Category Archives: Cats

Cats

Should I bathe my cat?

If this is your first time owning a cat, especially if you’ve been a dog owner of a breed with considerable grooming needs, you might be asking yourself: “Does my cat need to be bathed regularly?”.

Domestic felines descend from wild cats of dry, warm climates and are not known for appreciating water very much. While some feline friends might adore water, generally this is a distressing experience for most cats and, because they are great at keeping themselves clean, it’s not likely you will need to put them in the tub frequently.

Keep reading to learn all about the dos and don’ts of feline grooming and hygiene!

Do cats really clean themselves?

Cats spend a huge amount of time during the day grooming their fur and, if they live with other cats, they might also groom each other. Because of this, our feline friends tend to keep themselves far cleaner and tidier than dogs. This means that, for the most part, you won’t need to worry about bathing them regularly.

In fact, as we mentioned above, they are not likely to appreciate being in contact with a lot of water and might react badly to any attempts to do so. If you include having to be washed with shampoo and then doused with water again, it can be a very stressful experience for them!

Most breeds also have fur that feels rather uncomfortable when wet, meaning that they might not like to have damp fur whilst it is drying.

While bathing is often not a concern for your cats, a good regular brushing (especially for breeds with long or dense hair) and ear or eye cleaning as needed can do wonders for their overall hygiene. Even more particular cats will likely appreciate your help removing loose fur, skin particles, or eye secretions.

When does my cat need bathing?

Even though grooming and cleaning is a big part of your cat’s life, he or she might get into situations that could lead to you having to intervene directly on his or her hygiene.

Here are some of the most common reasons why bathing your cat might be needed:

  • He or she is very dirty or has something on his or her coat (like grease, paint or anything else that might be dangerous) that needs to be removed;
  • Your vet has recommended regular bathing for a health condition (often with a medicated shampoo) such as infections or allergies;
  • He or she is no longer capable of doing his or her grooming, for instance, due to old age or difficulty moving.

If you’re unsure if you need to clean your cat or don’t know how, it’s best to contact your vet for advice. In case you suspect your cat might have got into something toxic or dangerous, don’t delay—talk to your vet as soon as you can so you know what to do next!

What’s the best way to clean my cat?

In case your pet does need a little help cleaning his or her body and he or she is not a big fan of water, it might be better to start with pet-safe wet wipes or a damp cloth.

If you need a full soak, it’s best to find a cat-friendly shampoo that won’t irritate sensitive feline skin, use the least amount of warm water possible, and have a nice, cosy spot without draughts where he or she can rest while drying completely.

Some animals might require regular bathing for the rest of their lives and, in these cases, you can try to get them used to the process by starting gently and rewarding them every step of the way while you work to get them used to and happy being in the water.

In summary:

  • Cats are very thorough at cleaning themselves and won’t generally appreciate being dunked in water;
  • If he or she is unable to groom adequately, has certain health issues and your vet has suggested medicated baths, or has got dirty with something difficult to clean, you might need to bathe him or her;
  • While it’s very rare for your cat to need a bath, he or she will need regular brushing and, every once in a while, might need his or her ears and eyes cleaned.

Would you like to know more about cats? Check our Feline Courses:

Feline courses

 

Cats, The Pet Professionals

Feline herpesvirus

One of the most common illnesses that can affect your furry friend is feline herpesvirus infection!

Also known as feline viral rhinotracheitis (FVR), this disease is a frequent infection seen in cats, and symptoms vary from mild to more severe.

If you’ve ever seen your cat with a runny nose, persistent eye discharge or noticed sneezing, especially when he or she was a kitten, it was likely to have been a case of FVR. While most infections are mild, vulnerable animals like unprotected cats, older pets or kittens might suffer from a severe form of the disease.

Learn all about how to keep your cats protected from FVR in our blog post below!

How can my cat get feline herpesvirus?

The feline herpesvirus type 1 exists everywhere and is also highly infectious, meaning it is very easy for your cat to run into it, especially if he or she often goes outside or stays with other cats.

If other cats are shedding the virus (usually through eye, nose or mouth secretions), any contact with them or with items that they have been close to, like beds, bowls or surfaces, is likely to infect your pet quickly. Due to the high prevalence of this virus, many outside cats or pets who live in multicat households can carry and transmit the infection.

