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Explore expert articles on cats with Vet Verified.
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Ovarian Cysts in Cats: Understanding a Hidden Hormonal Disorder
Ovarian cysts in cats are fluid-filled growths affecting the ovaries, often seen in unspayed females. These cysts can cause hormonal changes, leading to abnormal reproductive behaviours like prolonged heat cycles and increased vocalisation. While the cause isn't always clear, factors include failure to ovulate and hormonal imbalances. Diagnosis involves ultrasound and hormone tests. The preferred treatment is spaying, which removes ovaries and cysts, solving hormonal issues and preventing future risks like pyometra. Early spaying is the best way to prevent ovarian cysts, offering numerous health benefits for cats not used for breeding. If your cat shows repeated heat cycles or other unusual behaviours, consult a vet promptly for assessment and treatment options.
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Mammary Gland Disease in Cats: Early Detection, Risks and Treatment Options
Mammary gland disease in cats is a serious condition, commonly involving malignant tumours. Early detection of lumps along a cat's mammary chain is crucial as most feline mammary tumours are cancerous. Key risk factors include age, breed, hormonal influence, and reproductive status. Regular home checks and early spaying can help reduce risks. If you notice any lumps, redness, or changes in your cat's behaviour, seek veterinary care immediately. Treatment primarily involves surgery, sometimes alongside chemotherapy. With early detection and proper care, cats with this disease can often maintain a good quality of life.
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How to Help a Cat That Is Scared of Fireworks
Fireworks can be frightening for cats due to their loud and unpredictable nature. Cats with sensitive hearing may react strongly, showing signs like hiding, trembling or refusing food. To help your cat, create a safe indoor space with curtains closed and soft bedding. Allow your cat to choose whether to hide or seek comfort during fireworks. Avoid scolding for stress-related behaviours. If fear persists, consider gradual desensitisation, using pheromone diffusers or consulting a vet. Preparing ahead can ease their stress and keep them safe during firework season.
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Depression in Cats: Recognising Low Mood and Supporting Emotional Wellbeing
Learn about depression in cats and its causes like stress, loss, or illness. Changes such as sleeping more, reduced play, or eating less can signal depression. Common triggers include losing a companion, environmental changes, or social stress. Illness can also mimic depression. Ensure your cat's routine and environment support their wellbeing. Regular vet checks can rule out medical issues. If changes persist, consult your vet for behaviour advice. Help your cat adjust by restoring routine, increasing engagement, and providing safe spaces. Prompt vet help is crucial if your cat stops eating or shows signs of pain.
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Why Do Cats Knead?
Kneading is a common cat behaviour where cats press their paws on soft surfaces like blankets, cushions and laps. Known as 'making biscuits', it starts in kittenhood as it helps kittens get milk from their mothers. Adult cats knead for comfort, to mark their territory using scent glands in their paws, and to create cosy sleeping spots. While some cats keep their claws in while kneading, others extend them, and some may even drool when deeply relaxed. Although most cats knead as a sign of contentment and trust, it can sometimes occur during stress. Regularly trimming your cat’s claws and using a thick blanket can help make kneading comfortable. Kneading is an instinctive behaviour linked to a cat's early life, showing their trust and affection.
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Antifreeze Poisoning in Cats
Antifreeze poisoning is a serious threat to cats in the UK, especially in winter. Just a small amount of antifreeze with ethylene glycol can be fatal. Cats can be exposed through leaks from cars, spills, or contaminated surfaces. Symptoms like lethargy and vomiting can progress quickly, leading to kidney failure. If you suspect antifreeze exposure, contact a vet immediately. Prevention includes checking for leaks, using pet-safe antifreeze, and storing it securely. Winter increases risks due to more vehicle use. Awareness and quick action are crucial to protect your cat from this dangerous poison.
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Can Cats Eat Raw and Cooked Meat?
Feeding your cat meat is vital as they're obligate carnivores. Options like chicken, beef, lamb, and pork are suitable if prepared safely. Meat provides taurine, protein, and essential vitamins. Both raw and cooked options have benefits and risks. Raw meat needs strict hygiene and can mimic natural diets, but poses bacterial risks. Cooked meat is safer for households but must be unseasoned and free from bones. Cats shouldn't eat processed, seasoned, or fatty meats, and bones should always be raw. Monitor your cat's health and consult a vet or nutrition expert to ensure a balanced diet.
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Winter Paw Care for Cats: Protecting Your Cat’s Feet in Cold Weather
Winter in the UK can be tough on cats' paws due to cold, wet conditions, ice, and grit. Cats may face issues like dry, cracked pads, irritation from grit, ice build-up, cuts, and infections. To protect your cat, check their paws regularly, wipe them clean after outdoor times, trim fur between toes, and limit outdoor access during harsh conditions. Indoors, provide warm, dry spots and keep litter trays clean. Regular grooming is important, but avoid human products on cat paws. Contact a vet if you notice persistent limping, swelling, or signs of infection. Special care is needed for kittens, senior cats, and those with certain health conditions.
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A Complete Guide to Raw Feeding for Cats
Raw feeding for cats is gaining popularity in the UK as it mimics their natural diet. While it can offer benefits like improved coat, digestion and hydration, it also carries risks such as bacterial contamination, nutritional imbalances and bone hazards. A balanced raw diet should include meat, bones, organs and sometimes supplements. Options include commercial raw meals, homemade diets and prey-model diets. It is crucial to maintain strict hygiene and follow expert advice. Raw feeding might not be suitable for all cats or households, especially where there are people with weakened immune systems. Consultation with a vet is advised for safe practice.
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Christmas Hazards in the Home for Cats
Keep your cat safe this Christmas by being aware of potential hazards. Common festive dangers for cats include toxic foods like chocolate and raisins, harmful plants like lilies, and decorations like tinsel and fairy lights. Ensure your Christmas tree is secure, and keep dangerous items out of reach. Provide your cat with a quiet space and be cautious with scented products and open doors. If your cat shows signs of ingesting something harmful, contact your vet immediately. These steps will help you protect your cat during the festive season.
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Can Cats Be Given Ibuprofen for Pain Relief?
Ibuprofen is extremely dangerous for cats and can be fatal even in small amounts. It disrupts vital processes and may cause severe symptoms like vomiting, kidney failure, and seizures. No UK vet prescribes it for cats. Safe alternatives require a vet's advice. If your cat ingests ibuprofen, seek emergency vet care immediately. Laws prohibit giving prescription-only medicines to pets without vet direction. Quick action is crucial to save your cat's life.
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What Vegetables Can My Cat Eat?
Cats are carnivores, but some vegetables can be safe treats or aid digestion. Only offer vegetables occasionally, ensuring they're soft and cut into small pieces. Safe options include carrots, peas, green beans, broccoli, pumpkin, and courgette. Avoid onions, garlic, and raw aubergine due to toxicity. Vegetables should be less than 2% of a cat’s diet. Consult a vet for specific health conditions like diabetes or kidney issues. Always offer vegetables cooked, unseasoned, and in moderation to avoid digestive upset.
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