It is a rare cat that scavenges and eats something she shouldn’t, so poisoning isn’t necessarily a problem at the forefront of a cat guardian’s mind. However, cats are still at very real risk of toxicity, even in the safety of their own home. At the root of the issue is the cats’ inability to […]
Understanding Cat Scratch Disease
Don’t you love it when a problem is self-explanatory? ‘Cat scratch fever’ is one such condition as, ‘It does what it says on the label.’ This is people run a fever as a result of being scratched by a cat. Simple. However that simplicity belies a more complex condition so let’s take a look in […]
Early Age Desexing: Benefits vs Risks
Responsible cat guardianship means caring for your cat’s health and welfare, but also understanding the bigger picture of stray and unwanted cats. Indeed shelters are full to overflowing with cats desperately longing for their fur-ever home, so it’s essential to play your part by ensuring your cat doesn’t add to the problem and get them […]
Understanding Food Allergies and Intolerance in Cats
Which of the following are signs your cat could have a food allergy or intolerance? a) Upset stomach b) Dull coat c) Itchy skin [You’ll find the answer at the end of this article!] Under estimated, overlooked, and under diagnosed: Pretty much sums up food allergy and food intolerance in the cat. This is a […]
Signs of Heart Disease and Heart Failure in Cats
Sometimes a cat is their own worst enemy, especially with regards to heart disease. The trouble is their naturally laid back attitude makes it difficult to spot the classic signs of heart disease. After all, in a condition where lack of energy and reluctance to run around are key markers, how is this different from […]
Diabetes in Cats – What are the Risk Factors?
How much do you know about diabetes in cats? If your reaction is “Enough,” then this piece is especially for you. I like to think that by the end of the article you’ll understand why every cat guardian should be up to speed on the risk factors for diabetes. What is Diabetes? Let’s start at […]
Chronic Ear Infections in Cats
Do you know ear infections are less common in cats than dogs? Whereas one in five dogs suffers an ear infection, for cats this is more like one in fifty. This is great news for cats as a sore ear makes life a misery; however, for those affected its vital not to overlook or ignore […]
Rabies Infection in Cats – World Rabies Day
How seriously do you take rabies in cats? If you live in a rabies-free country, this isn’t something you think much about, unless planning to travel abroad. However if you live in a country with endemic rabies, the disease must be taken extremely seriously, given that there’s no cure, it’s fatal, and can be passed […]
Understanding Feline Viruses: FeLV, FIV, and FIP
FeLV, FIV, and FIP: What do these three have in common? Actually, they have quite a bit in common because they are all viral diseases of cats and don’t have a cure. Also, no cat guardian wants to be told that their cat has been diagnosed with any one of these conditions. However FeLV and […]
Herpes Virus in Cats – Symptoms and Treatment
What mental picture does the words “herpes virus” conjure up? In my mind I see a snuffling, sneezing, snotty-nosed kitten whose eyes are gummed shut. This is because herpes virus is one of the two viruses commonly linked to cat flu (the other being calici virus). But herpes virus also stars in its own solo […]