Signs of a Healthy Cat

Periodically examining your cat is a great way to make sure it is in good health.

All cat owners worry about their cat's health. Different cat behaviors can be misinterpreted as a sign of illness. For example healthy cats should have a strong appetite, but its appetite may falter based on various environmental changes. If you are unsure of your cat's health, consult your vet.

Coat

You should not be able to see bare skin through your cat's fur. Your cat's fur should be shiny and full.Be sure to regularly brush your cat so that you can eliminate any excess hair, and be sure that no bare patches are visible. Be wary of fleas and ear mites as they are a frequent cause of excessive itching. While you can buy remedies over the counter, you should consult with your vet to make sure you select the right product for your pet.

Ears

Your cat should not produce any discharge from its ears whatsoever, nor should there be any buildup of wax. Any problem with the ear should not be dealt with personally and you should consult a vet. If your cat is persistently shaking its head, then speak to a vet as it may have an infection or other ear problem. The same is true if your cat's ears smell strongly of anything or if they seem irritated.

Mouth

A cat's gums should be a light pink color. Drooling is not an unusual sign in cats and may precede eating. Your cat's teeth should always be clean, and if they are not or if your cat appears to have soreness in its mouth, you may need to consult your vet. If your cat is drooling excessively, then it can be a sign of a small ulcer or of something more serious, such as poisoning.

Waste

More than one quarter of house cats are susceptible to catch a disease known as feline lower urinary tract disease. If your cat shows blood in its urine or signs of pain when urinating, this may be a sign of the disease. Fecal consistency varies in cats; however, cats also are prone to show blood in their stool. This is generally considered safe as long as everything else about the cat appears healthy.

References

• Doctor Dog: Signs of a Healthy Cat
• Pets at Home: Signs of a Healthy Cat