Performing Monthly Health Checks on Your Cat

Overview:

Before I begin, I have to  state that performing a check on your cat is not to replace veterinary attention. It is vital that you see your veterinarian at least once a year, but being aware of your cat's physical & emotional condition between visits can help pick up potential problems quickly.

Catching possible health problems early is an important aspect of cat care. It is a good idea for cat owners to give their cat a monthly check at home to ensure everything is going well. This should never replace professional examinations by your veterinarian, but as most pet owners only see their vet every 6 to 12 months, it is advisable to keep an eye on things between visits so if you do notice a change you can seek veterinary care immediately.  

• Ears: Check for signs of bleeding,  debris, dirt or wax. Look for signs of ear mites (reddish/brown discharge in the ear,  bleeding from the ear, coffee-grounds like appearance in the ear, scratch marks, odour). You may notice a small amount of wax which is normal. Your cat’s ears should not have an unpleasant odour. Check the edge of your cat’s ears for thickening, scaling,  lesions & redness. Look for lumps, bumps or any swellings on the ear.
• Eyes: These should be bright & clear with no redness, swelling, weeping or discharge.
• Nose: This should be free of discharge. Check for lumps, bumps, swellings & ulcers which don't heal.
• Mouth, Teeth & gums: The teeth should be white with no signs of chips or lesions. Gums healthy looking & pink without receding, redness, bleeding or swelling. Check for signs of tartar around the gum line. Check around the mouth, lips & tongue for ulcers, lumps, bumps, swelling  & lesions.
• Chin: Check for lumps & bumps on the chin. A dirty appearing chin may be a sign your cat has feline acne.
• Respiration: Observe your cat’s breathing. This should be even & appear to be easy & effortless. Increased respiration & or effort should not be observed. Also check for panting, wheezing, coughing, suffering shortness of breath.
• Skin & Coat: This should be healthy looking, fur should be shiny. Gently pull up the skin at the shoulder & release. It should spring back immediately, if it doesn't your cat is dehydrated.
• Claws: Check the length, if they are too long (especially in indoor only cats) give them a trim.
• Body: Run your hands along the head, body, limbs & tail checking for lumps, bumps & signs of pain.
• Mobility: Put your cat down & observe it's movements. Does it appear stiff or uncomfortable? Is it avoiding using any limbs?
• Weight: Keeping a record of your cat's weight is a good idea. Run your hands along the cat's ribs. You should be just able to feel the ribs. If they can be easily felt, your cat may be underweight, if you can’t feel them at all, he may be overweight.

Even with the monthly home check it is important to be aware of your cat's general routine, habits & physical appearance. If you notice any changes in behaviour such as increased or decreased thirst, increased or decreased hunger, changes in litter tray habits, sleeping more or less, not grooming, poor coat condition, wounds which do not heal, coughing, sneezing,  etc., then seek immediate veterinary attention.

 Related articles:

Annual Vet Checks, Coughing in Cats, Dental Care in Cats, Ear Mites in Cats, Gingivitis in Cats, Periodontal Disease in Cats, Preventive Care in Cats, Signs of Sickness in Cats,  Weight Loss in Cats, Feline Acne

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