Category Archives: Cats

Cats, The Pet Professionals

The cat attack – Why is my cat being aggressive?

Particular as they may be, cats have wonderful personalities and make great companion animals and furry friends.

However, sometimes cats can show aggression towards their owners and other pets, which can be very detrimental to the bond between them and the home environment, and even dangerous in extreme situations.

Some aggressive behaviours are natural and even essential when it comes to hunting and personal defence, but these are definitely not wanted or needed in the security and comfort of our homes.

So, assuming that our cats are fed, well, that they don’t need to hunt to provide for their next meal, and that they have the whole house to claim as their territory, what can be causing our cats to act aggressively?

To answer this question, we need to go back to the kittens first weeks of life. Approximately between the second and ninth weeks of age, there is a very important phase in a kitten’s development, also known as the socialisation period. During this period, the kittens should be with their mother, so they can learn a number of normal cat behaviours, such as hunting and grooming, for example, skills that they are going to need and use throughout their lives. This is also the ideal timing to introduce the kittens to different experiences and stimuli, so they can get to know what to expect of a situation, what to fear, what to be careful with, and what is safe, gaining the foundations to grow into healthy and confident adult cats.

When a kitten is not adequately socialised, this can result in the manifestation of aggressive behaviours later. However, aggression is often the combination of various factors and not the result of a single event. Another common cause of attacks is a response to stress, which can, in turn, be associated with interactions with people (which can be as simple as petting), or with other animals, changes in the environment, fear, pain, and even health conditions.

Hyperthyroidism, infectious diseases, osteoarthritis and idiopathic cystitis are just a few examples of medical conditions that are commonly associated with feline aggression. As such, if your cat is acting aggressively, it is very important to seek veterinary assistance. Your vet will be able to perform a thorough check-up to make sure no health issues are causing these behaviours, as well as devise a treatment plan matched to your cat’s case.

Treatment strategies can be as simple as modifying the cat’s environment or the way you interact with your cat, but most cases usually require a multi-modal approach. Also, keep in mind that altering a cat’s behaviour is something that takes time and patience. Make sure you discuss with your vet all the concerns you may have and do not try to solve this type of problem without the help of a qualified professional.

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

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Cats, Dogs, Horses, The Pet Professionals

Top 3 tips to enjoy Summer with your pets

With the beautiful weather we’ve been having lately, we feel this is the perfect opportunity to share with you our top three tips to help you enjoy Summer with your four-legged companions.

#1: Keep your pets protected from heatstroke

As usual, prevention always comes first!

Heatstroke occurs when your pets overheat in such a way that their physiologic cooling mechanisms are not sufficient to bring their body temperature back to normal. This can be extremely dangerous and even life-threatening.

There are a number of precautions you can take to avoid heatstroke, the most important being:

  • Ensuring that your pets have access to well-ventilated, shaded areas at all times.
  • Avoiding taking your dogs for a walk or exercising your horses during the hottest hours of the day.
  • Making sure fresh, clean water is always available.

Dogs and cats are usually more easily and severely affected since they cannot sweat like horses. As such, signs of heatstroke also tend to be more evident in small animals than in horses, which may only show signs of some distress.

Signs of heatstroke in dogs include excessive panting, excessive salivation, restlessness, incoordination, confusion, weakness and collapse. In cats, the signs are the same, though they tend to be more subtle. However, if your cat is breathing with an open mouth, this is always indicative of a problem, so don’t hesitate to contact your vet for advice.

Keep in mind that some animals are more susceptible to heatstroke than others, and predisposing factors include:

  • Medical conditions
  • Obesity
  • Thick/dark coats
  • Flat faces – brachycephalic breeds
  • Age extremes
  • Strenuous exercise
  • Dehydration

Which brings us right into our next tip.

#2: Staying hydrated

Water is the major component of our pets’ body, which is the same as saying without water, there is no life.

As water takes part in so many vital functions in our pets’ metabolism, including temperature regulation, making sure our pets stay hydrated should be a priority to every owner.

So, what can you do to make sure your pet stays hydrated? There are basically two ways to do this:

  1. Increasing water intake
  2. Decreasing water loss

Increasing water intake can be tricky, especially for cats. If they’re not particularly fond of drinking (because there are cats that do love to drink!), you can ask your vet how to include wet food in their diet.

To encourage the drinking behaviour itself, it usually helps to have multiple sources of clean, fresh water scattered around the house. You can also try offering water in different containers as some cats may have preferences regarding the type of material of the container. Some cats will also prefer running water to still water, so keep trying different combinations.

Adding some ice cubes to your pets’ water will keep it cool longer, which some pets find refreshing, depending on their individual preferences.

