cat

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...

For those new to cat ownership, encountering health problems may come as a surprise. Regardless of breed, cats are prone to various health issues, some hereditary while others preventable. Worm Infestations Worms are a prevalent and recurrent issue in cats, regardless of breed. Tapeworms, roundworms, and hookworms are among the most common types affecting cats. Signs of worm infestation include weight loss, flea problems, or the presence of white specks in the stool. Prompt veterinary testing and treatment are crucial, as untreated worms can lead to fatal complications. Hairballs Hairballs are perhaps the most common health concern for cats. Regular grooming leads cats to ingest loose hair, which can occasionally accumulate into a ball in the digestive tract, causing coughing and hacking. While most cats can expel hairballs naturally, in rare cases, they may lead to intestinal blockages, requiring immediate veterinary attention. Regular brushing and specialized hairball control diet...

Even though your cat may boast a thick fur coat, cold weather poses significant risks to their health. Just as you feel the chill after spending time in the cold, even with proper winter attire, your feline friend can experience similar discomfort. Prolonged exposure to cold temperatures can lead to hypothermia in cats, and in severe cases, it can prove fatal. Several factors can contribute to your cat becoming too cold. If your cat typically roams outdoors, it's crucial to bring them back inside more promptly during the winter months. This is particularly important for smaller cats, those with short hair, or cats recovering from illness. Moreover, never allow your cat outside if they are wet, as moisture exacerbates the cold. If your cat gets wet for any reason, promptly dry them, even if indoors. Ensure that your cat cannot accidentally venture outside—once outside, they may struggle to find their way back in, exposing them to the risk of hypothermia before you realize they are...

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...

Dandruff in cats is a common concern, especially among diabetic felines. Research indicates that approximately 1 in 200 cats suffer from diabetes mellitus (DM). If you're looking to address this issue and improve your pet's condition, here are some effective strategies: The primary cause of dandruff in cats is often linked to poor nutrition. Instead of opting for generic cat food brands, consider switching to high-quality options, even if they come at a slightly higher cost. Additionally, providing food supplements containing fish oil can help alleviate dandruff. Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil supplements, as well as in canned tuna, have been shown to improve coat health within a week. Recognizing the symptoms associated with skin care issues like dandruff is crucial. Look out for signs such as increased appetite, excessive thirst or urination, dehydration, depression, muscle wasting, lethargy, weight loss, and a lack of grooming resulting in unkempt hair. Weakness i...

While some experts claim that cats are inherently independent creatures that have only associated with humans as a survival strategy, many cat owners beg to differ. Those who have shared their lives with cats will attest to their ability to form strong bonds with their human companions, albeit in their own unique way. Typically, a cat will select a specific person in the household with whom it forms a bond. This bond is often evident when the cat seeks out attention by hopping onto their chosen person's lap or cuddling up to them at night. Purring is a common indicator of affection, particularly in cats looking to strengthen their bond. The reasons behind why cats choose certain individuals to bond with remain a mystery. It could be influenced by the person's demeanor, voice, or simply how they interact with the cat. Some speculate about a psychic connection, suggesting that cats bond with individuals whose "psychic aura" aligns with theirs. However, this theory lac...

Ringworm is a prevalent skin condition affecting both dogs and cats. Despite its name, this ailment is not caused by worms but rather by fungi called Dermatophytes, which thrive on dead skin tissues on the skin's surface, spreading across the animal's skin. In cats, the predominant fungal species responsible for nearly 95% of ringworm cases is M Canis. Cats typically contract ringworm from contaminated objects such as bedding, grooming tools, or contact with infected animals. Kittens and cats under a year old are particularly vulnerable to ringworm due to their still-developing immune systems, especially if they spend time outdoors where they can easily encounter contaminated objects or infected animals. Common symptoms of ringworm in cats include rough or broken hairs, hair loss around the head or paws, and the presence of scaly, itchy, inflamed patches of skin with broken hairs. These affected areas are sensitive, and handling them can cause discomfort to your cat. If you ...