Health

Cat miscarriage can occur at any time in your cat’s pregnancy and while they might not usually react emotionally, the experience can be very painful physically. If you suspect that your cat might be at risk of a miscarriage, there are a few things to know so that you can provide them with the care they need. Since our pets can’t communicate with us when they’re going through something, it’s important to try and recognise any unusual behaviour. Read on to learn more about cat miscarriage, causes, and the way in which you can recognise the symptoms.

Just like us humans, cats can get asthma. We know how asthma manifests in us but what is cat asthma and how do you know if your cat has it? Knowing if your cat has asthma can help you give them a better quality of life. Keep reading for our guide on cat asthma and the information you should be aware of.

Cat eye drops can be a useful treatment for irritated and infected eyes. But how do you know when to use them and how to apply them? It’s important to consult the vet before purchasing or administering any eye drops to your cat. Keep reading to find out why. What are cat eye drops? Eye drops are a liquid that is prescribed to ease irritation of the eye and sometimes to treat eye infections. Eye drops that your vet prescribes or recommends will be made specifically for cats’ eyes. Drops are applied to the surface of your pet's eyes to help lubricate them, soothe inflammation and/or treat infections. How do I know if my cat needs eye drops? Your vet will be the one to determine if your cat needs eye drops or any other treatment. As an owner, it is important to look out for differences in your cat’s eyes and behaviour. There will often be distinct signs your cat may have a problem with their eyes. These could include: Swollen eyes or inflammation.Eye discharge that is watery, yellow, green or crusty.Raised third eyelid.Partially closed eye.Attempting to scratch or rub their eyes.Your cat’s eyes are watering. These problems can be painful or distressing for your cat, and can be a symptom of something more serious, so it’s important to always get them checked out by your vet. Like all health issues, they are far easier to treat in the early stages rather than waiting until they become more serious. You can also find our guides on various cat illness symptoms for more advice if you have concerns. Why would my cat need eye drops? There are many illnesses and infections that may require the use of eye drops. Sometimes cat eye drops will be recommended alongside other treatments or will help solve certain problems on their own. Here are a few examples of what may cause eye problems and why you might need eye drops for your cat: Cat flu One symptom of cat flu can be inflamed, running eyes. Depending on what virus your cat has, this can develop into eye ulcers. Eye ulcers are a serious condition which, if not treated, can lead to the loss of the eye. Drops may be recommended to help treat sore eyes and avoid further infection but won’t cure the virus itself. Most cats with cat flu can be treated at home by easing symptoms until the flu passes, but some cases can be more severe and require antibiotics or hospitalisation. It’s important to see a vet if you suspect possible cat flu, so they can rule out more serious issues and work with you to make a treatment plan. Allergies If your cat has allergies, they may get irritated eyes that itch and run. Your vet will suggest the best method for treating their allergies which can include using cat eye drops to help flush out allergens and reduce irritation. If irritation persists or worsens, it may be wise to go back to your vet, so they can rule out any more serious issues and discuss further treatments. Bacterial conjunctivitis Cat conjunctivitis (inflammation of the conjunctiva in the eye) can be due to allergies or cat flu, but it can also be caused by bacteria. Your vet may recommend specific antibiotic eye drops or ointment that’s safe for cats’ eyes to treat the infection. Scratches Cats can get a scratched eye from getting into scrapes with other cats, an accident outside, an unexpected argument with spiky shrubbery, or even from overly vigorous playing. Scratches usually heal quickly but this depends on factors like the depth of the scratch, your cat’s health and any bacterial contamination. Your cat may only need a few days of eye drops to ease their discomfort and prevent infection, but it’s worth getting them checked by a vet rather than leaving it to chance as, in some cases, scratches can deteriorate and result in ulcers or other problems. Eye ulcers Eye ulcers can develop as a result of a cat scratch or an underlying condition like cat flu. They are sometimes visible on the surface of the eye but often require a vet examination to detect them. They’re usually noticed as a result of the irritation, discharge and pain that they cause. Ulcers are particularly important to treat urgently, as an infected ulcer can deteriorate rapidly and even cause rupture of the eye. If you suspect your cat may have an eye ulcer, you should see a vet urgently. These are just a few of the reasons your cat may need eye drops. So, if you see irritation, it’s important to consult your vet to find out the exact cause. Using the right eye drops for cats Never try and treat eye problems yourself without first seeing your vet. The vet will advise on the best course of treatment for your cat’s particular needs. Depending on the severity of the problem, different types