Health

Ear problems in cats not only impact their life, but can also have a profound effect on their relationships with owners. Just like any other sense, hearing is vital a part of how your cat navigates the world. Fortunately, cats are incredibly adaptable and can often acclimatise to life without hearing. Knowing the causes, signs and how to deal with cat deafness will help you prepare for future challenges. Causes of cat deafness There are a number of causes of deafness in cats, old age being the most common. Temporary cat deafness can be the result of the following: • Mild bacterial infections • Fungal infections • Parasitic infections, usually a result of ear mites • As a side effect of certain drugs Permanent cat deafness can be the result of: • Injury • Old age • Severe, untreated middle ear infections • Neurological problems • Tumours and polyps in the ear canal Cat breeds that have completely white fur and blue eyes are often born deaf. How will I know if my cat has experienced deafness? Deafness in cats can be incredibly difficult to pick up on, as cats are experts at using their other senses to compensate. A deaf cat might not turn when you approach, probably won’t react to loud noises, or won’t turn their ears towards sounds. You may also notice that they are difficult to rouse from sleep, and don’t respond unless physically touched. If you think your cat is suffering from deafness, it’s important to take them to the vets. If the deafness is temporary such as from an ear infection, the vet may prescribe some treatment to help clear it up.

Your cat’s skin is a good general indicator of their health. It should be pink or black (depending on the breed) and their coat should be smooth and shiny. Watch out for crusting, itching, scaling, black or white spots, bald patches and inflamed areas, as this is usually a sign that something’s not right. For example, small black dots could indicate fleas while a dull coat might suggest an underlying illness. Scratching and scabbing, meanwhile, could mean your cat has a skin disease. Pay attention to the skin around your cat’s ears, too. Any brownish discharge or redness should be investigated by your vet. If you know what warning signs to look out for on your cat’s skin, you can help them get treatment as soon as you spot something that doesn’t seem quite right. Dry skin in cats Dry skin isn’t usually a serious health issue for cats, unless they’re continually scratching. The temperature of your home can affect their skin - dry skin can soon become itchy during winter when the heating is turned on. A humidifier might help your cat keep comfortable if this is a problem. Common skin parasites Common skin parasites on cats include fleas, ticks and mites. They can cause itchiness, inflammation and skin lesions, as well as hair loss. In some more serious cases, a heavy flea infestation can cause anaemia in kittens, which can be dangerous to their health. Fleas can also cause a specific allergy in cats known as flea allergy dermatitis (FAD - see below for more information). Most cat skin conditions involving parasites can be treated quickly, although some may require longer-term treatment. Identifying cat fleas Cats are very good at grooming themselves, so owners are sometimes surprised to learn that their cat has fleas! Many cat skin conditions can be the caused by fleas, and the most obvious sign that the pesky parasites have taken up residence on your cat is persistent scratching, although some cats won’t scratch themselves but instead over-groom, sometimes leaving bald patches.

Ticks can be a painful problem that your cat may have to face. Find out how to prevent and treat cat ticks below. Introduction to cat ticks There are two different groups of ticks to watch out for, hard ticks and soft ticks. Hard cat ticks often look like a sunflower seed; they are also recognisable by the hard shield found just behind their mouthparts. Hard ticks are the type of ticks you will usually find on your cat. Soft ticks are the second type of group of tick. Instead of looking like a seed these ticks look like a raisin. These kinds of ticks are not usually found on cats, as they tend to feed on other animals instead such as birds or bats. What are cat ticks? Ticks are a kind of parasite. Ticks bite beneath a cat’s skin and suck blood back into their bodies. Unfed ticks are tiny, have eight legs, and can be black, brown, red or tan, but once they attach themselves to your cat they can swell up to the size of a pea as they fill with blood. Cat ticks are actually classed as arachnids instead of insects, which is a key difference between them and the flea. Ticks can pass disease onto an animal it feeds on; this is why tick prevention steps are an important measure to take when looking after a feline. How can my cat catch ticks? There are a number of different ways your cat can catch ticks. The first and the most likely is from other animals. Cats often interact with other animals once they leave the house. Ticks can find their way from one animal onto your cat very easily. If you are worried about cat ticks we advise you not to leave food outside your house, as this can encourage other animals to enter your cat’s territory. If you tend to go on walks outside in fields or woodland areas ticks could find their way onto your clothes easily. This is because they tend to cling onto the top of branches and blades of grass, when you then brush past them they cling onto your hair and clothing. This means even indoor cats are in dangers of catching ticks, so whether your cat travels outside or not tick prevention is still something you should be aware of and do. Another way your cat can catch ticks is just from exploring outside. Ticks can survive outside when not on a host. They can just as easily cling to a cat’s fur as they can to your clothing.

