Cats Articles

Enjoy our library of articles on cat behavior and cat health.

• Zoonotic Disease Info

  Zoonoses or zoonotic diseases are those that can potentionaly affect both people and other animals. Here we will talk about just a few of the things you can and can't catch from your pet.

• Zoonotic Disease - things you can catch from your pet - or not

  What diseases can you catch from your pet-information about zoonotic diseases.

• Zoonotic Disease - Rose Grower’s Disease

  Rose grower's disease is caused by sporothrix schenckii, I think. If that is the case, there is some controversy over the value of culturing this organism.

• Zoonotic Disease - Rabies

  Rabies information including zoonotic info and vaccination details

• Zoonotic - Ringworm

  How to treat ringworms in cats and dogs and clean up around the house.

• Your Turn - My Veterinarian

  Personal experiences about dealing with a veterinarian - from a VetInfo reader.

• Worm Medicine for Cats

  Depending on the type of worm, cats may require different types of medicine to treat each parasite. It is important to correctly identify the worm and administer...

• Why Your Cat Chews on Wires

  Cats tend to chew on wires and cords primarily out of boredom. Chewing on wires and cords is quite serious and can result in minor shock or death.

• Why Kitten Fur Loss Needs Veterinary Attention

  There are many causes of kitten fur loss. Fur loss can be caused by food allergies, fleas or parasites.

• Why Is Your Cat Losing Hair or Fur?

  If you notice your cat losing hair you should find the cause of this condition. In some cases, the hair loss is a natural process, while other cases can signal a disease...

• Why Is My Cat Not Eating?

  For a cat, not eating can indicate any number of feline illnesses. From cat upset stomach to poor nutrition, pet owners should identify a possible cause as to why their cat may have stopped eating.

• Why Human Medicine Will Poison Your Cat

  Many medications useful to humans are essentially cat poison. In 2007, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center received 89,000 calls about cats who had ingested human medications.

• Why Hairless Kittens Need More Grooming—Not Less

  Hairless kittens are great pets for people that don't like shedding. Cat breeds with no hair include the Sphinx cat, the Peterbald cat or the Kohana cat.

• Why Does Your Cat Spray?

  Cat spraying is a natural behavior, specific to tom cats, but it may occur in females also. This behavior may be very unpleasant if your cat sprays in the house, so you'll want to consider a few options to get rid of the behavior.

• Why Do Cats Shed?

  Cats shed because it's natural and is linked to temperature control. In the warmer months, cats tend to shed some of their fur.

• Why Chocolate is Toxic for Your Cat

  Giving your cat chocolate will cause an allergic reaction at the very least, because chocolate is a toxic food for them.

• Why Chemotherapy for an Older Cat Is Less Effective

  It's difficult to watch your suffer from cancer, and even harder to choose a course of therapy, like cat chemotherapy or radiation, to try to improve the situation. However, for older cats, many veterinarians recommend against treatments like chemotherapy, as they can be less effective.

• Why Cat Flea Shampoo Products May Be Unnecessary

  Many products for cats and kittens are sold to help combat these little insects, such as cat flea shampoo, but these items may not be necessary to help your cat find relief.

• Why Cat Flea Powder Has Fallen Into Disuse

  Using cat flea power has fallen into disuse because it cannot completely eradicate fleas by itself, it may be toxic to your cat's health and new non-toxic products are proving safer and more effective. Essentially, traditional cat flea powders containing pesticides cannot kill all fleas present during an active infestation, thereby providing only temporary relief until new fleas begin to hatch and reproduce.

• Why a Cat Lump Should Be Tested for Cancer

  A cat lump can be distressing to find. There could be a number of causes behind the lump but it's impossible to rule out anything until the lump has been tested for cancer.

• Why a Cat Climbing Tree Is More Than a Luxury

  A cat climbing tree offers a wide range of activities for your cat. First, it provides an intriguing spot for cat play, especially since most cats love to climb. Second, it keeps cats and kittens away from furnishings you do not want ruined.

• When to Get Vet Help

  When a pet seems sick or is acting unusual, it is sometimes hard to know when to get vet help.

