Health

Just like us, our cats can suffer from eye infections. Their eyesight is precious so it’s important we notice when something’s not quite right. There are different causes for cat eye infections, and they must be treated quickly so your cat doesn’t suffer with any pain or discomfort. See our guide to the types of infections below so you know what to look for if you suspect there’s something wrong with your cat’s eye.

Cat mites can be itchy and uncomfortable for our feline friends. You might have noticed your cat scratching more or maybe their fur isn’t looking its best. If this is the case, you’ll want to think about getting them checked for cat mites.

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.

You’ve probably noticed that your cat’s mouth is full of sharp teeth – especially if they’ve nipped you before! You probably even wondered ‘how many teeth do cats have?’ Well, we’ve got the answer and other information on all things cat teeth below. Take a look! How many teeth do cats have? Adult cats generally have 30 permanent teeth. This includes 12 incisors, 4 canines, 10 pre-molars, and 4 molars. Note that adult cats have molars and kittens do not. All cats have two sets of teeth – their baby teeth and permanent teeth, just like humans. Some adult cats might have less due to injury or disease. If you’re adopting a cat, make sure to book a veterinary check-up for them, including a check of their teeth. How many front teeth do cats have? These front teeth are incisors. These tiny teeth are designed for gripping prey, cutting and grooming. Cats will generally have 6 on the top and 6 on the bottom, which means they have 12 front teeth in total. How many teeth do kittens have? Kittens have 26 ‘baby’ (or deciduous) teeth. They have 12 incisors, 4 canines, and 10 pre-molars. Note that kittens don’t have molars until their adult teeth come through! When do kittens teethe? A kitten’s first set of teeth, their deciduous or baby teeth, will start to show at around 2-3 weeks old. The first teeth to come at around 3 weeks are the incisors. There should be 12 of these in total – 6 on the top jaw and 6 on the bottom. The rest of the teeth will come in at around 6 weeks. When do kittens start to lose their teeth? At around 3-4 months is when a kitten will start to lose their baby teeth. It starts with the incisors, then the canines and lastly the premolars. At the same time as the baby teeth come out, your kitten’s adult teeth will also be forming under their jaw. They develop from structures that are called tooth buds. When do kittens get their adult teeth? Adult teeth in cats start to come through at around the same time as the baby teeth are falling out. By the time your cat is 6 months old, they should have all of their permanent adult teeth. Is my kitten teething? So, how do you know if your kitten is teething? It’s useful to understand this so you’ll know a reason for the change in cat behaviour that may accompany teething, and to enable you to look out for any potential teething complications. You’ll know your cat is teething if: • They are drooling a lot • Your kitten is irritable • Your kitten or cat is grooming themselves less due to oral discomfort • Their appetite has reduced • Missing teeth or you might find teeth around your home • Sensitivity around their face • Pawing at their face or shaking their head • Slightly bloody gums – you could spot specks of blood in their water or food but this shouldn’t be excessive. Always contact a vet if you’re concerned. What do I do if my cat’s baby teeth don’t fall out? If your cat’s teeth don’t fall out by themselves, this could be a condition called ‘retained deciduous teeth.’ If you notice that they haven’t started to fall out by 14 to 16 weeks, it’s worth taking your cat to the vet to make sure that everything is OK. It’s important to note that you might not find baby cat teeth lying around on the floor. Your cat may have swallowed a baby tooth whilst they were eating instead and this is very common. However, if you’re ever concerned or unsure, make sure to contact your vet. 4 Types of cat teeth and what they do So, which cat teeth do which job? They’re all very important to your cat so make sure to read all about them below. Molars Molars are right at the back of the mouth. They’re used to crunch dry cat foodand other harder foods. Pre-molars Pre-molars sit just in front of the molars. These are sharp, serrated teeth that are used to crunch up food into chunks (or grasp and bite down on prey). Canine You’ve definitely seen those big cat fangs – these are called canines! They’re sharp teeth that are used to grasp food (or prey!) Incisors Those really small front teeth in your cat’s mouth are called incisors. They’re used for cat grooming, picking up objects and they have a scissor-like cutting action. How to care for cat’s teeth To make sure your cat’s teeth are working at their best, they need good dental care. This includes brushing their teeth with cat-safe toothpaste, and giving them dental cat treats. Without proper care, your feline friend can be at risk of stomatitis, gingivitis, and bad breath. For a full cat dental care guide, see our article here. We hope this article on ‘how many teeth do cats have?’ and more was helpful. It’s highly important to keep your cat’s teeth clean and healthy. Take a look at our other dental health for cats articles for more information.

