Pets in the home are some of the best cures for stress and sadness. Having your cat curl on your lap for a snuggle and stroking them as their purr can bring your stress hormones right down and make you feel content.

However, owning a pet isn’t just about your health. You have to ensure that when you adopt an animal, you have their best interests and health at heart. Keeping your kitty well fed is as important as regular grooming, and you must keep on top of both of these things whether your cat is a spoiled house cat or an exploring outdoor one.

Your cat’s health matters a lot and not just to save you money on the vet bills! The needs of an outdoor cat compared to an indoor cat will vary, but not hugely. The biggest difference between the two is exercise, and there is actually indoor exercise equipment you can get for your exclusively indoor cat! You can find out more here about that and know that you are keeping your cat healthy, even if they do refuse to go outside and hunt.

Cats of all breeds have basic needs: clean water, the right food, litter box and the right bowls. Entertainment is also important as they need to stay active and alert. So, what specifics do you need to know to keep an eye on the health of your cat?

• Appetite. The healthy cats always have a good appetite and feel healthy in their weight. Loss of appetite is always the first sign of illness in a pet and ideally, you will always be on the lookout for that. Some loss of appetite in pets is normal – especially if their regular food has changed or the ingredients have differed. If your cat starts putting on weight and becoming overweight, this is not healthy for them and you need to adjust their diet.
• Eyes, Ears, Nose. You’ll be looking at your cat every day, so you should notice if their eyes have dulled in their sparkle. Any eye discharge should be looked into and if their eyes are no longer as clear as before, a visit to the vet is in order! If you notice your cat batting their ears or vigorously shaking its head, you need to search for mites.
• Fur Coat. You may have noticed how meticulous your cat is about their coat, self-grooming and keeping it clean. Noticing flaking skin can indicate illness and if you have a long-haired cat, you should regular groom them to give them a helping hand in the long hair. Doing a check-up with your vet on a regular basis should help you tell the difference between a mild skin condition or a full-on issue.

The health of your animal at home is your responsibility and you should always endeavour to get them the best possible care from the right sources. Spend enough time with your cat to recognise their little perks and get to know their personality. They’re a part of the family now and should be treated as such.