Health

Although cat constipation is a fairly common problem, the causes and symptoms can be wildly different from one cat to the next. Discover what you need to know about this condition to help treat it quickly and prevent it from making sudden appearances into your cat’s life. If you suspect your cat is constipated, you’re no doubt eager to figure out what has caused it and how you can provide some relief to your beloved cat. In this article we look at the essential information you need, from early symptoms all the way to veterinary cat constipation treatment and ways you can prevent the discomfort to help your cat get back to their usual happy self. Cat constipation symptoms A cat who hasn’t produced stools for more than 24 hours is likely to be suffering from cat constipation. However, sometimes owners might not be up to date with their cat’s bathroom routine as some felines are known to like going to the toilet outdoors as well. Therefore you might not notice the infrequency of their toilet habit straight away. These are some of the other symptoms of cat constipation you may want to keep an eye on: • Tense abdomen • Hard, dry, small stools • Straining which can be mistaken by owners as difficulty urinating sometimes • Lack of appetite (occasionally) • Hunched posture

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.

All that cleaning and removing fur you see your cat constantly do, leads to them swallowing a lot of hair, which can collect into balls in their stomachs. Here is what cat hairballs are and how you can help a cat with hairballs. Cats are very good at keeping themselves clean. They naturally know how to self-groom, and rarely need bathing. However, during the self-grooming process, they can swallow loose hair – and this leads to a cat hairball. Most cats get hairballs from time to time and it’s usually nothing to worry about. But if you are wondering what is causing them, what are the symptoms you should look out for and how to help a cat with hairballs, here is everything you need to know. What is a cat hairball? A cat hairball is a collection of dead hair and digestive juices that have formed in your cat’s stomach. Cats develop hairballs by grooming themselves and swallowing the hairs, which build into hairballs in their stomachs. All cats groom themselves by licking at their fur. Their tongues have little barbs to snag the hairs as they shed. Barbs face backwards on the tongue, a design engineered by nature to help snag loose hairs, but it also means cats have little choice but to swallow the hair they groom. Cat hairball symptoms When a cat is trying to bring up a hairball, they may start retching, gagging or acting like they are dry heaving and trying to vomit. Sometimes the sound they make is called a ‘cough-gag-retch’. This is because your cat can appear to be coughing from the lungs, gagging with their throat and retching from the stomach. Are cat hairballs normal? Many cat owners find it very difficult and distressing to hear their cats gagging and retching, and they start to wonder if there is anything they should be worrying about. This self-grooming is completely normal and cats should be doing it to keep their fur in good condition. Most individual hairs will pass through the cat’s digestive system as normal, but sometimes they can form clumps which begin to accumulate in the stomach. Cats try and vomit them up to prevent them going into the intestine and causing a blockage. Don’t be worried if you see your cat stretch their neck, dry retch (their mouth opening wide) and expel a hairball before calmly walking away. It can be distressing to watch this, but don’t worry – it’s normal.

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.

Our cats are creatures of mystery, but their anatomy needn’t be an enigma too. At Purina, we’ve put together this guide to cat anatomy so you can understand all that’s going on inside your furry friend. We spend so much time snuggling and petting our cats and obsessing over their adorable looks, but not many of us actually know what’s going on inside. If you love cats as much as we do, you’ll probably be wanting to find out everything you can about these mysterious creatures, so we’ve put together this guide to cat anatomy to give you a peek into what’s happening inside your four-legged friend. All about cat anatomy When we have to take our furballs to the vet, we often nod and smile as they go through various cat anatomy terms, but very few of us will actually stop to ask “where is that located?” or “what’s that responsible for doing?” The internal workings of your cat are rather amazing, keep reading to discover everything from the structure of their ears to the amount of bones in the average cat’s body. Cat ear anatomy You’ll all be familiar with the adorable triangle shape of your cats’ ear (also known as the pinna), but did you know this serves a far greater purpose than just appearing cute? The pinna is the part of your cat’s ear anatomy which is responsible for capturing any soundwaves and funnelling them into the ear canal and into the middle ear. According to Pet MD, your cat’s ears have loads of muscles so they can easily manoeuvre them and turn them toward sound, increasing their ability to hear even very quiet sounds. The middle ear houses their eardrum and ossicles – these are small bones that vibrate with soundwaves which then get sent onto the inner ear. The inner ear is incredibly complex as it contains sensory cells which send electrical signals to the brain. The vestibular system is also located here which is responsible for balance and orientation – hence why your cat may feel off balance if they get an ear infection! Cat teeth and their different purposes Adult cats have 30 teeth in total and they serve 3 different purposes: holding food, chewing food and killing prey. Cat teeth are located in the alveolar socket within the jaw and are held in place by ligaments, cementum, soft tissue and bone. You may be surprised to learn that your cat’s teeth are made up of three unique substances: pulp – in the centre of the tooth, this contains cells, nerves and blood vessels; dentine – this covers the pulp; enamel – this is the protection for your cat’s teeth, it covers the crown and prevents teeth from becoming too sensitive. Different types of cat teeth: • Incisors: the small teeth at the front, which are used to hold prey. • Canines: the long, sharp teeth used for hunting. • Pre molars and molars: these are for chewing and cutting through meat and bone.

