How to do an at-home cat health check

Knowing how to do an at-home health check is essential for any cat parent. It helps you understand what’s normal for your cat and spot when they’re getting unwell. Catching symptoms early can prevent more severe illnesses from developing and make them more affordable to treat.

Below, expert vet Dr Scott Miller runs through the priority areas for your cat’s health check and explains how to spot signs of illness.

• Key areas to check for your cat’s health
  > Eyes
  > Ears
  > Mouth
  > Coat
  > Nose
  > Legs and paws
  > Tail
  > Back end
• How do I know if my cat is unwell?
• Preventative healthcare for your cat

Key areas to check for your cat’s health

> Eyes

Cats are pros at using those big beautiful eyes to get their way. Healthy cat eyes should:

• Be bright and clear
• Have equally sized pupils that are responsive to light
• Be free of discharge, crustiness, or heavy tear stains

Cats can often experience a variety of issues due to:

• Viral or bacterial infections
• Injuries caused by scratches or foreign bodies
• Allergies to dust and pollen

Symptoms of a cat with eye problems include:

• Swelling and redness
• Cloudiness or changes in colour
• Frequent discharge or excessive tearing

Dust is a common cause of eye irritation and infection, so regularly dust your cat’s things and keep your home as clean as possible.

> Ears

Cats have exceptional hearing and can pick up sounds in much higher frequencies. You can tell if your cat has healthy ears because:

• The inside will be pale pink
• They’ll be clean and wax-free

Ear problems in cats can be caused by:

• Parasites such as ear mites
• Bacterial or yeast infections
• Foreign objects like grass seeds getting lodged

Tell-tale signs of issues with your cat’s ears include:

• Head shaking or scratching
• Swelling and redness
• A build-up of dark brown wax
• An unpleasant-smelling discharge

Speak to your vet about cat-safe cleaning solutions and how to do gentle ear cleans. Regular cleaning can help to keep them clear and healthy.

> Mouth

Your cat may not smile that often but when they do, you’ll know it’s a healthy one by:

• White, clean teeth
• Pink gums
• Fresh breath

There are several reasons why your cat’s mouth may develop issues, such as:

• A build-up of plaque and tartar
• Oral infections
• Poor nutrition from an inappropriate diet

To know if your cat is having dental health problems, watch out for:

• Swollen, red or bleeding gums
• Drooling
• Bad breath
• Difficult eating
• Pawing at the mouth

Daily brushing with a soft toothbrush and cat-safe toothpaste can help to maintain those pearly whites. Check out this guide to cat teeth care for a step-by-step on how to introduce your cat to brushing.

> Coat

A glossy and healthy coat is the pride of many felines. You can tell your cat’s coat is in good condition as it will be:

• Smooth and shiny
• Parasite-free
• Dandruff-free

Issues with your cat’s coat and fur can often be a result of:

• Fleas and ticks that cause itching and hair loss
• Dermatitis and skin infections
• Lack of essential nutrients in their diet

Warning signs that your cat’s coat isn’t as it should be include:

• Excessive shedding
• Bald spots
• Sores
• Dull and brittle fur
• Persistent scratching
• Parasites

Frequent brushing helps to spread natural oils and prevent hairballs. Learn how to groom your cat with top tips from an expert vet.

> Nose

Cats explore the world through scent so having a healthy nose is essential, which should be:

• Slightly moist and clean
• Actively in use

Typical causes of nasal issues in cats include:

• Viral and bacterial infections
• Dust, pollen, and mould allergies
• Dry air, particularly during the winter months
• Pollutants
• Foreign bodies like grass seeds and dust particles

Keep an eye on your cat for the following symptoms of a poorly nose:

• Frequent sneezing
• Dryness or cracking
• Persistent discharge
• Swelling or sores

Hydration is key to a healthy nose, so make sure your cat drinks plenty of fresh water, especially during warmer months.

> Legs and paws

Your cat needs strong legs and paws to take life’s daily adventures in their stride. Look for:

• Even weight distribution
• A regular gait
• Clean and intact pads and claws

You never know where your cat is going to explore but some of the common causes of leg and paw problems include:

• Trauma and injury from falls or accidents
• Arthritis
• Infected cuts
• Overgrown claws
• Allergies

You can tell if you’re feline is struggling with leg or paw problems by:

• Limping or difficulty walking
• Swollen, red, or cracked paw pads
• Overgrown or broken claws

Try to check your cat’s paws and legs every time they return after a day of outdoor exploration. Don’t forget to make sure they’ve got lots of scratching posts around the house to help maintain their claws.

> Tail

A cat’s tail is a great communication tool and helps them balance. Signs of a healthy tail include:

• Flexible with smooth movements
• Consistent movement and response

It can be easy to overlook the tail where health issues can arise from:

• Infected open sores and bites
• Skin conditions like dermatitis
• Injuries causing fractures or nerve damage

To know whether your cat has an injured tail, watch out for:

• Pain or discomfort when touched
• Swelling, lumps or sores
• Loss of movement
• Patches of missing hair

It might sound obvious but be mindful of when your cat is around you. This can help reduce the risk of their tail getting caught in shutting doors.

> Back end

Granted, this isn’t the most glamorous area to check! You can tell your cat’s back end is healthy as it will be:

• Clean and free of discharge
• Producing healthy stools

Some of the reasons why a cat might be having problems with their back end include:

• Blocked anal glands
• Infections from poor hygiene
• Digestive issues as a result of a poor diet, dietary intolerance, or IBD

You’ll know it’s time to see a vet when your cat’s back end is:

• Swollen, red, or has sores
• Producing diarrhoea or bloody stools
• Making them scoot or lick

How do I know if my cat is unwell?

Cats often mask how poorly they feel until they’re too unwell to hide their pain or discomfort.

Along with the symptoms you can spot in a health check, here are some other common signs that your cat may be poorly:

• Changes in appetite, whether eating more or less than usual
• Acting lethargic and having less interest in playtime when they are usually active
• Changes in how your cat vocalises around you, such as unusual yowling

Check if your cat insurance offers free at-home video consultations with a 24/7 vet service. This can be helpful if you need fast advice and your cat is nervous about going into a vet clinic.

Preventative healthcare for your cat

Good preventative healthcare for your feline can help protect them against common nasties and keep them healthy.

• Vaccinations – Protect your cat from diseases like FELIV and stop them from passing anything onto other cats. After their primary vaccinations, your cat will need annual boosters to continue protection.
• Flea and worming – Prevent your cat from getting infested with worms and fleas. These are given regularly – every month or three months – and are usually available as tablets and spot-on solutions.
• Feeding a balanced diet – Meets your cat’s nutritional needs and addresses any food intolerances or allergies. It can also help to prevent obesity, a condition that causes other health issues. Your vet can advise on the right diet for your cat.
• Cat insurance – It can be stressful if your cat has an accident or suddenly falls ill and they need expensive treatment. Cat insurance can give you peace of mind that you’re covered for costly vet bills.