Fortunately, feline herpesvirus is exclusive to our domestic cats and other wild feline species, which means that humans and other pet species (like dogs or rabbits) cannot become infected.

What are the signs of feline viral rhinotracheitis?

FVR might take some days to show up in full force after contact with viral particles (either from other cats or from the environment), and you might see the following signs in your cat:

  • Runny nose;
  • Red, puffy eyelids with secretions that can range from a clear fluid to pus;
  • Sneezing;
  • Lethargy and fever.

If you spot any of these signs, don’t hesitate to talk to your vet! As we’ve mentioned, many of these infections are not very complicated and treating them is relatively straightforward. However, a proper diagnosis and treatment plan are still needed as many other, more serious diseases can have similar signs.

Veterinary support is vital for our more vulnerable pets, such as kittens, oldies, or cats with other chronic diseases whose immune systems might not work as well. They can suffer from severe consequences of feline herpesvirus infections, particularly when it comes to eye damage, for instance, debilitating ulcers in the cornea.

These cases will often need specific treatment, such as antibiotics for any other infections that may show up or eyedrops to help heal corneal damage.

How can I protect my cat?

The best way to ensure your feline friend can avoid this disease is through a proper vaccination schedule for him or her! These vaccines will also protect your cats against feline calicivirus, which can cause similar respiratory problems.

Vaccinated cats are less likely to catch FVR, and in the event that they do get sick, they will experience a much milder disease course than unvaccinated pets.

It’s also important to remember that this vital protection needs to be boosted regularly, so if you think that your cat might be out of date with his or her vaccinations, schedule your appointment with your vet today!

 

In summary:

  • Feline herpesvirus type 1 causes feline rhinotracheitis, a common viral disease that affects the upper airways and eyes of cats;
  • Cats can get infected through contact with other cats as well as through viral particles in the environment;
  • While it us usually an uncomplicated disease, it can cause severe problems for senior cats, kittens or cats with lowered immunity;
  • The best way to protect your feline friends is by vaccination;
  • If you notice that your cat is unwell, don’t hesitate to talk to your vet.

Would you like to know more about cats? Check our Feline Courses:

Feline courses

 

Cats, The Pet Professionals

Help your cats during fireworks season!

Fireworks and pets are not a good match! Many of our furry friends are apprehensive or scared of the loud noises during the festive season, and cats are no exception.

Christmas and New Year can be tough periods for cats with these types of phobias, and owners might struggle to help their feline friends feel better.

Keep reading our blog to learn all about the best tips for the holiday season and help ensure a peaceful, stress-free Christmas for you and your pets!

Is fear of fireworks common?

Unfortunately, it’s far more common than not for our cats to be afraid of the loud noises and explosions that seem to happen every other day during the holiday season.

They have extremely sensitive hearing, which makes fireworks not a very pleasant experience for them. As cats thrive on stable routines, this time of the year is already pretty stressful for them as we are often busy preparing parties, decorating our homes and inviting people over.

All of these changes can create increased stress that will compound the panic of unpredictable fireworks, making up for a terrible time of the year for your feline friends.

Can fear of fireworks be dangerous for my cat?

Significant increases in anxiety and stress are not good for your cat’s health! Fireworks season often brings immense distress for pets, and this can show up as:

  • Pacing and increased vocalisations;
  • House-soiling without any other apparent cause;
  • Less appetite;
  • Hiding and refusing to interact;
  • Being more fearful and jumpier;
  • Attempting to escape the house or garden.

To avoid any chances of your pet getting lost or harmed, ensure he or she is safely inside the house well before the noise starts and that the contact information associated with his or her microchip is up to date.

How can I help my cat feel better?

There are a number of things you can try that might help your cat feel better during this difficult time.

The most permanent solution is desensitisation therapy, which will make him or her less reactive towards distressing noises. However, this will take a while to be effective, usually needing several weeks of work with a qualified behaviourist before you can see any results.

In the short term, you can try to:

  1. Create a cosy corner where your cat can hide whenever he or she feels scared;
  2. Plug diffusers with calming pheromones in the rooms that your cat uses the most;
  3. Close the curtains to block out the lights and turn on the TV to drown out the noise;
  4. If your cat is feeling up to it, playing and interacting can be sufficiently distracting, but don’t force him or her to do it;
  5. Act calmly and don’t make a big fuss as your cat is looking to you to understand how serious the situation is.