Hernias in cats are quite uncommon but they can still occur, and if they're caught early enough they generally aren't serious. Keep reading to discover everything you need to know about hernias in cats and what you should do if you think your kitty has one. Hernias in cats are quite uncommon but they can still occur, usually either as a result of trauma or most often they’re congenital (meaning they’re born with it). A hernia usually comes about as a result of a muscle defect or damage which allows internal organs and tissue to pass through. There are three different types, categorised by the location of the hernia itself. When caught early on, usually cat hernias aren’t serious, however they may become fatal if they’re left untreated. Keep reading to find out about the different symptoms, types, causes, diagnosis and how cat hernias are most commonly treated. Symptoms of hernias in cats: • A squishy protrusion on your cat’s body, • Sickness and vomiting, • Lack of appetite, • Blood in the urine, • Lethargy, • Depression. Types of cat hernias There are three common hernias that occur in cats and kittens, and they are categorised by the part of the body in which they appear. They can range from complicated – which generally means that surgery will be required, to uncomplicated – most commonly these don’t require any surgery and can simply be pushed back into place. Keep reading to find out more about the different types of cat hernias and how they occur. 1. Inguinal hernia This type appears in the groin when the intestines are able to push through the inguinal canal. Generally, this is the most uncomplicated type and in many cases will not result in surgery as most often it can simply be pushed back in. In some more severe cases the intestines may become trapped in the muscle wall, which can be life-threatening as blood flow is cut off to the tissue, resulting in tissue death. This is typically one of the more uncommon types of cat hernias and is usually found in pregnant females.

Getting a feline to do anything unwillingly is a challenge few owners look forward to. Here is a guide to how to give a cat a pill while minimising stress to you and your cat. Giving a cat a pill is one of those tasks cat owners keep their fingers crossed they won’t have to do too often. But unfortunately, there are times when you need to give them important medication. It’s not as easy as it sounds: there are claws and teeth you need to stay clear of, and cats are experts at spitting out pills. Before we get to our tips on how to give a cat a pill, the first thing you should do is check with your vet for any restrictions on how the medication should be administered. Certain pills can be mixed with food, while others must not be. Some pills can be crushed or divided, but others cannot as this could risk damaging your cat’s oesophagus or stomach. This is because the medication will no longer be protected by the outer coating of the pill. Knowing this information can help you decide on the best way to give your cat the tablet. Once you’ve established what you can and can’t do with your cat’s medication, there are a few methods to get past those feline defences and give your cat the pill. How to give a cat a pill Here’s a step-by-step guide to administering medication to your cat by hand. • Try to approach the task calmly, aiming to minimise stress to your cat. If you haven’t given a pill before, it is very useful to ask a vet or vet nurse to show you how to safely give oral medication. Do not put yourself at risk of getting bitten, and watch your cat closely for signs that they are becoming angry or distressed. • Place your cat on a flat, stable surface such as the floor or a tabletop. It can be helpful to put down a towel to stop them from slipping. • To give the pill, this will be easier from behind or next to your cat. However, avoid taking your cat by surprise as this will startle them and may result in a defensive scratch or nip. • Having a second pair of hands can be very helpful, but is not essential. You want your cat to be facing away from you as this will make it easier to restrain their legs or any other movement they might use to try and escape your grasp. You may find it helpful to hold them securely against your body to prevent them from reversing. • Take the pill in one hand and with the other hand gently hold over the top of their head with your thumb and index fingers either side of their jaw and tilt your cat’s head upwards. Use the other hand to gently open the lower jaw to open their mouth. • Use your index finger to place the pill in the middle of their tongue, as far back as you can. • Close your cat’s mouth, gently rub their throat for a few seconds and then return their head to a normal position and wait for them to lick their lips as they swallow. • Once you think your cat has swallowed, check their mouth and the corner of their lips if they will let you. If you can’t spot the pill, then you can be reasonably confident that you’ve been successful. • If you see they haven’t actually swallowed it, just try to place it at the back of their tongue again, close their mouth and gently rub their throat. You could squirt a very small amount of water in their mouth to encourage them to swallow the tablet, but not too much as this may cause them to choke. In some cases, it’s best to let them spit it out completely and start the process again. • The final step is to treat your cat with their favourite food and toys once they have ingested their medication. This helps to develop a positive association between receiving medication and having a treat, and can help to make the process a little easier in future. Safety tips when giving a cat a tablet • If your cat scratches or doesn’t like being held, try wrapping their body and legs in a towel, allowing only their head to remain exposed. • Always hold over the top of their head to reduce the risk of being bitten. • If your cat is particularly unruly, get another person to hold them while you administer the pill. • If you or your cat are getting stressed, stop and give them a few treats and gently stroke and soothe them before trying again. • If you get bitten by your cat, contact your GP for advice. Cat’s teeth harbour nasty bacteria which can cause an infection.

Pamper your feline friend with a lavish cat massage that will make them feel like theylives in the lap of luxury. There are a few things to keep in mind before you can become the resident specialist in premium cat massaging techniques. This article will give you the information you need to massage your way into your cat’s good graces. Why is massage important for your cat? We know – a massage is so good you don’t need reasons to have it. But there are also real benefits to offering your cat a massage. It’s not just a session of pampering – it has important consequences for the health and vitality of your feline friend. A cat massage improves circulation, promotes low blood pressure, supports joint mobility and it combats cat anxiety and stress like nothing else. So flex your fingers and get ready for all those lovely purrs of joy. If you are not sure where to start, we put together a short guide for all your cat massage questions. How to massage a cat in 3 steps The first thing you need to do before you start your cat massage is to wait to be approached. When you notice your cat starts rubbing against you, it means she’s relaxed enough to enjoy 5-10 minutes of quiet massage heaven. Start by talking to your cat. Change your voice, sing their favourite cat song or make any sounds you know puts your cat at ease. The key is to keep a calm and soothing voice. Then you can use our three-step CAT technique – Circle, Activate, Tap. 1. Circle: move around in circles Start your cat massage by lightly stroking your cat from the neck to the base of their tail by using an open and relaxed hand. This technique is also known as effleurage and it helps your cat get in a relaxed mood, warm-up the muscles and stimulate blood circulation. Once you feel the back muscles have eased up, move onto your cat’s shoulders. Using your thumbs, rotate your fingertips clockwise or counter-clockwise to make slow circles around her shoulder blades.

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.

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 a loving pet owner, you’re bound to want the absolute best for your cat, and this all starts with making sure that they are as happy and healthy as possible. Health check list Every month you should “play vet” and conduct a careful check up on your cat to make sure that all is well. By following our checklist, you have the opportunity to spot any unusual signs early on, meaning that you can seek treatment as soon as possible, if necessary. Not only does this help you keep your cat in tip-top condition, but also allows you to spend more hands-on quality time with your feline friend.

Even if you keep a close eye on your cat's health it’s a good idea to take them to the vet for an annual wellness and cat health check-up. Looking after cats is fun but it's also full of responsibilities, including taking your pet to the vet. Sometimes it takes a professional eye to detect subtle changes in your pet’s health, especially as cats are very good at hiding their illnesses. Luckily, your vet will be very good at detective work. General cat health You already take your fluffy friend to the vet when they’re sick or injured but those appointments tend to focus mainly on one particular issue. ‘Check-up’ visits, on the other hand, work on the principle of ‘prevention is better than cure’ and they’re important to keep your cat healthy and prevent certain diseases. Your vet will want to check your cat over thoroughly at least once a year and more frequently as they get older or if they have special medical needs. This appointment will take an all-inclusive approach, making sure your cat is examined from their whiskers to the tip of their tail. Another advantage of these annual check-ups is to get your cat used to visiting the vet surgery when they’re well and this can help them form a bond with your vet. If they only visit when they’re hurt or ill they can become nervous, associating their trips with bad times or stressful experiences. It’s a good idea to pop into the vet practice every so often, even if it’s just for a flea check. The receptionists and vet nurses will always welcome a stroke as you pass by, and it will create a positive memory with no prodding and poking involved!

If your feline friend is suffering from bad cat breath, often called halitosis, we firstly recommend you take them to visit the local vet. Your vet will be able to examine your cat’s teeth and mouth to check there isn’t a serious issue causing your cat’s bad breath. Keep reading to find out about the possible causes of feline halitosis. Causes of bad breath in cats There are several possible causes of bad breath in cats. These are some of the most common: 1. Diet The food your cat consumes can often be a cause of bad breath. If you’re asking yourself why your cat’s breath smells, it might be a good idea to look at what they’re eating. If you have taken your cat to the vet and ruled out any oral health issues, then their diet may well be the cause. Occasionally wet and soft cat food can cause bad cat breath as it can stick to a cat’s teeth, which tends not to happen with dry food. 2. Gingivitis Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums. It occurs when an accumulation of plaque and bacteria builds up in your cat’s mouth over time. Gingivitis can be uncomfortable for your cat and may cause bad breath in cats. 3. Periodontal disease Periodontal disease can also develop when a cat is suffering gingivitis for a prolonged period of time. If the gingivitis is left untreated it can cause tartar (hardened plaque) to build up underneath a cat’s gums which creates little pockets of space. These pockets are the perfect breeding ground for bacterial growth and this can lead to periodontal disease, another common cause of bad breath in cats. 4. Coprophagia and pica Coprophagia is the term for a cat who is eating their own or other animals’ faeces. Pica is a medical issue in cats where it regularly eats non-food items. Both of these issues can cause bad cat breath. If you suspect your cat has been eating something they shouldn’t, it’s best to take them to the vets. 5. Stomatitis Feline stomatitis occurs when the whole of a cat’s oral cavity becomes severely inflamed. One common symptom of stomatitis is very bad cat breath. It’s important to book a consultation with your vet if you notice your cat’s breath has a strong, foul smell to it. Read our guide to stomatitis in cats for more symptoms and advice. 6. Kidney disease On very rare occasions, kidney disease can cause bad breath. There are two different types of kidney diseases that your cat could suffer from. The first is acute kidney failure and the second is chronic kidney failure. There are a few different symptoms that could be a sign of kidney failure, such as vomiting, weight loss and bad cat breath. Read our guide to kidney disease in cats for more information. 7. Diabetes Diabetes could also be behind a cat’s bad breath. If your cat is diagnosed with diabetes you may notice their breath have a fruity smell to it. This rare smell could be the sign of a metabolic problem with the diabetes and you should take your cat to a vet straight away. Other signs that your cat may have diabetes are a significant increase in urinating and drinking along with an increase in appetite – if you notice this and your cat hasn’t been diagnosed you should book them in to see the vet as soon as possible. Read our guide to cat diabetes for more information.