Cats are naturally agile and playful due to their flexible spine and strong muscles. Although they easily assimilate to domestic living, most cats are drawn to wander the environment occasionally.

As a pet parent, you undoubtedly know your cat’s personality and quirks. Though you might think that you can tell whether they are sick or healthy, it’s always a good idea to know the primary signs if they are under the weather or not.

Are they well-groomed? Ensure your cat’s eyes are not cloudy or unfocused and without any crusty buildup. Their ears and teeth should be clean, and their gums pink and free of discharge and odors. A healthy cat should also have smooth fur. Their skin should be free of scabs, redness, or signs of flea infestation and fluffy and shiny without matting or patches of hair loss.

Do they look inactive? One of the most basic signs that a cat is healthy is if they are jumping or running around the house. Take them for a short walk. After all, having an active schedule is an essential part of their life.

Are they purring a lot? Cats may not be able to speak, but they do express their emotions when they purr. According to veterinarians, cats purr when they feel happy. This often happens if they get back scratches or are just content with their current environment.

Do they eat? A sign of a healthy feline is when they are very eager to eat during mealtime. Give them cat food with different tastes and textures. An option is the Goodest Cat, a vet-formulated wet cat food in three flavors — Tender Tuna, Chicken Chomp and Meaty Mackerel. This scrumptious meals-in-a-pouch is made with the freshest ingredients, enriched with vitamins and minerals. One pouch weighs 85g for only P26.15 with up to 24 months of shelf-life. Goodest Cat fits kittens, pregnant cats, and adult and senior cats.

Does their stool appear firm and malleable? Most cats poop at least once a day, and their stools should be deep brown in color and should not be too hard or mushy. Small, hard poop balls are considered abnormal and unhealthy because they can indicate constipation.

Are their tails twitching? Cat tail language is on another level. If a cat’s tail is high up, it means they are confident and content about something. When their tails are curved, they are in a playful mood. Cats are in a severe mood if it is sad. If tucked away, they feel nervous. A tail that slaps back and forth means that a cat feels aggressive. When all its hairs are up, cats feel frightened.

How long do they sleep? According to sleepfoundation.org, more than half of cats sleep 12 and 18 hours daily. The National Library of Medicine Biotech Information adds that cats have a polyphasic sleep pattern, meaning they sleep multiple times each day rather than in one long period like humans do.

When your cat ticks all these signs, there’s a good chance that they are in top condition to live a happy, healthy nine life.