Cat Health

Cats need stimulation when they are alone in the house for extended periods of time. Contrary to popular belief cats do not just sleep all day, they need stimulation to keep them content. This...

You think our society is FAT, what about our pets? Maybe I should use the word: OBESITY! I recently took my slightly overweight cat Chloe to the vet since she is beginning to put on a few extra...

Everyone loves the holidays, but there are some dangers that exist at Christmas time for our cats.

Like their owners, cats can also suffer from stress. Anxiety in cats often leads to unwanted behaviors, including aggression, litter problems and excessive grooming. According to the book, "The...

Diabetes, a condition in which the body cannot produce or absorb insulin, can affect household pets as well as humans. Without insulin, the body cannot break down simple sugars (such as...

Although far more common in dogs, ear infections due to yeast can also strike cats. If not properly treated, yeast ear infections can become a recurring problem.

Allergies are one of the most common conditions that affect cats. When a cat is allergic to something, its immune system will overreact. This causes various physical symptoms---including...

Creatine phosphate is a compound that maintains energy levels in muscles; the waste by-product of this compound is creatinine. Because elevated creatinine levels are a symptom of a much more...

Veterinarian Holly Nash notes that many conditions and diseases can cause a cat to lose their hair. In her article on PetEducation.com, Nash explains that a professional diagnosis is necessary to...

Cats can develop cold-like symptoms similar to those of humans. Unfortunately, unlike humans a cat cannot tell us if she's sick. Chest congestion in cats can happen for many reasons; however, it...

There may be times in your cat's life when you need to sedate it. Moving, travel and bathing may be some of the instances in which it will be necessary to provide your cat with a sedative. There...

When a cat develops a viral infection in their upper respiratory tract, it is referred to as feline flu or cat flu. Most cases of feline flu are due to the feline herpes virus-1 or the feline...

It's that time again when everyone gets out the boxes of ornaments, sets up a tree and starts to decorate for the holiday. For most people, its just one of those things we do but if you have a...

Making homemade cat food is not only better for your wallet but will make significant changes in the health of your cat. Like everyone else, I used to feed my furry friends “canned convenience”...

Terramycin is an antibiotic which can be used topically in cats. Prescription by a veterinarian is required for purchase. Terramycin is a safe and effective drug for feline eye bacterial conditions.

Erythrocyte pyruvate kinase deficiency (PK deficiency) is an inherited condition found commonly in Somali, Abyssinian and many short-hair cat breeds.

Advantage pest control is a topical flea treatment available for both dogs and cats. Designed to use monthly, Advantage prevents flea infestations on your cat, stops fleas from biting and kills...

Thymoma is an uncommon tumor that is often found in older cats. They are usually noncancerous; however, the size of the mass can displace organs such as the heart and lungs. The median age for a...

A hernia is a protrusion of an organ through its normal cavity wall. This condition in cats may require surgery to correct. Although not typically life-threatening, there may be some...

There are several conditions which can cause excessive hair loss in cats. Some conditions may be geographical or genetic. Occasionally, excessive hair loss in cats can signal a more serious...

According to "Cat Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook" (Delbert G. Carlson, DVM, et al; 2007) most cats never grow eyelashes. For those few that do, the eyelashes sometimes grow on the lids towards...

Ear infections in cats are due to a number of reasons, including bacteria, mites and particle build up. Medications can be used to treat each of these problems, though a test is necessary to...

When cats exhibit symptoms that resemble the common cold in humans, it is quite often a sign that they have contracted an upper respiratory infection (URI). According to the Morris Animal...

Antibiotic eyedrops are commonly used in cats to treat eye problems resulting from bacterial infections. They can be used safely and with minimal side effects.

A pancreatic enzyme deficiency results from a condition known as exocrine pancreatic insuffeciency (EPI). It is rare in cats, but can be a life-threatening disorder.

