Category Archives: Cats

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:

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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.

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

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Cats, The Pet Professionals

Osteoarthritis in cats

During the winter, do your bones and joints ache a little (or maybe a lot!) more? If they do, you are not alone!

Our cats can also suffer from increased joint pain due to the low temperatures and high humidity during the cold season. However, our feline friends are experts at hiding their pain and discomfort, and it may be tough to know when you need to give them a little help.

Read our blog post below to learn all about osteoarthritis in cats and how you can help your pet if necessary.

What is osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is one of the leading causes of pain and difficulty moving in cats, and this problem causes the progressive destruction of cartilage, which impairs the movement of joints.  Cartilage is the tough, flexible tissue that lines the joint surfaces.

Unfortunately, we don’t know exactly what causes the loss of cartilage in the first place. However, we do know it is more likely in older animals, pets that have suffered injuries or that have a genetic predisposition to joint dysfunction (for instance, hip dysplasia in Maine Coon or Siamese cats).

This means that, in a large number of cases, there is no observable cause as to why your cat might be suffering from osteoarthritis.

Could my cat be in pain?

As we know, many cats will hide their pain and learn to cope before owners realise that something is wrong.

The best way to avoid this is to keep a close eye on your feline friend and not chalk up changes to things like old age or even just a phase that they are going through.

Here are some of the most common signs that your cat might be in pain:

  • He or she no longer enjoys being touched and seems more temperamental when being held;

 

  • Struggling to do things that have always been effortless such as using the litter box, jumping onto places, going through the cat flap or using the stairs;
  • Significantly reduced activity, especially less time spent grooming and spending more hours sleeping.

During cold and damp weather, discomfort increases and these signs often become more apparent, leading to owners realising that something might be wrong with their beloved pet.

How can I help my cat feel better?

Curing osteoarthritis is often not possible, as most cases of feline osteoarthritis do not have an observable cause.  However, there are plenty of ways to slow this disease’s progression and modify your home to ensure your cat has the support and pain relief required.

Your vet will do all of the necessary tests to ensure that no underlying diseases need to be treated and then prescribe the best medication and supplements for your cat’s situation.

They might also suggest that you:

  • Find a litter box with smaller sides, so it is easier to use;
  • Move all of his or her things to one accessible place to avoid having to use the stairs;
  • Ensure sleeping places are not in draughty or cold areas, especially during autumn and winter;
  • Spend time brushing him or her to make grooming less bothersome.

As we’ve mentioned, winter can bring an especially hard challenge for these pets, so during this time pay special attention to the ways that you can help them feel better such as limiting time out in cold weather or making their living spaces a little easier and cosier!

Managing this condition is a joint effort between you and your vet, so don’t hesitate to let them know if you spot any changes or if you’re struggling to help your beloved pet!

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

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Cats, Dogs, The Pet Professionals

Christmas and pets

Christmas and pets

For most of us, Christmas is a magical season, full of wonder and opportunities to reunite and spend time with those we love the most.

But when it comes to our pets, things can rapidly turn sour if we’re not careful so please do take some precautions!

Read our blog post to learn more about avoiding Christmas accidents and keeping your pets safe and stress-free during this season.

Toxic food and plants

How can something so delicious be harmful to our pets?

When it comes to seasonal delicacies, sharing is not caring. Chocolate, raisins, sultanas, onion, garlic, alcohol, and xylitol, to name a few, can be toxic to our pets, so make sure to keep traditional foods to yourself.

Some seasonal plants, such as holly, ivy, mistletoe, poinsettia and lilies, are also potentially dangerous if ingested, so keep these out of your pets’ reach!

Dangerous decorations

Presents, tinsel, ribbons, baubles, fairy lights, even the Christmas tree itself… The possibilities for mischief are endless during the holiday season!

If your pet’s curiosity is sparking, ensure that they don’t have access to decorated areas, because if inadvertently swallowed, Christmas ornaments can lead to choking, gastrointestinal obstruction or worse, perforation of the bowel.

Altered routines

Pets are creatures of habit and are likely to benefit from having set routines regarding feeding, going out, playing and sleeping.

If the timing of any of these elements is disrupted, it can lead to stress and even behaviour issues that we don’t want to occur.

