helping cats live happy, healthy lives
Is your cat scratching excessively, or overgrooming and biting or chewing their skin? These symptoms are often the first sign that your cat has flea allergy dermatitis. This is a surprisingly common skin condition in cats that occurs as a result of an allergic reaction to flea bites. In this article, we will explore the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for flea …
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Cats are prone to many of the same mental health problems that humans suffer from, including depression. Sometimes, the signs that your cat is not happy can be very subtle. You may just think that your cat is being ‘grumpy’. But if your cat has become withdrawn and less sociable, it could be a sign of depression. Keep reading to discover how to tell if your cat is …
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Unfortunately, as our cats grow older, they become more likely to develop age-related health conditions. Some of the health issues experienced by older cats can be easy to diagnose and treat. Others, such as dementia in cats may have more subtle signs and symptoms and go undetected for some time. Perhaps you've noticed that your senior cat has …
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In May 2017, a popular cat food was withdrawn from the Australian market amid fears it was causing cats to become seriously ill with symptoms of thiamine deficiency.This wasn’t a one-off incident. In recent years, there have been several recalls of commercial cat food around the world, due to insufficient levels of thiamine. Let’s take a look at everything you need to …
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High blood pressure in cats can have a sudden impact even when their owners thought they were 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: She’s so well for her …
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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 …
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: 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 …
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 …
What do you think is the biggest cause of tooth loss in the cat? a) Gum disease b) Resorptive lesions c) Trauma (such as a fall or accident) d) Caries e) Something else. If you answered (b) then give your cat a stroke, because this is the correct answer. Indeed, resorptive lesions are startlingly common. Experts estimate that 20 – 60 % of all cats have …
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