Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian for health concerns about your cat.
Cats are masters at hiding discomfort. By the time most of us notice something is wrong, the problem has often been developing for weeks or months. A simple monthly check-up at home takes 10 to 15 minutes and can help you catch changes early, when they're usually easier (and less expensive) to treat.
This isn't a replacement for annual vet visits. Think of it as the cat equivalent of checking your car's oil between services.
The Monthly Check: Head to Tail
Pick a time when your cat is relaxed. After a meal or a play session works well, and treats nearby keep the associations positive. If your cat resists any area, note it and try again tomorrow. Forcing it creates stress for both of you, and then next month's check gets harder.
Eyes
Eyes should be clear, bright, and equally sized. Look for discharge, cloudiness, redness, or swelling, and check that the third eyelid (the nictitating membrane) isn't visible while your cat is alert. Persistent discharge, unequal pupil sizes, a visible third eyelid, or squinting all warrant a vet call.
Ears
The inside of the ear should be pale pink with minimal wax. Give them a gentle sniff, because healthy ears have no strong odour. Dark debris can mean ear mites, and redness or swelling shouldn't be there at all. A foul smell, lots of dark wax, head shaking, or scratching at the ears means it's time to book an appointment.
Mouth and Teeth
Gums should be pink rather than white, red, or yellow, and teeth should be white without heavy brownish-yellow tartar deposits. Look for broken teeth, red gum lines, or sores, and smell the breath while you're in there. Mild fish is normal. A strong, foul odour is not. Drooling, difficulty eating, red or bleeding gums, or bad breath are all vet-worthy. According to the AVMA, 70% of cats show signs of dental disease by age three, which is a sobering number.
(For more detail, see our Cat Dental Care Routine Checklist.)
Coat and Skin
Run your hands over the entire body and feel for lumps, bumps, or sore spots. The coat should be smooth and clean within breed norms. Part the fur in a few places and check the skin underneath for flaking, redness, scabs, or parasites, and keep an eye out for bald patches or unusual hair loss. Any new lump, even a tiny one, plus sudden hair loss, persistent scratching, or visible parasites should go on the vet list.
Weight
Weigh your cat monthly on a bathroom scale. Weigh yourself holding the cat, then subtract your own weight. It's not glamorous but it works. You should be able to feel ribs without pressing hard, but not see them, and from above there should be a visible waist behind the ribs.
Track the number over time, because a change of 0.5 kg / 1 lb in a month is significant for a cat. Unexplained loss is especially concerning and can indicate kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, diabetes, or other conditions.
Nails
Check the length, since indoor cats may need trimming every two to four weeks, and look for cracked, split, or overgrown nails. Don't forget the dewclaws, the inner "thumbs", which never wear down naturally and are the ones most likely to curl. Nails growing into paw pads, or redness and swelling around the nail bed, need a vet.
Mobility
Watch your cat walk, jump, and climb as they normally would. Any stiffness, limping, or reluctance to jump may signal pain. According to the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, 90% of cats over 12 show signs of arthritis on X-ray, so this matters more with every birthday. Note changes in how high they jump or which surfaces they've quietly started avoiding. Limping, difficulty reaching favourite spots, or stiffness after rest deserve professional eyes.
Monthly Health Check Quick Reference
| Area | What to Check | Red Flags |
|---|---|---|
| Eyes | Clarity, equal size, no discharge | Cloudiness, squinting, unequal pupils |
| Ears | Pink inside, minimal wax, no odour | Dark debris, foul smell, head shaking |
| Mouth | Pink gums, clean teeth, mild breath | Red gums, tartar, bad breath, drooling |
| Coat/Skin | Smooth coat, no lumps, no parasites | Bald patches, new lumps, flaking |
| Weight | Stable month to month, ribs palpable | Sudden loss or gain (0.5 kg / 1 lb+) |
| Nails | Appropriate length, no cracks | Overgrown, ingrown, swollen nail bed |
| Mobility | Normal gait, willing to jump | Limping, stiffness, avoiding heights |
Behaviour Changes to Watch For
Your monthly check is also a good moment to think back over the past four weeks. A few things worth asking yourself:
- Is your cat eating more or less than usual? Drinking noticeably more water? Increased thirst can signal kidney disease or diabetes.
- Any change in litter box habits? Going more or less often, straining, or different stool consistency all count.
- Are energy levels off, either more lethargic or more restless than normal?
- A cat that suddenly hides more may be in pain or unwell.
- Yowling at night, especially in senior cats, warrants a vet check.
Annual Vet Visit vs. Monthly Home Check
Your monthly home check does not replace professional veterinary care. The two do different jobs. At home, you're catching visible changes early and building a baseline of what's normal for your particular cat. Your vet handles blood work, dental assessment, vaccination boosters, and a full physical exam once a year. Senior cats, meaning seven years and older, benefit from twice-yearly visits.
FAQ
My cat won't let me check their mouth. What should I do?
Start slowly. Touch their chin, then lips, and reward with a treat each time. Over several sessions, most cats will tolerate a brief lip lift. If your cat truly resists, leave the dental check to your vet, but watch for signs like bad breath, dropping food, or pawing at the mouth.
How do I know what's "normal" for my cat?
That's exactly why monthly checks matter. By looking at the same areas regularly, you build a mental baseline. The first month or two might feel uncertain, but you'll quickly learn what's typical for your individual cat.
How often should I take my cat to the vet?
Healthy adult cats should see a vet at least once a year. Kittens need more frequent visits for vaccinations. Senior cats (seven years and older) benefit from check-ups every six months.
Related reading: The Ultimate Cat Health Checklist | Cat Emergency Signs Checklist | Dental Care Checklist | All Checklists