Despite all the things you can try, this time of the year can still be intensely upsetting for your feline friend, and the problem may need other things like specific medication.

For these cases, your vet can help provide the best solution to ensure Christmas and New Year will go as smoothly as possible, so don’t hesitate to call them if you’re struggling!

 

Would you like to know more about cats? Check our Feline Courses:

Feline courses

 

Cats, The Pet Professionals

Can my cat have breast cancer?

Did you know that feline mammary cancer is one of the most common cancers in cats over the age of 10? Mammary tumours are common in domestic cats, and most of them are malignant, meaning they can grow and spread to other organs like the lungs, liver or kidneys.

Unfortunately, most of these will be fatal without treatment, so keeping a close eye on your cat is essential! The sooner treatment starts, the better the chances of him or her being treated without more significant consequences.

Learn more about this common type of cancer below and help your pets live long happy lives!

What is breast cancer?

Breast cancer is a malignant form of a mammary tumour, and it arises from an out-of-control proliferation of the cells of normal tissues of the mammary gland. As these cells multiply and change, the body cannot stop this process, which means they will invade the space around them and do the same in distant organs like the lymph nodes, lungs, liver or kidneys.

In cats, most of these cancers affect females, and as we mentioned, the vast majority of these tumours are serious problems that can be deadly if not caught in time.

One of the first signs is usually a small, non-painful lump near the mammary glands on the skin of your cat’s abdomen, and it may progress to:

  • Less energy;
  • Less appetite;
  • Losing weight without any other reason;
  • The lump getting bigger and spreading;
  • Other nodes appearing nearby on the mammary glands;
  • Painful skin ulcers if the mass (or masses) is/are big enough.

Male cats can also have breast cancer, so if you spot a lump on your cat (regardless of gender), have a chat with your vet without delay!

Can my cat’s mammary tumour be treated?

When your vet finds something that is concerning, he or she will collect the needed samples and ask for other exams such as blood exams, X-rays, a CT scan or abdominal ultrasound in order to diagnose the type of cancer and its stage of development.

As soon as cancer is confirmed, your vet is likely to suggest surgery to remove the tumour and, depending on the severity of the problem and the likelihood the cancer has spread to other places, chemotherapy.

How this disease will progress depends on how early it is detected and it carries the best prognosis if the lump is less than 2cm and has not invaded any other places like the lymph nodes or blood vessels.

If caught in time, your cat will most likely have a good chance of survival with treatment!

How can I help prevent this disease?

While we still don’t know exactly what causes mammary tumours in cats, we do know that unneutered females are more likely to have these types of cancer due to the hormonal environment in their bodies.

To help reduce the chances of breast cancer, vets recommend that you neuter your cat before her first heat cycle in order to remove the chances of hormones causing the development of tumours.

In addition to this, keep an eye on your cat’s mammary glands and feel the area regularly. If you spot anything that feels unusual, like a lump or a skin ulcer, don’t delay – talk to your vet as soon as possible!

 

Would you like to know more about cats? Check our Feline Courses:

Feline courses

 

Cats, The Pet Professionals

Old cats and dehydration during the summer

As the temperature rises, keeping a close eye on our senior cats is essential! When hot days arrive, it’s easier for our older feline friends to lose more fluids than normal, and if they aren’t given enough encouragement or opportunities to drink more water, this situation can quickly tip into severe dehydration.

Learn more about keeping your golden oldies hydrated and happy through the summer in our blog post below!

What is dehydration?

Dehydration happens when there is a significant loss of bodily fluids, and they are not adequately replenished. There are many ways for your pets to lose more water than usual, including hotter days, lack of access to clean water or many health conditions like diabetes, kidney disease or cardiac problems.

Here are some of the most common early signs of dehydration:

  • Confusion or lack of coordination;
  • Lack of appetite and lethargy;
  • Trouble breathing and panting excessively;
  • Sunken eyes and reduced skin elasticity;
  • Collapse.

While mild dehydration can be easily fixed and is not likely to cause long-term harm, if this situation progresses enough, it can be fatal! Severe dehydration compromises most bodily functions, including circulation, digestion and removal of the body’s normal waste products and might need a prompt medical intervention!

Is my older cat at a higher risk of dehydration?

Older cats are often at a higher risk of being dehydrated, especially during the summer, as they can’t retain water as well due to reduced body mass, thinner skin, plus they might not be as inclined to drink water like when they were younger.