Cats develop allergies for several reasons, including food allergies, contact hives and environmental allergies. Cats suffering from skin and coat allergies often benefit from topical treatments...

Alternative medicines aren't just for people. An array of holistic veterinarians incorporates natural treatments into their practice. One of these treatments is apple pectin to improve a cat's...

Many cats develop kidney problems as they age. The first sign is usually increased thirst and urination. As toxins begin to build up, symptoms such as decreased appetite, foul breath, mouth sores...

Cushing’s disease, also known as hyperadrenocorticism, is rarely seen in cats. It is more common in females than in males, and is usually seen in middle-aged or older cats. Cushing’s disease...

Pets do the darnedest things on an every-day basis but they sure can get themselves into life-threatening situations during holidays, birthday celebrations and the like. And like their owners,...

Cats will shed some amount of fur year round, but most shedding occurs in the spring and fall as the cat's body prepares its seasonal coat. Indoor cats shed less than outdoor cats, due to the...

Cats are renowned for their fastidious grooming. Such grooming, however, causes them to ingest a large quantity of hair, which can mean digestion problems. The wet, ingested hair is called a hairball.

The immune system of a cat comprises a group of organs and cells that defends the body against infections and diseases. A healthy immune system is especially important for cats that do not go...

If you’ve ever had a cat with litter box problems, you know how bad the problem can be. If your cat has problems using the litter box, there are some simple things you should try first. ...

Frequent or excessive urination is one of the first signs of chronic disease in cats. If your cat is visiting the litter box more often than usual or is not always able to get to the box in time,...

The two most common ailments a cat can have where it loses its hair and develops small bumps, or papules, are flea allergy dermatitis, or flea bite hypersensitivity, and allergic and irritant...

There may be reasons your cat is losing weight---such as getting more exercise or through the natural process of aging---that are not reasons to worry. However, weight loss in cats can also be...

Fibro cancer, known as feline fibrosarcoma, is an aggressive form of cancer in cats. It has a high mortality rate and needs immediate treatment after diagnosis. Fibrosarcomas are the most common...

Feline kidney disease, medically referred to as renal disease, is a serious condition that can lead to kidney (renal) failure if left untreated. Kidney failure inevitably progresses until the cat...

Did you know that cats, just like people, can develop diabetes? Diabetes occurs when the pancreas doesn't produce enough insulin, which the body needs to efficiently process sugars, fats and...

Many cats develop dry skin during winter months, while a few cats suffer from dry skin throughout the year. Besides the irritation dry skin causes your feline, dry skin increases the amount of...

Most diabetic cats receive insulin therapy to control their blood glucose levels. In addition, diabetic cats often are placed on specific diets to help maintain blood glucose levels. Feeding...

Chronic renal failure, also known as kidney failure, is common in senior cats. It can also occur in younger cats, but less frequently. Managing chronic renal failure in cats can prolong the cat's...

Kidney stones or bladder stones in cats are formed by the accumulation of crystals, which unite and build up over time, according to Drs. Foster & Smith, Inc. at peteducation.com. Kidney...

If a cat's urinary tract infection is not detected, or goes untreated, the bacteria that caused the UTI can make their way into the cat's kidneys and bladder. A primary sign that your cat has a...

Although not often known, felines or cats can have acne and that acne is most common on the cat's chin. There are several reasons for cat's having chin acne, as well as various treatments that are...

Generally, gas pain in cats is caused by either an overall inadequate diet, the ingestion of improper foods, or the cat "wolfing" its food and swallowing too much air. Though it is important to...

Most cats will develop a urinary tract infection at least once in their lives. The good news is that a urinary tract infection is not a serious risk to the cat's health in most instances, as long...

Herbal and alternative medicines are becoming increasingly popular in both the human world and the pet world. Those wary of the side effects posed by conventional medications are seeking more...

There is no known cure for feline diabetes, but the condition can be managed through diet, exercise and medication. According to veterinarian Dr. Donna Spector, about 70 percent of diabetic cats...