Health

We understand that as a loving cat owner, you want your pet to be as happy and healthy as possible. As cats can’t tell us what’s wrong when they don’t feel well, it can be difficult to know when they might need help. Warning signs Unlike dogs, cats tend to shy away from contact when they’re under the weather, rather than seek comfort. This protective instinct can even make them more aggressive and hide away, making it tough for you to keep an eye on them. You can avoid cat health problems by taking him or her for a check-up with the vet every 6-12 months, especially when they’re over 8 years old. If you suspect that there is something wrong with your cat but aren’t sure if it’s anything to worry about, there are several unusual cat health symptoms to look out for, to help alert you to when you should take them to the vets. Our guide below sheds light on some of the common cat illnesses and symptoms to look out for. If you have any concerns about your cat’s health, contact your vet.

As your cat matures and ages, over time you may find that they may become a little less agile than before. With older cats you might see a gradual decrease in physical activity and an increase in sleeping. While your cat may be in overall great shape for their age, it’s important to look out for any signs of joint problems and arthritis. This condition does affect cats and can cause pain and discomfort so it’s important that you keep on the lookout for the signs of arthritis.

Cat insurance can bring real peace of mind and help to take the worry out of a stressful situation. Choosing the right insurance for cats might seem like a big job, but we’re here to help! Our cats give us a huge amount of enjoyment, as well as being our steadfast companions. So, when they make us worry you want to have a good cat insurance policy in place to make sure they get all the help they need. After all, money is the last thing you want to think about if your cat is ill, lost or stolen. You could chat to your vet about the types of insurance for cats that your pet might benefit from, and we’ve made a list of some general things to help you out too. Knowing how to choose pet insurance can be a little tricky, but once it’s done nothing beats the peace of mind you get from knowing your cat is in good hands!

If you are considering breeding cats, there are several factors you need to consider before making a decision. It is not a job you should undertake lightly and we recommend reading up as much as you can on the cat breed you want to breed and what the process may entail. In this article, we will provide you with a rough guide of what to expect if you do choose to breed. Consider seeking professional or expert advice though, and definitely try and speak to a certified breeder that you trust before making your decision.

As well as lots of love and attention, it’s important to give your cat the best protection possible if they get lost or they go missing. Microchipping your cat, gives them the very best chance of being found and safely returned to you if they should wander off.

Liver disease in cats is a fairly common condition which can be effectively managed when spotted early on. If your vet has diagnosed a liver condition in your cat, providing your cat with the right diet is essential to helping them stay healthy in the long term. This article explains why the liver is important, what kinds of problems can occur, and how nutrition can help improve your cat’s quality of life.

What do you do when you find a stray cat? When a cat comes to your window, meowing for food and water, what steps should you take?

When it comes to living with a cat allergen sensitivity, it’s not easy, but it doesn’t have to be all or nothing, and you can still live in harmony with your cat. Some of the practices and advice you may find suggested online aren’t feline-friendly and can negatively affect your relationship with your cat. For example, bathing your cat can be a really stressful experience for both of you. Although bathing will lower the levels of allergens present on your cat's hair, the effect is short-lived with the levels returning to baseline within 24 hours of bathing. Similarly, keeping a cat outside, particularly one that has been used to living indoors or keeping them restricted to a certain part of the house, can also result in increased levels of stress for them. Love always finds a way however and there are safe, easy and feline-friendly steps you can take to help manage cat allergies in your home, while also maintaining your close bond with your cat.

According to Allergy UK, social behaviour has changed andon average, people are now spending around 90% of their time indoors. This brings us into almost constant contact with many of the common things that cause us allergic reactions that live inside our homes – including mould spores, house dust mites – and of course, pet dander. Our indoor environments are often poorly ventilated, causing humidity to rise and creating ideal conditions for mould and house dust mites to thrive in our soft furnishings and bedding. And as a nation of pet lovers, we share our homes with our cats and dogs, which add to the allergens we have to contend with in our day to day lives. Our homes should be our sanctuary, but for 1 in 5the 10-20% of us around the world who are sensitive to cat allergens¹,3², the home environment isn't always so safe and relaxing.

Abscesses can affect any cat at any point in their life. So, if you’ve got a feline in the family, the chances are that one day you might have a abscess on your hands and your cat will rely on your help to get them back to their normal, happy self. Keep reading to find out what you need to know about cat abscesses, what to do when they burst, and how to know when it’s time to contact the vet for help.

If your cat experiences a stroke, it can be really scary and it’s important to take them to the vet quickly so they can receive any treatment they need. Find out about the symptoms you should look out for and the current treatment options in this guide. Strokes in cats occurs far less frequently than they do in humans, but a stroke is still classed as a medical emergency. If your cat experiences a stroke, it’s important to seek veterinary care quickly to make sure they have the best chance of recovery. Find out all you need to know about the cat stroke symptoms to watch out for and the treatment options currently available.

Flat faced cats have become extremely popular in recent years with their smooshed faces, button like noses and doll-like eyes, but there’s a price to pay for this cute factor. The technical term for cats with these flat faces is ‘brachycephalic’, and there are tonnes of health risks that come with it. If you’re considering a brachycephalic cat, keep reading to find out about the risks involved and how extreme breeding has negatively impacted the health and well-being of these felines.