Regarding horses, we need to keep in mind that, when they sweat, they’re losing water to regulate their temperature, but they’re losing electrolytes as well, particularly sodium. As such, an oral replacement electrolyte solution may be indicated. Make sure you check with your vet if this is needed, and which one is the most appropriate to give to your horse.

As for decreasing water loss, pets lose water with thermoregulation (keeping their body temperature stable when it’s too hot) and through elimination. There’s nothing we can do about the latter unless there’s an underlying medical condition increasing or decreasing its frequency, but we can help to reduce the energy and water our pets spend regulating their temperature. The way to do this is to keep them in a cool well-ventilated environment and avoid exercise when it’s too warm outside.

#3: Enjoy outdoor activities

Summer is fast approaching, the weather is fantastic, and this is the perfect opportunity to enjoy outdoor activities with your pets, such as hacking or going for a countryside walk.

Make sure you take all necessary safety precautions needed, including everything we have mentioned above, practice safe social distancing and have a wonderful time with your pets!

Cats, The Pet Professionals

Routines are vital for feline wellbeing

Cats may seem to be whimsical pets who enjoy doing all sorts of random things (usually involving pushing fragile objects off the shelves!) but, the truth is, they are animals that rely on stable routines to feel confident and safe.  

They like to know who will be home (and when), at what hours they can expect your full attention, and to have the best places available to nap when the mood strikes. Does this sound familiar?  

Because most of us have altered our routines in one way or another due to the current Coronavirus pandemic, it’s important to be aware of how these changes can affect our pets. Not only may we feel a little more stressed sometimes, which pets can be sensitive to, but domestic organisation may also have been thrown into complete disarray.  

If your purring pal seems a bit unsettled or is exhibiting odd behaviours like excessive vocalisation, for example, it may be a sign that they are trying to adapt to change and develop new habits. 

Help them along during this time by reviewing if your home is still a cosy cat corner:  

  • Is there a place where your cat can retire to if he or she needs to be away from people or other pets?  
  • Are you taking the time to play and have meaningful interactions with your cat?  
  • Do they have enough ways to stave off boredom, for instance with toys, unobstructed windows or a place to hang out with you while you work?  

Some cats will be more troubled by this than others, but with disruption comes increased anxiety, which can originate odd behaviours, as we have mentioned, or even a decline in overall health.  

Cats, in their normal state, are masters at hiding pain and discomfort. With all of these sudden changes, it can be easy to dismiss signs of illness as being something your pet is doing because their routines have been altered!   

It’s vital to keep a keen eye on them during this time to make sure they feel comfortable and to detect any problems that may arise. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact your vet for advice.

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

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Cats, Dogs, Horses, The Pet Professionals

Coronavirus – As a pet owner, what do I need to know?

After COVID-19 was characterised as a pandemic by the World Health Organisation on 11 March, it is now more important than ever that we protect ourselves and help everyone else at the same time.

Basic preventive measures against the virus include:

  • Washing your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds;
  • Avoiding crowded places and maintaining a social distance of at least 2 metre;
  • Avoiding touching your face, especially your eyes, nose and mouth;
  • Covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue if you cough and sneeze;
  • Seeking early medical advice if you feel any of the common symptoms;
  • Following directions of your local health authority.

It is also a good idea to make sure you have sufficient supplies at home in case you are infected or need to be quarantined. This includes (but is not limited to) food and medication for both your family and your pets.

At the moment, there is no evidence that pets can be infected with COVID-19 or be a source of infection to other animals or humans. As such, there is no need to separate yourself from your companion.
There are, indeed, coronaviruses that can affect pets, including canine coronavirus and feline coronavirus, but these are not associated with the current outbreak, which is caused by a new coronavirus, SARS-Cov-2.

So, as a pet owner, if you get sick with COVID-19, what can you do?

  • If possible, ask someone else to care for your pets.
  • If not, limit contact with them – avoid petting, snuggling, being kissed or licked and sharing food. Also, wash your hands before and after you interact with pets and wear a facemask around them.

If your pet develops an unexplained illness and has been exposed to a person with COVID-19 (yourself or others), talk to the public health official working with the person with COVID-19. If you’re advised to take your pet to the vet, call your veterinary practice beforehand to let them know that they’ll be seeing a sick pet that has been exposed to a person with COVID-19.

Adapted from the WSAVA advisory document.

For the latest updates on the coronavirus pandemic, please visit WHO’s website.

Cats, The Pet Professionals

Dental health care for cats

Have you had a look at your cat’s teeth lately?

It may sound like a weird question, but given that oral disease affects up to 80% of cats from only two years of age and as it can be easily overlooked, it is a really good idea to keep a close eye on your cat’s mouth!

February is pet dental health month, so we feel that this is a great opportunity to talk to you about dental health and cats.

Did you know that it is recommended that you brush your cat’s teeth?

Plaque and tartar accumulation will happen sooner or later, so setting up a toothbrushing routine, preferably while your cat is still young, will help you keep these bad guys away for as long as possible.

