With the temperatures rising the risk of our pets becoming infested by parasites such as ticks and fleas increases tremendously, since these small creatures thrive on warm weather. Fleas can be a real nightmare for pets and for their owners. These parasites will feed on our pet’s blood causing irritation, itching and a lot of discomfort.

The problems caused by fleas go beyond itching since they are also vehicles for the transmission of other parasites such as tapeworms and diseases such as cat scratch disease. Unfortunately, some of our pets can also have the added hassle of being extra sensitive to flea bites and suffer from flea allergy dermatitis.

Flea allergy dermatitis is a hypersensitivity reaction caused by proteins (antigens) present in the flea’s saliva. Cats suffering from this condition show an exaggerated reaction to flea bites that leads to severe itching, over-grooming and even damage to their skin. All cats can be affected regardless of their age or breed.

It takes just one flea to cause severe itching in pets susceptible to flea allergy dermatitis and the best way to prevent this problem is to keep a regular and effective flea treatment plan.

To check your cat for fleas spread your pet’s fur with your fingers, especially on the base of their tale. It is not always possible to see the fleas running around but if you look closely you will probably find their faeces. Look for small black specs located close to the skin.

If you notice your cat is itching more than usual or grooming excessively to the point of damaging fur and skin take your pet to the vet.  These clinical signs can be caused by flea allergy dermatitis but other conditions can present similar signs.

It is also very important to remind owners to never user dog tick/flea treatment products on cats! Many of these products contain substances which are highly toxic for cats and are meant to be used only in dogs. Follow you vet’s recommendation and always check product labels.

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During the summer months, there are many hazards you should be aware of in order to keep your furry feline friend safe.

Just like dogs, cats can suffer heat stroke when exposed to hot temperatures, even if he or she lives indoors. Your cat should always have access to cool water, which should be available at different places throughout the house, particularly in the areas your cat spends more time at. If your cat has outdoors access place water bowls in shady areas to keep the water temperature more comfortable. Don’t forget to frequently check the water level and wash the bowls daily. You can also use cat drinking fountains to induce your cat to drink more water or add ice cubs to the water bowls.

Your cat should have access to shaded areas to stay cool at all times. Make sure there is a cool place in your house your cat can go to.

Do not leave your cat locked in a parked car. Even a few minutes in a car, which can be located in a shaded area with the windows opened, can be deadly for your cat.

Young, older, obese and sick cats are more likely to suffer heat stroke. Signs of heat stroke in cats include restlessness, panting excessively and drooling.

It is also recommended to apply pet sunscreen to your cat’s ears and nose, particularly if he or she is light coloured, as being so makes pets more susceptible to sunburns. Just like what happens with people, sunburns can lead to cancer.

Grass seeds can also be dangerous as they can get caught in your cat’s paws, eyes or ears and need to be removed. Your pet may show signs of discomfort and shake his or her head.

In warmer months there are also more external parasites such as flea and ticks so make sure you use a safe and effective flea/tick control product on your cat. Please remember to never use a flea/tick dog treatment on your cat.

Bee stings are also more common during this time of the year and they can be really dangerous if the cat is allergic, if he or she is stung many times or if he or she is stung near the mouth or in the throat. This could lead to swelling of the airway and restrict breathing. If your cat has been stung by a bee take him or her to the vet!

Keep our tips in mind and enjoy a nice and safe summer with your cat!

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Just like us, cats have two kidneys and their main role is to filter the bloodstream and remove waste products produced by the body’s metabolism. These waste products are eliminated from the body in the urine. The kidneys also help to regulate the volume and composition of the blood.

Kidney disease is one of the most common problems in cats. This condition leads to the accumulation of toxic waste in the bloodstream, making the animal ill and perpetuating the kidney damage. Kidney disease can be acute or chronic. Acute kidney disease is a severe condition with a relatively sudden onset, most often days, in which the kidneys are suddenly unable to function properly, whereas chronic kidney disease is a disease that has been developing over the course of a longer period of time. The most common causes of acute kidney disease are the ingestion of toxic substances, like antifreeze, certain human medications and certain foods.

Chronic kidney disease is one of the most common conditions affecting older cats, from 7 years of age onwards. Two thirds or more of total kidney function must be lost before most cats show signs of disease. It is an ongoing, irreversible process that progresses over time.

Signs of chronic kidney disease include weight loss, poor appetite, lethargy, increased thirst and increased urination. As this disease advances, other signs may appear, such as sores in the mouth and bad breath produced by toxic levels of waste products, as well as vomiting and diarrhoea. If you notice these signs on your cat do not hesitate and take your pet to the vet!

Given prompt treatment acute kidney disease may be reversible. Unfortunately, chronic kidney disease cannot be reversed, but it can be managed, both increasing the quality of life of affected cats and potentially slowing down the progression of the disease.

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Cats that live indoors need properly enriched environments to live a happy life. The purpose of environmental enrichment is to offer options so that the cat can express his natural behaviour. If this isn’t provided your cat may feel stressed which can affect both his health and behaviour.

Indoor cats need unrestricted access to resting areas where stress factors, such as loud noises and other animals, can be minimized. In this place the cat should have access to a litter box, food, water, a scratching post, a perch and toys.

Litter boxes should be located in a safe, quieter area, away from food and water bowls. If you have more than one cat a box should be provided for each cat. The litter box should be scooped daily and washed weekly.

Small portions of food and treats should be given at random times throughout the day and in various places around the house. This seems to be fun for most cats, allowing them to display some hunting behaviour. You can also use food dispensing toys. Cat drinking fountains can also provide an interesting addition to the environment for some cats.

Cats also need perching options throughout the household, as they naturally climb for observation and safety, so provide places to climb and look out of windows.

Scratching is a natural behaviour for cats. Scratching posts should be placed in frequently visited areas of the home and in proximity to preferred resting places. Cats that scratch chair legs may prefer a vertical scratching post, while cats that scratch rugs and carpets may prefer a horizontal scratching post.

Play behaviours in cats are closely related to their natural hunting behaviour. Appropriate toys for cats include wand toys, self-propelling toys that mimic prey, balls inside a box, catnip filled toys and light beam pointer games. Toys should be rotated at least once a week to maintain novelty and interest.

Other enrichments that can be offered include music, catnip or grasses and playtime with other cats. Boxes are another way of keeping cats entertained and comfortable. They use them to keep warm, to escape threats and to scratch and perch on. Your time with your cat is also important, so make sure you have daily time to interact with your pet.

Cats kept solely indoors should be provided with ways to exhibit their natural behaviour to ensure their welfare!

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