Tag Archives: cats

Cats, The Pet Professionals

Help your cats during fireworks season!

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

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

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

Is fear of fireworks common?

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

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

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

Can fear of fireworks be dangerous for my cat?

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

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

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

How can I help my cat feel better?

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

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

In the short term, you can try to:

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

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

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

 

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Cats, The Pet Professionals

Can my cat have breast cancer?

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

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

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

What is breast cancer?

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

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

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

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

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

Can my cat’s mammary tumour be treated?

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

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

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

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

How can I help prevent this disease?

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

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

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

 

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

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Cats, The Pet Professionals

Hypertension is a silent disease: Keep your cats protected!

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

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

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

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

What is feline hypertension?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Can my cat’s high blood pressure be treated?

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

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

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

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

Keep this in mind:

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

 

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

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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!

 

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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, 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

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:

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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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