Cat health
A healthy cat is not simply a cat without obvious symptoms. Wellbeing depends on physical health, nutrition, safety, rest, movement, play, choice and the quality of relationships. Cats often hide pain and discomfort, so daily observation of appetite, drinking, litter tray use, weight, movement, sleep, coat care and behaviour matters.
Every cat should have:
Weight, teeth, skin, coat, eyes, mobility, urinary tract and digestion should be checked regularly. Needs change with life stage: kittens, adults and seniors require different nutrition, environments and check frequency. At least one veterinary visit per year is advisable; senior cats or cats with known conditions may need six-monthly or more frequent checks.
Book a visit when persistent or recurring changes appear, such as:
A cat rescued from the street, or one with an unknown health history, should receive a complete veterinary examination as soon as possible. The veterinarian will assess general condition, possible microchip identification, parasites, wounds, infectious diseases and whether blood tests or other diagnostic checks are needed. Depending on age, clinical condition and exposure risk, they may recommend testing for feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), as well as the most appropriate vaccination, parasite-control and neutering plan.
Until the visit and health status are clarified, keep the new cat in a separate, quiet, easy-to-clean space. Avoid direct contact and do not share bowls, litter trays, beds or accessories with other animals in the home. Introductions should be gradual and follow veterinary guidance. A positive screening result should not be interpreted on its own: confirmation or repeat testing may be needed depending on the test type, the cat’s age, the timing of exposure and the clinical picture. Management, monitoring and cohabitation plans should be agreed with the veterinarian for the individual case.
Cuts, scratches, bites, abscesses, skin ulcers, oral lesions or other wounds that do not improve progressively, reopen, discharge material, smell unpleasant, or are associated with pain, fever, lethargy, weight loss or reduced appetite need prompt veterinary assessment.
Delayed healing can be linked to local infection, foreign bodies, ongoing trauma, dental disease, metabolic disorders, tumours or immune-system changes. Where risk factors or compatible clinical signs are present, the veterinarian may request a blood count, biochemical profile and targeted tests for infections transmissible between cats, including FeLV and FIV.
Avoid the generic expression “sexually transmitted diseases”: for cats it is more accurate to talk about infections transmissible between cats, noting that FIV is mainly spread through deep bites, while FeLV often requires close and prolonged contact. Do not give antibiotics, corticosteroids or human-use disinfectants without veterinary prescription.
Informational content by Mio GattoAI, prepared with the support of artificial intelligence and reviewed against the product pages. It does not replace a veterinarian's advice: for diagnoses, treatments or emergencies, contact a veterinarian.
Record small changes and see whether they persist or repeat.
Arrange a visit when changes are recurring, progressive or linked to discomfort.
Breathing difficulty, urinary blockage, collapse, seizures, paralysis, major trauma, bleeding or suspected toxicity need immediate care.
Contact a veterinarian immediately in case of:
22 sections covering prevention, nutrition, hydration, teeth, urinary tract, digestion, skin, eyes, breathing, mobility, behaviour, parasites, toxins, kittens and senior cats.
Record appetite, water, litter use and routine changes in a health diary.
Preventive visits follow life stage and known health conditions.
Track weight changes and discuss them with your veterinarian.
Observe appetite and feeding without forcing food or changing treatment.
Offer fresh water in several places and observe changes in thirst.
Litter use and urination: attempts without urine need immediate care.
Changes in thirst, urination and weight need veterinary assessment, not self-diagnosis.
Bad breath, drooling and trouble chewing are signs to report to your vet.
Recurring vomiting or diarrhoea warrant a visit: record duration and frequency.
Watch for itching, hair loss and changes in coat care.
Eyes and vision belong in regular checks and daily observation.
Breathing difficulty and open-mouth breathing are emergency signs.
Reduced jumping and movement difficulty may need veterinary assessment.
Observe withdrawal, irritability and relationships; distribute separate resources between cats.
Record sleep changes and disorientation to discuss with your vet.
Parasite and infection control follow the plan agreed with your veterinarian.
Vaccination and identification are assessed during preventive checks.
Suspected ingestion of toxins: contact your veterinarian immediately.
Swallowed threads, needles or other foreign bodies need immediate care.
Kittens have specific feeding, environment and check-up needs.
For seniors, adapt resources and checks to resting and mobility needs.
Prepare transport and visits with a diary, photos and useful information for your vet.
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Informational content by Mio GattoAI, prepared with the support of artificial intelligence and reviewed against the product pages. It does not replace a veterinarian's advice: for diagnoses, treatments or emergencies, contact a veterinarian. Do not give human medicines or change a treatment without veterinary guidance.
