Know Thy Feline: Do You Have a Healthy Cat?

Cats are mysterious creatures. Most feline fanatics know and love this about their four legged companions. Their mysterious air, though, can make it difficult to detect when a cat is in trouble. All cat owners should take the time to learn what a healthy cat looks like and when problems may be brewing.




Signs of a Healthy Cat

Every cat is different, but healthy ones have certain things in common. Healthy, happy cats will:

• Have a clean, mat-free coat
• Have clear, bright eyes
• Have tolerable breath
• Eat and drink regularly
• Have consistent litter box habits
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Have consistent social and behavioral patterns

A content and carefree kitty is every cat owner’s goal. At some point in his or her life, however, almost every cat will encounter a day where he or she doesn’t feel well.

Potential Problems in Paradise

Cats are masters at hiding signs of illness. It is their natural instinct to be discrete about any weakness. Because of this, even the most observant pet owner may not pick up on the early signs of a problem.

This is an issue, as most diseases and illnesses are best managed or treated when they are caught early on in their course.

Subtle signs that you may not have a completely healthy cat include:

• Hiding more than normal or in strange places
• Decreased grooming
• Foul breath
• Increased purring (cats may do this when sick or stressed)
• Lying in an abnormal position
• Change in appetite (increase or decrease)
• Abnormal litter box habits
• Vomiting
• Coughing or other breathing changes
• Unexplained weight loss or gain

You know your cat better than anyone. If you are noticing any deviation from your cat’s normal behaviors and habits, it is best to have him or her thoroughly checked.

Likewise, routine wellness visits are key in detecting potential problems in cats. During these visits, your pet will receive a thorough nose to tail examination and any appropriate vaccinations. Wellness screening tests, such as blood or urine testing, may also be advised. These types of tests in your apparently healthy cat can help us to establish a baseline normal for your individual pet as well as pick up on subtle changes before they become apparent.

Cat ownership is full of unique duties and responsibilities, and paying attention to the often very elusive changes in your pet’s day to day behaviors is one of them. Our cats depend on us to pick up on problems so that we can better help them.

If you suspect your cat may be showing signs of an issue, please let us know. We are always happy to have a look and discuss any changes with you. Our goal is to keep your cat happy, healthy, and, of course purr-fectly content.