• When Is Cat Tooth Extraction Necessary?

  Cat tooth disease can often lead to severe health problems if not checked and treated promptly. Pet owners should schedule a vet check if their pets...

• When Does Cat Diarrhea Require Veterinary Care?

  Cat diarrhea may occur because of minor causes, but can also be a symptom of a more serious condition. Diarrhea is not a disease; it is a symptom of an underlying problem or illness.

• When Do Vets Consider a Cat Overweight?

  A cat is overweight if he has more than 20% of his body mass index made up of fat. However, this is an abstract idea and finding the exact body mass index can be challenging.

• When Cats Appear to Act Crazy

  It's true that cats are normally very dignified creatures, but cats and crazy behavior is not all that uncommon. Crazy cat behavior can be a sign of illness or just a need to play or express his natural instincts.

• When and How to Administer a Cat Enema

  No one loves administering a cat enema, but responsible pet owners should be willing to learn how in case of cat constipation. Kitten constipation is usually the result of a poor diet, but older cats are frequently incapable of effectively clearing the colon.

• What You Should Know about Sick Cat Symptoms

  Sick cat symptoms should be carefully monitored because while some may seem minor, they could be indications of more serious illness. Below is a guide with helpful information on symptoms of common illnesses and how you can tell if your cat's symptoms are serious enough to warrant a trip to the vet.

• What You Should Know about Litter Aversion

  Litter aversion is one of the most common causes of house-soiling, a major complaint amongst cat owners. If your cat is experiencing litter aversion, read the information below which describes the reasons why litter aversion occurs, how you can tell if your cat is suffering from litter aversion, and what you can do to solve the problem.

• What to Look for in a Cat Flea Medicine

  Choosing the right cat flea medicine can be a challenge with all the options available to pet owners. Flea powders, topical flea drops and oral medications can be bought over-the-counter or prescribed by your veterinarian, but one of the most important factors in pet flea treatment is to choose a medicine that is specifically made for your animal; your cat should never use flea medicine meant for dogs.

• What to Expect During the Cat Gestation Period

  The cat gestation period lasts 9 weeks on average, or about 63 days. A normal pregnancy is between 57 and 69 days.

• What to Do If Your Kitty Eats Cat Litter Crystals

  Cat litter crystals can be dangerous to your cat's health if ingested, especially if you use a clumping clay litter that contains sodium bentonite. Normal cat behavior includes eating litter from time to time, so you might want to consider using a safe cat litter made with such ingredients as pine, paper, corn or wheat.

• What Plants are Poisonous to Cats?

  The average home and yard is filled with dozens of plants poisonous to cats. The potential culprits are sometimes surprising to cat owners, as they are very common plants that are not normally thought of as being toxic.

• What Is the Best Pet Heartworm Medicine?

  With many pet heartworm medications on the market, it's hard to know which medicine is best. The medications range in prices, offer different dosing instructions...

• What Is the Best Natural Wormer for Cats?

  The best wormer for cats will always depend on the individual cat. Natural wormers are becoming more popular as they are thought to be better for the animal.

• What Is the Best Cat Constipation Remedy?

  Cat constipation remedy should contain a balanced diet and some laxatives. Cat constipation occurs in sedentary cats, due to lack of activity and may also...

• What is the Average Cat Lifespan?

  Cat lifespan varies from breed to breed; however, the average lifespan of a free-roaming cat is less than 3 years, whereas the lifespan of an indoor cat averages 15 to 18 years. Spayed and neutered cats live longer because they do not develop ovarian or testicular cancers.

• What Is Low Residue Cat Food?

  Low residue cat food can help with problems of feline constipation in several ways. The fiber in the food serves several purposes.

• What Is Feline AIDS?

  Feline AIDS affects nearly three percent of all healthy cats in the United States. Understand how the feline immunodeficiency virus is transmitted.

• What Is Cystitis?

  What is cystitis? A lot of pet owners don’t know that cystitis is an inflammation of the bladder and may occur in cats of any age.

