helping cats live happy, healthy lives
One of the most popular and oldest breeds of cat found in Europe, the European Shorthair is a great low-maintenance family pet, although they can be territorial around other cats, so choose a second cat with care. Appearance The European Shorthair is a medium to large cat with a stocky, muscular body. The head is fairly rounded and has well developed jowls …
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An owner brings a young cat into my clinic. The cat’s been off her food for a few days, has a dull unkempt coat, and is running a fever. Something clicks and the thought “FIP” pops into my head. I take a history, hoping for a simple explanation, such as the cat got into a fight…but, no, she’s strictly indoors and an only pet…and the suspicion of FIP ratchets up a notch. As …
Continue Reading about Signs and Symptoms of Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)
Anyone caring for an older cat knows how they tug at the heart strings. Cats are such independent, graceful creatures, whilst their ageing bodies make it hard to maintain that dignity. For example, stiff joints can make it difficult for an older cat to reach hard-to-get-to places when grooming, which leads to a dull, matted coat. The truth is your older cat depends on you …
Continue Reading about Common Illnesses Older Cats are More Likely to Experience
Accidents happen. Whilst no one thinks it will happen to their pet, the wise owner plans for the unexpected. The aim of pet first aid is to stabilise your pet before taking her to a vet. In a true emergency your actions could save a life, but there’s also a risk (especially with cats) of doing more harm than good. Indeed, the first rule of first aid is to recognise …
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“Cats are not small dogs” When I trained as a vet in the 1980s, cats had only been treated in their own right for about a decade. (Astonishing I know!) To prove how far things had come in the last ten years, the lecturers often said, “Cats are not small dogs”….and then illustrated the point with a piece of new research that highlighted how ridiculous it was that veterinary …
Continue Reading about Understanding Epilepsy and Seizures in Cats
It’s ironic that indoor cats are so strongly favoured on safety grounds, whilst the dangers lurking within the home are often overlooked. It’s true there are no motor vehicles or venomous snakes inside, but this doesn’t mean living indoors is risk free. To raise awareness of household hazards and ensure your home is as feline friendly as possible, here are 10 common …
Continue Reading about 10 Common Household Poisons Dangerous to Your Cat
Have you ever considered a cat’s eye view of a visit to the vet? I was purr-fectly happy snoozing on the sofa, when along comes Mum, scoops me up and shuts me in a plastic box smelling of damp and fear. A nausea-inducing car ride later, we arrive at a place that reeks of disinfectant. Mum puts the box on the floor and this huge, nosy hound sniffs around, but I’m trapped and …
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Available in a rainbow of colour combinations, the Oriental cat is a people-oriented, sociable breed who loves to be the centre of attention. Highly intelligent, athletic and a regular chatter-box, this is a companion cat who'll keep you entertained with his playtime antics and constant conversation. Appearance The Oriental is a Siamese breed that is …
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According to the ‘Law of Cats’: The more cats you own, the more likely they are to fight. This might seem unduly pessimistic, but the truth is cats are generally solitary creatures with social tendencies. Most cats are happy as loners – they enjoy being the only-cat and demanding affection on their terms. Why Cats Don’t Fight The independent nature of cats can …
Natural disaster or Act of God, call them what you want, but some events are beyond the control of man. Be it earthquake, hurricane, flood, severe storm, or bushfire -- occasionally the elements threaten our homes and the lives of those we hold dear. Keeping everyone safe is of paramount importance, which may mean securing the house or even evacuating your property. But in …
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