Health

Is your cat lethargic with a reduced appetite? There are many possible causes for these symptoms, but pancreatitis in cats is one to be aware of. Find out more about this condition including its diagnosis and management. The pancreas is one of the organs in the abdomen. It has roles in digestion and also produces insulin to help control blood sugar levels after eating. Pancreatitis in cats refers to inflammation of this organ, and is a more common disease than previously thought. This guide will help you to notice possible symptoms of pancreatitis and find out more about the condition. What is pancreatitis in cats? The pancreas makes digestive enzymes which help to break down food. In a healthy pancreas, these enzymes are not activated until they have reached the small intestine. In a cat with pancreatitis the enzymes become activated while they are still in the pancreas, leading to self-digestion and inflammation of the organ. What are the symptoms of pancreatitis in cats? The symptoms of pancreatitis in cats can be more subtle than those of pancreatitis in dogs, which is a more commonly diagnosed condition. Symptoms generally include non-specific signs such as dehydration, loss of appetite, weight loss or lethargy. What causes pancreatitis in cats? The initial trigger for feline pancreatitis is not fully known and is likely to vary between individuals. There is evidence that a range of underlying causes could be responsible such as infectious disease, other inflammatory illnesses, or trauma.

Hyperthyroidism in cats is a common disease which mainly affects middle-aged and elderly felines. Read our guide to find out everything you need to know about the condition. Hyperthyroidism in cats is a common disease that affects middle-aged and senior cats. Hyperthyroidism refers to excessive levels of thyroid hormone being produced by the thyroid glands located in the neck. This can have significant health implications, because thyroid hormone is involved in the normal regulation of metabolic processes in the body. Therefore, the condition can affect multiple body systems. If you are concerned that your cat might have hyperthyroidism, we’ve created this guide to tell you all you need to know about the condition, from the symptoms to watch out for to the life expectancy for hyperthyroidism in cats. What causes hyperthyroidism in cats? Most cases of hyperthyroidism are caused by a benign tumour of the thyroid gland leading to excessive thyroid hormone production. However, the tumour can be malignant and spread within the body in a small proportion of cases. You may hear the terms T3 and T4 used – with T3 referring to triiodothyronine which is the active form of the hormone and T4 referring to thyroxine which is the precursor for this. Blood levels of both of these forms of the thyroid hormone can be tested as part of the diagnostic process.

If you have a cat that likes to explore the outside world, it’s likely that they’ll encounter a tick at some point. Find out how to remove a tick from a cat with this guide. If your cat spends a lot of their time outside, it’s likely that they’ll get a tick at least some point in their lives. These tiny creatures latch onto your cat’s body and will feed for several days if not removed, so it’s important that they’re caught as early as possible in order to prevent further pain and discomfort, and to prevent them passing on certain infectious diseases which they can carry. If you’ve spotted a tick on your cat, you may be wondering how to remove it without causing pain or leaving part of the tick behind, which is why we’ve put together a useful guide to tell you how to remove a tick from a cat safely and properly.

After your cat’s operation they might be out of sorts for a while, but with a bit of extra love and care from you, they’ll soon be back to pouncing, exploring and playing as normal. Collecting your cat from the vet When your cat is ready to come home, your vet will give you some advice for looking after them until they’re back on their feet. This advice will depend on your cat’s specific treatment, and should include check-up dates and any medicine your pet needs to help them recover. Each cat is different, so follow your vet’s advice and give them a call if you think your cat isn’t recovering properly; even if you’re just not sure what to do, they’ll be happy to help. Even if your cat is usually an energetic bundle of fun, they’ll probably feel quite dozy after their anaesthetic, so don’t worry if they’re a little sleepy for a while. Despite this, check they’re eating enough to help them get better, and look out for any signs of pain.

