For many pet owners, cats are more than just animals – they’re family. They bring companionship, comfort, and plenty of joy, but caring for them also means paying attention to their health. The challenge is that cats are often experts at hiding illness, and serious health problems can begin with subtle changes that are easy to miss. Fortunately, a few simple checks can help you spot potential issues early, allowing for timely treatment and giving your feline companion the best chance at a long, healthy life.
Dr Hersh Garhwal, a veterinarian with more than 20 years of experience who focuses on prevention, nutrition, and wellness, is sharing five simple checks that can help you assess your cat’s health. In an Instagram post shared on June 3, he highlights the case of a woman who noticed her cat was drinking more water than usual, even though everything else seemed normal. That subtle change prompted a veterinary evaluation, which ultimately helped save the cat’s life.
He states, “She noticed her cat was drinking a little more water than usual. She almost ignored it. Nothing looked wrong. He was eating. Playing. Purring. But the water level in his bowl has been dropping faster for three weeks straight. That one observation saved his life.” Check out his Instagram post here.
How to check your cat’s health markers?
According to Dr Garhwal, health issues in cats rarely begin with dramatic or obvious symptoms. More often, they show up as subtle changes in behaviour, appearance, or daily habits that can easily go unnoticed. The key is knowing what to watch for. To help pet owners spot potential problems early, he recommends five simple health checks that take less than five minutes to perform and can offer valuable insights into a cat’s overall wellbeing.
Breathing rate
Dr Garhwal recommends monitoring your cat’s breathing rate while they are asleep. A healthy resting cat typically takes between 15 and 30 breaths per minute. If the breathing rate consistently exceeds 30 breaths per minute, it could signal an underlying medical issue and warrants veterinary attention. He explains, “Count their breathing rate while they sleep. Normal is 15 to 30 per minute. Above 30 needs attention.”
Weight
The veterinarian also advises weighing your cat at least once a month, as even small fluctuations in weight can be an early warning sign of health issues. According to Dr Garhwal, a change of just 200 grams may be significant and could point to an underlying medical condition. Dr Garhwal notes, “Weight them monthly. Even 200 grams of change is significant.”
Gums
Your cat’s gums can reveal a surprising amount about their overall health. According to Dr Garhwal, changes in gum colour may be an early indicator of underlying issues such as anaemia, infection, or dental disease. He recommends gently lifting your cat’s lip and taking a quick look at their gums, paying close attention to their colour and appearance.
- Pink and moist – healthy
- Pale – possible anaemia
- Red – dental disease or infection
- Dry or tacky – dehydration
Water intake
Changes in your cat’s water consumption can also provide valuable clues about their health. Dr Garhwal recommends keeping track of their daily intake by marking the water level in the bowl each morning and monitoring how much is consumed throughout the day. He highlights, “Track their water intake. Mark the bowl each morning. More than usual needs investigation. Less can mean nausea or dehydration.”
Litter box output
The veterinarian also recommends paying close attention to your cat’s litter box habits, as changes in health often show up there before they become obvious elsewhere. Variations in the amount, frequency, or appearance of urine and stool can provide important clues about underlying medical issues. Dr Garhwal suggests checking for the following:
- Urine clump size
- Stool consistency
- Frequency
- Any straining
He concludes, “Do these weekly. Write them down. Know their normal. Nobody knows your cat better than you.”
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. It is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.
