High blood pressure in cats can have a sudden impact even when you thought your cat was fit and healthy. It is shocking and upsetting, when your cat goes from “well” to “very poorly” in the space of a few hours. To learn how to reduce the chances of a dramatic deterioration, read on. Imagine your senior cat that is sprightly as a kitten: They are doing so well for their …
Heart Murmurs in Cats
There are few things guaranteed to worry a cat guardian more, than when the vet casually mentions, “Do you know your cat has a heart murmur?” A thousand thoughts (none of them good) fly through your mind at once. Numb from worry, the only coherent words you can string together are, “Is it serious?” An Awkward Question Actually, as a vet the “Is it serious?” question …
Understanding Feline Panleukopenia
How much do you know about feline panleukopenia - the disease against which you vaccinate your cat? You probably have an understanding that these diseases are “bad” and that vaccination is recommended. Even so, it’s easy to become complacent. After all, you have an indoor cat who doesn’t meet other felines, so the risk of infection is low. Right? Well kind of, but the …
Cerebellar Hypoplasia in Cats
Cerebellar hypoplasia: Two long (and baffling) words. Let’s break them up into something understandable. First, the cerebellum: The cerebellum is the part of the brain which coordinates movement. Think of keeping your balance on the shifting deck of a ship at sea, and it’s your cerebellum (along with other internal mechanisms) taking up the slack to keep you upright. The …
Understanding Hyperesthesia in Cats
Despite over 30 years working as a vet, I’m not convinced I’ve seen a ‘true’ hyperesthetic cat. Of course, this doesn’t mean the condition doesn’t exist (I’ve never seen Las Vegas but I’m pretty sure it’s there). I’ve certainly seen cats with sensitive skin that ripples and twitches at the lightest touch, but there’s always been a logical explanation. But maybe I’m …
Poisoning in Cats: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
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 break down many common drugs, plus their fastidious grooming habits place them …
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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 desexed. Put Your Cat First Is …
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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 a purfectly healthy cat? The means that heart disease …
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Diabetes in Cats: Early Signs and Risk Factors
How much do you know about diabetes in cats? If your response is “not enough,” then this is for you. By the end of the article, you’ll understand why every cat owner should be up to speed on the signs of diabetes in cats – plus the risk factors, prevention, and treatment options that can make a real difference in your cat's life. What is diabetes? Let’s start by …
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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 it. The Ear: More Than Meets the Eye Anatomically speaking, the feline ear is divided into …
