Category Archives: Cats

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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Cats, The Pet Professionals

Top tips for indoor-only cats

The number of cats that are kept indoors permanently has boomed in recent years as more and more people live in apartments or because owners choose to keep them away from dangerous traffic and potential altercations with stray animals.

Fortunately, cats can be terrific indoor-only pets, and they take to their spaces very well. But there are specific needs that owners need to be aware of so that their cats can lead a fulfilled indoor life.

Read on for the best tips on keeping your indoor feline safe and happy!

Windows – the curious cat’s delight

It’s part of a cat’s nature to observe things from high places, and it’s normal for them to do this, but it puts them at significant risk of falling several stories if they live in an apartment and windows or balcony doors are kept open.

To avoid this, make sure you keep your windows and balcony doors closed if you are not around to supervise your pets. With a little more DIY work, you can install safety screens on windows and leave them open without risk of falls.

Keep vaccines and flea, tick and worm treatments up to date

It’s easy to think that indoor pets do not get diseases or parasites, but unfortunately, you can still find yourself facing a flea infestation or a cat with an infectious disease even though he or she never set a paw outside.

Fleas and ticks will easily jump on people or other pets that go for walks and return to the house. The same happens with infectious diseases, especially if you take your cat to the groomer or boarding kennels.

The best way to handle this is to prevent them! Ensure your cats have all the needed vaccines and boosters and regular parasite treatment to avoid nasty surprises.

Have good enrichment to stave off boredom or stress

Without the stimulation from roaming around (and getting into trouble!), your cat might experience boredom which can lead to stress and, eventually, lowered quality of life and even poor health.

Here are some ways to make your house into a cat-friendly home:

  • Make sure you keep an adequate number of bowls and litterboxes for all of your cats;
  • Have varied toys and playing locations, and make an effort to position them in high places that your cat can perch on;
  • Provide them with vertical territory. If you’re unable to modify your house or apartment, there are plenty of rental friendly towers and toys that won’t require screws or nails;
  • Take the time to play with your furry friend consistently and to interact with them.

Pets who are bored and stressed might be destructive or aggressive, and environmental enrichment goes a long way to prevent these problems.

If you’re not sure what to do to keep your home cat safe and happy, don’t hesitate to talk to your vet about your concerns!

 

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

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Cats, The Pet Professionals

Should I groom my cat?

The most common question cat owners have is “Should I groom my cat?”, especially if they are first time owners!

We all know that cats are pretty much self-sufficient when it comes to cleaning their fur and skin, but there are many situations where you’ll need to intervene.

Keep reading to learn when and how to groom your cat to ensure your feline friend always has beautiful fur and healthy skin.

Which cats need grooming?

It is no surprise that cats with long or thick hair have very different grooming requirements than cats with short fur. If your pets have luxurious locks, you and them will have to get used to regular or even daily brushing as well as periodic hair trimming.

However, even if you have a cat that has thin or even no hair, he or she might need to be groomed and bathed once in a while. During shedding season, regular brushing will not only avoid a vortex of fur in your house but also help your cats feel more comfortable, and they will take in less fur, leading to fewer chances of hairballs.

Another group of cats that will need specialist fur and skin care is pets with infections (from fungi, parasites or bacteria) in their skin or prone to allergies. Your vet might recommend that you apply topical medication during bathing, which could mean that you will have to bath them frequently.

How do I groom my cat?

If you’re just now embarking on the pet owner journey, you might be feeling a little lost on how to help your cat maintain healthy fur and skin.

As we’ve just mentioned, many cats need regular grooming due to having long fur or if they happen to have medical problems that require special attention focussed on their skin and coat. But the truth is that all cats will need a little grooming help at least once in a while, which is why it’s crucial to get them used to being handled and groomed early on!

Here are some of the most important parts of a great fur and skin routine:

  • Fur brushing can be a pleasant activity for a cat, but getting him or her used to it as an adult can take some time, so make sure to keep sessions short and full of rewards;
  • Bathing can be a hard sell for your pets which means that the best way is to get them used to it when they are as young as possible and to make it an enjoyable experience;
  • Don’t forget to take a close look at their nails and clip them if needed!

