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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]