Try to keep your pets’ routine unchanged even as the holiday season gets more stressful and if any accident happens, avoid scolding them, as this can aggravate the situation.

Pets as presents

Lastly, we’d like to raise awareness of the issues regarding offering pets as a gift to children or friends.

Though a wonderful experience, pet ownership is a long-term commitment of both time and resources and is not a decision that can be taken lightly.

Before you consider adopting a pet for your family or offering one to someone else, make sure you research and are able to sustain this commitment.

Nobody wants to spend the holidays at the vet, so don’t forget to keep a close eye on your pets during this season and ensure that they have a lovely time with the Christmas festivities!

Cats, The Pet Professionals

Keep lilies away from your cats!

Keep lilies away from your cats!

As the festive season fast approaches, we will likely start decorating our houses and receiving gifts from family and friends!

Flower arrangements are a beautiful way to kick off the Christmas season, but unfortunately, pet owners need to be careful when bringing some plant species into close contact with their cats. Lilies are common flowers in arrangements and can easily find their way to your house via a well-intentioned loved one, but these lovely plants can be deadly for your feline friends.

Keep reading to know more about lily toxicity and kidney damage in cats.

Why are lilies dangerous for cats?

Species of lilies in the Lilium and Hemerocallis genus produce extremely toxic substances for cats, attacking the kidneys and may cause irreversible kidney failure, especially if ingestion has occurred over 18 hours before receiving treatment.

All parts of these lilies are highly toxic, as well as anything they are in close contact with, for instance, the water in the pot.

Some of the most dangerous lilies are:

  • Easter Lily;
  • Rubrum Lily;
  • Stargazer Lily;
  • Japanese Show Lily;
  • Tiger Lily;
  • Daylilies;

This list is not exhaustive! If you are looking to buy flowers or received any as a gift, always ensure it is not a dangerous species.

It’s important to note that some species have ‘lily’ in their common name, but they are not part of the groups of lilies that cause deadly toxicity in cats. While these other lilies might not cause fatal kidney failure, some can cause cardiac or digestive problems, so always check before you bring them in to your house.

If you’re unsure, double-check with your vet or keep these away from your home altogether to avoid any accidents.

My cat might have ingested a part of a lily, what can I do?

If you suspect your cat has ingested any part of the plant, including pollen that might have landed on his or her fur, or drank water from a pot with a lily in it, please contact your vet immediately! Even a tiny amount can lead to fatal poisoning.

Prompt medical assistance is vital to give your pet the best chance to recover with the least amount of permanent kidney damage. Even though some cats might go on to make a full recovery, this is not guaranteed, even when treated quickly.

The best way to avoid this situation is to keep any lilies away from your cats, both inside the house or in the garden!

Key takeaways:

  • Lilies of the Lilium genus and Hemerocallis genus are highly toxic for cats and can cause irreversible or even fatal kidney damage when ingested; 
  • All parts of the plant are toxic and even a small amount can be deadly; 
  • If you suspect your cat has ingested a dangerous lily, this is a medical emergency! Do not delay in contacting your vet; 
  • When bringing new plants into your home, always check the species to ensure that they are not toxic for your pets.

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

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Cats, The Pet Professionals

Help your cat through shedding season!

The dreaded shedding season is here! If you share a house with a cat, or worse, several cats, you know that there is seemingly no way to eliminate the vortex of fur that comes from such a small pet.

Even though we cannot guarantee you will stop finding hairs all over the place, there are many ways to help your feline friend get through their autumn coat change and ensure he or she is not suffering from excessive hair loss.

Why is my cat shedding?

Cats, like many other mammals, lose a lot of fur during specific times to change their coat for a hair density more suitable to the season.

During autumn, they shed to grow denser fur for winter, which is a perfectly normal, if a little annoying, thing for them and us.

Breeds with long or denser hair like the Persian, Ragdoll or the Norwegian Forest cat will shed more, and their hair is considered to be of higher maintenance than breeds with shorter hair as they require more frequent brushing to avoid painful matting.

How can I help my pet during this time?