When all of this goes well, grooming becomes a wonderful bonding moment between you and your cat. However, we know that some cats can be very challenging to groom, and that’s when professional grooming services come to the rescue.

It’s okay if you struggle with this and need to call for help, so don’t hesitate to shop around for the perfect groomer or speak with your vet about your difficulties!

Cats, Dogs, Horses, The Pet Professionals

Benefits of pet ownership

With 2021 coming to an end, we would like to invite you to take a moment to reflect on how important your pets have been in your life this year.
They can really be our lifeline sometimes, providing us with moments of comfort, greeting us with contagious joy and making sure that we are never alone.
We are sure that you are aware that having pets can be tremendously beneficial to our health and wellbeing?

Physical health benefits

Research suggests that owning a pet can help reduce cardiovascular problems and cortisol (also known as the stress hormone) levels, and even boost your natural immunity!
Pets also help us keep an active lifestyle, be it by encouraging us to engage in playful activities with them or by making us take exercise whilst taking them out for walks.

Mental health benefits

Pets are creatures of habit, and so are we. Owning a pet is a big commitment and responsibility, making it more likely that we will follow a set routine, which can be extremely beneficial to our mental health.
By providing us with companionship, unconditional love and by having such a joyful demeanour, they can be a lifeline for those who struggle with mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety.
They can even help combat loneliness by being an ice breaker, helping start conversations that would otherwise not take place.

Having a pet is, indeed, one of life’s most incredible experiences. From the moment they set foot inside our homes, they become a part of our family, and we couldn’t be more grateful for having such loyal companions in our lives.
But if for any reason pet ownership is not an option for you, there are several activities that you can do with animals, such as volunteering at a kennel, or horse riding, for example, that still allow you to benefit from the human-animal connection.

Cats, Dogs, The Pet Professionals

Cold weather and pets – Keeping your furry friends comfortable

With the weather getting colder, snuggling comfortably with our pets at home feels like the perfect weekend plan.

But even pets equipped with the best fur coat can feel the cold, so we should ensure that they remain comfortable as winter approaches.

That said, we’ve put together three tips to help your pets during the cold weather.

 

Winter clothes

The pet fashion industry has grown considerably in the past years, and we can find anything from collar accessories to the most elaborate Halloween costumes in pet’s clothing shops.

The truth is, when winter comes, some pets will significantly benefit from the added protection that clothing can offer.

Impermeable, fleece-lined coats with reflective materials on the outside are great for this season as they’ll keep your pet warm, dry and visible.

Our top advice regarding clothing is to make sure that your pet is comfortable wearing it. Check if it fits properly and if your dog has never worn clothes before, gradually increase the periods in which they are dressed until they are used to the feeling.

Boots can also be highly appreciated, especially when it’s snowing or if your pet needs some extra grip in slippery conditions.

 

Preventing boredom

Even if your cat enjoys being out on the prowl, it won’t come as a surprise if they prefer to spend more time indoors during the colder season. As for dogs, depending on the weather conditions, their walks are also likely to be shorter.

When returning home, make sure that your pets’ fur is dry to prevent skin problems and other health issues. Having a warm, comfortable space where they can snuggle, ideally near a window so that they can see what’s going on outside, is likely to be one of their favourite spots.

However, even if they’re spending more time indoors, it’s important to make sure that their exercise needs are being met. Keep them physically and mentally stimulated with fun home activities to prevent them from becoming bored and developing associated behaviour problems, such as chewing or scratching furniture, excessive vocalisation, and house-soiling, for example.

 

Health checks

Very young, senior or debilitated pets are usually not as able to deal with the cold as healthy animals. If you notice some discomfort, don’t hesitate to discuss this with your vet and book a check-up appointment as there could be an underlying disease that is making your pet more vulnerable.

