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
Cats should be bathed when one or more of the following situations develop: Accumulation of excessive dirt, grease, or other foreign substances on the skin and coat Build-up of waxy sebum (seborrhea), which often leads to body odor Accumulation of skin scale (dandruff) s Skin infections Cats with normal, healthy skin and hair coats … 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
As part of a routine grooming program, you should perform a nail trim on your cat, every 2 to 3 weeks. The procedure itself is easy, assuming you have the right equipment and that your pet agrees to cooperate. If your pet refuses to hold still for its manicure, let a veterinary assistant perform the … 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
Your new pet’s first encounters with the rest of your family are important. Be sure that initial introductions, be they with children or other adults in the family, turn out to be positive ones. Carefully supervise child-pet interactions, and stress to your children the importance of gentle play and handling. Instruct your children and other … Read more