Here are some of the ways to make shedding season better for you and your cats:

  • Brushing frequently or even daily will ensure your house will have less fur flying around everywhere and also help your cat ingest less fur;
  • If your cat has long hair or is no longer capable of grooming due to problems like osteoarthritis, brushing is vital to avoid matting and to help him or her feel clean and comfortable;
  • Some cats might not appreciate some types of brushes, so in this case, you can try different solutions like a glove or a soft brush to see which ones they tolerate the best;
  • When your cat needs to be groomed, if he or she is not used to this intervetion, there could well be some resistance. The best solution might be to take him or her to a professional groomer every once in a while;
  • Ensure that you are feeding your cats high-quality, nutritionally complete and life-stage appropriate food as this will keep their fur healthy and lead to less shedding;
  • As this is a time of higher hair loss, your cat might ingest enough hair to have hairball problems, so don’t forget to keep an eye out for that!

 

What if my cat is losing too much hair?

Sometimes, it can be tough to know if your cats are simply shedding hair because of seasonal changes or if they have an underlying health problem that is causing excessive fur loss.

When you start seeing bald spots, excessive itchiness or dry, red skin, this might mean there is a problem that needs medical attention.

There are many causes for excessive hair loss, including parasites, fungal infections, nutritional deficiencies or even very serious problems like hyperthyroidism or even cancer, which is why it’s important to speak to your vet if you have concerns about your pet’s shedding.

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

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Cats, The Pet Professionals

How to increase your cat’s water intake

Did you know that insufficient water intake can be a risk factor for urinary issues in cats?

Urinary problems are some of the most common health issues in cats, which is why making sure that your cats are drinking enough water is essential to keep them healthy.

However, our feline friends can be quite particular about staying hydrated! Keep reading to find out how you can encourage your feline friends to drink-up!

Food and water intake

Cats should ingest about 50ml of water per kg of body weight daily. This means that a cat weighing 4kg should be taking in 200ml of water per day.

While some of their daily water needs will be met through their food, this is not enough to ensure an adequate water intake, even if they’re eating wet food.

This is why we need to make sure that they also have drinking water sources available and that they actually use them!

How to increase your cat’s water intake

Many owners provide water for their cats in a single bowl or fountain, which is placed close to their food.

But cats don’t like having their food and water near each other, so this might not be the best strategy, however practical it may be.

Here are a few suggestions on how to provide water to your cats that can help encourage their water intake:

  • Consider experimenting with different-sized bowls made from different materials to understand your cat’s preferences. Some cats will love to drink from small bowls (< 15 cm diameter), but others will prefer larger ones due to whisker fatigue. This is where a cat’s whiskers begin to hurt as a result of drinking from a bowl that is too big.
  • Have several sources of water available around the house, preferably in different rooms than the one in which they eat and away from their litter tray as well.
  • If your cat has outdoor access, make sure that they have water sources available outside as well.
  • Some cats prefer drinking running water, so if you see your cat rushing to you whenever you turn on the tap, consider getting a fountain. Remember that every cat has their preference, so your cat might love the water fountain or simply ignore it completely.
  • Try adding some ice cubes to your cat’s water to spike their interest and keep it cool on hot days.
  • Regularly check that their water sources are full and clean.
  • And if you have more than one cat, consider providing a mix of bowls and fountains to address different preferences.

Watch out for what your cat drinks

It’s common for owners to see their cats drinking from glasses, puddles or even ponds if they have outdoor access.
Though it’s unclear whether cats do this because they dislike their water sources at home or because they simply enjoy exploring, it’s important to keep an eye on what they’re drinking to make sure that it’s nothing harmful.

If you start noticing that your cat’s drinking behaviour changes and that they are drinking a lot less or more than usual, be sure to contact your vet for a health check.

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

Feline courses

 

 

Cats, The Pet Professionals

Help your cat be comfortable with children

Cats are very particular animals that enjoy the stability of their routines and can be pretty picky with the people they interact with.

As a parent or someone who frequently has kids visiting, you might be worried that your feline friend will not be too keen on having small, often loud and energetic humans in the house.

The unknown person factor and the potential for uncomfortable stimuli can be daunting, but it’s possible to prepare your kids and your cat for this to go as smoothly as possible!

First impressions are important

Whether you are bringing a new cat into a home with children or letting children meet an established cat, it’s important to remember to meet your pets’ needs first and foremost and let them lead the first interaction.