Most cat owners will be used to seeing their cat vomit from time to time without being overly concerned. Usually the occasional vomit is a result of a minor problem such as overeating or playing too vigorously immediately after dinner time. However, if your cat is vomiting more frequently, it can be a sign of a more serious condition which requires immediate veterinary attention. Chronic vomiting (lasting a number of days to weeks) can be due to gastrointestinal or systemic (whole body) disorders. What is cat vomiting? Vomiting is the forceful expulsion of stomach contents through the mouth. It should be differentiated from the more passive regurgitation in which expelled food is more gently brought up from the oesophagus with no stomach contractions. Vomiting cats usually show signs of nausea including drooling, lip-licking and excessive swallowing before they throw up. Potential causes of vomiting in cats If your cat is vomiting, it can be due to a wide range of causes and in chronic cases it is vital for your veterinary surgeon to find out the exact cause in order to determine the optimal treatment for your cat. Common causes of your cat being sick include: • Hairballs. • High speed of eating. • Sudden dietary changes or the introduction of new food without a gradual transition. • Ingestion of something inappropriate such as spoiled food, toxins or foreign bodies. • Intolerance, allergies or sensitivities to certain food ingredients. • Gastrointestinal infections, such as viruses, bacteria, fungi or parasites. • Inflammatory bowel disease (inflammation of the stomach and/or intestinal tract). • Tumours of the stomach, bowel or other organs. • Diseases affecting other parts of the body such as kidneys, liver, pancreas or thyroid gland. Treatment when your cat is being sick Following a single episode of vomiting, check your cat for any other signs of illness such as listlessness, fever or diarrhoea. If possible, locate and remove any item which may have caused your cat to vomit in the first place, and also remove your cat’s food bowl for a few hours.

While the occasional sneeze from your cat is completely normal and is no cause for concern, frequent sneezing might catch your attention. For humans, sneezing is a normal response to irritation in the nasal passages - the body’s way of removing an irritant from the nose. If your cat’s sneezing won’t go away, or if other symptoms such as a runny nose or eyes or coughing occur along with the sneezing, it might be time for a visit to your vet. What is cat sneezing? Sneezing is an explosive expulsion of air from the mouth and nose. Sometimes a shower of discharge is also sprayed out. This can be clear, or it may be bloodstained or even yellow or green if an infection is present.

If your cat seems hungrier than usual, here are a few reasons why that may be the case: from simple ones such as plain boredom to more serious conditions needing the vet’s attention. Is your cat acting hungry all the time? We tend to think of cats more as fussy eaters than food obsessed, so when your dear feline doesn’t stop asking for food, it’s natural to wonder whether this is normal or you should head to the vet. If you’re asking yourself ‘why is my cat always hungry’, here are a few possible reasons. Boredom Always-hungry cats might actually not be all that hungry. Their constant interest for ‘what’s for dinner’ could mean ‘I’ve got nothing else to do, but eat’. Keeping your cat physically and mentally active is incredibly important, particularly if they spend most of the time indoors. While it’s difficult to recreate all the exciting stuff going on outside that keeps cats active, there are a few tips guaranteed to entertain bored felines, including cat trees and puzzle feeders. Check out our article on cat mental stimulation if you’re stuck for ideas. Parasites If you’re wondering ‘why is my cat always hungry but skinny’, one possible reason is intestinal parasites. These little creatures are feeding off of your cat’s food intake and sometimes they may not leave enough nutrients to satisfy the cat’s needs. As a response, the pet will ask for food more often or in larger quantities. The vet will be able to discover if intestinal parasites are to blame for your cat’s large appetite and will prescribe de-worming medication.