As cats can suffer from many of the same disorders as humans, many often find themselves wondering, can cats have down-syndrome? In this article we explore the topic and provide the answers to all of your questions. Can cats have Down syndrome? This question has become more common in recent years due to the easier sharing of images afforded by the Internet. Getting to see more cat photos means that we have the opportunity to get to know unique cats that we wouldn’t otherwise have seen. You might have seen or heard about cats that look and behave a little ‘differently’, becoming known on the Internet for being ‘Down syndrome cats.’ Although the physical and behavioural symptoms of these cats may present like a type of feline Down syndrome, it is impossible for them to truly be ‘Down syndrome’, as this is something that exists solely in humans. What is Down syndrome? Down syndrome is a congenital disorder in humans, affecting the people that have it both physically and intellectually. It arises from a chromosomal defect. In humans, the nucleus of each cell contains 23 pairs of chromosomes, and people with Down syndrome have three copies - either complete or partial - of chromosome 21. They tend to have certain physical characteristics like low muscle tone, short stature and a flat nasal bridge, and will also exhibit some degree of learning difficulty.

Of course not all cats go blind, and if they do they can still lead a wonderful, fun-filled life. However, if you realise your cat is going blind, there are a few changes you should make to help them out. Your cat has a wonderful life with all the love and attention you give them, whether they spend their time prowling the great outdoors or prefer to snuggle up on your lap in the house. Despite your care, however, there are some things you can’t control as an owner, including the possibility of blindness in your cat. What are the causes of cat blindness? Your cat may start to lose their sight for a variety of reasons, including old age. Inherited causes of cat blindness are less common than they are in dogs, but they tend to occur more in purebred cats. For example, if you are lucky enough to have a lovely, silky Abyssinian cat, you are more likely to see blindness caused by progressive retinal atrophy (although a genetic test is available for this). Medical causes for adult or senior cats losing their sight are more common than genetic ones. These include trauma, neurological problems, and high blood pressure. Cats compensate for impaired vision by relying more on their remaining senses, especially smell. How can I tell if my cat is blind? If your older cat loses their sight, chances are it happens so gradually you won’t notice anything until the loss is total. This isn’t your fault – cats can compensate for their impaired vision by relying on their other senses. This is particularly true of their sense of smell, which is why they might happily wander up to you when you serve their meals, even if they can’t see properly.

No pet owner wants a time to come when they have to think about cat amputation, but if your cat’s had an accident or is unwell and surgery can stop their pain, it can be the kindest thing to do. Amputation sounds drastic but it’s a much more common procedure than it once was and, although it involves major surgery, disabled cats can cope very well without a tail or on three legs, once they’ve had time to readapt. So there’s no reason why your handicapped cat shouldn’t live a life that’s filled with as much love and happiness as any of their other feline friends. Cat tail amputation When might my cat need their tail amputated? As cats' tails are long and energetic, they’re prone to accidents, and injuries. Your vet may be able to treat some of the less serious problems but in some cases they may decide that a severely damaged tail needs to be amputated. How will tail amputation affect my cat? Cat tail amputation is a relatively straightforward operation, and although your furry friend may take some time getting used to living without a tail, you can feel reassured that the operation is unlikely to have a long-term impact on their behaviour. Limb amputation in cats When might my cat need a limb amputated? Your vet will recommend limb amputation if, for example, your cat’s leg has been very badly injured in an accident or if they’ve discovered a cancerous tumour on a limb, and removing it completely can stop the illness from spreading. How will limb amputation affect my cat? Losing a leg might sound like a drastic measure but many cats continue to live a very happy life on three limbs without any problems. After the operation, your cat will need to recover from the surgery and then learn how to walk and run again, as their weight distribution will have changed. Your vet will be able to give you lots of help and advice on how you can both cope during these first few weeks.

