Cats vary in size among individuals and breeds, so it’s important to observe and feel your cat’s body to gain a better idea of whether your cat is healthy. Feel your cat’s ribcage – if you notice that their bones are jutting out, or you have to apply pressure to feel their ribs, then your cat’s weight may be too low or too high. You should also be able to observe a “waist” behind the ribs when you look at your cat from above.

Digestion is not only the process – it reflects your feline’s toilet habits too. A healthy cat loves to eat so if your cat has lost their appetite this could be a sign that your cat is sick. As a guide, most cats will eat at least four times each day. Advanced nutrition is essential to your cat’s health and happiness to ensure they are getting the high-quality ingredients they need. You can also look at your cat’s litter box to see if your cat is trying to tell you something: small, firm stools are a sign that better nutrition is making a difference inside your cat and less of the food is passing through as waste.

Your cat’s dental condition can tell you a lot about its health. To check your cat’s teeth, grab a soft, wet facecloth and gently rub it against the teeth, being careful of the gums. If your cat is fond of using their teeth (on you!) – then redirect that energy on to appropriate toys. When your cat wants to bite, pop a toy in their mouth. Have you noticed any drooling, lumps or bumps, bad breath, inflamed or bleeding gums or a reluctance to eat? These are key signs that your cat could be sick and needs to be checked by a vet urgently.

Having a good look at your cat’s skin, coat and eyes is another way to see if your cat is in tip-top shape, as their condition can be a good indicator of its health. It’s normal for your cat to shed from time to time, but unusual hair loss can be a sign of illness. Dull fur and flaky skin could also mean that your cat might be sick. Keeping your cat groomed regularly helps to prevent hairballs and as an added bonus, it will help keep the hair on the brush, and away from your furniture and clothes.

If you’re checking their eyes, do notice if they are bright and clear as this is a sign of good health. Gooey discharge and dilated pupils could indicate that they are stressed are unwell.

Just like us, stress can take a big toll on your cat’s overall health and can be caused by a number of factors. These might include changes in routine, visitors staying over or a new addition to the family. Hair loss, dilated pupils, lethargy, hiding and toileting inappropriately are all signs of a stressed cat. This can lead to a lowered immune system, so try to keep your cat as happy and calm as possible.

By nature, cats are usually happy to lounge in a comfortable spot all day, but movement is key to the bone and joint health for cats. Get your cat up and moving by engaging it with fun toys to chase and play with. They’ll get plenty of movement and have lots of fun doing it! If your cat can’t perform routine tasks or movements, this is more than likely a sign indicating an issue and it should be checked by a vet.

Text: Holly Royce / Now To Love