With cats being cats, it might not be easy to get them used to the toothbrush, but it is only a matter of time and habit! Start slowly by getting them used to manipulation of the lips and touching their gums, and then gradually introduce a cat-appropriate toothpaste and toothbrush.

Proper nutrition also plays an important role in feline dental health – dry kibble will have a mechanical, abrasive effect on the teeth, helping to prevent plaque accumulation. The same is true for dental treats, but these must be given in moderation as they can have a high-calorie content.

Finally, taking your cat to a routine veterinary appointment will give your vet the chance to make sure your cat’s teeth are properly clean and identify any issues that need to be addressed. For some cats with advanced dental disease, teeth cleaning or tooth extraction under general anaesthesia may be recommended. It is very important to treat existing dental disease as this will only worsen with time and can become very painful to your pet. Dental disease can also lead to other problems throughout the body such as heart or kidney disease.

If your cat has bad breath, doesn’t seem so eager when mealtime comes around, is eating less food than usual or shows discomfort whilst eating, these may all be signs of oral disease. Book an appointment with your vet to make sure that everything is ok!

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

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Cats, Dogs, Horses, The Pet Professionals

Routine appointments and pets

Owning a pet is a wonderful, gratifying experience but also a big commitment. Once you adopt or buy an animal, you become responsible for their health and well-being, which goes far beyond taking care of their basic needs.

Preventative veterinary care, such as proper nutrition, vaccination and regular worming and external parasite treatments, is essential to make sure your pets have the best chances of remaining healthy.

However, not even the most devoted owner can protect their pets from every situation. As such, keeping an eye on your pets and knowing what their normal physical appearance and behaviour look like, become valuable tools in assessing if something is wrong. Keep in mind that no one knows their pets better than their loving owners, and if you feel that something is not right, you shouldn’t hesitate to seek professional advice.

But be aware that some conditions can remain asymptomatic for a long time or result in signs that are easily dismissed! A good example is owners underappreciating their pets’ lack of energy as they associate it with the cold weather or old age. This is one of the reasons why routine appointments are so important, as they will give your vet a chance to pick up subtle changes that you might not have known how to recognise.

Routine appointments are particularly meaningful in elderly pets as there are known chronic conditions that can develop as pets age, such as chronic kidney disease, for example, and the sooner treatment is started, the better the outcome.

Keep in mind that routine health check appointments and vaccination appointments are not the same. Even though vaccination is required on a regular basis, and a pet needs to be determined healthy by a thorough physical examination before being vaccinated, sometimes additional complementary diagnostic tests are required if vets find something that needs to be investigated further.

How long has it been since your pets’ last visit to the vet? This would be an excellent opportunity to book a routine appointment and make sure they are fit to face winter!

Cats, The Pet Professionals

Winter, osteoarthritis and cats

With the cold weather settling in, we tend to see our pets enjoying longer naps and not seeming as interested in going outside for their exercise as usual. Even though the poor weather can be a significant contributor to this change in their disposition, it is important to make sure that your cats are happy and healthy.

Did you know that cats can also suffer from osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease, is a progressive condition that affects the joints. As this disease causes mobility problems, it can have a significant impact on our pets’ daily routines and quality of life.

As a result, you may notice your cats are less willing to go outside or play, show less energy overall and spend more time napping. Also, you may see that they don’t spend much time on their favourite places anymore if it requires jumping or climbing. In more severe cases, cats can even have swollen joints, limp or have a stiff gait, and osteoarthritis can be a very painful condition.

As you are well aware, cats are experts at masking signs of disease, so there is no one better to detect early signs of discomfort than an attentive owner.

If you recognise any of the signs mentioned, don’t hesitate to book an appointment with your vet. Even though there is no cure for osteoarthritis, this disease can be managed with medication, household modifications and complementary therapies.

There is no need for your cats to suffer in silence!

Also, keep in mind that, as for people, it is common for clinical signs to aggravate during the cold season. So, again, if you feel that something is not right, seek professional advice.

Don’t let the bad weather fool you – there is nothing better than a nap under the warm, cosy blankets, but make sure it is because your cats want to and not because they’re in pain!

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

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Cats, Dogs, The Pet Professionals

Fireworks Season – What to do if your pet goes missing

Autumn has arrived in earnest and with it comes the fireworks season. As much as we love the festivities, some of our pets might not feel the same way!

Halloween, Diwali, Bonfire night, Christmas and New Year all come at us in quick succession and many of these holidays feature fireworks of some kind, which are prone to causing intense panic in some of our furry friends. This is why it’s important that you know what to do in case your pet goes missing.

 

First and most important thing: don’t panic!

