Routine Health Care for your Cat

Knowing your cat, and his usual behaviour, will help you recognize when something is not quite right with him. If ailments are spotted quickly, then early treatment often helps to prevent more serious problems occurring; this usually results in less suffering for your pet and smaller veterinary bills for you. Monitoring your cat's mood and habits, and carrying out simple health checks on a regular basis, will enable you to assess his state of health.

Things to look out for are shown in the checklist.
-general condition, skin and fur
-appetite and thirst
-grooming
-mouth and teeth
-ears, eyes and nose
-weight
-faces and urine
-ease of movement


General condition, skin and fur
The healthy cat is alert, interested in what is going on around him, curious, and looks well in himself. The skin

Regular home checks
Keep an eye on all the following aspects of your cat's health, condition and demeanour.

Appetite and thirst
Any change from normal eating and drinking patterns can indicate a digestive, urinary or mouth problem,
should be clean, supple and pliable, while the fur should be soft and glossy, not dull and lank. Check for parasites, wounds, scurf, lumps and scabs and if this occurs it is essential to your cat to a vet as soon as possible