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Given Signs to Determine Your Cat's Health Status Instantly - Is the cat in good health condition?
Your feline pal, Fluffy, has been acting different lately. Purr's been rubbing its eye again, and Mickey's ears have a funky smell. You know cats—something's always up! With over 15.7 million furballs purring in German homes, it's no wonder veterinarians are on their toes. The pet market for veterinary medications reached an impressive €965 million in 2023, with 62% dedicated to small animals and horses.
Worried about your pet? You don't need to book a clinic appointment right away. According to veterinary expert Johanna Rieder, an internal medicine specialist for cats and dogs at the University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, "Cats can hide pain or discomfort for a long time. A few simple hand movements can tell you a lot about how your cat is feeling."
Johanna Rieder suggests the following quick and easy home check-up procedure as a preliminary measure—though it's no substitute for a vet visit.
- Behaviour Analysis
Is Fluffy's behavior different from usual? Is Mickey more energetic than cats his age? Or does Purr seem lethargic and withdrawn? Pay attention to changes in eating, drinking, or activity levels. "Excessive drinking could signal kidney issues," says Rieder. Also, observe resting breathing rates: the chest should rise and fall no more than 30-40 times per minute.
- Coat Evaluation
Is Fluffy's coat well-groomed, parasite-free, and shiny? Or is it dull and rough? This could indicate a systemic illness like kidney disease. Rieder uses coat examination to gauge weight. Overweight cats can develop secondary health problems, while underweight cats might hint at hyperthyroidism, common in older felines. Excessive belly grooming could indicate a bladder issue.
- Paw Examination
Are Fluffy's claws well-trimmed and not too long? Are Mickey's paws soft and supple? Or are they rough and cracked? Avoid using creams on cracked pads as cats will just lick it off.
- Eye and Nose Check
Are Fluffy's eyes clear and clean? Or are they runny and crusty? This could indicate an infection. "The nasal mirror should be slightly moist—without discharge."
- Ear Inspection
Is Fluffy's ear free of debris? Is the skin light and normally vascularized? Or are there injuries, redness, or excess earwax? If the ears have a slight cheese smell, it could indicate an ear infection. "Healthy ears should have no smell," says Rieder. Frequent head shaking can hint at a problem.
Does Fluffy have bad breath?
"A healthy gum is pale pink. The gum should return to its normal color within two seconds after pressure. If the indentation remains white, it could indicate poor blood flow. If the gums are blue, it might suggest lung or heart issues. A cat's tongue should be light pink without strong redness. It's important to examine the transition from teeth to gums for redness, which could indicate periodontitis.
Cats can develop tartar. "Dental problems are often reflected through teeth grinding, or if the cat chews dry food very carefully," Rieder explains. "If Fluffy has an unusually strong mouth odor with a smell like acetone, or if it's sweet or sour, it's worth checking the stomach and kidney functions—or if there's diabetes."
- If Fluffy's coat appears dull, rough, or overweight, it could indicate a systemic illness such as kidney disease or hyperthyroidism, which veterinary expert Johanna Rieder recommends periodic evaluation for in older felines.
- In the event of unexplained excessive drinking, it could signal kidney issues, and it is advisable to consult a veterinarian.
- When conducting a home check-up, it is inappropriate to use artificial or artificial abrasive substances, whether impregnated, coated, or not, on Fluffy's cracked pads as cats will lick them off.
