giving your cat some dedicated exercise time to work on their strength and co-ordination.
5. Bone and joint health
Speaking of exercise, you can check your cat’s range of motion and flexibility by joining in during playtime! Get them up and moving with fun toys to chase, or try doing some simple training with them, such as teaching your cat to ‘Hi5’ by rewarding paw movement with a cat treat. Regular training increases bone and joint dexterity, which will go a long way in keeping your cat healthy in body and mind, and give you some fun bonding time together.
6. Skin, coat and eyes
A shiny coat and skin that is well groomed is another sign of good health in cats. Normal, healthy skin colour ranges from pale pink through to shades of black, but the coat should always be smooth and free from dandruff. Cats should be groomed regularly to help prevent hairballs and to also gather hair in one place (the brush, rather than all over your home and clothes). This will not only enhance your cat’s appearance, but also make your cat less prone to skin irritation.