• What is a Normal Kitten Heart Rate?

  The kitten heart beats faster than a mature cat's heart. Detecting an unusually high or low heart rate can help identifying possible heart conditions or health issues.

• What Is a Feral Cat?

  A feral cat is an untamed cat. Feral cats are unowned and live alone or in colonies of cats. A feral cat may be adopted, but you must take some precautions before introducing the cat in your home, to make sure you are safe.

• Weight Loss for Obese Cats

  Helping obese cats lose weight and become more active requires patience and dedication from cat owners. Exercise, nutrition and the right diet are essential for successful cat weight loss.

• Weight loss and loss of appetite in Cats

  Problems that cause weight loss in cats.

• Warning Signs of Cat Diabetes

  Cat diabetes is caused by inadequate insulin production in the pancreas. Without insulin, the body cannot utilize sugar.

• Vomiting in Cats

  There are many causes for vomiting in cats and treatments can vary. The importance of treatment varies on the cause and severity.

• Vocal Problems

  I have at least 10 or 20 cat patients who have lost their voices either temporarily or permanently. So far, I have not been able to pin down a definite cause in many of them.

• Vitamins and Minerals for Cats

  Cats need vitamins and minerals as part of a well-balanced diet. If these are lacking from the diet, your cat can develop anemia and multiple diseases.

• Visually Recognizing Cat Skin Problems

  Cat skin problems can be caused by parasites, insects, allergies, endocrine imbalances, feline diseases or infections (bacterial or fungal). A cat owner should...

• VetInfo4Cats.com

  Information for cat owners regarding cat health and behavioral issues, including information on various feline viruses and diseases.

• VetInfo Digest subsciber info

  Comprehensive health information relating to dogs and cats.

• Vetinfo Sitemap Table of Contents

  Veterinary Information Index Vetinfo- Introduction to our Veterinary information Site Statement of Purpose - Who we are and why we do what we do.

• Veterinary Dentists

  Comprehensive directory of veterinary dentists in the United States.

• Veterinary Client Rights, medical records, etc

  Useful questions and answers for pet owners regarding pet insurance, pet medical records, and other pet health info.

• Veterinary and Animal Related Careers

  List and common FAQs about Jobs that are animal related.

• Using Synthetic Cat Pheromones to Stop Spraying Behaviors

  Some experts advocate the use of synthetic cat pheromones to treat spraying behavior. Cats spray for a wide variety of reasons, and while many can be addressed by simply altering the environment, other situations may require methods such as the use of synthetic pheromones to handle the problem.

• Using Nail Caps for Cats to Stop Destructive Scratching

  Nail caps for cats can stop destructive scratching, without the need for cat declawing. They are safe and easy to use.

• Using Limited Ingredient Cat Food for Allergic Cats

  Cat food provides the building blocks for your cat's health. At best, it provides necessary energy and nutrients.

• Using Cat Chews for Oral Hygiene

  Give your cat specially formulated dental chews to prevent plaque and tartar build up. Not only can chews prevent your cat from getting an oral infection, but they provide a healthy way to reward her during training exercises.

• Using a Cat Laxative for Hairball Relief

  If your cat has a problem with hairballs, consider using a cat laxative to mitigate the issue. Cat hair balls are produced when a cat grooms himself, ingesting a small quantity of his own hair.

• Urination Problems: The Most Common Reason for Feline Euthanasia

  The most common reason for feline euthanasia is urinary problems. These urinary tract problems account for 50 to 70% of all cases, while bladder stones and urinary mucus/crystal plugs account for 40% and bladder infections for 2 to 3%. Sometimes a cat owner will resort to euthanizing their cat if he cannot help his cat and doesn't want the cat to continue being in pain.

• Urinary Tract Infections in Cats with Baytril

  Baytril is a controversial prescription antibiotic known generically as enrofloxacin and used to treat bacterial infections. Many vets prefer enrofloxacin because it is extremely effective, but there are serious side effects that you should be aware of before using it.

