How to check your cat’s health at home: a full healthcare guide

This guide covers cat healthcare too, from vaccinations and worming to neutering and annual health checks, so everything you need to keep your cat healthy is in one place.

 

Ears

Bend your cat’s ear back gently and look inside. Make sure there isn’t a large amount of discharge or a strong smell coming from the ear.

 

Mouth

Gently lift up your cat’s lip folds to check their teeth and open the jaw to check their mouth. The gums and tongue should be a salmon pink colour, any redness or lumps could suggest a problem. Check the teeth for tartar, any large build up could need removing by your vet. If you notice your cat has bad breath, get them checked by your local vet.

 

Eyes

Check their eyes are clear, bright and free from discharge.

 

Nose

Check for any excessive discharge, and also for any coughing or sneezing as this could be a sign of cat flu.

 

Body

Check your cat’s body all over for any lumps and bumps, note if any are changing in size or shape. Look for any bald patches, irritations, soreness or scabs on the skin, check for fleas and keep an eye on any excessive scratching or nibbling.

Look out for matts in long-haired cats, or older cats who may be unable to groom.

 

Feet

Lift their feet up and gently check the pads for any splinters or pebbles. Keep a close eye on the length of their nails – if your cat is predominately indoors then they may struggle to maintain a short claw length.

 

Bottom

Keep an eye on your cat’s faeces, as an upset stomach can be a sign that your cat is unwell.

After you have given your cat a health check make sure you give them a fuss and some treats. If at any point they are not happy with being checked over then stop and try another time.

 

Recognising signs of illness

Cats are good at hiding pain and discomfort, so it’s worth watching for subtle changes:

• Changes in appetite, thirst, or weight
• Reduced grooming or a scruffy-looking coat
• Changes to toileting habits, such as straining or going more frequently
• Lack of energy, hiding, or reduced interest in play

If you notice any of these signs, book a vet appointment rather than waiting to see if they pass.

 

Kitten medical care: the first few months

Before your kitten arrives, it’s worth registering with a vet, so you can be ready for their initial appointments. In the first few months, kittens will need vaccinations, worming, flea treatment, and a general health check.

Kittens should be dewormed every two weeks until they’re twelve weeks old, then less often as they grow. Your vet will also discuss neutering and microchipping, which is usually done at the same time from around four months of age.

 

Neutering

Neutering helps prevent unwanted litters and can reduce the risk of certain illnesses, including some cancers. It can also reduce undesired behaviours such as spraying and roaming. Most vets recommend neutering both male and female cats from around four months old, depending on your cat’s health and circumstances.

 

Some cat breeds are more prone to health issues

Pedigree cats, particularly flat-faced breeds like the Persian and British Shorthair can be more prone to certain genetic health conditions due to selective breeding. If you’re considering a pedigree cat, research the breed’s common health issues and ask the breeder about health testing.

 

Keep them vaccinated

Vaccinations should be given yearly by your vet and will protect your cat from potentially fatal diseases. Your vet will also carry out a health check before vaccinating, and booster frequency depends on the vaccine and your cat’s individual risk factors, such as whether they go outdoors.

 

Worming your cat

An infestation of worms can be easily prevented with regular worming treatment. This can be quite a serious problem in kittens and cats, it also poses a small risk to you and your family. There are many types of inexpensive worming treatments that can be bought from your vet, you can easily administer these at home.

As a general guide, most adult cats need worming at least every three months, though cats that hunt or spend a lot of time outdoors may need treatment more often.

 

Fleas and ticks

Fleas and ticks cause discomfort as they feed on your cat’s blood – they can also encourage the spread of disease. They are usually picked up by your cat when they’re outside although they can travel into the house in many ways. Fleas and ticks can thrive in your house and furnishings due to the warm environment.

Ticks and fleas can be kept under control with many different types of regular treatment. Discuss your cat’s individual requirements with your vet.

Prescription-strength flea and worm treatment needs a vet exam first. Once your cat has a prescription, it’s usually cheaper to fill it through a registered online pharmacy than to buy it over the counter.

 

Regular checks keep your cat healthy

An annual health check is recommended for every cat. This gives your vet the chance to examine areas you cannot easily check yourself, such as your cat’s mouth, abdomen, heart, and lungs. Catching a problem early often means it’s easier and cheaper to treat.

Take your cat for regular check-ups at the vets for general body condition, weight and teeth. Groom them regularly to keep their coat in good condition and strengthen their bond with you – this is especially for long haired cats. Remember to keep an eye on your cat’s weight and feed them the right diet to keep their teeth healthy.