Regularly check the health of your cat to ensure he or she is healthy. If you notice any of the problems listed below, be sure to have your cat checked by your veterinarian.

Ears

Bend the ear back gently and look inside. Problems may arise if there is a large amount of discharge or a strong smell coming from the ear.

Mouth

Gently lift up the lip folds to check the teeth and open the jaw to check the mouth.

The gums and tongue should be a salmon pink color; any redness or lumps could suggest a problem.
Check the teeth for tartar (hardened plaque that often appears grey or brown in color); any large build-up could need removing by your vet.
If you notice your cat has bad breath, either generally or while health checking, have your cat checked by your vet.

Eyes

Check to see whether the eyes are clear, bright, and free from discharge.

Nose

Check for any excessive discharge and for any coughing or sneezing, as this could be a sign of a cold.

Body

Check the body all over for any lumps and bumps. Note if any are changing in size or shape. Look for any bald patches, irritations, soreness, or scabs on the skin. Check for fleas or flea dirt, and keep an eye on any excessive scratching or nibbling.

Lookout for mats in long-haired cats or in older cats who may be unable to groom.

Feet

Lift the feet up and gently check the pads for any foreign bodies. Keep a close eye on the length of nails. If your cat is predominately indoors, then it may struggle to maintain a short claw length.

Bottom

Keep an eye on your cat's feces, as an upset stomach can be a sign that your cat is unwell.

Other Observations

A cat will struggle to let us know if they are in pain or unwell; however, these subtle signs could mean all is not well:

Lethargic
Restless
Not eating or eating less
Excessive drinking
Keeping to themselves/not wanting to be fussed
Out-of-the-ordinary behavior

In addition to a basic health check, your cat will need to visit the vet for annual vaccinations.

Worms

An infestation of worms can be easily prevented with regular worming treatment. This can be quite a serious problem in kittens and cats; it also poses a small risk to you and your family. There are many types of inexpensive worming treatments that can be purchased from your vet and can be easily administered at home.

Fleas and Ticks

Fleas and ticks cause discomfort as they feed on your cat's blood; they can also encourage the spread of disease. They can thrive in your house and furnishings due to the warm environment. They are usually picked up by your cat from the outside, although they can travel into the house in many ways. Ticks and fleas can be kept under control with regular treatment, which comes in many different forms. Discuss your cat's individual requirements with your vet.

Other Advice

After you have given your cat a health check, be sure you give him or her some positive attention. If at any point your cat is not happy with being checked over, then stop and try another time.

Your cat should have regular check-ups at the vet for general body condition, weight, and teeth. Your cat should be brushed on a regular basis in order to ensure good coat condition and owner/cat bond; this is especially the case in long-haired and older cats. Owners should also monitor their cat's weight and feed the appropriate diet in order to keep the teeth and body healthy.

Basic Health Check for Your Cat