A healthy cat is active, alert, and interested in their surroundings. Their coat should be clean, smooth, and free of bald patches or parasites. Eyes should be bright and clear, ears clean and dry, and gums pink. Regular appetite and stable weight are also primary indicators of good health.
Cats are experts at hiding pain and illness as a survival instinct. Subtle changes in behavior are often the first clues. Look out for lethargy, hiding in unusual dark places, sudden loss of appetite, changes in litter box habits, neglected grooming, or constant vocalization of distress.
Every week, perform a quick check on your cat. Check their hydration by gently pinching the skin on the back of their neck — it should snap back instantly. Run your hands along their body to feel for unusual lumps, scabs, or sudden weight loss. Check their ears for black wax, which may indicate ear mites.
Some symptoms are life-threatening and require immediate veterinary attention. These include: difficulty breathing or open-mouth panting, inability to urinate (especially in male cats), sudden paralysis of back legs, poisoning ingestion, severe bleeding, or unconsciousness.