of eye drops may be suggested. Antibiotic eye drops Your vet may suggest an eye drop with antibiotics if your cat has an infection in their eye or is at high risk of an infection. Antibiotic drops for cats’ eyes will prevent infections from establishing or spreading and treat existing infections too. It’s essential the right type of antibiotic drop is used. This needs to be effective against the infection being treated and safe for your cats’ eyes, so you should always consult with your vet to determine the best treatment plan. Lubricating eye drops For other causes of irritation or very mild scratches, lubricating eye drops may be recommended. These drops can help remove irritants, keep the area clean, and lubricate the surface of the eye to keep your cat comfortable. Other types of eye drops include medicated anti-inflammatory drops, which are used to treat some specific inflammatory eye conditions. Make sure you have the right eye drops for your cat’s illness, so you can swiftly treat the problem. It’s important to only use medication prescribed for your cat for the current issue, and not another pet. A dog’s eyes are different to a cat’s eyes, and both are different to humans’ eyes. Even if your cat has had drops in the past, they often have a very limited sell by date and are not effective after that date – or the issue might be totally different. It could cause more damage if the wrong eye drops are used. Similarly, some types of anti-inflammatory eye drop could be very harmful if used in an eye that’s scratched or ulcerated, so you should always check with your vet before applying any drops. Can you use human eye drops on cats? Cats’ eyes are very different to our own and you shouldn’t use human eye drops on them. While your vet may occasionally recommend specific human eye drops that are safe for cats, it can be dangerous to use other human eye drops on your pet, or to use any human eye drops without veterinary guidance. Whilst some irritations may not seem severe at first, eyes are very sensitive and it’s always important to go through your vet rather than trying to medicate at home. Where can I get eye drops for cats? Whilst you can buy eye drops from a variety of places, it’s best to talk to your vet first. This way, they can accurately diagnose what problem your cat may have and they will recommend the best medication to solve the issue. There are different eye drops for different illnesses, so if you are planning to buy something to ease irritation in your cat’s eyes, always check it with your vet first. Usually, you can get drops from them or else you can use the prescription to order from a veterinary pharmacy (usually online). The big advantage of getting them from your vet however is that you have them immediately and you can start treating your cat’s eyes without delay. How do I use cat eye drops? When your vet recommends eye drops, they may provide instructions on how to accurately use them. It’s best to have another person to help you apply eye drops. Make sure you also have cat treats ready to reward your pet. Here are some useful tips: 1. Get your cat used to the medicine Let your cat sniff and look at the bottle you will be using. The new smell may add stress and make the experience harder for both of you. Give them a treat too so they have a positive association with the bottle. 2. Get in a comfortable position Depending on your relationship with your cat and their personality, you can place your cat on your lap to apply the drops. But if not, find a safe place that your cat is comfortable with and make sure you have easy access to their eyes. 3. Apply the drops while keeping your cat’s head steady If you’re using an ointment, make sure you have squeezed a little out of the tube so it’s ready. Similarly, make sure the drops are ready to come out if you’re using drops. If you’re right-handed, put the finger and thumb of your left hand above and below your cat's eye and hold their eyelid open firmly. Use your other hand and from the side, bring the eyedrops close to their eye, but be careful not to touch the eye. Carefully squeeze the recommended amount onto the surface of the eye. 4. Treat time! Once done, give them a treat as a reward. What to do if you are struggling to apply your cat’s eye drop In most cases, with patience, care and the help of treats, you will be able to get drops into your cat’s eyes without too much trouble. However… Be realistic! While your vet is most concerned with giving you the best treatment option, they are not the one who has to get them in your cat’s eyes! You know how handleable your cat is and how tolerant – and even the best eye drops won’t work if you can’t get them near your cat! If you know this is going to be an issue, discuss this with your vet before starting treatment. Every cat is different and with discussion, you may be able to find a better treatment option. As an example, ointment is generally easier than drops. You do not want to stress your cat unnecessarily as stress can make symptoms worse. If you are struggling to apply eye drops or ointment to your cat, talk to your practice vet nurse. They are the experts at getting eye drops into a cat’s eyes and can usually give you some tips, if you really can’t manage this at all, don’t be embarrassed about it. Instead, talk to your vet straight away so you can see if there are any possible options. We hope you found this article on eye drops for cats useful. For more advice, read our guide on cat eye infections next.

