Your cat depends entirely on you for its well-being. Understanding the signs of good health — and recognizing early warning signals — can make all the difference.
– by Dr. Hemant Jain
When you bring a new cat to your house, its optimum health becomes your priority. Your Vet will provide a regular health checkup for your cat, routine vaccination against infectious diseases, deworming to reduce the worm load, tips for keeping the cat healthy, grooming, ear cleaning, neutering, parasite control on the body, nail trimming, and skin problems. If you notice any unwanted behaviour, then contact your vet immediately.
Your pet’s behavior is usually the best indicator of whether it is healthy or not. If you find any changes in feeding habits, decreased body activity, dull and depressed, sluggish, restlessness, then consult your vet.
- Eyes – In healthy cats, eyes should be very clear and bright and free from any kind of discharge. Cats should be alert and confident in and around their surroundings.
- Ears – The outer part of the ear often becomes dirty and should be cleaned with a cleanser once a week. The ear of a healthy cat should be pink, and there shouldn’t be any smell, discharge or crust formation inside it. Check for flea eggs inside the ear.
- Nose – A cat’s nose should be felt soft, velvety, and moist upon touch. Nostrils should be free of discharges and no crusting on the outer surface. If there is sneezing or any kind of discharge running down, then contact your vet.
- Mouth and Teeth – Cats require regular brushing with the help of cat’s toothpaste only, and it should start from an early age. A healthy cat shows pink colored gums, no broken teeth, and no smell from the mouth.
- Skin and Coat – Healthy cats have a glossy, shiny, and soft coat. The skin should be free of scratches or any kind of wounds. There shouldn’t be any fleas on its body. Weekly bath is advisable after completing 3 months of age, using a cat-friendly shampoo only. Grooming using appropriate tools should be done regularly, and all the loose hair should be removed.
- Anal area should be very clean. Sometimes hair around the anus is soiled with stool, resulting in anal plugging. Cats rub and drag their anus against the ground, which is an indication of worm load. Live worms are also seen around the anus.
(Dr. Hemant Jain – Veterinary Surgeon M.V.Sc. (Surgery), Nagpur)