Cat seizures have many causes and can often occur quite suddenly. Find out what you can do to make the experience less stressful for you and your pet. Cat seizures can be a symptom of many different diseases but are one of the more?unusual illness symptoms?in cats. It can be alarming the first time your cat has a seizure, but by following the advice set out in this article, we hope you’ll have the confidence to remain calm and seek veterinary advice when necessary. Keep reading to find out more about cat seizures and epilepsy. What are cat seizures? Cat seizures manifest as unusual behaviours such as collapse, twitching, gnashing of the teeth and tremors. During a seizure, there are sudden, abnormal electrical impulses that disrupt the normal processes in the brain. This can result in nerve stimulation elsewhere in the body, resulting in the unusual behaviours that are often associated with seizures. Seizures in cats are a sign of abnormal brain functioning and are not actually a disease diagnosis in itself. However, seizures can also be caused by problems other than brain abnormalities. Kidney problems, liver disease or low sugar levels can also lead to seizures in cats. There are various categories of seizure, and often an episode will be considered generalised or partial. A generalised seizure involves both halves of the brain, whereas a partial seizure will involve a specific brain region. What is cat epilepsy? Cat epilepsy is a condition characterised by seizures that happen repeatedly and are caused by disruptions in brain activity. If your pet has experienced a single episode in their life, they are unlikely to be diagnosed with cat epilepsy. Epilepsy in cats should not be confused with the genetic condition called idiopathic epilepsy which usually affects both dogs and humans, but is a fairly rare illness in felines. Idiopathic epilepsy also manifests through seizures, but in this case, no abnormalities can be detected in the brain or anywhere else in the body. Cat seizure symptoms The signs of a cat seizure will vary depending on the cause and type of episode. General seizures typically have a sudden onset and last up to three minutes. They can be alarming to watch as you might see symptoms such as shaking, loss of consciousness, twitching, or urination.

Having kittens is a very exciting and emotional time for you and your cat. Before you can welcome bundles of fur into your home, you need to know how to tell if your cat is pregnant, and what you can do to ensure her pregnancy is as happy as possible. It’s important to remember when planning to have kittens that your cat and her litter will have demands that you will need to be prepared to handle. To help you support your pet throughout her pregnancy and labour, we’ve covered everything you need to know about expectant cats. Cat pregnancy Much like us, cats have periods of peak fertility when they can become pregnant - this is known as being in season or in heat. Cats can come into season about once every three weeks, so there are plenty of opportunities for your pet to fall pregnant! If you’d like to avoid an unexpected litter of kittens, we recommend neutering your cat before her first season, as she can become pregnant very easily after that point. As bringing up a litter can be stressful for your cat, and expensive for you, we recommend leaving breeding to the experts if possible. How long is a cat pregnant Cat pregnancy normally lasts between 63 to 67 days, but it can be tough to know exactly how long a cat is pregnant for. The cat gestation period can vary from as short as 61 days to as long as 72 days. Your cat (queen) often won’t show any physical symptoms of pregnancy until she is a few weeks into her term. If you think that your cat is pregnant, take her to the vets for confirmation. If you would like to know how to tell if a cat is pregnant yourself, there are several physical signs that you should be able to spot after two or three weeks have passed. How to tell if your cat is pregnant • After approximately 15-18 days of a cat pregnancy, you may notice that your pet’s nipples become enlarged and red – this is known as ‘pinking-up’. • Similar to morning sickness in humans, your pregnant queen may go through a stage of vomiting. If you notice that her sickness becomes frequent, or she is at all unwell in any other way, contact your vet. • Your queen’s tummy will start to swell, but avoid touching it so you don't risk hurting mum or her unborn kittens. There can be other causes behind abdominal swelling, so monitor your cat closely for any signs of illness and consult your vet if you are worried. • A mum-to-be will gradually gain between 1-2 kg (depending on the number of kittens she is carrying) - this is a strong sign that she is pregnant. • Queens tend to have an increased appetite later in their pregnancy, which will also contribute towards her weight gain. An increased appetite could also be a sign of worms or illness, so double check with your vet to confirm. • Your pregnant cat may act more maternal, meaning that she purrs more and seeks extra fuss and attention from you. • Some vet practices can diagnose cat pregnancy using ultrasound, sometimes as early as 15 days into her term. The vet may also be able to give you an indication of how many kittens your cat is expecting by day 40 of her pregnancy. Bear in mind that in cat pregnancy, a larger kitten can obscure other smaller kittens in the womb, so you could have more kittens than expected!