Also, it’s important to keep in mind that arthritic pets usually have a more challenging time during winter, with the cold weather making their joints stiff. Talk to your vet to make sure that they are pain-free and discuss what you can do at home to make their lives more comfortable. Something as simple as raising their food bowls off the floor can have a tremendous impact on their wellbeing.

 

We hope you get to enjoy the beauty of the colder season with your pets!

Cats, Dogs, The Pet Professionals

Improving mealtimes for older pets

As our pets grow older, they go through a significant number of changes. They may not enjoy moving as much, they may lose some sharpness to their senses, and they may suffer from chronic conditions such as kidney disease, osteoarthritis or diabetes.

Keeping an eye out for these changes is very important as our pets can have a dip in their quality of life as time goes on. However, there are some things we can do to enhance their comfort at home, one of which is improving their eating experience.

Eating is one of the most important daily activities, and senior animals often find themselves not enjoying their mealtimes as much. This can lead to a significant decrease in their calorie intake, causing them to lose weight.

Here are some tips on how to ensure your golden oldies have a five-star gourmet experience every day:

Switch to a diet appropriate for their age

Usually, cats are considered seniors at around ten years of age, while dogs vary between seven for larger breeds and nine for smaller breeds. At these ages, consider changing their food to a special senior formulation.

There are plenty of options made specifically for senior pets, and therapeutic diets that help with a number of health problems. These formulations contain all the nutrients that they need to support age-related conditions such as lowered immune systems, achy joints, and kidney disease. They also have the right texture and shape for pets who can no longer smell or chew so well.

Improve palatability

Improving palatability may take a little trial and error, but it can be very rewarding for you and your pets.

Try to offer novel food textures such as soft wet food, which can help if your pet has pain chewing, or change the brand and flavour of their meals.

Offering smaller portions throughout the day and introducing exciting food puzzles are also quick changes you can implement to great effect.

Pouring a little water or salt-free broth on dry kibble and gently heating it in the microwave improves aroma, which can compensate for any loss of smell.

Be mindful of their limitations

Osteoarthritis, muscular weakness or painful chronic conditions all make bending down harder. If you spot your pets struggling to reach their food, place the bowl a little higher so that eating is more comfortable for them.

Golden oldies who no longer hear or see very well may also feel disoriented in busy spaces and may struggle to find their food. Keeping their bowls in an easily accessible, comfortable and quiet room can do wonders for them!

Ask your vet for help

Every pet is different, and sometimes it can be pretty challenging to get an older pet, especially one with concurrent health conditions, to eat what they need to stay healthy.

If you find yourself struggling with this or have any questions on how to improve your furry friend’s quality of life, do not hesitate to contact your vet.

Cats, The Pet Professionals

Environmental enrichment for cats

Last Sunday was International Cat Day, a day created to celebrate our feline friends.

At The Pet Professionals, we believe all days should be ‘cat days’, so we’re keeping the celebration going, and we’re going to share with you our three top tips to help you enrich your cat’s life.

 

#1 – Meeting basic needs

If you are the proud owner of a purring friend, this is where to start. 

Make sure that your cat has access to all the resources that they require to satisfy their most basic needs, such as eating, drinking, sleeping and going to the toilet.

Here is some useful information that you might not be yet aware of. Did you know that…

  • Eating and drinking bowls should not be near each other
  • Cats tend to prefer wide and shallow dishes
  • Having multiple sources of water around the house is helpful to encourage drinking
  • The litter tray should be away from the eating, drinking and resting areas
  • If you have more than one cat, it is recommended to have one litter tray per cat plus an additional one
  • Cats tend to prefer open trays and unscented litter
  • Some cats will not use the litter tray if it’s dirty, and will find elsewhere to eliminate

Basic needs – not so basic that we should ignore them!

 

#2 – Providing opportunities to display natural behaviour

For cats to be happy, they need to be able to display their natural behaviour. This includes:

Hunting

If your cat does not have outdoor access, it’s very important to provide them with hunting opportunities at home. Fortunately, there are several toys that you can purchase or make to mimic hunting. 