If you suspect that your pet is missing, it’s essential to keep a level head and start by:

  • Checking your home thoroughly and scouting all possible locations, even the strange ones! Cats are very flexible and experts at hiding in places such as cupboards, chimneys, garden sheds or any storage space;
  • Notifying your microchip company that your pet is lost as soon as you are able so they can send out alerts;
  • Contacting your local dog warden/animal shelters as they may have picked up your pet. They may be in contact with other rescue centres that your pet might have been taken to in the vicinity;
  • Checking with your local vets in case your pet was injured and taken there directly;
  • Speaking directly with your neighbours in case he or she ran into their sheds or gardens;
  • Putting up posters in the area and spreading the word through lost and found websites, as well as through social media.

If you suspect your pet was stolen, notify the police and get the word out as soon as possible!

To minimise the chances of this happening, take particular care in keeping your pets inside the house and in a safe location whilst there are fireworks. At least then they can’t break away from gardens or hop over fences.

We wish everyone a lovely and safe holiday season!

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

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Cats, The Pet Professionals

Pain in cats – How can I tell if my cat is in pain?

Pain is an unpleasant sensation that is common across species.

When we feel pain, we can easily tell where and how much it hurts, but it is not the same for our feline companions.

Cats are well known for their stoic nature and will go out of their way to make sure everything is normal. Even more so in cases of chronic pain as cats have had time to adapt their routines to minimise or avoid it.

It is thought that they do this as a way of not showing vulnerability, which, in the wild, would make them look as easy prey to predators.

 

However, cats have their own ways of showing us that they’re hurting, and cat owners can usually tell when something is not right with their feline friends. This is why it’s so important that you know your cats well, as when there are changes in their routines, favourite spots and activities, it might mean something is wrong.

 

For all these reasons, manifestations of pain in cats have been a topic of great interest among academics. Also, because being able to recognise when cats are in pain promptly will lead to earlier diagnosis and, in some cases, better outcome once treatment is started.

As a result, several signs have been identified that might denote that your cat is suffering, such as:

  • Abnormal gait or lameness
  • Reluctance or difficulty in moving or jumping
  • Overall activity decrease and increased time spent sleeping
  • Excessive vocalisations, hissing or growling
  • Difficulties urinating or altered toileting habits
  • Inappropriate elimination
  • Reduced grooming
  • Frequent licking a particular body region
  • Decreased appetite
  • Withdrawing or hiding
  • Less interaction toward people, other pets and toys
  • Altered body posture – hunched-up position, lowered head, lowered ears, tail flicking
  • Squinted or closed eyes, avoidance of bright areas
  • Reaction to touch

 

Recognising these signs can be instrumental in getting your cats the help they need. However, they’re not specific for the problem itself, as a number of conditions can cause pain. These can range from localised trauma, such as someone accidentally stepping on their cats’ toes, to more complicated problems such as arthritis or cancer. So, to find out what’s wrong, you’ll need to take your cat to the vet so he or she can run some tests an get to a diagnosis.

 

Keep in mind that any condition that causes pain will decrease your cat’s wellbeing, health and quality of life, so it should be addressed as soon as possible. If it were you, you wouldn’t want to keep suffering in silence!

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

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Cats, The Pet Professionals

Summer’s here – Keep your cats protected!

Now that summer is finally here and the weather is getting nice and warm, there are some extra precautions we need to take in order to make sure our friendly felines can enjoy it as much as we do.

If your cats are eager for a stroll outdoors, make sure their regular worming, flea and tick treatments are up to date as they’re bound to run into all sorts of parasites along the way!  Also, keep their vaccinations current to protect them against life-threatening diseases which are always present.

Most cats are very keen on having long, relaxing naps, and if they can do this while sunbathing at the same time, that would be their very definition of a ‘purrfect’ day!

However, just like for us, prolonged sun exposure can cause skin damage due to the ultraviolet radiation, that can result in redness, skin lesions and can also predispose our cats to a malignant type of cancer named cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.

To protect your feline companions from sunburn and sun damage, you can limit their exposure to a period of the day when the sun is not as strong. You can also protect them by applying pet-safe sunscreen on the tip of their nose and ears, which are the most commonly affected areas, as they don’t have much fur covering them.

Prolonged sun exposure, especially in very hot days and in poorly ventilated areas, can also lead to heatstroke! Yes, cats can get heatstroke too and, just like in dogs, this can be fatal if their temperature is not quickly lowered to normal values. This is why it’s so important that you never leave your cat alone in the car, not even for a quick visit to the shop, and to check that your cat doesn’t become locked in confined, closed spaces, such as garden sheds.

And don’t forget hydration! During summer, water intake is usually higher to compensate for losses due to temperature regulation. You should always have multiple sources of clean, fresh water available, and keep in mind that some cats can have very peculiar preferences when it comes to drinking, from the material that the bowl is made of and whether the water is running or not!

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