If your golden oldie is also suffering from several common diseases such as kidney disease or diabetes, this makes them lose a higher-than-average amount of water through their urine. This, coupled with high heat and a relative lack of drive to drink water, might cause mild to severe dehydration.

As a caring owner, it’s essential to pay close attention to your senior pets, and if you spot any of the signs we have mentioned above, please get in touch with your vet as soon as you are able. They will help you evaluate the situation and how to correct it before it becomes a serious problem.

How can I help my cat drink more water?

In order to avoid issues with the heat and dehydration, it’s best to be proactive!

As the days grow hotter, keep track of how much water your cat is ingesting. You can also implement several strategies to encourage him or her to ingest more water, helping avoid excessive loss of fluids.

Consider:

  1. Making sure his or her water bowls are always filled with fresh, clean water;
  2. Changing the bowls to a water fountain as cats often enjoy flowing water;
  3. Switching to wet food that is appropriate for seniors as this type of diet is much higher in water than dry kibble;
  4. Adding some flavour to the water, for instance, with chicken broth or tuna water (not oil).

Also remember that many painful conditions like osteoarthritis, dental disease or cancer can make eating and drinking very difficult for pets.

For these cases, your vet will help you figure out the best way to keep your feline friend hydrated and as pain-free as possible, so don’t hesitate to approach them with your difficulties and concerns!

 

 

Cats, Dogs, The Pet Professionals

Summer safety – Common hazards for pets

Summer is here, and it usually means it is time to take a break, relax and enjoy the weather!

If you often include your pets in your summer plans, keep reading our blog to make sure that they are kept safe and protected against common hazards.

 

Heatstroke

Heatstroke had to be first on our list as it is not as uncommon as one would wish and can be fatal in a matter of minutes.

Heatstroke happens due to our pets’ inability to deal with excessive heat.

When the temperature rises, dogs dissipate heat mainly through panting, and this is often not enough to help them cool down. This is why it is so important not to expose them to hot temperatures for too long, as they will not physically be able to cool down effectively. And when we say hot temperatures, 20ºC may be enough, depending on other factors and conditions!

Common signs of heatstroke include:

  • Excessive panting and difficulty breathing
  • Excessive salivation and vomiting
  • Looking lethargic or collapsing

If you recognise any of these, contact your vets immediately, as your pet will need medical assistance. Make sure to move them to a shaded, cool area, pour water over them to help bring their temperature down, use towels soaked in cold water and follow any other instructions that your vet might give you.

This means that preventing heatstroke is key, especially during summer. Here are some ways you can do it:

  • Do not leave your pets unattended in hot, poorly aired spaces, such as parked cars and conservatories
  • Throughout the day, make sure that your pets have access to and are drinking water
  • Avoid taking your pets out during the hottest hours of the day
  • Be mindful of pets who are more prone to suffer from heatstroke, such as flat-faced breeds, thick-coated pets, and those who suffer from medical conditions

When in doubt, it is always best to be safe than sorry, so do not hesitate to ask for help, even if it is just for reassurance.

 

Insect stings and parasites

Are your pet’s parasite treatments up-to-date? Now is the perfect time to check!

Parasite activity spikes with the warm weather, so making sure your pets are protected can avoid a number of health issues!

Diarrhoea and other gastrointestinal problems are frequently associated with intestinal parasites, especially in young animals. As for external parasites, such as fleas and ticks, these can lead to a range of skin conditions or even transmit serious diseases that can be life-threatening to your pets.

When it comes to canine products, some spot-on formulations have an insect-repellent component that can help prevent mosquito bites.

This becomes particularly important if you are travelling abroad as mosquitos are known to transmit heart worms, and sandflies leishmaniasis, diseases that we do not usually see in the UK, both of which can make your pet very ill. For more information about taking your pets abroad on holiday, read this blog.

Bee and wasp stings can also be problematic, especially for curious, playful pets. These can lead to localised allergic reactions with painful swelling and potentially breathing difficulties if the nose and mouth are affected. Keep your eyes peeled for nests, and if you find them, we recommend keeping your dog on a lead to avoid accidents.

 

Outdoor activities

Outdoor activities are incredibly fun for pets and owners alike!

In one of our latest blogs, we have covered a range of tips for a safe swim, so today, we’ll be focusing on summer walks and barbeques.

