cat

When your feline friend exhibits symptoms like itchy skin, coughing, sneezing, or digestive issues such as vomiting or diarrhea, it could signal an allergic reaction. Cats commonly develop allergies to fleas, certain foods, airborne particles, or substances they've encountered. Contact allergies typically manifest as localized skin reactions, often marked by excessive scratching or irritation at the point of contact. Items closely interacting with cats, such as flea collars, bedding, or toys, are frequent triggers. Removing the allergen source is usually the most effective solution. Flea allergies are prevalent among cats, causing them to excessively scratch, chew, and worry at the affected area, sometimes resulting in significant fur loss. Inhalant allergies are likely the most common type in cats, with pets reacting to the same allergens as humans. Pollens from trees, grasses, and weeds, as well as indoor allergens like mold, mildew, dust mites, and dust, can all trigger alle...

While cats and humans may seem worlds apart, both being mammals means they can share certain diseases and medical conditions. One such condition is diabetes. If you suspect your cat might have diabetes, it's crucial to consult your cat’s veterinarian promptly to ensure they receive the necessary medical attention. Similar to humans, there are two types of diabetes in cats. Type 1 diabetes occurs due to insufficient insulin production in the cat’s body, while Type 2 diabetes develops when a cat becomes intolerant to insulin. Although diabetes can affect cats of any age, it's more prevalent in older, male, or obese cats. There's also a condition known as secondary diabetes, where drug use or underlying diseases trigger diabetes, either temporarily or permanently. When caring for your cat, be vigilant for symptoms suggestive of diabetes, such as increased thirst, vomiting, loss of appetite, weakness, weight loss, abnormal breathing, and skin and coat issues. Your veterinar...

Ah, the joys of pet care! One day, as you clean out your cats' litter box, you notice small white chunks resembling cooked spaghetti in the feces. Upon closer inspection, you realize they're moving – a clear sign that it's time to deworm your cats. If your veterinarian confirms that your cat's infestation isn't severe, they may suggest a regular deworming schedule using over-the-counter dewormers readily available at pet stores. Some vets even keep general-purpose dewormers on hand for such cases. Thankfully, there's a wide array of deworming medications on the market, most commonly available in liquid or pill form. If you have just one cat, your task is relatively straightforward. Choose a dewormer that your cat will tolerate or even find palatable, although many liquid dewormers claim to be cat-friendly, not all cats agree. In such cases, if your cat can swallow pills without a fuss, consider using them instead. However, if your feline companion refuses both...

Regular dental checkups are essential for maintaining good oral health, not just for humans but also for your feline companion. While many cat owners may overlook this aspect, ensuring your cat's dental well-being is crucial for their overall happiness and disease prevention. Whenever you take your cat to the vet, ensure that their dental health is examined and discussed. Pay close attention if your cat displays any abnormal eating habits, as dental issues could be a contributing factor. Similar to human babies, kittens have fewer teeth compared to adult cats. A kitten typically has 26 temporary teeth, which begin to emerge around three weeks of age. As they mature, an adult cat will have 30 permanent teeth—16 on the top and 14 on the bottom. The transition to permanent teeth usually occurs between three to four months of age, with some teeth possessing two roots and others three. The most common dental ailments affecting cats include resorption lesions and gum disease, also kno...

Cats undoubtedly hold a special place in the hearts of many pet lovers worldwide. However, cat allergies remain a common concern, affecting a significant portion of the population. Statistics indicate that over 10 million individuals in the United States alone experience allergic reactions to cats, primarily triggered by their fur. The primary culprit behind cat allergies is dander, which comprises tiny flakes of shed skin produced by the cat's body . While dander may cause skin irritation, it can also infiltrate the immune system, leading to various symptoms and immediate allergic reactions. Once dander enters the immune system, it is perceived as a threat, prompting allergic reactions. Cats carry allergens in their blood, urine, and saliva, even when the cat is not physically present, as these allergens may still be present in the environment. Cat dander, urine, and saliva can be found throughout the homes of cat owners. Cats groom themselves regularly, spreading saliva and da...

Any cat owner can attest that bad cat breath can be truly unpleasant. It's not so different from bad human breath, often caused by oral bacteria breaking down protein and releasing sulfur compounds into the air. Sulfur, known for its foul smell, is the culprit behind the unpleasant odor in breath. In cats, the bacterium responsible for bad breath is typically linked to a buildup of tartar around the teeth—a yellowish coating composed of bacteria, food particles, and minerals. To address your cat's bad breath, you'll need to tackle the tartar buildup. Many cat foods are formulated to reduce tartar buildup, often containing enzymes that dissolve it. Additionally, there are treats available that can help eliminate and prevent tartar. If the tartar buildup is severe, professional teeth cleaning by a veterinarian may be necessary to effectively remove it and eliminate bad breath. You can also attempt to clean your cat's teeth at home. There are various pet toothpaste opti...

Many people believe that cats operate on their own agenda, often disregarding their owners unless their basic needs like food, water, and a clean litter box are met. Cats can exhibit peculiar behaviors that confuse their owners, making it challenging to decipher their intentions. Despite the perplexing nature of cat behavior, there are ways to unravel common mysteries surrounding cat behavior. A typical behavior seen in most cats is headbutting or rubbing their heads against objects, including table legs, TV stands, or even people. You may have observed your cat doing this, especially when guests or other animals are present. By rubbing their heads, cats leave traces of their saliva, effectively marking their territory. In the cat's mind, anything marked with their scent becomes their possession. While this behavior may seem annoying, particularly for guests with allergies, cats are simply trying to make visitors feel welcome and part of their territory. However, saliva can trig...

Similar to humans, cats are susceptible to various illnesses, including viral infections. Two common viral infections affecting cats are the Feline Herpes 1 virus, also known as rhinotracheitis virus, and infection with organisms such as Chlamydia psittaci and mycoplasma. The good news is that effective treatments are available for these conditions. Symptoms of these viral infections include fever, watery eyes, a crusty nose, and frequent sneezing. While these symptoms may resolve on their own, the infection can recur, leading to a condition called Feline Keratoconjunctivitis, where the virus settles in the nerves around the cat's face. This can cause corneal scars and impair vision, particularly during stressful situations such as boarding, weather changes, or the presence of new pets in the household. In severe cases, the virus can lead to the loss of the cornea's outer coating, resulting in deep ulcers and damage to surrounding tissues. However, several treatment options a...