Section
Cats
Explore expert articles on cats with Vet Verified.
136 articles
Page 2
-
Safe Car Travel With Your Cat
Travelling with a cat by car can be stressful but safe with the right steps. In the UK the Highway Code says pets must be suitably restrained so they do not distract the driver. Use a sturdy cat carrier that is well ventilated and large enough for turning, and secure it with a seat belt so it cannot slide or tip. Never let a cat roam loose in the car or open the carrier near open doors. Prepare by leaving the carrier out at home, adding familiar bedding and smells, checking microchip and ID, and packing water, food and any medicines. For long journeys plan rest breaks, watch for motion sickness and avoid leaving your cat in a hot car because heatstroke can be fatal. Talk to your vet about a health check and calming options for anxious cats. Careful planning, calm driving and a secure carrier make car travel safer for both cat and driver.
Cats -
Caring for an Ageing or Elderly Cat
Senior cat care: simple tips for caring for elderly cats and ageing cats. Watch for lower energy, stiff joints, changes in appetite or behaviour. Feed easy-to-digest, high-quality food, keep water nearby and manage weight with small portions and gentle play. Help mobility with ramps, soft beds and easy access to food and litter; ask your vet about medicine or special food for joints. Book regular vet checks and tests to spot kidney, thyroid or diabetes problems early. Brush their coat, check teeth and use low-sided litter trays. Give quiet company, gentle grooming and watch for signs of pain or confusion. Talk to your vet about kind end-of-life care to keep your cat comfortable.
Cats -
Mobility Issues in Cats: Signs, Causes and How to Help
Cat mobility issues can affect walking, jumping and grooming. Signs of mobility problems in cats include reluctance to jump, trouble climbing, stiffness after rest, limping, less play and changes in behaviour. Common causes are cat arthritis and joint pain, injuries, obesity, nerve problems, muscle loss and congenital defects. You can help a cat with mobility issues by making the home easier to use: add ramps or steps, use low-sided litter trays, keep food and water on one level and add non-slip mats. Provide soft, warm beds and help with grooming. Keep weight down with a balanced diet and sensible portion sizes. Encourage short, gentle play to keep muscles moving. See a vet for pain relief, anti-inflammatory drugs, joint supplements, special diets or physiotherapy. Watch for changes in movement, appetite or weight and get urgent vet care for sudden loss of movement, severe limping, dragging limbs or loss of balance.
Cats -
Everything You Need to Do Before Boarding Your Cat
Guide to preparing your cat for boarding at a cattery. Plan ahead so your cat stays safe and calm while you are away. Choose a clean, secure cattery with kind staff and good reviews. Check vaccinations, flea and worm treatments, and microchip details before you book. Pack your cat’s usual food, favourite blanket and toys, and label everything. Give the cattery clear notes on feeding, medication and behaviour. Let your cat get used to the carrier and stay calm at drop off. After you collect your cat, give them time to settle back home and watch for any signs of illness. These steps help your cat have a safer, less stressful stay in a boarding cattery.
Cats -
Do Indoor Cats Need Vaccinations?
Do indoor cats need vaccinations? Yes. Vaccinations help a cat’s body fight serious diseases. In the UK, core vaccines protect against feline panleukopenia, feline herpesvirus and feline calicivirus. Kittens usually have jabs at about 8 to 9 weeks and again at 12 weeks, with boosters given yearly or every one to three years. Indoor cats can still catch infections from people, clothing, vet or cattery visits, other pets or insects, so speak to your vet about the right indoor cat vaccine plan. Vaccines are usually safe; mild reactions like tiredness, a small lump or reduced appetite can happen.
Cats -
Epilepsy in Cats: Understanding Seizures, Causes and Long-Term Management
Epilepsy in cats means a cat has repeated seizures. Seizures in cats can be generalised, with collapse, stiff limbs, paddling, drooling or loss of consciousness, or focal, with twitching, chewing motions or sudden behaviour changes. Causes include idiopathic epilepsy, brain problems like tumours or inflammation, and outside causes such as liver or kidney disease, low blood sugar or toxins. Vets diagnose seizures with history, exams, blood tests, urine tests and sometimes MRI or spinal fluid tests. Treatment may include medicines such as phenobarbital, levetiracetam or emergency diazepam, and fixing any underlying disease. You should give medicine exactly as prescribed, keep a seizure diary, minimise stress and have regular vet checks. During a seizure stay calm, do not hold the cat, move dangerous objects away and time the event. Seek urgent veterinary care if a seizure lasts more than 5 minutes, if there are repeated seizures, if the cat does not recover, or if it is the first seizure. With proper care many cats with epilepsy can live comfortable lives.
