Cat Health Advice

Cat health advice covers two main areas. Firstly, what are the signs of a healthy cat? And secondly, what are the signs of the various diseases that cats can get? Let's look at both of these in turn.

1) Healthy overall demeanor

• Shiny coat, which he grooms regularly
• Clear, bright cat eyes
• Active, energetic and curious
• Healthy, supple skin
• Resistance to disease, quick recovery from illnesses

2) Healthy digestive system

A healthy kitty's poops will be "normal" (for want of a better expression!) Diarrhea or constipation either indicate a health problem or a diet problem.

3) Healthy skin and fur

Healthy skin is supple, smooth, dandruff-free and free of spots, scabs etc. Healthy fur is shiny, sleek and free of tangles.

4) Healthy teeth and gums

Healthy teeth are white (though they may yellow a bit as your cat ages), and they're tartar-free. Healthy gums are pink (not red), don't bleed and are tartar-free.

5) Healthy bones and joints

A cat with healthy bones and joints will have a good posture and will be able to do all the normal kitty activities such as climbing, jumping etc.

6) Healthy body size and shape

A healthy cat is neither too fat nor too thin. You should be able to feel his ribs, but not see them. Also, when you look at him from above, you should be able to see a waistline below his ribs. If your kitty is long haired, you may not be able to see his waistline, but you should be able to feel it.

Once you know what a healthy cat should be like, it's easier to understand the other aspect of cat health advice, which is recognizing when your kitty may be sick. I've listed some common cat illnesses. For advice about any of these, please click on the text links below. Click here for advice on health insurance for your cat.

Acute Cat Renal Failure

Cat Bladder Stones

Cat Blindness

Cat Cerebellar Hypoplasia

Cat Constipation

Cat Dehydration

Cat Dental Health

Cat Diabetes

Cat Diarrhea

Cat Ear Mites and Other Cat Ear Problems

Cat Enteritis

Cat Eye Problems

Cat Fleas

Cat Flu

Cat Hairballs

Cat Leukemia

Cat Skin Problems

Cat Urinary Tract Infection

Cat Vomiting

Cat Worms

Chronic Cat Kidney Failure

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus

Kitten Fleas

The cat health advice on this page is for information only. Please take your kitty to the vet without delay if you think he may be sick.