 

Summer walks

As we have mentioned above, we always need to be mindful of heatstroke when planning a summer walk with our dogs and make sure that we avoid the hottest time of the day. Before dusk or after dawn are ideal times for dog walking, both for heat comfort and reduced UV exposure.

As in people, excessive sun radiation can lead to sunburn in pets, especially those of a light colour and fair hair. Consider applying pet-safe sunscreen to sensitive areas before heading out to avoid these problems.

If you are planning a walk in the countryside, to enjoy a beautiful rural landscape, be mindful of resident sheep. Sheep worrying can be a very serious issue so if you are unsure keep your dog on a lead whilst sheep are nearby.

But if you would rather head out to heathlands, moorlands, or even sea cliffs, we recommend keeping your eyes peeled for adders. Though adders are not aggressive by nature, they may bite if they feel threatened, which may happen if your pet happens to walk too close to them. As adders are venomous, veterinary assistance should be sought immediately, so make sure you have the contact of the nearest vet at hand, just in case.

 

 

BBQs

How better to end a summer evening than with a lovely gathering of family and friends by the grill?

We know you do not want your pets to feel left out; after all, they are part of the family too!

But if you wish to include them, our number one advice would be not to share your food. Make sure you have appropriate treats that they can eat safely, as our food is often too fatty for our pets and can lead to gastrointestinal problems.

However, just because we know better, it does not mean that they do too. If your pet is a known food thief, make sure that they do not have access to unattended food or the rubbish bin. These foods can be very harmful if inadvertently ingested, as fruit stones can lead to choking and meat skewers may cause bowel perforations. Make sure that left over corn on the cobs are not accessible as these can cause serious bowel obstructions if eaten. You can never be too careful!

 

Now that you have all this information available, we hope that you can relax and enjoy a safe summer with your pets!

If you have any concerns, do not delay in seeking professional help.

Cats, The Pet Professionals

Hypertension is a silent disease: Keep your cats protected!

High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is a common sign in older cats that can be caused by several important conditions, such as kidney disease or hyperthyroidism.

Unfortunately, high blood pressure can build for a long time without overt signs whilst damaging sensitive organs like the eyes or brain, sometimes permanently.

To avoid this, a blood pressure check is a frequent feature of routine appointments and nurse clinics, especially for older cats. Measuring hypertension in our feline friends is very easy, and the sooner that we catch this problem, the sooner we can treat the underlying cause, which allows us to give your pets the best chance to have long and happy lives!

Keep reading to learn more about high blood pressure in cats and how to help your own pet to avoid this silent and deadly disease.

What is feline hypertension?

Hypertension is when your cat’s blood pressure is persistently above healthy limits, and this situation can compromise several organs if it is not caught and lowered in time!

Most often, hypertension is the consequence of other diseases, such as kidney disease or hyperthyroidism, but it can be something that shows up spontaneously, and we call this primary hypertension. Regardless of the cause for persistently elevated blood pressure, the consequences are the same:

  • Damage to several structures of the eye, such as the retina, which can cause irreversible vision loss over time;
  • Seizures and other neurologic problems can happen as hypertension increases;
  • Changes to the structure and function of the kidneys and the heart, which might already be struggling due to the underlying diseases causing hypertension.

As mentioned above, blood pressure can increase progressively without any external signs, but it will start harming your cat’s internal organs as time passes.

To prevent this from happening, it’s vital for your pets to get their blood pressure measured regularly. When you come in for a routine appointment, your vet might suggest checking your cat’s blood pressure straightaway or they may schedule a specific time to get it done, so that they can be sure that your cat is relaxed and that the readings will be correct.

Because it’s most often secondary to other conditions, it can be also be an important early sign that something else might be wrong and it will help your vet investigate the underlying diseases that might be causing the blood pressure to rise.

Can my cat’s high blood pressure be treated?

Fortunately, feline hypertension can be treated! By using medication to lower blood pressure, it’s possible to help the situation and stop any more internal damage.

However, it will most often require daily treatments and regular blood pressure measurements to ensure that the medication works as it should.

With the proper treatment and monitoring, we can successfully manage high blood pressure in cats, and it might even be possible to reverse some of the related issues.

If you’re struggling to control your cat’s hypertension or haven’t been to a routine appointment in a while, don’t hesitate to talk to your vet!