Also, playing is great for physical and mental stimulation and can be a bonding experience if using interactive toys. However, keep in mind to never play with your cats with your hands and fingers as this could direct predatory behaviour towards you or other family members.

Even though they’re likely to have a favourite, rotate your cat’s toys every once in a while, to keep things fun!

Scratching

Please do not try to discourage your cat’s scratching behaviour, even if they’re trying to create a ‘new texture’ for your furniture. Scratching is something that comes naturally to cats and that allows them to communicate and keep their nails sharp.

If your cat is scratching on something that they shouldn’t, such as the couch or curtains, for example, provide them with an appropriate surface to scratch on and make sure to place it somewhere that your cat will use it. Sometimes, moving the cat scratching post from the corner of the room to near a problem area will prevent your cat from scratching where you don’t want them to.

Scouting 

In the wild, cats are mighty predators, and a key component of the prowl is patient observation. High places, such as shelves or the top of the refrigerator, are usually greatly appreciated by cats, as it provides them access to a large visual field and a position of advantage. Providing your cat with vertical territory allows them to feel safe and contented.

Hiding

However, as great as hunting as cats are, cats can also be a prey target, making it twice as important to be observant, and to have a place to retreat to if needed. Having hiding places around the house can be a great source of comfort and safety.

If your cat is hiding, try to avoid disturbing them and let them come out on their own when they feel ready.

 

#3 – Making your cat’s space their own

Every cat is different, and each has their own personality and quirks. Make sure to make adjustments as needed to best suit your cat’s character so that they can lead happy lives.

 

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

Feline courses

 

 

Cats, Dogs, The Pet Professionals

The dangers of heatstroke

Sun, relaxation and plenty of adventures are the biggest draws of the season!

But with all the nice experiences we can enjoy during the warmer weather, there are some concerns that pet owners need to keep in mind.

One of the most important ones is heatstroke and how it can be dangerous, even deadly, to your pets!

Read on for an overview of how heatstroke can happen and what to look out for.

 

What is heatstroke? 

Simply put, heatstroke happens when a pet overheats without being able to regulate his or her body temperature back to safe levels.

Dogs and cats lose heat differently than humans do, as they produce very little sweat and mainly lose heat by panting. The evaporation of moisture in the oral cavity is critical for heat loss, but this can’t happen if the outside temperature is too high.

Common situations where overheating is likely to happen include:

  • Pets trapped in hot cars, regardless if they are in the direct sunlight or not or with windows open;
  • Days where it’s very damp and mildly hot, as humidity makes temperature regulation harder even when it doesn’t seem too warm;
  • Pets playing outside when the temperature is high and not having the chance to cool down;
  • Pets without access to any cool, shaded places or water.

 

How can you tell if your pet is suffering from heatstroke?

Incoordination, weakness, excessive panting and drooling are the first signs of heatstroke. These should never be ignored as they can quickly progress to sudden collapse, seizures and even death if the pet’s body temperature fails to normalise.

Please note that elderly pets and pets with certain health conditions like narrow airways, obesity or diabetes, are at a higher risk as they have more difficulty regulating their body temperature.

 

What to do when my pet is suffering from heatstroke? 

If it’s warm and you spot that your pet is in distress, move them to a shaded area immediately and cover them with towels soaked in cool (but not cold) water to help dissipate heat. Offer them sips of water to drink if they’re able to do so, and contact your vet as soon as possible.

Heatstroke is an emergency, and veterinary assistance should be sought without delay!

Cats, The Pet Professionals

Taking your pet to the ophthalmologist

Throughout the years, there have been several developments in veterinary medicine, and with these, specialisation in different areas of clinical practice.
Just like human medical doctors, veterinary surgeons can choose an area of expertise that they’re keen on and pursue further education and training on the subject. For instance, did you know that there are vets specialised in eye health?
And that is what we are going to address today – veterinary ophthalmology.