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.

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:

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.

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!

Just like their personalities, each cat’s dietary needs are slightly different – and sometimes, this means they need an altogether different kind of food. Luckily, there are lots of options to choose from. Over the past twenty years some great high quality, specialised pet food formulas have been created for animals with particular needs. For example, Purina has its own range of prescription diets that your vet might recommend if your cat has a condition that would benefit from dietary management. Whatever you go for, some of these pet foods support treatment over a limited period of time (until the condition is resolved), whereas other special food for cats are designed to help your pet for life (for example, if they have a chronic condition). From cat weight loss formulas to diets for cats with sensitive digestion and more, there’s plenty out there to meet their special requirements.

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.

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.

Caring for a newborn kitten can be daunting. The type of care you provide will depend on whether the mother is present or whether you have found this kitten on its own. In this article, we will talk you through the essentials of kitten care, what you should keep in mind as you raise this feline through the early years of their life and how to bring up a strong, healthy and confident cat. Is the mother present? The first question you need to consider when caring for a newborn kitten is whether the mother is present. If she is, then there is less that you will need to do. Most cats know instinctively how to raise their young and will do all the necessary actions at all the right stages in the kitten’s life. It is your job to simply make sure they are warm, safe and protected. But if you have found a newborn kitten that doesn’t seem to have a mother, you will need to take on all her duties. If this is a stray kitten, do make sure the mother is not coming back before taking the kitten in. If you are not careful, you could separate the mother from her young. Keeping them warm When considering how to care for a newborn kitten, you must remember to keep them warm. If the kitten you find is cold, you must warm their body temperature before you do anything else. You can check how cold they are by touching their paws or the tips of their ears.

Have you noticed your cat pawing at their eye which, all of a sudden, has become red and swollen? Your feline friend might suffer from cat conjunctivitis. Find out what it means, what’s causing it and what you can do to help this uncomfortable eye condition go away. If you’ve just discovered your cat has a sore-looking eye or they are trying to rub their eye with their paw, on furniture or along the floor, chances are your pet is suffering from a case of cat conjunctivitis. While you’re waiting for your vet appointment, find out more about this eye condition and what to expect when you visit the vets. What is cat conjunctivitis? Cat conjunctivitis is the inflammation of the conjunctiva, which is the thin membrane on the inside of the eyelids and white part of the eye. The inflammation will cause the conjunctiva to become red and swollen and the eye might water or have some discharge. Cat conjunctivitis can be either infectious, when caused by viruses or bacteria, or non-infectious when something gets into the eye and irritates it. The inflammation can appear in one eye or both eyes at the same time. If your cat has conjunctivitis, you may catch them pawing at the affected eye or constantly blinking and squinting, because the condition is uncomfortable. Arranging a trip at the vet is the best thing to do for a speedy recovery. What causes cat eye infection? Infectious cat conjunctivitis can be caused by a range of viruses, with Feline Herpesvirus one of the most common. Bacteria such as Chlamydophila can also cause an eye infection as part of an upper tract respiratory infection, so cat sniffles and sneezes might accompany the appearance of the red or watery eye. In both cases the cat eye infection can spread to other felines, so if there are any cats nearby, you may want to keep their interactions with the poorly cat to a minimum. Your vet may wish to see all the cats in your household. Make sure you wash your hands after checking on your cat’s eye and if possible try to keep them in separate rooms for the duration of the cat conjunctivitis flare-up. What causes non-infectious cat conjunctivitis? Non-infectious cat conjunctivitis is usually caused by irritants in the cat’s environment. Even something as little as a speck of dust finding its way into your cat’s eye can be enough to trigger a reaction. Anything able to irritate the eye is a possible risk – mould, air fresheners and even shampoo can cause eye redness. Other possible causes include trauma to the eye like bumping it on something, or even contact with certain plants can trigger allergic conjunctivitis. Understanding what has caused your cat’s conjunctivitis can help with the treatment, which is why a prompt visit to the vet is important. How is cat conjunctivitis diagnosed? If your cat seems to be in pain, the vet might start by using anaesthetic eye drops to numb the area before inspecting it for foreign bodies, scratches or wounds. Sometimes a green dye might be applied which, when illuminated with a bright blue light, can show where the eye problem originated.