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 a reduced appetite … [Read more...] about Dementia in Senior Cats: What You Need to Know
Medical Conditions
Thiamine Deficiency in Cats: Everything You Need to Know
In May 2017, a popular cat food was withdrawn from the Australian market amid fears it was causing cats to become seriously ill with symptoms of thiamine deficiency.This wasn’t a one-off incident.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. In the wake of cat food recalls, pet owners … [Read more...] about Thiamine Deficiency in Cats: Everything You Need to Know
High Blood Pressure in Cats: Signs and Treatment
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 age … [Read more...] about High Blood Pressure in Cats: Signs and Treatment
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 pushes … [Read more...] about Heart Murmurs in Cats
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 … [Read more...] about Understanding Feline Panleukopenia
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 … [Read more...] about Cerebellar Hypoplasia in Cats
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 putting … [Read more...] about Understanding Hyperesthesia in Cats
Holey Teeth, Catman! Resorptive Lesions and Your Cat
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 them, and that figure … [Read more...] about Holey Teeth, Catman! Resorptive Lesions and Your Cat
How to Help a Blind Cat Adjust to Life Without Sight
What do you do if your cat loses their sight? Firstly, it's important to know that cats usually adjust well to blindness, whether they suffer a partial or a complete loss of vision. That's because a blind cat quickly learns to rely on their other senses and compensate. Of course, you will need to make some adjustments to your home environment and it may take a few weeks … [Read more...] about How to Help a Blind Cat Adjust to Life Without Sight
Cat Scratch Disease: What You Need to Know
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 more detail to see if this is something to worry about? (Spoiler alert: It isn’t… … [Read more...] about Cat Scratch Disease: What You Need to Know