Veterinary ophthalmology

Vets can collect valuable information from conducting a thorough eye exam, which is not limited to the eye itself.
Systemic conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, infectious diseases and others, can manifest through ocular signs, emphasising the importance of a meticulous physical examination, even when the problem seems to be localised.
And given that ocular signs can have multiple causes, from something as harmless as a speck of dust getting caught in the eye to something as severe as life-threatening hypertension, eye problems should never be overlooked.

So, as a pet owner, how can you recognise signs of ocular disease?

Common signs of eye disease include:
• Excessive tear production and tear staining
• Dry eye
• Eye discharge
• Excessive blinking
• Inflammation (red eye)
• Asymmetric eyes (different sized pupils, bulging, swelling, drooping eyelids, …)
But there are more subtle indicators that there might be problems with your pets’ eyes or vision, such as:
• Pawing at the face and other signs of ocular pain or discomfort
• Avoiding being touched on the head
• Avoiding bright places (increased sensitivity to light)
• Pain-related behaviours (aggression, hiding, …)
• Being startled when touched or bumping into furniture and other obstacles if there is vision loss.

Ocular problems and when to seek help

There are many eye-related conditions that can affect our pets, such as conjunctivitis and eye infections, which are common in kittens and unvaccinated cats (cat flu), cataracts, glaucoma, and cherry eye, to name a few.
A common ocular problem affecting dogs during spring and summer is foreign bodies (e.g. grass seeds). Foreign bodies are any kind of object that enters the eye and gets stuck on the eyeball surface.
Tear flow and blinking are sure to follow as these are normal mechanisms that protect the eye, aiding in removing these foreign materials. However, these may be insufficient, so if persisting, you should seek veterinary assistance to have the foreign body removed before complications (such as eye infections) develop.
These and other simple eye issues can usually be addressed by your regular vet, but if it’s something more complicated, your pet may need to be referred to a veterinary ophthalmologist.

If you have any concerns about your pets’ eyes or vision, don’t hesitate to contact your vet. As with most other health issues, the sooner the problem is addressed, the better!

Cats, The Pet Professionals

Spring flowers for cats

Spring brings us some of the best experiences of the year! The days start getting longer and warmer, and the dreary weather of winter slowly makes way for springtime bloom.

Even though there are still plenty of movement restrictions, the spring green and extra light make everyone a little more cheerful, even though we can’t go on outdoor adventures quite yet. Despite that, our gardens and homes are alive once more with all sorts of plants and flowers, letting us safely enjoy all the good things about this season from home.

 

However, plenty of plants can be dangerous to our furry friends, especially their bulbs. Some of the most common examples are:

  • Lilies (Lilium and Hemerocallis)
  • Foxglove
  • Ivy
  • Yew
  • Rhododendron and azalea
  • Oleander
  • Daffodil
  • Geranium
  • Hyacinth
  • Tulips

If you’re considering a revamp on your garden or just looking to add some colour to your rooms, don’t forget to check for plants that are pet-appropriate!

 

Lilium and Hemerocallis

We would like to take some time to talk about cats and lilies, which are often bought into our homes as gifts or decorations, as these can pose a deadly danger for our feline companions.

Lilies (Lilium) and daylilies (Hemerocallis) are the two groups that are the most toxic to cats. Many other species have ‘lily’ in their common name but might not be considered lilies.

A small quantity of any part of the plant is enough to cause severe harm, including the pollen. Even though your cats may not be interested in nibbling flowers or unpotting bulbs, they may still ingest pollen by grooming their coats.

Signs of lily intoxication

  • Drooling;
  • Nausea;
  • Vomiting;
  • Diarrhoea;
  • Disorientation;
  • Tremors;
  • Seizures;
  • Kidney failure.

Irreversible kidney damage is easy to happen, and the best way to avoid it is to not have any lilies in your home or garden.

If you suspect your cat has come in contact with a lily, do not hesitate to contact your vet! The sooner the treatment is started, the better the chances of recovering without losing kidney function.

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

Feline courses