I got an email from Purina and they have some really good articles on their website. There are loads of categories and in each section listed there are several articles. Categories - staying healthy, dealing with health issues, grooming your cat, keeping active, feeding your cat, handling emergencies, coping with special needs, understanding health terms, finding a vet.
Here's the link to the website
http://www.purina.co.uk/index.asp?frame=/cat/article.asp&id=32 but thought I'd copy and paste this particular one
Monthly healthcheck*
Body condition - you should just be able to feel the ribs, and no more. Watch for signs of weight loss or weight increase.
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Ears - these should be clear of any thick brown or black wax, and have no smell. Take care when cleaning the ears as the skin is very sensitive. For thinly-haired cats or cats with white-tipped ears, consider using sunscreen lotion to prevent sunburn.
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Eyes - should be bright and clear, with no redness, running or soreness. Your cat should not shy away from light as if it hurts the eyes. Eye problems can sometimes be accompanied by flu symptoms.
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Nose - your cat's nose is usually soft and damp to the touch. Nostrils should be free of discharge or crusting. A runny nose can indicate cat 'flu.
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Mouth - teeth should be white with no excess tartar, with pale pink gums. Look out for dropping food, excess salivation, clawing at the mouth or bad breath as a sign of dental problems.
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Skin and coat - skin can be pink or black, depending on the pigments normally found in your cat's skin. There should be no scurfy dandruff, fleas, bald patches or sores, and the coat should be thick and shiny, with no broken hairs.
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Nails - should be smooth and clipped regularly. When you cut your cat's nails, the longer outer layers of nail peel off, revealing a sharp, shorter nail.
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Digestion - occasional vomiting of hair or grass can be normal. But persistent sickness or choking when eating should be checked out. Make sure your cat's stools are normal in colour, with no diarrhoea or constipation, and no mucus passed.
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Thirst - healthy cats drink little if fed wet food, and a little more when fed on dry food. Any increase in water intake must be checked with your vet.
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Attitude - if your cat is feeling unwell, it may shy away from human contact or act aggressively. Stay vigilant, as cats are very good at hiding illness.