• Urinary Problems in Cats

  Trauma is the most common cause of inability to empty the bladder in cats. This is most commonly associated with spinal cord injury, often due to a condition referred to as "tail jerk" in which the tail is pulled or held still while the cat continues to move

• Unique Characteristics of Senior Cat Food

  A beneficial senior cat food will contain balanced nutrients including digestible carbohydrates, fiber, high quality protein, minerals, antioxidants, vitamins, fatty acids and a healthy level of magnesium usually in the form of tasty, small, easy-to-chew kibble.

• Understanding Viral Cat Eye Infection

  A viral cat eye infection is also known as conjunctivitis, and is a condition that needs immediate attention due to the severe implications it may have.

• Understanding Vaccine Associated Feline Sarcoma

  In 1991, a link was found between feline sarcoma and vaccine sites, with a noticeable percentage of the cancerous tumors that affect cats occurring at common vaccine sites. However, the majority of feline sarcomas are not associated with vaccinations, so pet owners should not forgo vaccines in order to prevent the cancer.

• Understanding the Feline Urinary System

  The feline urinary system is one of the biological systems necessary to maintain the cat‘s health. A cat with urinary tract problems should exhibit physical symptoms to alert the owner that something is wrong.

• Understanding the Aspects of Feline Liver Disease

  Feline liver problems are common in older cats. One of the most common liver afflictions is called Fatty Liver Disease, which is caused when fat accumulates in the liver tissue.

• Understanding the Alpha Cat Syndrome

  Many cat owners expect all cats to be friendly and easy to hold and pet. Each cat, however, has different characteristics; cat behavior varies from animal to animal, whether it's a male or female cat.

• Understanding Kitten Worms: Symptoms and Treatments

  For newborn kittens, worms are common dangers. The internal parasites cause malnutrition, dehydration and anemia. Whether you are dealing with intestinal worms or troublesome heartworm, cats and kittens need dewormers before the infestation leads to serious health issues.

• Understanding Kitten Behavior Through Developmental Stages

  Even relaxed and placid adult cats may have started out as rambunctious, energetic kittens. Kitten behavior and kitten needs change quickly during the first few months.

• Understanding Insulin Action for Diabetic Pets

  Diabetes can be a serious condition but with insulin action it is manageable. It is one of the few conditions that can affect animals and humans.

• Understanding Human Allergies to Cats

  Humans may develop allergies to cats. The allergies may be light or severe and the symptoms may be reduced by applying treatment with allergy shots or medication.

• Understanding Feline Sneezing and Upper Respiratory Infection

  Generally characterized by feline sneezing, upper respiratory infections in cats are very common. The symptoms and severity of illness may vary, but upper respiratory infections should be promptly treated to prevent secondary infections and spread to other animals.

• Understanding Feline Polycystic Kidney Disease

  There are many forms of feline kidney disease, and the majority of the symptoms between them are the same. However, polycystic kidney disease begins at birth, can continue escalating.

• Understanding Feline Interstitial Cystitis

  Feline interstitial cystitis is sometimes referred to as feline idiopathic cystitis or FLUTD which stands for feline lower urinary tract disease. This urologic syndrome affects close to 1% of the cat population.

• Understanding Feline Infectious Anemia

  There are a number of infectious organisms that cause feline anemia or the lack of red blood cells; however, the parasitic disease itself has been renamed "feline hemotropic mycoplasmosis", which literally means a cat blood infection of mycoplasma organisms

• Understanding Feline Cardiomyopathy

  Feline cardiomyopathy also known as feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (hcm) is a disease that affects the heart muscle. The walls of the heart...

• Understanding Cat’s Allergic Reaction to Vaccines

  A cat reaction to vaccination can vary in severity depending on the type of vaccination administered. Cat vaccines stimulate the immune system of the feline to fight against infectious agents.

• Understanding Cat Sleeping Patterns

  Cat sleeping patterns are among the most unique aspects of feline behavior. Cats are renowned for their ability to sleep almost anywhere for hours on end.

• Understanding Cat Psychology and Behavior

  Understanding the basics of cat psychology will help to explain why your cat acts the way he does, and how you can best address difficult behaviors.