Keep this in mind:

  • Feline hypertension is common and is likely to show up in middle-aged to elderly cats; 
  • As it is often a consequence of serious underlying diseases like hypertension or kidney disease, bringing you cat for regular routine appointments helps your vet to diagnose any problems sooner rather than later! 
  • It’s vital to treat high blood pressure as it can seriously damage sensitive organs and cause issues such as blindness, seizures or cardiac problems; 
  • If your cat hasn’t had his or her blood pressure measured in a while, don’t forget to schedule an appointment with your vet!

 

Would you like to know more about cats? Check our Feline Courses:

Feline courses

 

Cats, Dogs

Prepare for the summer holidays with your pets

Whether you have plans to travel with your pets this summer or you are planning on going somewhere without them, it’s best to start preparing now!

Arranging the needed documents, finding pet-friendly places to stay or trying to get a reputable boarding kennel or a pet sitter so that you can be away without any concerns can take a lot of time and energy.

Keep reading to get to know everything that you will need to do before your holidays.

Taking your pet with you on vacations abroad

Imagine being able to share every second of your awesome vacations aboard with your furry best friend. More and more owners are choosing to take their pets with them not just on their domestic vacations but also on trips to foreign countries.

However, this can be a long process! Brexit introduced many new rules and requirements for pets going abroad, including health certificates and vaccines that must be done at least several weeks in advance.

Travelling to the European Union or Northern Ireland:

The requirements are:

  • Your pet must be microchipped;
  • Your pet must have a valid rabies vaccination, and this only counts as valid 21 days after the vaccine if he or she is being vaccinated for the first time;
  • An animal health certificate that an official veterinarian has approved, and this certificate is valid for 10 days for entry into your destination country in the EU or Northern Ireland;
  • If you have a dog and are travelling to Finland, Ireland, Malta, Northern Ireland or Norway, you will also need a tapeworm treatment.

If this seems too complicated, don’t worry! Your vet can help you every step of the way and answer any questions that you might have.

Travelling elsewhere in the world:

For travel to any non-EU countries, you will need to get an export health certificate for the country or countries that you are planning to visit.

This is a more involved process than travelling to the EU, so it’s probably best to talk to your vet well in advance of your visit so that they can ensure that you have all of the required paperwork and certificates that you need for your trip.

Finding the perfect boarding kennel or pet sitter

Travelling with pets is not for everyone, and when you’re going on a lovely, well-deserved holiday, you want to make sure that your pets will be in the best care possible while you are away from home.

Choosing whether your pet will spend some time at a boarding kennel, day-care centre, or with a pet sitter is usually down to your pet’s needs and preferences.

Day-cares and pet sitters generally allow for more individualised attention, so if your furry friend prefers to be alone or have his or her routines altered as little as possible, this might be the option for both you and your pet.

Choosing the right provider, however, will usually require researching and booking well in advance. The best pet services are often fully booked for the summer season, so this is definitely not something that you want to do at the last minute!

Keep in mind that a reputable kennel or sitter will:

  • Be appropriately licensed as well as insured, and will be glad to show you proof of this;
  • Be happy to answer any questions about their premises, qualifications such as pet first aid training and what they can accommodate, which is especially important if your pet has special health needs;
  • Be clear about how they will contact you in case of an emergency plus take your pet’s insurance and vet details;
  • Have independent reviews online and referrals from other people.

One of the best places to start your search is with your vet, as they are likely to know local places or people who can be trusted to give your pets a nice holiday as well.

 

If you’re going on vacations with or without your pets, don’t forget to make all the necessary arrangements well ahead of time! This will save you a lot of headaches, having to solve difficult issues and stressing over whether your pet will be taken care of properly.

Cats, The Pet Professionals

Feline idiopathic cystitis

Have you ever heard of feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC)? This common cat problem can show up without warning and you need to know the signs!

Many owners are familiar with feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) as it can be caused by many problems such as bladder infections, bladder stones or urethral obstruction, and it’s likely that you or someone you know has dealt with FLUTD at one point or another.

Feline idiopathic cystitis is a lower urinary tract problem that has no apparent cause, and experts believe that it accounts for about 65% of FLUTD cases, making it challenging to manage.

Keep reading to learn how to help your feline friend feel better and prevent serious health complications.

What is feline idiopathic cystitis?

