Within the bodies of all mammals, a complex network of glands (the endocrine system) is responsible for the production and secretion of special proteins and lipids (fats) called hormones. In turn, these hormones serve to regulate many vital functions within the body, from growth and development to digestion and utilization of nutrients. Like the nervous …
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The nervous system involves a complex interaction between special elements designed to originate or carry unique electrochemical charges to and from the various organs within the body. Like its endocrine counterpart, the nervous system initiates and regulates bodily functions and ensures its owner of an awareness to the surrounding environment. Anatomy and Physiology The smallest …
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The musculoskeletal system in mammals is responsible for locomotion, plus support and protection of vital internal organs. The components of this system include muscles, bones, and a variety of supportive structures, including ligaments, tendons, and cartilage. Disorders of the musculoskeletal system can be quite debilitating to a dog or cat and be accompanied by a …
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The sense of hearing in the average cat is much more fine-tuned than that of a human, allowing it to detect much higher sound pitches. The upper range of hearing is thought to be around 60,000 kilohertz for cats, well above the 20,000-kilohertz norm for people. Anatomy and Physiology The feline hearing apparatus can be …
The skin, or integument, functions to protect the body from outside foreign invaders and from water loss. It provides a focus for the sense of touch and assists in the regulation of the temperature within the body. In addition, special modifications of the skin, such as claws and pads, provide a means of traction and …
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The question about what to do with the female cat that is accidentally bred is not an easy one to answer. In the old days, all that a pet owner needed to do was to take her in to the veterinarian for a “mismating” shot or pill. What these treatments consisted of were formulations of …
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Diseases and conditions involving the reproductive tract tend to be either infectious or anatomical in nature. Prompt medical attention is warranted in any disorder involving the reproductive tract. Anatomy and Physiology The Male Reproductive System Starting with the male cat, the major parts of the reproductive system include the testicles (with associated epididymis and ductus …
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In the normal, day-to-day functioning of the body, lots of waste material is formed as a result of metabolic activity. It is the function of the urinary system to handle and to rid the body of these waste products. In addition, through its ability to dilute or concentrate the urine, it serves to regulate fluid …
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The digestive system of the cat is made up of a collective network of organs designed to supply the body with the nutrition it needs for growth, maintenance, and repair. It also functions to rid the body of waste. Because of this, diseases involving the digestive system can have a profound effect not only on …
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Nasopharyngeal polyps are benign, pendulous masses that are associated with chronic ear infections in cats. These polyps normally arise within the throat region and extend into the latter part of the nasal cavity. They may grow to significant sizes and actually interfere with the normal flow of air into the trachea and respiratory airways, causing …