Prepare everything in advance: use a figure-8 harness attached to a leash that can be fastened to the wall next to your tub or sink with a suction cup. This will secure the cat and leave both your hands free. BATHING YOUR CAT Place a non-skid rubber mat on the bottom of the tub or…
Regular grooming helps keep your cat’s skin and haircoat in good health. It decreases hairballs and mats, removes dead skin and hair, and degreases the coat. Grooming also gives you a chance to check for fleas and ticks, as well as lumps and bumps. A quality diet that supplies the essential vitamins and minerals helps…
Skin diseases are very common in cats. They can occur because of bacterial, viral, fungal, allergic, parasitic, and hormonal disorders. In older cats, skin cancer and cysts are not uncommon. Signs of skin problems are among the easiest to detect. They include dry flaky skin, as well as red, raw irritated areas often with hair…
Food allergy is an abnormal or a hypersensitive reaction to a food ingredient which is usually a protein. 10-20% of allergies in cats are caused by food. CAUSES Beef, dairy products and fish, especially tuna and mackerel are responsible for almost 90 percent of food allergies in cats. These products cause a skin reaction as…
Constipation is the infrequent passage of stool and/or straining to defecate. The feces may be hard or just firmer than normal. Recurrent constipation can lead to Obstipation which is the term used for severe, persistent constipation. The colon, which is the end or terminal portion of the large intestine, becomes dilated and enlarged. Stool retained…
Diarrhea is defined as a change in the frequency, consistency or volume of stools. It is the most common sign of disease of the small intestine in cats and dogs. Abnormal intestinal absorption of nutrients is usually the underlying cause which can occur because of a variety of infectious, toxins and/or dietary factors. SYMPTOMS * Large volumes of…
Inflammatory Bowel Disease is a chronic condition that affects the function of stomach and or intestines. Abnormally large numbers of blood cells invade the bowel which interferes with digestion and absorption of food. The intestines are unable to absorb nutrients from the diet; therefore the food eaten is not able to be utilized by the…
Cats are naturally finicky when it comes to food and missing an occasional meal is not unusual, but cats that stop eating completely even for a few days can develop a liver problem called Fatty Liver or Hepatic Lipidosis which is very serious. This liver disease perpetuates both the appetite loss and the cat’s illness.…
Proper nutrition is vital to good health and maximizes the quality and length of life. Commercially available premium foods are convenient and their composition is regulated by the American Association of Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) and the United States Food and Drug Administration (USDA). The label should clearly state that the food is nutritionally complete…
Grooming is part of a cat’s natural behavior. Small amounts of hair are normally swallowed, some of which pass through the digestive tract and are eliminated in the feces. The rest mixes with mucus to form a hairball. Hairballs in the throat area are brought up by regurgitation; those in the stomach are vomited up.…
Vomiting that occurs occasionally in an otherwise healthy cat is generally not a cause for concern. Vomiting that persists for over 72 hours with or without signs of illness such as appetite loss, depression, lethargy, or diarrhea can indicate a more severe problem and should be addressed. The fluids lost during vomiting result in dehydration…
HOMEMADE DIET FOOD OPTIONS A cats diet is generally 60 to 80 percent protein, 20 percent vegetables and 20 percent grain. Homemade foods to fulfill these dietary requirements may include: Protein Sources: * Raw ground chuck * Raw organic chicken * Cooked chicken, turkey, lamb or beef Vegetable Sources * Use finely grated raw zucchini…
Cats are naturally fastidious and constantly groom themselves. Vomiting hairballs from time to time is pretty standard, as are occasional bouts of indigestion. As the years go by some owners notice that they are spending a little more time cleaning up hairballs or vomit piles. The litter box may contain more or less stool than…
The inside lining of the ear is normally smooth with a small amount of wax buildup. Many problems can cause the ears to be irritated, inflamed and/or infected. Any of these causes left untreated can lead to more complicated problems, including middle and inner ear damage and hearing loss. Most cats let you know that…
EYE TUMORS Seventy-five percent of eye tumors in the cat are malignant, aggressive forms of cancer (in dogs the ratio is reversed, 75 percent of tumors are benign and do not spread or become life-threatening). An Iris melanoma is the most common type of tumor affecting cat’s eyes. Older cats may develop a visible brown…