As mentioned above, there is no observable cause of FIC, but we know that cats who suffer from this problem share some common findings.  These include a bladder lining that lacks some important protective components and a stress response that doesn’t release the normal type of chemicals.  These are believed to predispose animals to develop this problem.

Despite this, we don’t know how these factors will go on to cause bladder problems, and FIC remains a disease with unknown origins.

How can I know my cat has feline idiopathic cystitis?

FIC can have many clinical signs, mainly pain and problems urinating. If you see any of the following, speak to your vet as soon as possible:

  • Your cat can’t seem to urinate very well, finding it painful or difficult every time he or she is in the litter tray;
  • You spot blood on the litter;
  • He or she starts urinating away from the litter tray even though this was never a problem before;
  • You find your cat constantly trying to groom the area around the urethra;

If you have a male cat, he might be more at risk of a complete blockage of the urethra, making him unable to pass any urine. This is an emergency situation! Call your vet immediately if your cat can’t urinate at all.

Your vet will investigate and treat the problem so that your cat can start passing urine normally again.  They will give you a diagnosis of FIC only if every other cause (like infections or bladder stone issues) has been excluded.

Can my vet help my cat with his or her bladder problem?

Successfully managing FIC can be done by introducing lifestyle changes that will help your avoid repeated episodes of this disease.

Medication is not usually a part of long-term management, though your vet might prescribe painkillers to help your cat be more comfortable during acute flare-ups.

The most important lifestyle changes aim to reduce stress factors, one of the most significant triggers, and increasing water intake to reduce the concentration of irritating compounds on the lining of the bladder.

These changes can feel confusing or overwhelming at first, but your vet can help you figure out the best ways to ensure your cat has all of the support he or she needs to reduce the chances of having an episode of FIC!

Some things that might be helpful include changing to a wet food diet, encouraging drinking by keeping a good supply of clean water or with a water fountain, having at least one litter box per cat and fixing any stress factors for your cat.

 

If you are struggling with your pet’s FIC or if you notice that he or she is having difficulties urinating, don’t hesitate to contact your vet!

 

Would you like to know more about cats? Check our Feline Courses:

Feline courses

 

Cats, The Pet Professionals

Worried about fleas in your cats?

As the weather becomes warmer and more inviting, the number of pet parasites like fleas, ticks and mites increases significantly. Fleas are almost ubiquitous, and all cats are at risk, even those that don’t ever leave the house, as it’s very easy for us humans to bring them in from the outside.

Once you have a flea infestation, it might mean that you have to treat your home alongside all your pets! Keep reading to learn how to deal with these bothersome parasites before they become a real problem.

What are fleas?

Fleas are widespread external parasites of many animals, including cats, and several species can infest our feline friends, but, by far, the most common is the Ctenocephalides felis.

These insects latch onto our pets’ skin and bite them to consume their blood. While most of the time, this blood loss is not a problem, in case of severe infestations in young cats or cats who may have other health problems, it can cause a potentially fatal anaemia.

Additionally, they are bothersome pests that can cause skin problems and they won’t hesitate to make themselves at home in your house.

 

Can fleas be dangerous?

Fleas can cause several problems, and it’s best not to let them linger around for too long!

Not only are they a source of skin irritation for your pets and for you, but they can also:

  • Cause Flea Allergic Dermatitis – cats who are allergic to flea saliva can develop severe itching even from just one bite, which can lead to hair loss, wounds due to intense scratching and skin infections;
  • Carry tapeworm – Fleas can be infected with tapeworm eggs, and if your cat ingests them while grooming, they can get infected as well;
  • Spread diseases to other pets – If you have rabbits and cats in the same household, fleas can be a source of myxomatosis, a deadly illness in rabbits, especially if they are unvaccinated;

How can I get rid of fleas in my cat?

In order to prevent all of these problems, the best way is to keep your pets’ parasite treatments always up to date!

There are various ways to kill fleas and prevent them from reappearing, such as using a spot-on treatment that you put on your cat’s skin regularly or prescription tablets you can get from your vet. You will have to treat all pets in the household simultaneously, including dogs or small furries, using a species-appropriate treatment.

You may also need to treat the environment if fleas have taken up residence in your rugs, carpets etc.

How frequently you need to apply these treatments will depend on your cat’s lifestyle, so if you’re unsure about this, don’t hesitate to talk to your vet about the best ways to prevent fleas.

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