This question is of great importance, since the mostly introverted character of our cats makes it somewhat more difficult to notice health problems. In this article, we would like to explain to you in simple terms how you can keep your house cat fit and energetic. We would also like to introduce you to Hundeo's cat health bible, which can help you identify and treat ailments or illnesses more quickly.
Note: For more information about the book, just click on the ads* in this article. We use affiliate links. That means we get a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.
How do I know if my cat is healthy?
Of course, regular visits to the vet are advisable, but there are also a number of characteristics that you can use to check the general health of your cat yourself. First, we'll give you a little summary of these features, and then we'll go into more detail on each point:
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Skin and fur
Your cat's skin and fur are a good way to tell if your cat is healthy. -
Appetite
Appetite, i.e. how regularly and frequently your cat eats, tells us a lot about cat health. You can find out more about the right cat food here. -
Activity
Just like humans, sick animals tend to be listless and inactive when sick. -
Eyes, nose, ears, nails and teeth
To check for good health and also to identify symptoms, you should also look at the eyes, nostrils, ears, nails and teeth. -
Body temperature
Just like humans, body temperature says a lot about cat health. -
Boogie & Urine
Even though it's not pretty, examining the consistency and appearance of stool and urine tells us a lot about the general health of our pets.
Control the skin and fur
The condition of your cat's skin and coat can tell you if she's healthy. A healthy coat is clean and not sticky. It should be shiny and as dense as is usual for the breed and season.
Of course, the cat should not noticeably lose a lot of fur. The skin should also be clean and undamaged. Check whether your cat has red spots, swelling, rashes or even a bloody wound. Flaky skin or bald patches can indicate symptoms. These features could be indications of frequent scratching caused, for example, by fleas or a food intolerance.
Appetite and hydration
As a cat owner, you should always keep an eye on how often and how much food your cat eats. Changing eating habits is an important indicator of your cat's health. If she is not feeling well due to an illness or other ailments, she eats less. The cat will lose weight and its health will slowly deteriorate. However, if you are well aware of your cat's eating habits, you can quickly spot these cues and act accordingly. It's also a good idea to pay attention to how much water your cat is drinking. House cats often drink far less than they should. However, adequate water intake is crucial for their health and general well-being.
Of course, a healthy, balanced diet is also important to prevent diseases, deficiency symptoms or obesity. Unlike humans, however, cats are primarily carnivores. We therefore recommend the BARF feeding method, which refers to biologically appropriate raw food. Cats cannot build up nutrient reserves like humans. Therefore, a regular supply of suitable food is very important. It is also advisable to offer cat grass as a dietary supplement (e.g. folic acid) and to set up several drinking points in the apartment. Here* you'll find over 100 delicious cat food recipes.
Is your cat active or unusually tired and listless?
Every cat has had a bad day! It's no different with us humans. However, listlessness, lack of appetite or tiredness does not mean that your cat's health is at risk. However, since these characteristics could well be the first signs of a possible illness, you as a cat owner should compare your cat's behavior over several days.
No one knows your house cat better than you! If your cat has always been curious, active and playful and suddenly changes its behavior, this is a possible sign of an illness. A healthy cat has energy, is active and flexible, likes to climb on furniture or lets its play and hunting instincts run free. If you notice that your cat is suddenly avoiding walking, running, climbing or jumping, then you should contact a veterinarian. So if you notice these characteristics or habit changes in your cat, then it makes perfect sense to take further action.
Check your cat's eyes, nostrils, ears, nails and mouth
The eyes should be clear, shiny and free of secretions. However, a little sleep around the corners of the eyes is quite normal. However, watery eyes, pus, or pupils that do not respond to changes in light are not good signs.
The nose should always be clean. A dirty and runny nose could be an indication of cat flu. The ears should also be examined occasionally. While a certain amount of earwax is normal, ears should be clean, dry, and free of redness. Excessive earwax can lead to ear infections. If your cat scratches its ears frequently or has wet patches or an unpleasant odor, it could possibly have an infection. Then you should get in touch with your vet.
The cat's nails, i.e. the claws, are important tools. It is best if the dear velvet paws can wear down their nails in a natural way, for example with a scratching post. (This will also save your furniture.) A free-roaming cat usually does this on regular trees. However, if the claws are too long, you can shorten them yourself using special scissors. For this we recommend this product.*
The mouth and teeth should also be checked. A healthy cat has pink gums and no sores or lesions in its mouth. Are the teeth clean or discolored? A discoloration can be an indication of plaque or tartar and shows that, for example, the diet should be adjusted or snacks should be bought for dental treatment. This snack* is good for your cat's teeth.
Measure body temperature from time to time
It is advisable to measure the body temperature of your house cat from time to time.It should be between 38 and 39 degrees Celsius, but can vary slightly throughout the day
Elevated temperature and fever don't tell us much about a potential illness, but they do give an indication of the cat's overall health. If your cat has a fever, it's best to take her to the vet.
Stool and urine
The frequency and consistency of urine and feces are also aspects that you should check regularly. It's not the nicest task, but if dog owners can pack their four-legged friends' droppings in small bags, then we cat owners can also check their bowel movements from time to time. 😉 This should be firm. Diarrhea can be caused by unsuitable food, intestinal problems, or a food intolerance. Worms could also be the problem.
Since cats often drink too little due to stress or their "fussy nature", they are relatively susceptible to urinary tract diseases such as urinary tract infections. B. for cystitis. If the four-legged friend passes very little urine or is not housebroken, this could be an indication of these diseases. Proper hydration has a preventive effect and can also be additionally supported with wet food.
The Cat Health Bible was developed in collaboration with a veterinarian and offers you a comprehensive guide with tips, checklists, all the basics, as well as lots of graphics and more. More info*
Another recommendation is the paperback by Dr. David Bruner. He has written a super funny and yet very informative guide on the subject. He calls it: "Cat - Operating Instructions: Commissioning, Service and Maintenance" - A manual for optimizing development and increasing product convenience. With safety instructions.
We recommend everyone this book* to learn everything about their house cat in a humorous way.