How to Give Your Cat a Monthly Health Check: A Step-by-Step Guide

Cats are much-loved companions who bring joy and comfort to our lives. Performing a monthly health check at home is a simple and effective way to ensure your cat remains happy and healthy between veterinary visits. This guide will provide gentle, step-by-step instructions to thoroughly check your cat’s well-being while respecting their comfort.

Remember, these checks complement but do not replace regular vet visits. Cats should see a vet at least once yearly, or every six months if over eight years old. Early detection during these checks can lead to quicker treatment and better outcomes.

1. Check Your Cat’s Eyes

Gently observe your cat’s eyes—they should be bright, clear, and alert with no redness, discharge, or swelling. Any signs such as redness, watery eyes, or squinting might signal an infection or irritation and should prompt a vet consultation.

2. Examine the Ears for Cleanliness and Signs of Infection

Look inside your cat’s ears for dirt, excessive wax, bad odour, or a reddish-brown discharge, which can indicate ear mites. Notice if your cat scratches their ears frequently or seems uncomfortable. Also, check the ear edges for lumps, scaling, redness, or lesions, which require veterinary assessment.

3. Inspect the Nose

Your cat’s nose should be soft and slightly moist with no crusting or discharge. Watch for any swelling, bumps, or ulcers that seem slow to heal. Sneezing or nasal discharge may signal an infection, so be attentive to these signs.

4. Check Your Cat’s Mouth, Teeth and Gums

Lift your cat's lips gently. Healthy teeth are white or cream without chips or lesions, and gums should be a healthy pink without redness or swelling. Bad breath, bleeding, or sores may point to dental disease requiring veterinary care. Feel around the chin and inside the mouth carefully, but be cautious as your cat may not like this.

5. Assess the Coat and Skin

Your cat’s coat is a good health indicator. It should be shiny and smooth, while the skin should be free from fleas, scabs, bald patches, sores, or dandruff. To check hydration, gently pinch the skin over the shoulders — it should spring back immediately. Slow skin return suggests dehydration and warrants veterinary attention.

6. Examine Claws and Paws

Regularly check your cat’s claws for length and sharpness. Overgrown claws can cause discomfort and injury, especially indoors. Trim cautiously or seek professional help if unsure. Also, check paw pads for any cuts, soreness or swelling.

7. Run Your Hands Over Your Cat’s Body

While your cat is relaxed and enjoying a stroke, gently feel their body for any unusual lumps, bumps, swellings, or sores. If you find anything abnormal or painful, consult your vet promptly.

8. Observe Breathing and Mobility

Watch your cat’s breathing — it should be quiet, regular, and effortless. Signs like wheezing, panting or laboured breathing can indicate respiratory problems. Also, observe your cat moving around for any stiffness, limping, or reluctance to jump. Mobility changes might signal arthritis or injury.

9. Monitor Weight and Behaviour Changes

Regularly weigh your cat if possible and keep note of weight gain or loss. Obesity is a common health concern, particularly for indoor cats, while unexplained weight loss could indicate illness. Notice changes in appetite, energy level, grooming habits, or behaviour, as these may be early signs of health issues.

10. Maintain Preventative Care and Vet Visits

Monthly monthly health checks at home should go hand-in-hand with routine preventative treatments such as flea and worming medication, as advised by your vet. Annual vaccinations and health checks remain essential. Prompt veterinary consultation is necessary if you notice any abnormalities during your checks.

Conclusion

Performing a monthly health check helps you build a closer bond with your cat and equips you to spot subtle changes in their health early. Cats are creatures of habit, so any deviation in their routine, appearance or behaviour is worth noting. Always prioritise veterinary attention when in doubt, as early diagnosis usually enables easier treatment and a speedier recovery, ensuring your feline friend enjoys a long, healthy life full of those cosy lap moments.