Cats need as much care as humans do.
The way they are treated and fed reflects on their coat and fur.
Therefore it is necessary to be mindful of the things that we give them.
The same applies to when they are sick and need to be taken to a good vet.
Why wait till the last moment though?
As pet parents, it is your duty to be prepared for any kind of emergency.
To reduce the mayhem and confusion, we bring to you a list of tips to maintain a healthy feline.
1. Body Condition: Ideal Weight & Posture
✅ What’s Normal?
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Your cat should have a slim, athletic build—neither too thin nor overweight.
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Ribs should be felt but not seen when you run your hands over their sides.
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The waist should be visible from above, and there should be a slight tuck behind the ribs when viewed from the side.
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A rounded belly without excess sagging is ideal. Sudden weight loss or gain can indicate underlying issues.
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If your cat appears bloated or lethargic, it could signal digestive problems or internal disease.
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Cats should move smoothly and effortlessly—limping or stiffness can mean joint pain or injury.
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A healthy cat should stretch often and be flexible in movement.
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If your cat spends excessive time sleeping or avoiding movement, a vet visit may be necessary.
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Pay attention to body temperature—cats should feel warm but not excessively hot.
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Sudden weight loss, even if eating well, can indicate thyroid or kidney issues.
2. Clean & Alert
✅ What’s Normal?
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Ears should be clean, dry, and free from odor.
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A small amount of wax is normal, but excessive buildup could mean an ear infection.
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Cats should respond to sounds and show alertness when called or when they hear noises.
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If your cat is constantly shaking their head or scratching their ears, check for mites or infections.
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There should be no redness, swelling, or discharge from the ear canal.
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A foul smell or brown, crusty debris inside the ear may indicate ear mites or an infection.
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Cats should not show signs of pain when their ears are touched.
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Ear tips should be smooth and covered with fine fur—crusting or sores can indicate sunburn or allergies.
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If your cat’s ears are frequently folded back, it could be a sign of discomfort or stress.
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Sudden hearing loss could indicate infections or nerve issues.
See Also:
3. Nose: Moist & Clear
✅ What’s Normal?
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A healthy cat’s nose should be moist but not dripping wet.
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There should be no discharge, crusting, or excessive dryness.
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Cats may have a slight coolness to their nose, but this varies throughout the day.
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A dry, cracked nose can indicate dehydration or underlying illness.
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Frequent sneezing or nasal discharge could mean allergies or respiratory infection.
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Look out for bleeding or sores, which can be signs of injury or serious illness.
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Cats should breathe quietly and evenly through their noses.
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Excessive sniffling or mouth breathing may indicate congestion or difficulty breathing.
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If one nostril is consistently blocked, there could be a polyp or foreign object.
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A persistent runny nose with colored discharge may indicate bacterial or viral infections.
4. Eyes: Bright & Clear
✅ What’s Normal?
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Eyes should be clear, bright, and free of discharge.
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Pupils should react evenly to light—one pupil larger than the other could signal a problem.
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There should be no excessive tearing, redness, or swelling.
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The third eyelid (the inner corner membrane) should not be visible when the cat is awake.
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Squinting or frequent blinking may indicate pain or irritation.
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A healthy cat does not have crusts or thick discharge around the eyes.
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A slight watery discharge is normal, but yellow or green discharge signals infection.
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Cloudiness or a change in eye color can indicate cataracts or glaucoma.
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Look out for excessive rubbing, which may indicate allergies or eye infections.
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If your cat starts bumping into objects, they may have vision issues.
5. Mouth: Healthy Teeth & Gums
✅ What’s Normal?
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Gums should be pink and firm, not pale, red, or swollen.
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Teeth should be clean, white, and free of excessive tartar buildup.
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Breath should be mild—foul-smelling breath can indicate dental disease.
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Excessive drooling or difficulty eating may be a sign of tooth pain.
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Cats should chew evenly on both sides of their mouth.
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Bleeding gums or reluctance to eat dry food may indicate gum disease or infection.
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Watch for ulcers or sores inside the mouth.
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Chattering teeth or pawing at the mouth can indicate pain or discomfort.
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Missing teeth are common in older cats, but sudden tooth loss needs veterinary attention.
