Did you know that February is National Cat Health Month? It’s also National Free And Open Software Month, but we’ll leave that one to the programmers. Kitties can be quite mysterious little pets. After all, they sometimes bite us just for fun, spend a rather ridiculous amount of time sleeping, and are very, very frightened of cucumbers. How can you tell if your furry friend is healthy? A Kerrville TX vet lists a few things to look for below.

Appearance

You can get a decent general idea of Fluffy’s condition just by looking at her. Healthy cats have soft, smooth fur and bright eyes. They also respond to stimuli, and are at a decent weight.

Purrs

It’s worth pointing out that purrs aren’t always a sign that Fluffy is happy. Cats also purr when they are sick or scared, possibly to soothe themselves. That said, if your feline friend looks pretty content when she turns her motor on, it’s a good sign.

Appetite

If your furry little buddy has a good appetite, pat yourself on the back! Healthy cats have healthy appetites.

Cattitude

This one comes with a few caveats. A cat that is actually angry and/or aggressive may indeed need immediate care. We’re talking about Fluffy’s tendency to be, well, a bit sassy. If your kitty yells at you if you’re late with her breakfast, or sometimes playfully nibbles on your hand, she may be doing just fine. (Note: to discourage biting, blow in Fluffy’s face when she does this, and say ‘No’ or ‘Bad Kitty’ in a firm tone. Then, just ignore your feisty feline until she is ready to be nice.)

Shenanigans

Healthy cats are quite frisky and curious. If your kitty loves to play, and often acts a bit silly, it’s probably safe to say that she’s doing well.

Veterina  ry Care

No surprises here: the best way to find out if your kitty is in good health is to take her to the vet. Regular exams, screenings, and panels allow your vet to get a snapshot of Fluffy’s health. Most cats should come in once a year, but some of our feline pals do need more frequent visits. Ask your vet for specific advice.

Is your kitty due for an exam? Contact us, your local Kerrville TX veterinary clinic, today! We are dedicated to offering excellent veterinary care.