Signs of a Healthy Cat: Weight, Coat, Diet, & Personality

Pet owners want to make sure their animal friends are living their best possible lives, so it’s normal to wonder whether your pet is truly healthy. If you have a cat (or several) at home, read on to learn about the various signs you can look for that indicate a healthy, happy cat.

Healthy Cat Checklist

Follow this quick, easy checklist to assess the basics of your cat’s health.

• Diet: Domestic cats need a specific blend of nutrients in their diet and to ensure your cat is receiving proper nourishment, it’s important to provide him or her with the right amount of healthy cat food from a reputable brand. Shopping through online retailers or local pet stores should help you find high-quality food to give your cat.
• Weight: In general, a healthy cat weight is around 10 lbs for adults. However, certain breeds can be lighter or heavier than this guideline without any risk to their health. For example, Maine Coons, American Bobtails, and Savannahs will weigh up to 20 lbs. Siamese, Cornish Rexes, and Munchkin cats might weigh less than 8 lbs.
• Body Characteristics: A healthy cat will have a soft, full coat and strong nails that don’t easily splinter or break. His or her eyes and nose will be clear of drainage and the inner ears will appear clean, with no noticeable rashes.
• Personality: Cats don’t usually behave in the same ways dogs do, so it can be challenging to gauge a cat’s mental health. A happy cat will appear comfortable in your home and get plenty of sleep throughout the day. He or she will also engage in regular play, purring often, and making little mews and chirping noises on occasion.

How to Keep Your Cat Healthy

To maintain your cat’s health, there are a few things you can do on top of feeding them quality cat food. Supplementing his or her diet with CBD products can help relieve discomfort in cats with joint aches and induce a sense of calm in stressed cats. Ask your veterinarian for advice on CBD supplementation for your cat during your next visit.

Speaking of which, making sure your cat visits the vet’s office regularly is another great way to enhance your pet’s health. Healthy adult cats should see a vet at least once yearly.

It’s also important to create a positive cat habitat in your home. Provide your pet with plenty of hiding places, opportunities to climb and perch, and a clean litter box to use. Your cat should also have a fresh supply of water, access to sunny windows, and plenty of cat toys and scratching surfaces to play with.

Keep an eye on how your cat eats or drinks as well. If you follow the serving guide for his or her food, your cat should finish the food in his or her bowl and drink plenty of water as well.

If you suspect that your cat isn’t as healthy as he or she should be, schedule an appointment with your pet’s veterinarian. After a full health evaluation, your vet will provide you with answers and recommendations.