Cats -
Do Indoor Cats Get Fleas?
Indoor cats can still get fleas even if they never go outside. Fleas can enter homes on clothing, other pets, or through second-hand items. To prevent and manage fleas, use vet-recommended treatments for all pets, vacuum regularly, and wash bedding at high temperatures. Watch for signs like scratching, flea dirt, or irritated skin, and act swiftly if fleas are found. Fleas can cause skin issues, anaemia, and spread parasites, so prompt treatment is crucial. Regular checks and good hygiene help keep your indoor cat flea-free.
Cats -
What Are the Signs Your Cat Is Sick?
Cats are good at hiding illness, often showing subtle signs that can be hard to notice. Key indicators include changes in appetite, energy, litter habits, and grooming. Watch for signs like eating less or more, unusual tiredness, litter box issues, repeated vomiting, and changes in behaviour. Breathing problems, eye and nose discharge, and mobility issues can signal health problems too. If any of these signs appear, or if symptoms like difficulty breathing or severe lethargy occur, it's important to consult a vet promptly. Observing these signs can help keep your cat healthy and comfortable.
Cats -
Autoimmune Disorders in Cats: When the Immune System Misfires
Autoimmune disorders in cats occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues. Though less common in cats than dogs, these conditions are serious and can affect multiple organ systems. Common disorders include Immune-Mediated Haemolytic Anaemia, Immune-Mediated Thrombocytopenia, Pemphigus Complex, and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Symptoms vary but may include weakness, pale gums, skin lesions, and joint pain. Diagnosis often involves blood tests, imaging, and specialised immune testing. Treatment focuses on immunosuppressive therapy and supportive care. Regular veterinary monitoring and early intervention are key for managing symptoms and maintaining quality of life.
Cats -
Uterine Inertia in Cats: Understanding a Critical Cause of Difficult Labour
Uterine inertia is a serious problem affecting cats during labour, hindering their ability to deliver kittens. It can result in prolonged labour and risks such as kitten or placenta retention, infection, and exhaustion. There are two types: primary, where contractions don't start effectively, and secondary, where they start but become weak. Causes include litter size, hormonal imbalance, obesity, stress, and illness. Early signs include lack of progression, weak straining, and visible distress. Diagnosis involves veterinary exams, ultrasounds, and X-rays. Treatment options include medical management, assisted delivery, or emergency caesarean section. Prevention involves health checks, good nutrition, and a safe environment. If labour issues arise, seek urgent veterinary help to protect the mother and kittens.
Cats -
Cystic Endometrial Hyperplasia in Cats: A Silent Condition with Serious Consequences
Cystic endometrial hyperplasia (CEH) in cats is a hormonally driven condition affecting the uterus lining, linked to serious diseases like pyometra. It often develops quietly with few signs. Caused by repeated hormonal stimulation, risk factors include lack of neutering, repeated cycles, age, and hormonal treatments. Early detection is difficult; symptoms include mild vaginal discharge, changed reproductive behaviour, and reduced fertility. Spaying is the definitive treatment and prevents progression to pyometra. Regular vet check-ups, observing changes, and early spaying help safeguard your cat’s health.
Cats -
Pyometra in Cats: A Life-Threatening Uterine Infection Every Owner Should Recognise
Pyometra is a serious infection of the uterus in cats, primarily affecting unspayed females. It can be life-threatening if not treated quickly. Signs include lethargy, reduced appetite, vomiting, increased thirst, and abdominal swelling. There are two forms: open, with discharge, and closed, with no discharge, making it more dangerous. Diagnosis involves a physical exam, blood tests, and ultrasound. Emergency spaying is the main treatment, though medical management is rarely used. Early intervention typically leads to a good recovery. Preventing pyometra is straightforward through spaying, which is strongly suggested for non-breeding cats. Immediate vet care is crucial if symptoms appear after a heat cycle.
Cats
Other sections