Cat Health Checklist — Daily Observation Points & Warning Signs

Cats instinctively hide signs of illness, so by the time symptoms become apparent, the condition may already be advanced. Make daily observation through petting a habit to catch changes early.

Daily Checkpoints

Eyes - Amount and color of discharge (small amounts of white to slightly yellow discharge are normal) - Redness, tearing, squinting, or the third eyelid (white membrane) showing - Yellow whites may indicate jaundice (possible liver or gallbladder issue)

Ears - Amount and color of earwax (black granular wax may indicate ear mites) - Foul odor, redness, or head-shaking behavior - Brown buildup inside the ear may indicate otitis externa

Nose - Nasal discharge (small amounts of clear discharge are normal; yellow or green suggests infection) - Dryness (slight dryness is normal, but dryness combined with fever is concerning) - Persistent sneezing may indicate upper respiratory infection

Mouth and Teeth - Bad breath (sweet breath may suggest diabetes; ammonia-like odor may indicate kidney failure) - Tartar buildup (hard yellow-brown deposits) - Gum color (check for healthy pink; white or pale gums suggest anemia)

Eating and Elimination

• Appetite: Is the cat eating the same amount daily?
• Water intake: A sudden increase in drinking may indicate diabetes or kidney disease
• Urination: Frequent urination, blood in urine, or straining in the litter box may indicate urinary disease (especially dangerous for male cats)
• Bowel movements: Monitor stool consistency, color, and frequency (soft stool, bloody stool, or constipation require attention)
• Vomiting: Occasional hairball vomiting (about once a week) is normal; more frequent episodes are abnormal

Body and Coat

• Coat condition (dull or unkempt fur often signals illness)
• Excessive grooming or, conversely, cessation of grooming are both warning signs
• Feel for lumps or injuries during daily petting

Weekly Checks

• Weight: A change of 10% or more in body weight over 2 weeks is abnormal
• Nail length: Trim if nails are curling or catching on floors

Signs Requiring Immediate Veterinary Care

• Repeated litter box visits with little or no urine output (urethral obstruction in male cats is an emergency)
• Severe or persistent vomiting/diarrhea
• Lethargy, unresponsiveness
• Loss of appetite lasting 2+ days
• Labored breathing or open-mouth breathing
• Seizures or unconsciousness

Cats hide illness instinctively, so your intuition that "something seems off" is often correct. Do not hesitate to consult your veterinarian.