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Yellow or brown tartar buildup on teeth should be cleaned by a vet.
6. Skin & Coat: Soft & Shiny
✅ What’s Normal?
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Fur should be soft, smooth, and free of bald spots.
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Skin should be clear and free of scabs, redness, or excessive dandruff.
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Cats should not have greasy or overly dry fur.
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Excessive shedding or hair loss may indicate stress, allergies, or health problems.
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Watch for fleas, ticks, or unusual bumps on the skin.
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Cats should groom themselves regularly but not excessively.
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Any sudden change in coat texture (becoming rough or dull) may signal nutritional deficiencies.
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If your cat suddenly stops grooming, it may be feeling unwell or depressed.
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Itchy skin or constant licking could indicate parasites or allergies.
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Skin should not have open wounds or foul smells, which can indicate infections.
7. Respiratory Behavior: Normal Breathing
✅ What’s Normal?
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Breathing should be quiet, steady, and effortless.
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Normal breathing rate is about 20-30 breaths per minute at rest.
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There should be no wheezing, coughing, or panting.
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Mouth breathing in cats is not normal and should be checked immediately.
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Watch for labored breathing or excessive chest movement.
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Sneezing occasionally is normal, but frequent sneezing may indicate illness.
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Look for signs of congestion, like snoring or difficulty sleeping.
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A change in voice or meow tone may indicate respiratory irritation.
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Cats should not breathe heavily after light activity.
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If breathing becomes fast or irregular, contact a vet immediately.
8. Eating Behavior: Healthy Appetite
✅ What’s Normal?
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A healthy cat eats regularly and finishes most of their food.
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Sudden loss of appetite may indicate illness or stress.
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Overeating can lead to obesity and other health problems.
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Vomiting occasionally is normal, but frequent vomiting is a concern.
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Drinking excessive water can indicate kidney disease or diabetes.
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Refusing to drink water could lead to dehydration.
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Changes in food preference may indicate dental pain or illness.
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Eating non-food items (pica) can signal nutritional deficiencies or behavioral issues.
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A sudden weight drop while eating normally could be hyperthyroidism.
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A picky eater who suddenly becomes greedy may have a metabolic issue.
9. Nails & Paws: Strong & Clean
✅ What’s Normal?
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A healthy cat’s nails should be sharp but not overly long or brittle.
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Paws should be clean, free of cuts, swelling, or redness.
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Cats should retract and extend their claws easily.
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If nails become too long, they may curl into the paw pads, causing pain and infection.
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Excessive scratching or biting at their paws may indicate fungal infections, allergies, or irritation.
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Watch for signs of swelling or limping, which could indicate an injury.
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The paw pads should be soft but firm—cracked or dry pads may signal dehydration or environmental stress.
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Black spots on paw pads are normal in some cats, but sudden discoloration or sores should be checked.
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Cats should walk smoothly without hesitation—stumbling or avoiding pressure on a paw suggests discomfort.
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A cat that suddenly stops using the litter box may have sore paws or nail pain.
10. Attitude & Behavior: Alert & Social
✅ What’s Normal?
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A healthy cat is curious, alert, and responsive to their surroundings.
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Energy levels should be consistent—sudden lethargy may indicate illness.
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A well-adjusted cat enjoys playtime and social interaction but also has moments of independent relaxation.
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Sudden aggression or hiding could signal pain, fear, or stress.
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Cats should maintain a consistent routine—changes in sleep patterns, eating, or bathroom habits can be red flags.
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Purring is a sign of contentment, but excessive or unusual purring may indicate discomfort or anxiety.
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Tail position is a great indicator of mood—a relaxed, upright tail means confidence, while a low or puffed-up tail signals fear or stress.
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A healthy cat should groom regularly but not excessively—overgrooming may indicate anxiety, allergies, or skin issues.
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Cats should show interest in playing, hunting, or exploring—a sudden lack of curiosity could mean depression or sickness.
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Excessive vocalization (meowing more than usual) may indicate hunger, pain, or attention-seeking behavior.
Cats depend on you for their health.
They don’t know what’s good for them and what’s not.
Hence it is your duty to take care of them and keep them clean.
These tips will ensure that you are armed well before you bring a kitty home.