Cats are incredibly clean creatures, but sometimes they may need a little bit of help cleaning those hard to reach places like their ears. Find out how to clean a cats ears and what you should be looking out for with our handy guide. Cats usually do a really good job of keeping themselves clean, but sometimes they may need added help in places that are hard to reach, like their ears. It’s not easy for your cat to give the inside of their ears a thorough clean so it’s usually a good idea to keep an eye on them and clean them when necessary. It’s important that cats’ ears are kept clean in order to avoid ear infections and other possible problems, but many cat owners don’t know how to do it. Keep reading for our top tips and advice for cleaning a cats ears and what you should be on the lookout for. How often should you clean a cat’s ears? You should always make sure to regularly check inside of your cat’s ears so that you can be on the lookout for any problems or a possible infection. It’s best to incorporate this into their grooming routine and make sure to look inside their ears at least once a week. It will depend on your cat’s habits when it comes to how often you should clean their ears. If you have a house cat you may find that you rarely need to clean their ears, whereas if you have a cat that’s always getting up to mischief outside, they may need more regular cleaning to remove dirt they’ve picked up. It’s generally a good idea to start doing regular checks when your cat is a kitten to get them used to having their ears handled, otherwise they may be nervous and this can make cleaning a cats ears a difficult task.

It’s a sad reality that our furry friends are prone to getting some of the same diseases as us, and that includes cancer. Cancer in cats is less common than it is in dogs, but when they develop it it’s more likely to be fatal. Learn what to be on the lookout for and how to catch it early with our guide. Cancer in cats is an unfortunate reality that can affect our feline friends. While it’s less common than it is for dogs to get cancer, when cats develop the mutation it’s more likely to be serious as they’re masters of hiding their discomfort, therefore it’s often caught later. If you suspect your cat has cancer, it can be a truly scary time and you may fear that you might lose your pet. To help you help your pet, we’ve put together this guide to tell you everything you need to know about cat cancer symptoms and treatments. What is a tumour and when is it cancerous? A tumour is an uncontrolled growth of cells that forms a lump. Sometimes these lumps can disrupt organs and make them not function properly and when this happens, it can be incredibly serious for your pet. There are two types of tumours – benign and malignant. Benign tumours stay where they are first formed, meaning they are not actually cancerous and are generally relatively straightforward to treat, depending on the placement. The other type of tumour is called a malignant tumour, these are cancerous and can be aggressive and invasive as they spread throughout the body. These types can be serious and may be quite difficult to treat. Types of cancer in cats It may surprise you to learn that our cats can actually suffer from many of the same cancers as humans. A few of the most common types of cancer in cats are as follows:

As your cat grows and ages, over time they may become a little less agile than before. With older cats you might see a drop off in physical activity and an increase in sleeping. While your cat may be in overall great shape for their age, it’s important to look out for any signs of joint problems and arthritis. This condition does affect cats and can be very uncomfortable, so keep on the lookout for the signs of cat arthritis. What is arthritis in cats? Arthritis is a condition that occurs as their joints naturally age and the cartilage material between the bones deteriorates and reduces in flexibility. This causes the bones in their joints to rub together, resulting in stiffness and pain. Arthritis in cats is quite common and according to Cats Protection, around 80% of cats over the age of 10 have some form of the disease. What causes arthritis in cats? Arthritis in cats is caused when damage occurs to your cat’s joints, making them painful to move. Most commonly, arthritis in cats is a result of the ageing process as the cartilage between the joints deteriorates and reduces in flexibility. However, younger cats can also get arthritis if they have suffered from an injury or infection in the joint. The most common type of arthritis in cats is osteoarthritis, which happens as a result of repeated wear and tear of joints, and can also develop as a result of a previous injury.