Health

We never like to think of our cats as being unhappy, or feeling sad, but in many ways they can experience feelings in a similar way as we do, and sometimes they can suffer from a feline equivalent of depression. Lots of things might cause a cat to feel a bit down in the dumps. For example, most cat owners tend to think of their cats as independent creatures, who prefer to be alone. But that is not always true. Some cats need companionship and like to be cuddled and loved, and so sometimes a lack of affection can lead them to feel blue. Knowing what signs to look out for will help you to determine whether your cat is suffering from a low mood state and what you can do about it. Carry on reading to find out all you need to know about depression in cats.

The first signs of glaucoma in cats can be worrying for owners. After all, this is a condition that results in a build-up of pressure in the eye, causing pain and eventually leading to blindness. Despite this, many furry companions with this diagnosis go on to live happy, long lives. Here is what you need to know about the initial stages, the signs to look out for and how it can be best treated. Read on to find out more about feline glaucoma.

Cats are curious creatures who love to get into stuff. If your feline loves to explore the outdoors, you might be thinking about which poisonous plants cats should avoid and how you can help them if they come into contact with one. Come spring time, you might be wondering ‘are daffodils poisonous to cats?’ Carry on reading to find out and discover how you can help your feline if they end up ingesting them.

Colitis is a relatively common digestive disease in cats that can cause them discomfort and usually results in diarrhoea. Just as in dogs and people, it has many possible causes. However, with the right care and attention it is usually treatable, and with the help of your veterinary surgeon, your feline friend will be able to overcome it. When your cat is experiencing colitis, you will want to do everything you can to help them recover. To make sure you’re prepared for this, we’ve put together this article with information about colitis in cats, as well as a few tips on how you can lend a hand. Read on to learn all there is to know about this disease in cats.

Heatstroke in cats can develop due to over-exposure to warm weather. Cats, as we know, love to be out and about exploring the world around them, but sometimes this can be detrimental to their overall health, especially when spending long hours out in the blazing sun. So, what is heat exhaustion in cats, and what are the signs or symptoms of cat heatstroke? Carry on reading to find out.

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.

Cats’ claws grow just like our nails, so you might be wondering if you need to trim them when they get too long. This can seem like a daunting task, but it is possible to make it stress-free for you and your feline. Keep reading to discover our top tips for how to trim your cat’s nails. Do I need to trim my cat’s nails? Knowing whether you need to trim your cat’s nails depends on their lifestyle and age. Active, outdoor cats and kittens may not need their nails trimming as their nails will naturally file down. For these cats, trimming could leave them less able to grip onto things to climb or escape from danger. Indoor and/or older cats are more likely to have longer claws so they might need to be trimmed. However, all cats will need a place to scratch, so it’s important to have this space in your home. We have a guide on finding the perfect scratch post here.Why do I need to trim my cat’s nails? If untrimmed, a cat’s nails can end up being uncomfortable. They could get caught in things, like carpets or their cat beds, which pull on their nails! Cat’s nails are also curved, so if they’re too long, they can curl into their paw pads and potentially cause cuts, pain and infection. If this is the case, contact your vet for guidance and help. They will provide your cat with a treatment plan. How do I know if my cat’s nails need trimming? There are a few tell-tale signs you can look out for to know if your cat’s nails need trimming. These could be: Your cat keeps getting caught in things, like carpets, blankets, or their bedsThey’re not scratching on their scratch posts properly because their nails are too long and it hurts to do soYou can hear your cat’s nails tapping on hard floors when they walkYou can see the whites of their nails on their paws when they’re resting It’s important to keep an eye on your cat’s nails so you can make sure they’re at their most comfortable and ensure there are no potential issues. Even if most of their claws look fine, if your cat is older or lives indoors you should regularly check their dew claws (the one on each side that’s higher up on the inside of their front legs), as this commonly overgrows and causes pain. If you’re ever concerned about your cat’s nail health, contact your vet. How to trim cat nails: step-by-step guide Cutting your cat’s nails can be a daunting task – we know that many cats are not a big fan of this process. We’ve created a guide below to make this as stress-free as possible, for you and your cat. Take a read below. Early preparation Many cats do not like having their paws touched so if you have an indoor cat or a cat you think may need their nails trimmed in the future, it is important to teach then that this can be enjoyable long before you need to trim their nails. This will reduce stress levels all round and make nail clipping far easier for you both. When you are sitting quietly with your cat and stroking them, begin slowly stroking your hands down the top of their legs. Don’t go far and never more than they are happy with. After a few strokes, go back to stroking or scratching the bits you know they love. As long as they are happy about this, you can maybe go a bit further and build this up until you can stroke down their leg. Don’t rush this (it is more likely to take weeks or even months – than hours!), don't do any more than two leg strokes in a session (as it can just get too intense for your cat), use treats for each stroke as a reward if your cat is a foodie, and go at your cat’s pace. Once you can do that, you can begin to introduce some gentle paw touches – and even light massage if your cat enjoys it. The secret is go slowly! Your aim is always to keep within your cat’s comfort zone and not produce a ‘get off’ response! Always stop before they get uncomfortable or try to pull their paw away. 1. Prepare to cut your cat’s nails with the right equipment It’s important to get the correct cat nail scissors. Using human nail clippers is not advised. Cat nails are made up of thin sheets. Using human nail clippers will cause the nails to break off and splinter which can lead to damage to their nails. Cat nail scissors have the right shape to cut a cat’s nails to prevent this from happening. Another thing to prepare is their favourite cat treats! Teaching your cat that cutting their nails is a pleasant experience is a great idea. Lastly, you may want to grab a blanket or towel and close the doors, so your cat doesn’t escape. This might even be a two-person job the first few times so bear this in mind. 2. Make sure your cat is calm and comfortable It’s probably best to not try and trim their nails when they have the cat zoomies! Make sure your cat has a calm demeanour and find a comfortable spot to hold them in. You will have to make sure they’re securely held at the same time. 3. Hold their paw gently but firmly Once they’re securely held, gently grab their paws. Softly push their toe between your finger and thumb to reveal their nail. Make sure to not squeeze their toes as this will be uncomfortable. If your cat isn’t used to their paws being handled, you may want to familiarise them with this step before trying to cut their nails. 4. Trim the tip of their nail This bit is really important so as to not cause your cat any pain. Trim the tip of their claw, avoiding the pink bit of their nail that’s located closest to their nail bed. This part of the nail is called the quick and is made up of sensitive tissue containing blood vessels and nerves – cutting it will be painful for your cat and cause them to bleed. Note: if you accidentally trim your cat’s nail slightly too short, apply firm but gentle pressure with a paper towel or some cotton wool for up to 5 minutes to stem any bleeding. If there’s significant bleeding, it won’t stop or your cat seems very distressed, you should contact your vet for advice. 5. Give your cat a well-deserved treat! It’s a good idea to give your cat a treat after each paw. This can be a stressful process so giving them a treat can help them to understand that this is a positive experience. 6. Pay attention to your cat’s body language Keep an eye on your cat’s body language to see if they’re distressed. If this is the case, take a break and come back to the task later or even the next day. Note: while many cats have become accustomed to regular nail trims with no issues, some cats will not tolerate their nails being trimmed at home. If this is the case, your vet should be able to help. If your cat does become distressed, it’s important to back off and avoid the possibility of getting bitten. If you are bitten, you should contact your doctor urgently. We hope this guide on how to trim a cat’s nails was helpful! This task can be a bit daunting for both you and your cat, but practice and patience make perfect. Next, for information on cat grooming, see our article on how to clean cat ears. Or, for more for more helpful daily cat care tips, see our guide on how to give a cat a pill.