• Understanding Cat Liver Disease

  The cat liver is a large and important organ, in charge of regulating the levels of most chemicals in the bloodstream. The liver also clears toxins from the blood...

• Understanding Cat Flu: A Common Feline Respiratory Disease

  Nearly all cats will suffer from a feline respiratory illness of some kind during their lifetime. Pet owners commonly refer to a feline virus or upper respiratory infection...

• Understanding Cat Flea Allergy Dermatitis

  A cat flea allergy is a common affliction of cats, and causes dermatitis, or cat skin allergies, as a result of flea bites. Flea saliva contains over 15 antigens that cause allergic responses in your pet.

• Understanding Cat Eye Color Changes

  If you have had a pet cat from the time it was a young kitten, you may have noticed that the color of its eyes changes over time. Cat eye color is somewhat variable...

• Understanding Cat Constipation

  Cat constipation is a condition that can occur in felines of any age, sex or health condition. The condition is easily treatable; however, older cats are more prone to complications and health risks.

• Understanding Cat Bladder Stones (Uroliths)

  Cat bladder stones, or uroliths, result from a build-up of crystals in the urine that form stones. Under the commonly-accepted Precipitation-Crystallization...

• Tumors and Cancers in Cats

  Throughout this web site, the words TUMOR and CANCER are used interchangeably. Technically, a tumor is just a swelling which may or may not be a cancer. Cancer is a disease of uncontrolled cell growth which can be benign (not invasive and does not spread) or malignant (usually invasive into surrounding tissue and capable of spreading to other areas of the body).

• Tumor Removal Through Cat Surgery

  A growing lump on your cat's body is one of the most common of cat cancer symptoms. Cat surgery can cure cat cancer symptoms. A feline tumor is often...

• Trimming Matted Cat Fur

  Cat matted fur is a common problem which can be dealt with using some simple tools and methods. A mat is a knotted mass of hair which sticks to the cat's body.

• Triad Syndrome in Cats

  Triad syndrome is the name used to describe the occurrence of pancreatitis, inflammatory bowel disease and cholangiohepatitis at the same time, which seems to be a fairly common problem in older cats. It has only recently been recognized as a syndrome and there isn't a lot of information on why it might occur or on what the relationship is between the three conditions that causes them to occur concurrently.

• Treatments for Cat Fur Loss

  Noticing that your pet is losing fur may be an alarming sign. The cat fur loss may be caused by a number of factors and diseases, so identifying these may lead to finding the optimal hair loss treatment.

• Treatment Options for Hair Loss in Cats

  Hair loss in cats may be caused by diverse factors ranging from food allergies to diseases. Treatment options are available depending on the cause of hair loss.

• Treatment Options for Feline Panleukopenia (Distemper)

  There are several treatment options for feline Panleukopenia, which is also known as distemper. Feline Distemper is a highly aggressive virus, so the sooner the infection is treated, the better chances are of pulling through.

• Treatment Options for Feline Incontinence

  Feline incontinence is when urine involuntarily leaks from a cat.

• Treatment Considerations for Feline Cardiomyopathy

  Feline cardiomyopathy is a cat heart disease, often fatal, in which the heart walls change shape by stretching or thickening, making it difficult for the heart to work properly.

• Treating Your Cat After a Snake Bite

  A cat snake bite may be dangerous to your pet, especially if the snake is poisonous. The bites of nonpoisonous snakes do not cause swelling or rashes...

• Treating Thyroid Problems with Tapazole for Cats

  Tapazole cats take for hypothyroidism is a common course of treatment in cats that develop the chronic disease. Veterinarians prescribe this cat medication on a regular basis and in various doses depending on the progression of the cat hyperthyroid disease.

• Treating Ringworm Lesions in Cats with Monistat

  Ringworm in cats is a fungal infection that makes circular sores on an infected cat's skin. This is a contagious condition, and not only can it transmit between cats and dogs, but also...

• Treating Ringworm in Cats with Griseofulvin

  Griseofulvin, or Fulvicin, is an anti-fungal medication used to treat ringworm in cats.

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