Terrible first impressions aren’t impossible to fix, but if your cat has a significant negative experience, especially during their first days with you, it can impact their stress levels.

This is why it’s important to choose a moment where your pet is calm and relaxed, and your kids have been adequately coached on the dos and don’ts of interacting with your feline best friend.

If your cat looks like he or she is no longer enjoying the interaction, gently remove him or her from the situation and provide a treat reward.

Teach your kids about boundaries

Depending on their age, it might be the first time they interact directly with a pet, but even older kids might need a little refresher on the particular needs of cats.

It’s best to start educating them on this as early as possible and always be ready to intervene until your children understand the ‘rules’. Respecting your pets’ comfort boundaries is extremely important as they might not always be in a position to flee, which can result in reactive aggression and a bad experience for everyone.

Keep these things in mind:

  • Teach them to be gentle and show tem how to touch a pet without hurting;
  • Be firm when it comes to behaviours such as tugging on ears, legs or tails, as these are never acceptable;
  • Be patient and always keep calm to avoid increasing tension and stress for both your kids and your cats;
  • Until your children reach a certain age, never leave your pets and kids with each other unsupervised. Even the most well-behaved and gentle cat is very likely to react badly if provoked or harmed, even if by accident!

Make sure your cats have quiet spots to hide in

Life with kids is not for the faint of heart! Always allow your cats to opt-out of interacting with little humans whenever they see fit and ensure that they have a room or space where they will not be disturbed.

All animals have different personalities, and some take to children better than others, but it’s vital they are allowed to choose when and where to get attention.

With time and patience, it’s possible to build beautiful lifelong friendships between your kids and your cats!

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

Feline courses

 

  

Cats, The Pet Professionals

Urinary disease in cats can be deadly!

Do you know about Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease? Also called FLUTD for short, this set of conditions is a common challenge for cat owners, and many of us have had direct experience with the problem.

The most important thing about FLUTD is that you should never ignore signs of urinary distress in your pets! What might seem like a simple problem that will go away on its own can become severe or even deadly if it compromises the bladder or the kidneys.

Read on to discover more about the importance of this syndrome and how to best help your cats in a time of need.

What is FLUTD?

FLUTD is not a singular disease, instead it’s a set of conditions that affect the lower urinary tract which is made up of the bladder and urethra.

It can be caused by many diseases such as infections in the bladder, bladder stones, obstructions in the urethra, cancer in the structures of the lower urinary tract or even stress.

While treatment is usually directed at resolving the underlying condition that is causing it, FLUTD can also have no apparent cause, and we call this idiopathic cystitis.

Regardless of the cause, it’s vital to know how to identify if there is an issue with your cat’s urinary system. You might see:

  • Your pet having difficulty urinating as this is usually a very painful condition;
  • Increased frequency of the trips to the litter tray due to an irritated bladder or issues with passing urine;
  • Changes in behaviour like unusual aggression, house soiling and too frequent grooming of the abdomen or the area surrounding the urethra that might result in hair loss or skin inflammation.

If this problem progresses to a complete incapacity to urinate, this is a medical emergency, and you should contact your vet immediately!

How can I prevent FLUTD?

FLUTD can be a recurring problem for many cats which means it’s likely that they will suffer from more than one episode.

Managing and preventing FLUTD will depend on the underlying cause, so it’s vital for your vet to thoroughly investigate what might be wrong with your cat and to diagnose exactly what is causing the lower urinary problem.

Your vet will then prescribe the specific treatment for the cause of your cat’s episode. This might include pain medication, antibiotics or even surgery to resolve a urethral obstruction and avoid severe kidney damage.

They are also likely to recommend dietary and home changes such as switching to wet food to encourage more water intake or ensuring that there are enough litter trays for all cats in your household to not compete over this resource.

As we’ve mentioned, idiopathic cystitis is a common trigger for FLUTD, and it has no obvious cause. It has been linked to stress, and conflicts with another pet or having little environmental enrichment.

What long-term management will look like for your cats can be pretty variable, and we know this can seem daunting, but your vet will be able to explain why these actions may be necessary.

Don’t hesitate to contact your vet if you’re struggling or if you are concerned that your cat might be suffering from urinary distress.

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

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