-Cats love to scratch, climb and adventure around the house, and outside too. However, this can sometimes get them into trouble, especially if they come into contact with something that they shouldn’t. Have you ever wondered whether there are some plants in your garden your cat shouldn’t be eating? In this article, we will answer whether lilies are poisonous to cats or not. Are lilies poisonous to cats? Yes, lilies that are from the ’true‘ lily family are toxic to cats, and the entire lily plant, including the petals and pollen, can cause harm to your feline friend. In fact, the pollen is particularly toxic and is readily swallowed during grooming. The true group of lilies includes Easter, Rubrum, Asiatic, Day, Stargazer, Japanese and Tiger lilies. Lilies are nephrotoxic, which means that they can cause kidney damage. Eating even a small amount may result in kidney failure and can be fatal. If you think that your feline may have come into contact with a lily, you should seek veterinary attention right away. However, not all lilies are poisonous to cats, while some species such as Calla, Peace and Peruvian lilies do not cause kidney damage, but can still cause irritation and gastrointestinal signs if ingested. To avoid your cat coming to any harm, it is a good idea to cat-proof your garden. Are calla lilies toxic to cats? Calla lilies are toxic to cats. This is because they contain calcium oxalate crystals. When ingested, the crystals cause severe irritation to the inside of your pet’s mouth. As these crystals make their way further down the GI tract, they can cause severe irritation here too. Typical signs of calla lily ingestion include drooling, or scratching at the mouth Are peace lilies poisonous to cats? Peace lilies are similar to calla lilies in their toxic effects, as they also contain calcium oxalate crystals. If a peace lily is ingested, it’s best to speak to your vet for advice. Your cat may show clinical signs (or symptoms) such as drooling, vomiting or loss of appetite if they have ingested these lilies. Signs of lily poisoning in cats. You may notice signs of lily poisoning in cats as soon as 2 hours after ingesting the flower, pollen, or other part of the plant. The signs will most likely be in the form of vomiting, drooling or loss of appetite. Occasionally, vomiting may stop a few hours after ingesting the plant. However even if this is the case, it is essential that your cat gets urgent veterinary treatment. Taking your cat to the vet as soon as possible is key to increasing the chances of recovery. What should I do if my cat has ingested lilies? If you have a suspicion that your cat has ingested a lily flower or part of one, or your cat appears to be showing signs of lily poisoning, then you need to take them to the vet straight away. The sooner the vet can assess your cat and the symptoms they are showing, the better the outcome will be for your feline. Many vets will ask questions about the type of lily plant that has been ingested, so, if possible, take a sample of this with you to speed up the process. What is the treatment for lily poisoning in cats? Cats that have been affected by lily poisoning require intensive treatment, and it is likely that they will need to be admitted to the vet clinic for treatment. Sadly there is no antidote to lily poisoning, so your vet will focus on supportive care. This is likely to include some of the following: • Induce vomiting • Empty the stomach of your cat • Remove any remaining lily pollen from the skin and coat • Intravenous fluids (a ‘drip’) to flush out any toxins in the bloodstream and support your cat’s kidneys Some vets may also reduce further absorption of the lily by feeding your cat activated charcoal, however, this will only be administered if your cat has recently ingested a lily flower or other part of the plant. How long will it take for my cat to recover from lily poisoning? Depending on the severity of your cat’s signs and how much lily they have ingested, with prompt veterinary treatment your cat may recover. As a result of lily poisoning, some cats may suffer from kidney damage. It may be possible to manage this damage with the use of a fluid drip and other medication prescribed by your vet. More severe cases will result in more severe outcomes and lengthier recoveries - your cat’s overall recovery will depend on how quickly they are seen by a vet once any lily has been ingested. How to prevent lily poisoning from happening to your cat Of course, no owner wants their pet to suffer from poisoning. The best way to keep your cat safe from the risk of lily poisoning is to make sure you remove all lily plants from inside the house and cat-proof your home. Don’t forget to cat-proof your garden too and plant some safer cat-friendly plants instead. That’s our guide to how lilies and cats don’t mix. Want more advice on making your home as safe as possible for your feline? Read our guide on plants poisonous to cats, next.

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.