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Meet the body
A cat’s organs work together. These six windows introduce their everyday jobs and the changes you can observe without examining or restraining your cat.
Sources checked ·
An introduction for cat caregivers. Diagnosis, medication and individual care plans need a veterinarian.
Signs that need urgent care
01 · Teeth · gums · tongue
Mouth & teeth
Teeth grasp and cut food. The tongue moves food and water and helps groom the coat.
An adult cat normally has 30 teeth. Much of each tooth lies below the gumline: looking at home cannot rule out disease. Dental assessment may need anesthesia and dental X-rays.
What to notice
Notice chewing, dropped food, drooling and new bad breath. A cat can keep eating despite mouth pain.
A small act of care
Build up gentle brushing with cat toothpaste. If the mouth looks sore, ask the vet before brushing.
Read the sourcesMerck Veterinary Manual: Physical Description of CatsCornell Feline Health Center: Feline Dental Disease
02 · Airways · lungs · heart
Heart & lungs
Lungs exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide; the heart circulates blood to carry oxygen around the body.
Air passes through the windpipe and branching airways to the lungs. Breathing problems can come from the lungs, heart or other causes; a cough should not automatically be dismissed as a hairball.
What to notice
Watch breathing when your cat is relaxed or asleep. Notice new effort, coughing or a persistent change from their usual pattern.
A small act of care
Avoid tobacco smoke and irritating sprays. Open-mouth or labored breathing needs emergency care.
Read the sourcesMerck Veterinary Manual: Introduction to Lung and Airway Disorders of CatsCornell Feline Health Center: Dyspnea (Difficulty Breathing)
03 · Stomach · intestines · liver · pancreas
Digestion & nutrition
The digestive tract breaks food down and absorbs nutrients. The liver and pancreas help digestion and nutrient processing.
Food travels through the mouth, esophagus, stomach and intestines. The liver produces bile; the pancreas supplies digestive enzymes and hormones including insulin. Cats need nutrients such as taurine: meat alone is not a complete diet.
What to notice
Notice appetite, vomiting, stool and weight trends. Repeated vomiting is not a normal grooming routine.
A small act of care
Offer complete cat food for the right life stage, introduce changes gradually, and keep fresh water available.
Read the sourcesMerck Veterinary Manual: Introduction to Digestive Disorders of CatsCornell Feline Health Center: Feeding Your Cat
04 · Kidneys · ureters · bladder · urethra
Kidneys & bladder
Kidneys filter blood and regulate water and waste. Urine travels to the bladder before leaving through the urethra.
Kidneys also help regulate blood pressure and red blood cell production. Kidney disease and lower urinary tract problems are different: larger urine volumes and difficulty passing urine need different investigations.
What to notice
Notice drinking, urine clumps and toilet visits. Straining with little or no urine is an emergency.
A small act of care
Provide fresh water and clean, accessible litter boxes. Never restrict drinking to reduce urination.
Read the sourcesMerck Veterinary Manual: The Urinary System of CatsCornell Feline Health Center: Chronic Kidney DiseaseCornell Feline Health Center: Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease
05 · Bones · joints · muscles
Bones & movement
The skeleton supports the body; joints and muscles make walking, climbing and jumping possible.
Pain can appear as behavioral change rather than a limp. Older cats that become quieter may need a pain assessment. Veterinary care can be paired with lower steps and easier access to food, water and litter.
What to notice
Watch for hesitation before jumping, stiffness, less grooming or a change in favorite resting places.
A small act of care
Offer non-slip routes, accessible resting spots and short play sessions your cat can choose to join.
Read the sourcesCornell Feline Health Center: Is Your Cat Slowing Down?
06 · Skin · coat · whiskers · ears
Skin & senses
Skin forms a protective barrier. Fur helps regulate temperature; whiskers and other senses provide information about the surroundings.
Grooming helps you notice new lumps or tender areas. Avoid pushing cotton buds into ears or using dog flea products on cats. Coat changes may reflect skin disease, pain or other health problems.
What to notice
Look for bald areas, scratching, overgrooming, discharge or head shaking. Sudden changes deserve attention.
A small act of care
Groom gently, leave whiskers intact, and ask your vet about cat-safe parasite prevention.
Read the sourcesMerck Veterinary Manual: Structure of the Skin in CatsMerck Veterinary Manual: Physical Description of CatsMerck Veterinary Manual: Routine Health Care of CatsCornell Feline Health Center: Poisons
PURRJUNG · Read the sources
Sources and the limits of this guide
An original educational summary of public veterinary resources. References support the nearby sections; they do not imply endorsement or veterinary review of this guide.
Sources checked · · Source in English
- 01Merck Veterinary ManualPhysical Description of Cats
- 02Merck Veterinary ManualIntroduction to Digestive Disorders of Cats
- 03Merck Veterinary ManualIntroduction to Lung and Airway Disorders of Cats
- 04Merck Veterinary ManualThe Urinary System of Cats
- 05Merck Veterinary ManualStructure of the Skin in Cats
- 06Merck Veterinary ManualRoutine Health Care of Cats
- 07Cornell Feline Health CenterFeeding Your Cat
- 08Cornell Feline Health CenterFeline Dental Disease
- 09Cornell Feline Health CenterFeline Lower Urinary Tract Disease
- 10Cornell Feline Health CenterChronic Kidney Disease
- 11Cornell Feline Health CenterVomiting
- 12Cornell Feline Health CenterDyspnea (Difficulty Breathing)
- 13Cornell Feline Health CenterFeline Asthma: A Risky Business for Many Cats
- 14Cornell Feline Health CenterFeline Diabetes
- 15Cornell Feline Health CenterPoisons
- 16Merck Veterinary ManualEvaluation and Initial Treatment of Dog and Cat Emergencies
- 17Cornell Feline Health CenterIs Your Cat Slowing Down?