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DeutschRagdoll Health & Diseases
Health is the most valuable thing we have, and it is no different for cats—or for any living creature. The difference is that humans can tell us what hurts and what is troubling them. Cats cannot do this, and on the contrary, they often hide their health problems from the outside world. That is why it is so important to observe them, pay attention to their behaviour, and notice any changes in their overall appearance. Every change has a cause, and it is our job to find out what it is.
There are many feline diseases, but instead of simply describing them one by one, I would like to share my own experiences with you.
Whenever I describe my experiences, it does not mean that someone else could not have a different one, and I also do not want to pretend that I know everything. One rule always applies: it is better to visit the vet once unnecessarily than to overlook something important.
In my opinion, the most important thing is a simple daily health check, which we usually do automatically. This includes checking the cat’s eyes and gently wiping them if needed (I use Ophtal Septonex, but boiled and cooled water works as well), looking into the ears (I clean them once a week if there is no issue—your vet can recommend drops or gel), and when I pick up and cuddle the cat or kitten, I take a quick look at the bottom to make sure everything is clean.
When petting the cat, I also pay attention to the texture of the coat. A change in coat quality can be the first sign that something is not right. If the coat feels rougher or duller than usual, I become more alert and observe the cat more closely to see whether I notice any other changes. Based on that, I decide what steps to take next.