Feline Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease characterized by sudden episodes of breathing difficulty. Episodes are most often triggered by allergies or stress, which cause constriction of the airways. This leads to breathing difficulty, coughing and wheezing. A low-grade, chronic cough may be the only sign but an acute crisis can occur at any time…
MOUTH INFECTIONS FELINE STOMATITIS/LPGS Feline Stomatitis is also called Lymphocyte Plasmacytic Gingivitis Stomatitis (LPGS). LPGS is a severe disease of the oral cavity in certain cats. These cats develop an allergic reaction to the plaque around their teeth. This response causes severe inflammation at the junction where the tooth meets the gum line. CAUSE The…
EYE INFECTIONS IN KITTENS (CONJUNCTIVITIS NEONATORUM) Conjunctivitis Neonatorum is an inflammatory condition of the conjunctiva, the white tissue lining the eyelids that occurs due to Herpes Virus infection in kittens. The virus enters the eye through the eyelids before they have opened. Prompt intervention prevents rupture of the cornea and permanent scarring of the eye.…
EYELIDS AND DRY EYE The eyelids serve many important functions. They protect the cornea, the clear outer portion of the eye, and the eye itself from trauma. They keep light out and determine the size and shape of the opening of the eye. The eyelids also produce and spread tears over the eye. Tears supply…
Squamous Cell Carcinoma is the most common type of oral cancer in cats. SIGNS Drooling and lack of appetite usually occur after tumor has been present several months. Oral examination reveals a red, raised swollen area of gum tissue that may or may not be ulcerated. CAUSES The true cause is unknown but experts speculate…
Disease of the oral cavity is the most common health problem treated in small animal clinics today. 85 percent of all cats and dogs over two years old have periodontal disease. Left untreated, this is now known to be a leading cause of heart disease in pets and in people. Bacterial from the mouth are…
Corneal ulcers are very common in cats and are defined as an abrasion or defect of the cornea, which is the clear front part of the eye. Squinting and tearing are common signs and occur because ulcers are painful. CAUSES OF CORNEAL (EYE) ULCERS Causes include: 1. Chronic Herpes Virus infections commonly cause corneal ulcers.…
SIGNS OF CONJUNCTIVITIS * Red eyes. * Mucous or watery eye discharge. * Thick yellowish-green eye discharge. * Swollen eyes. * Pawing and/or rubbing eyes. CAUSES OF CONJUNCTIVITIS * Conjunctivitis most often occurs secondary to viral upper respiratory infections (Cat Flu) due to Feline Herpes Virus and/or Calici Virus. Chlamydia and occasionally Mycoplasma may also…
Yours cat’s eyes should normally be clear, bright, and free of discharge. Red eyes in a cat can signal problems requiring treatment from eye drops to emergency surgery. Conjunctivitis is the most common eye problem in cats and is defined as an inflammation of the white membranes lining the inside of the eyelids. It leads…
Chlamydia Psittaci is a microscopic bacteria like organism that lives in the white tissues of the eye called the conjunctiva. Chlamydial infection causes a syndrome called Pneumonitis and usually affects the respiratory system and/or the eyes. The most common sign is runny eyes due to conjunctivitis. However, unlike the conjunctivitis caused by Feline Herpes Virus,…
In this article Cat Flu is used to refer to Feline Upper Respiratory Disease. This is a complex illness commonly caused by a combination of viral and bacterial infections. All cats are susceptible but kittens with immature immune systems and breeds with facial flattening, like Persians are predisposed and more prone. Once cats are infected,…
Vaccines help protect your cat against many of the most serious potentially fatal diseases. Newborn kittens receive natural protection from antibodies in their mother’s first milk (called colostrum) while nursing. This protection lasts for the first few months of life then your kitten has to fend for himself. Most kittens need a series of shots…
Careful observation of a cat’s head can give a good general indication of overall health status and temperament. Take a few minutes each day; look, listen and feel your cat starting with his or her head. First of all, cat’s eyes should be clear, bright and free of tears and the nostrils should be clean.…
Athena is a 14 year old dog that doesn’t look or act her age thanks to Veterinarian Dr. Carol Osborne and PAAWS Pet Vitamins.
Work together with your cat’s vet as a partner in your pet’s healthcare team.When your cat is sick, jot down the most important facts about his or her problem and keep updated progress reports. Notes should include: *Your cat’s age and history. *Signs of the problem, the date they began, how long they have lasted…