Cat scratch fever is an incredibly rare bacterial infection that can affect humans when a cat's claws or teeth break the skin. Read our guide to discover everything you need to know about the rare disease, including what causes it and who's generally most at risk. Cat-scratch fever, also known as cat-scratch disease is a bacterial infection that affects humans, and comes from cats infected with Bartonella henselae bacteria. According to the CDC, around 40% of cats will carry the bacteria at some point in their lives – usually when they’re kittens – but it’s very rare that it’s fatal for both humans and cats. Keep reading to find out about cat-scratch fever symptoms, the possible causes and who’s most at risk for getting the disease. What causes cat-scratch fever? Cats get infected with Bartonella henselae when they’re bitten by fleas carrying the bacteria, or if flea droppings get into their wounds.

Find out how to encourage your cat to be active, even if they live indoors. Getting your beautiful cat to exercise can sometimes be a challenge. As any cat lover knows, cats have strong and independent personalities; they need alone time and are unlikely to do anything they don’t want to do. This can be especially worrying for a house cat, who has no outdoor exercise to help keep her healthy, or a kitten who has to be kept in the house for the first six months of their life. So how do you make your cat exercise? Enticement is the way forward: cats need to be engaged with their task or they can rapidly lose interest. Luckily, they all have a few personality traits that you can tickle to ensure they are having the time of their lives-and are being active in the process. 1. Laser pointers Different cats have different preferences for the toys they like. Some are in love with the fishing pole, where you dangle a string above their heads and they bat at it. Others adore paper bags and boxes. But if your cat seems disinclined to play, then it is best to appeal to her feral nature-pouncing. Cats love to chase, especially items that move quickly. The laser point is an absolute favourite: point a laser at the wall and watch your cat try and catch that elusive red dot. 2. Battery-operated toys These are another great way to make your cat exercise, and are ideal solutions for busy owners. Just turn on a battery-operated toy, available from most pet shops or online, and your cat will be entertained for hours! 3. Outdoors While it may seem unusual, house cats can be encouraged to go outdoors and be walked. It is, of course, necessary to see if your cat is happy with this-don't do anything that might stress or upset her. If you plan on this form of cat exercise, try and introduce it when they are kittens (after the first six months!) when they seem more inclined to try new things. Older cats may be set in their ways and may take more convincing. Remember to use a leash when walking them, and make sure it fits comfortably.

Being a cat owner can be difficult when it comes to health issues – cats are notoriously secretive and can try to hide when they are in pain. This means you need to be on the lookout for symptoms that something is wrong. And dental issues can be a common problem. In this article, we’ll look at a condition called stomatitis and how to spot the signs of a dental health issue. What is stomatitis in cats? Stomatitis in cats is a medical condition which causes severe inflammation to the mouth and gums of felines. This inflammation will look reddish in colour and cause cats a significant amount of pain. In some extreme cases, it can even cause bleeding in the mouth. What causes stomatitis in cats? Multiple factors are suspected to cause stomatitis in cats and the causes have still not been definitively identified. Many believe the main cause of feline stomatitis is viral infections as many cats with stomatitis have a concurrent viral infection, particularly with a virus called 'calicivirus'. Plaque and calculus are also thought to be an important contributory factor.

Despite the name, ringworm in cats has nothing to do with worms! If you suspect your cat has this fungal skin condition, it’s important that it gets treated as soon as possible to prevent spreading to other animals or even you. Ringworm in cats is a highly contagious fungal infection of the skin. It is more common in kittens and long-haired cats, but can affect any breed and age. It is also a zoonotic disease meaning it can spread to humans, particularly people who are immunocompromised. Despite the name, ringworm is not actually caused by a worm at all, rather a group of fungi called dermatophytes and can be referred to by its medical name dermatophytosis. Due to the highly contagious nature of the condition, it’s essential that ringworm treatment for cats is sought as soon as possible. If you suspect that your cat is suffering from ringworm, keep reading to find out what you should do. What is ringworm in cats? This common skin condition is a fungal infection which feeds on the keratin in a cat’s fur, skin and nails. It’s called ‘ringworm’ because the fungus creates circular ring-like lesions on your cats’ skin, usually also associated with hair loss. These are often found on the head, ears, along the ridge of the back and on the front legs, but they can be present anywhere on the body. How do cats get ringworm? Ringworm in cats is highly contagious and is most commonly caught through contact with infected cats. It can spread rapidly in multi-pet households as it gets distributed via fungal spores on skin and hair that’s been shed. Ringworm is very common in kittens under the age of one as their immune systems are still developing. It also affects long-haired cats more, because the fungus gets trapped in the longer coat and is harder to remove. Symptoms of ringworm in cats Sometimes ringworm in cats can be hard to detect as symptoms may be very mild. If your cat displays symptoms, it’s likely to include of the following: