Health

Many cat owners are concerned about keeping their feline at a good weight. Most commonly concerns are centred around obesity, but your cat losing weight unintentionally could also be a sign that something’s wrong. Your feline may be eating well and still losing weight, they may have a reduced appetite, or they may just be avoiding food entirely. Weight loss can be a sign of a number of different health problems so, if your cat is losing weight, it’s best to contact your vet as soon as possible. In this guide we look at the most common reasons why your cat may be losing weight as well as the other symptoms you should be on the lookout for.

Tears are produced constantly by cats to offer essential protection to their eyes. The fluid is responsible for removing debris, keeping eyeballs moist and providing essential nutrients. As tears are in permanent production, some crusting around the eyes is normal, but if your cat’s eyes are watering excessively or the discharge seems to be very thick and mucous-y, it can be a sign of something wrong.

If you’ve got yourself a new kitten, you’ve probably noticed that they’re growing so quickly before your eyes! Growing at such a fast rate, you’re probably wondering when do cats stop growing. Read on to find out all you need to know about cats growing!

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?

Kittenhood is amazing, but there comes a time in every cat’s life when they have to take their first step towards independence and leave kittenhood behind. It all starts with a process called weaning.

Does your cat seem to be losing balance, their sense of direction or having trouble standing up? These might be signs of a syndrome called feline vestibular disease. Keep reading to find out what it is, as well as the main symptoms to look out for, so you can intervene promptly and seek veterinary advice to help your cat feel better.

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.

As a loving pet owner, you’re bound to want the absolute best for your cat, and this all starts with making sure that they are as happy and healthy as possible. Health check list Every month you should “play vet” and conduct a careful check up on your cat to make sure that all is well. By following our checklist, you have the opportunity to spot any unusual signs early on, meaning that you can seek treatment as soon as possible, if necessary. Not only does this help you keep your cat in tip-top condition, but also allows you to spend more hands-on quality time with your feline friend.

Even if you keep a close eye on your cat's health it’s a good idea to take them to the vet for an annual wellness and cat health check-up. Looking after cats is fun but it's also full of responsibilities, including taking your pet to the vet. Sometimes it takes a professional eye to detect subtle changes in your pet’s health, especially as cats are very good at hiding their illnesses. Luckily, your vet will be very good at detective work. General cat health You already take your fluffy friend to the vet when they’re sick or injured but those appointments tend to focus mainly on one particular issue. ‘Check-up’ visits, on the other hand, work on the principle of ‘prevention is better than cure’ and they’re important to keep your cat healthy and prevent certain diseases. Your vet will want to check your cat over thoroughly at least once a year and more frequently as they get older or if they have special medical needs. This appointment will take an all-inclusive approach, making sure your cat is examined from their whiskers to the tip of their tail. Another advantage of these annual check-ups is to get your cat used to visiting the vet surgery when they’re well and this can help them form a bond with your vet. If they only visit when they’re hurt or ill they can become nervous, associating their trips with bad times or stressful experiences. It’s a good idea to pop into the vet practice every so often, even if it’s just for a flea check. The receptionists and vet nurses will always welcome a stroke as you pass by, and it will create a positive memory with no prodding and poking involved!

Many cat lovers are searching for an option that will allow them to introduce a cat to their household while minimising their sensitivity to cat allergens. That’s why many believe 'Hypoallergenic'or allergen-free breeds could provide a solution. However, while some hairless breeds are considered to be the ‘best option’ for people with cat allergen sensitivities, technically, there is no such thing as a 100 per cent Hypoallergenic cat.

Cat scratch fever is an incredibly rare bacterial infection that can affect humans when a cat's claws or teeth break the skin. Read our guide to discover everything you need to know about the rare disease, including what causes it and who's generally most at risk. Cat-scratch fever, also known as cat-scratch disease is a bacterial infection that affects humans, and comes from cats infected with Bartonella henselae bacteria. According to the CDC, around 40% of cats will carry the bacteria at some point in their lives – usually when they’re kittens – but it’s very rare that it’s fatal for both humans and cats. Keep reading to find out about cat-scratch fever symptoms, the possible causes and who’s most at risk for getting the disease. What causes cat-scratch fever? Cats get infected with Bartonella henselae when they’re bitten by fleas carrying the bacteria, or if flea droppings get into their wounds.

Ear mites are a common cause of feline ear problems. These tiny parasites can be extremely itchy and lead to long-term damage if left untreated. Find out what they are and how to treat them successfully. Is your feline scratching their ears more than usual? One of the most common causes for a cat’s ear discomfort are microscopic parasites known as ear mites. Read on to find out how ear mites in cats affect your pet’s health and what to do to get rid of them. What are cat ear mites? The most common type of ear mite in cats is Otodectes cynotis. These are barely-visible to the naked eye but may be seen as very small white dots. Diagnosis usually requires looking for the mites under a microscope. They get inside your cat’s ear canal, where they feed on the ear wax and skin debris. These mites can cause significant inflammation and swelling in the ear canal and are very itchy. Cats of all ages and breeds can be affected, with outdoor felines being the most susceptible to an ear mite infection.