Heart murmur in cats is a condition that has the potential to affect a cat’s life in many ways. As a pet owner, it can be worrying. We’ve listed all you need to know about feline heart murmur, including the clinical signs (or symptoms) and treatment. Read on to find out more. What is heart murmur in cats? A heart murmur in cats is an abnormal blood flow within the heart that causes a whooshing sound. Your vet will be able to detect if your cat has a heart murmur by listening with a stethoscope. They may need to do some investigations, such as a heart scan, to determine the nature of the heart condition that is causing the murmur, and the impact that this may have on your cat’s life. What are the grades of heart murmur in cats? Feline heart murmurs range in severity. One system that vets use for describing heart murmurs, is to listen with a stethoscope and grade them from one (the quietest) to six (the loudest). • Grade 1: soft and often difficult to hear.• Grade 2: soft and may still be difficult to hear.• Grade 3: this is easily heard when the stethoscope is first placed over the cat’s heart.• Grade 4: a murmur that can be heard across the heart and both sides of the chest.• Grade 5: a loud murmur that has a vibration across the chest wall, which can sometimes be felt when a hand is placed on the chest. It can be heard with a stethoscope but before it touches the chest wall.• Grade 6: The loudest heart murmur that may even be heard without a stethoscope. Is heart murmur in older cats common?. Heart murmurs are more common in middle-aged and senior felines, than in youngsters. If a heart murmur is found in a younger cat, it is often due to congenital heart disease, in other words a heart condition that has been present from birth. If you suspect your cat of any age could have a heart murmur, make sure to contact your vet. How long will a cat live with a feline heart murmur? How long a cat will live with a heart murmur depends on the underlying heart condition that is causing it. With the right treatment, cats can live for many years even with severe heart murmurs. It’s important to seek advice from your vet to discuss the best treatment options for your cat. What causes heart murmur in cats? There are many causes of heart murmurs in cats, from congenital heart disease, to diseases that affect the heart muscle such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, as well as age-related heart failure. Heart murmurs may also be present in conditions that affect the circulation such as: • Cat pregnancy• Cat obesity• Anaemia in cats• Loss of weight in cat What are the signs of heart murmur in cats? For cats that have severe heart murmurs (grades 4-6), there are some signs that you can look out for: • Poor appetite in cats• Weight loss• Lethargy• Breathing issues• Pale gums If you notice any of these signs, contact your vet right away. It’s also important to understand your cat’s body language, so you can assess when something’s not right. How is feline heart murmur diagnosed?. A vet will be able to tell if your cat has a heart murmur by listening to their chest with a stethoscope. This way, they can hear the whooshing sound that is synonymous with feline heart murmurs. The vet can also assess which grade of heart murmur it is. What is the treatment for heart murmur in cats? Not all feline heart murmurs require treatment, and careful monitoring may be all that is required. In other cases your vet may prescribe medication to support heart function and reduce fluid build-up. Whether treatment is needed or not, it is still important to attend regular veterinary check-ups. We hope this article on heart murmurs in cats was helpful. Luckily many cats with feline heart murmurs can still live long and happy lives. But as always, contact your vet if you have any concerns about your cat’s health. Next, read our article on how to tell if your cat is overweight, a condition which can increase the risk of heart disease.

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.