When you visit your veterinarian, make sure to address any questions or concerns you have about your cat’s health. To help you identify any issues worth discussing, review the following lists for abnormalities to look out for.

What’s Normal?

• Eyes should be bright and clear. If you notice any discharge, be sure to inform your veterinarian.
• Ears should be clean and free from discharge, odor, and redness. Untreated ear issues can be painful and may lead to hearing loss.
• The mouth should have a fresh smell. Gums should be pink, and teeth should be free of tartar or plaque. The mouth and lips should be free from sores or growths.
• The coat should be shiny and clean.
• Active cats typically remain at a healthy weight. Consult your veterinarian for guidance on selecting the appropriate cat food to help maintain your cat’s ideal weight.
• Notify your veterinarian immediately if you notice any changes in your cat’s litter box habits, such as alterations in the frequency or consistency of their urine or stool.

What’s NOT Normal?

• Diarrhea is a common issue that can result from various factors such as bacteria, viruses, internal parasites, toxins, overfeeding, or stress. Contact your veterinarian if you notice bloody stools, a significant amount of watery stools, weight loss or a bloated belly, or if the diarrhea persists for more than 24 hours.
• Constipation, similar to diarrhea, can be caused by various factors, including ingestion of hair, bones, or foreign objects, as well as diseases or inadequate water intake. Your veterinarian might suggest blood tests, X-rays, or other diagnostic procedures to determine the underlying cause.
• While occasional vomiting in cats can be normal, frequent or persistent vomiting is not. Contact your veterinarian if your cat vomits more than five times within a few hours, vomits large amounts, has blood in the vomit, or if vomiting is accompanied by diarrhea or abdominal pain.
• Straining to urinate or having blood in the urine may signal a painful urinary tract infection. Contact your veterinarian right away.

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