Published: 5th December 2024 By Dr. Sarah Mitchell, MRCVS 6 minute read Health, Preventive Care

Cats are masters at hiding illness, a survival instinct that served their wild ancestors well but can make it challenging for pet owners to recognise health problems early. As a veterinarian with 15 years of experience in feline medicine, I've learned that proactive preventive care is the key to maintaining your cat's health and catching potential issues before they become serious problems.

Understanding what constitutes normal behaviour and health indicators for your individual cat, combined with regular preventive care, can add years to your feline friend's life whilst ensuring those years are comfortable and enriching.

Understanding Normal Feline Health Indicators

Before recognising illness, it's crucial to understand what healthy looks like for cats:

Vital Signs and Physical Indicators

  • Body Temperature: 38.1°C to 39.2°C (100.5°F to 102.5°F)
  • Heart Rate: 140-220 beats per minute (varies with age and activity)
  • Respiratory Rate: 20-30 breaths per minute at rest
  • Weight: Stable weight appropriate for breed and body frame
  • Body Condition: Visible waist when viewed from above, ribs easily felt but not seen

Behavioural Health Indicators

  • Appetite: Consistent eating habits and enthusiasm for food
  • Activity Level: Regular play, exploration, and interaction
  • Grooming: Daily self-grooming maintaining a clean, well-kept coat
  • Litter Box Habits: Regular, predictable elimination patterns
  • Social Behaviour: Normal interaction levels with family members

Essential Preventive Healthcare

Regular Veterinary Examinations

The cornerstone of feline health is regular veterinary care:

Examination Schedule

  • Kittens (under 1 year): Every 3-4 months for vaccinations and monitoring
  • Young Adults (1-7 years): Annual comprehensive examinations
  • Senior Cats (7-11 years): Bi-annual examinations
  • Geriatric Cats (11+ years): Every 4-6 months with enhanced monitoring

What to Expect During Examinations

  • Physical Assessment: Heart, lungs, eyes, ears, mouth, and abdominal palpation
  • Weight and Body Condition: Monitoring for changes that could indicate health issues
  • Dental Evaluation: Checking for tartar, gingivitis, and dental disease
  • Behavioural Assessment: Discussing any changes in behaviour or habits
  • Parasite Check: Examining for external parasites and discussing internal parasite prevention

Vaccination Protocols

Vaccinations protect against serious infectious diseases:

Core Vaccines (Recommended for All Cats)

  • Feline Herpesvirus (FHV-1): Causes upper respiratory infection
  • Feline Calicivirus (FCV): Another cause of respiratory disease
  • Feline Panleukopenia (FPV): Highly contagious and potentially fatal
  • Feline Leukaemia Virus (FeLV): Essential for cats with outdoor access or multi-cat households

Non-Core Vaccines (Risk-Based)

  • Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV): For high-risk cats
  • Chlamydophila felis: In multi-cat environments with history of infection
  • Bordetella: For cats in high-density housing situations

Common Health Issues in Cats

Urinary Tract Health

Urinary issues are among the most common health problems in cats, particularly males:

Signs of Urinary Problems

  • Straining to urinate or producing only small amounts
  • Blood in urine
  • Urinating outside the litter box
  • Excessive licking of genital area
  • Crying or vocalising when urinating

Prevention Strategies

  • Adequate Hydration: Ensure fresh water is always available
  • Wet Food Diet: Higher moisture content supports urinary health
  • Stress Reduction: Maintain a calm, predictable environment
  • Litter Box Management: Clean boxes daily, provide multiple boxes in multi-cat homes
  • Regular Monitoring: Watch for changes in urination patterns

Dental Disease

Dental problems affect over 70% of cats by age three:

Signs of Dental Issues

  • Bad breath (halitosis)
  • Yellow or brown tartar buildup on teeth
  • Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
  • Difficulty eating or dropping food
  • Pawing at the mouth or face
  • Excessive drooling

Dental Care Protocol

  • Daily Brushing: Use cat-specific toothpaste and brush
  • Dental Treats: Provide dental chews designed for cats
  • Professional Cleaning: Annual or bi-annual veterinary dental cleanings
  • Diet Considerations: Dental-specific foods can help reduce tartar
  • Regular Monitoring: Lift lips weekly to check for changes

Obesity and Weight Management

Over 50% of cats in Britain are overweight or obese, leading to numerous health complications:

Health Risks of Obesity

  • Type 2 diabetes mellitus
  • Arthritis and joint problems
  • Heart disease
  • Increased anaesthetic and surgical risks
  • Reduced immune function
  • Shortened lifespan

Weight Management Strategies

  • Portion Control: Measure food portions accurately
  • Scheduled Feeding: Avoid free-feeding; use timed meals
  • Exercise Encouragement: Interactive toys and play sessions
  • Diet Foods: Prescription weight management diets when necessary
  • Regular Weigh-ins: Monitor weight changes monthly

Senior Cat Care (7+ Years)

As cats age, their healthcare needs change significantly:

Age-Related Health Changes

  • Metabolic Changes: Slower metabolism, potential weight gain or loss
  • Kidney Function: Gradual decline in kidney efficiency
  • Joint Health: Arthritis development and mobility issues
  • Cognitive Changes: Possible cognitive dysfunction syndrome
  • Immune System: Decreased immune response

Enhanced Senior Care

  • Increased Veterinary Monitoring: More frequent examinations and bloodwork
  • Environmental Modifications: Easier access to food, water, and litter boxes
  • Comfort Measures: Heated beds and easily accessible resting spots
  • Gentle Exercise: Encourage movement whilst respecting limitations
  • Mental Stimulation: Continue enrichment activities adapted to abilities

Nutrition and Digestive Health

Life Stage Nutrition

Nutritional needs change throughout a cat's life:

Kitten Nutrition (0-12 months)

  • High Calorie Density: Support rapid growth and development
  • Frequent Feeding: 3-4 meals daily
  • Premium Protein: High-quality protein sources for muscle development
  • DHA: Essential for brain and eye development

Adult Cat Nutrition (1-7 years)

  • Balanced Maintenance: Complete and balanced adult formula
  • Weight Management: Appropriate calorie levels for activity
  • Dental Support: Foods that promote dental health
  • Hairball Control: Fiber content to manage hairballs

Senior Cat Nutrition (7+ years)

  • Easy Digestibility: Highly digestible proteins and nutrients
  • Joint Support: Glucosamine and chondroitin supplementation
  • Kidney Support: Moderate protein levels, phosphorus restriction
  • Antioxidants: Enhanced antioxidant levels for immune support

Signs of Digestive Issues

  • Vomiting (especially if frequent or contains blood)
  • Diarrhoea or constipation
  • Loss of appetite or difficulty eating
  • Excessive hairballs
  • Weight loss or gain
  • Lethargy or changes in behaviour

Parasite Prevention and Control

Internal Parasites

Common internal parasites in British cats:

Roundworms

  • Transmission: Ingestion of eggs from contaminated environment
  • Signs: Pot-bellied appearance, visible worms in faeces or vomit
  • Prevention: Regular deworming, especially for outdoor cats

Tapeworms

  • Transmission: Through fleas or hunting prey
  • Signs: Rice-like segments around anus or in faeces
  • Prevention: Flea control and preventing hunting

External Parasites

Fleas

  • Signs: Scratching, visible fleas or flea dirt
  • Treatment: Prescription flea treatments from veterinarian
  • Environment Control: Treat home environment as well as cat

Ticks

  • Risk: Higher in cats with outdoor access
  • Removal: Use proper tick removal tools
  • Prevention: Tick prevention products for outdoor cats

Creating a Healthy Environment

Indoor Environment Optimisation

  • Air Quality: Ensure good ventilation and avoid harsh chemicals
  • Temperature Control: Maintain comfortable temperature year-round
  • Safe Plants: Remove toxic plants and provide cat-safe alternatives
  • Stress Reduction: Create quiet spaces and maintain routines
  • Exercise Opportunities: Provide climbing towers and interactive toys

Litter Box Management

  • Rule of Thumb: One box per cat plus one extra
  • Location: Quiet, accessible areas away from food and water
  • Cleaning: Scoop daily, complete changes weekly
  • Litter Type: Most cats prefer unscented, clumping litter
  • Box Size: Large enough for cat to turn around comfortably

Mental Health and Enrichment

Signs of Stress in Cats

  • Changes in eating or drinking habits
  • Inappropriate elimination
  • Excessive grooming or lack of grooming
  • Hiding or avoiding interaction
  • Aggressive behaviour
  • Excessive vocalisation

Enrichment Activities

  • Interactive Toys: Puzzle feeders and treat-dispensing toys
  • Vertical Space: Cat trees and shelving for climbing
  • Window Perches: Safe viewing areas for outdoor observation
  • Rotation: Regularly rotate toys to maintain interest
  • Play Sessions: Daily interactive play with owners

Emergency Preparedness

When to Seek Immediate Veterinary Care

  • Breathing Difficulties: Open-mouth breathing, rapid breathing
  • Inability to Urinate: Especially in male cats (life-threatening emergency)
  • Severe Trauma: Falls, vehicle accidents, animal attacks
  • Toxin Ingestion: Any suspected poisoning
  • Seizures: Any seizure activity
  • Collapse or Unconsciousness: Sudden loss of consciousness

First Aid Kit Essentials

  • Digital thermometer (rectal)
  • Sterile gauze pads and bandages
  • Antiseptic wipes
  • Emergency contact numbers
  • Cat carrier for transport
  • Hydrogen peroxide (only use if directed by veterinarian)

Professional Insight

The Power of Observation:

"As a veterinarian, I always tell cat owners that they are their pet's first line of defence against illness. Cats are incredibly stoic animals, often hiding discomfort until a condition is quite advanced. The owners who know their cat's normal behaviours, eating habits, and routines are the ones who catch problems early when they're most treatable."

Key Tip: "Keep a simple health journal noting your cat's weight, appetite, and any behavioural changes. This information is invaluable during veterinary visits and can help identify patterns that might otherwise be missed."

- Dr. Sarah Mitchell, MRCVS

Building a Partnership with Your Veterinarian

Preparing for Veterinary Visits

  • Health History: Keep records of vaccinations, treatments, and health events
  • Behaviour Changes: Note any changes in eating, drinking, or elimination
  • Questions List: Prepare questions in advance of appointments
  • Stress Reduction: Use pheromone sprays or familiar blankets for transport

Ongoing Communication

  • Follow-up: Schedule recommended follow-up appointments
  • Questions: Don't hesitate to call with concerns between visits
  • Treatment Compliance: Follow prescribed treatment plans completely
  • Feedback: Report how your cat responds to treatments

Conclusion

Maintaining your cat's health is a journey that requires attention, dedication, and partnership with veterinary professionals. By understanding normal feline behaviour, implementing preventive care measures, and staying alert to changes in your cat's condition, you can help ensure your feline friend enjoys a long, healthy, and comfortable life.

Remember that each cat is an individual with unique needs and characteristics. What's normal for one cat may not be normal for another, which is why knowing your own cat's patterns and behaviours is so crucial. Regular veterinary care, combined with your daily observations and care, creates the best possible foundation for feline health.

At Motor Paragon, we're committed to supporting you in providing the best possible care for your cat. Our range of health-supporting products, from premium nutrition to dental care items, combined with our expert advice, helps you maintain your cat's health at every life stage.