Cat Health covers the common conditions, symptoms, and care tips every cat parent should know. From preventive care and home remedies to warning signs and when to call the vet, this section helps you understand your cat’s body and behavior so you can keep them feeling their best.
The term seborrhea refers to an abnormality in the normal turnover of skin cells, which can lead to excessive secretion of sebum by the sebaceous glands in the skin. Cats afflicted with seborrhea might have dry, flaky skin (seborrhea sicca), or, if the sebaceous glands are active, greasy skin with a rancid odor to it … Read more
Most well-cared-for pet cats can live to age 14 or 15, with some occasionally reaching 20. Life expectancy is increasing due to advances in disease prevention, a better understanding of diet, improved drugs and treatments, and more cats being kept indoors away from traffic hazards. Senior Years By about age 10, your cat may begin … Read more
The kidneys are responsible for eliminating waste products produced by the body’s normal metabolism. If they fail to perform this function adequately, the body will literally poison itself. For this reason, special attention must be directed at keeping these organs healthy, or—if a disease state already exists—at treating to prevent further functional deterioration. In cats, … Read more
Feline neurodermatitis results in hair loss and/or skin irritation due to nervous licking and chewing. The highly emotional breeds of cats, such as Siamese and Himalayan, are more prone to this disease than others. This nervous licking and chewing can be triggered by any disruption or stress in the cat’s normal daily routine, such as … Read more
Sometimes, an overactive immune system can lead to an arthritic condition. In these instances, immune complexes consisting of antibodies coalesce within the joints of the body, causing inflammation. The resultant polyarthritis can be very painful and debilitating. Fever and a generalized depression are also features of these diseases. Many cats that suffer from immunity-related polyarthritis … Read more
Like all living things, cats can suffer from bacterial and fungal infections. Felines groom themselves constantly, exponentially increasing their exposure risk to pathogens. Catching infections early and following veterinarian-recommended treatment helps support full recovery. Preventative care also reduces recurring infection frequency. This article explores common fungal and bacterial infections in cats, symptoms to watch for, … Read more
Do you worry about your pet’s health even when it appears healthy? Your veterinarian can ensure that your cat is thriving by performing a thorough checkup, but what can you do between visits? Pets cannot verbalize their discomforts, and people often worry that they’ll miss the early signs of illness. If you learn to examine … Read more