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.

• Your Cat: An Owner’s Manual

  Your cat is a unique and complex animal. She has a variety of physical needs. She also has a psychological and emotional life that bears consideration throughout the life span.

• 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 You Shouldn’t Vaccinate a Sick Kitten

  The owner of a sick kitten should consult a veterinarian and wait until the kitten has fully recovered before objecting the feline to any vaccinations. Although the purpose of vaccinations is to prevent illnesses, receiving vaccinations in an already weakened state can actually cause health problems.

• 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 Kitten Vomiting?

  Kitten vomiting can be a symptom of the ingestion of some disagreeable food or point to infections. Kittens often have episodes of vomiting but, if the vomiting is chronic, you need to consult the vet. Kittens have a lower immunity and they are more exposed to several viruses which can cause vomiting.

• Why Is Your Kitten Sneezing?

  Kitten sneezing may be caused by different infections, foreign objects or environmental factors. Kittens with flat noses are more likely to sneeze, due to the tight nose passages.

• Why Is Your Cat Throwing Up?

  If your cat is throwing up, this may be a sign of an upset stomach or a more severe medical condition. Cats often vomit after eating something different than usual cat food; however, if the vomiting lasts more than 48 hours, you need to detect other possible symptoms that may indicate something more severe.

• Why Is Your Cat Throwing Up?

  A cat throwing up may signal that he has eaten something disagreeable to his digestive system, or may be a symptom of a more serious illness. It's important to monitor your pet if he's throwing up, so as to be able to determine if the cause is severe or if he simply needs to get rid of a hairball.

• Why Is Your Cat Sneezing Blood?

  Watching your cat sneezing blood can be quite unnerving. However, there are a variety of causes for this, most of which are not serious, though it does require a trip to the veterinarian.

• 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 Feline Leukemia Vaccines Should be Taken Often

  Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) is one of the most dangerous contagious diseases threatening cats. It is spread by contact with a cat's bodily fluids, and is passed on by cats to their offspring.

• 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 Does Your Cat Shake? 8 Causes of Feline Shivering

  A cat shake may be a symptom of a medical condition or hypothermia which may have severe consequences, so shaking shouldn’t be ignored. It’s helpful to know why your cat is shaking, so that you act in a timely manner in your pet’s advantage.

• 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 Do Cats Like Catnip?

  Cats like a lot of things: naps, eating, playing and laying in a warm spot. But one of the things cats like the most is catnip; they go crazy over it.

• Why Do Cats Have Whiskers?

  "Why do cats have whiskers?" is a common question for new cat owners. A cat's whiskers help him do several things, including find his way around or measure openings that may be too small for your pet to fit through.

• 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 Neuter a Cat

  When to neuter a cat is a decision that has two important consequences: It helps preserve your cat’s good health and also prevents unwanted litters of kittens from being born.

• 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.

• Wheat Cat Litter: A Natural and Biodegradeable Alternative

  Wheat cat litter is one of the newer types of litter designed to provide odor control and make box cleaning quicker and easier for owners.

• What’s the best way to clean urine from the floor or furniture?

  The best way to clean your furniture and floor is to use Pine Sol. Also another trick is if you can pull your carpet back and slide a sheet of newspaper under the stain, the smell goes away.

• 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 Canned Cat Food

  Canned cat food is a healthy alternative for those who want to avoid the hassle of raw food. A high quality canned food can help your cat avoid several medical issues from mild to serious.

• 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 Expect during Kitten Birth

  Owners of pregnant cats must know what to expect during kitten birth, to ensure that the cat and her offspring remain safe and healthy during the procedure.

• 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 to Do If Your Cat Is Sick

  When a cat is sick, there are many steps you can take besides running to the vet. First of all, it's important to assess whether or not it's a life threatening emergency.

• 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 Makes a Cat Overweight? 11 Factors

  There are 11 factors that can make a cat overweight. Sometimes the factors overlap and interact with each other in complex ways. It’s rare that one factor alone causes the problem.

• What Is the Difference Between Cat Food Allergies and Intolerances?

  There is quite a bit of confusion about cat food allergies and cat food intolerances. These two medical problems are not synonymous and should not be confused with each other.

• 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 Natural Flea Killer for Cats?

  Natural flea killers are an increasingly popular option for owners who are looking for pet-friendly, environmentally safe methods of eliminating fleas from their cats. Fleas are widespread parasites that live off the blood of cats, people, dogs and other animals.

• What Is the Best Home Remedy for Cat Ear Mites?

  Cat ear mites are parasites that survive around the pet's ears and multiply. Since ear mites are contagious and easily transmitted to other pets living within close proximity to infected pets, ear mite infections are common.

• What Is the Best Flea Treatment for Cats?

  There are many different types of flea treatment for cats, some more effective than others. The exact treatment that will work best for you and your pet depends upon a number of factors, including your pet's overall health, the severity of his flea problem, and your willingness to complete the treatment and budget.

• What Is the Best Feline Immune Support Supplement for Cats?

  Feline immune support is crucial to pet's well being as the immune system works as a natural defense to ward off infections, fight bacteria and protect the cat against harmful viruses. Kittens in particular have low immune system functioning and are susceptible to life-threatening diseases.

• What Is the Best Cat Upset Stomach Remedy?

  An upset stomach in a cat can be a very stressful situation for pet owners that feel helpless as they might not know what to do to help their cat feel better. Cat owners need not fret because there are some great cures one can try at home to ease a cat's tummy troubles.

• 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 Healthy Cat Weight?

  Healthy cat weight is determined by a number of factors, including breed, age, activity level and amount of food consumed daily.

• 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.

• What Do Cats Eat Naturally?

  “What do cats eat naturally” is an important question to consider if you want to give your cat the best nutrition possible. Without the proper nutrition, a cat can develop diseases that could have been avoided. Nutrition formulated for a cat’s specific bodily needs can help improve not only his physical health but his behavior and general disposition as well.

• What Are Cats Allergic To?

  Cats are allergic to a wide range of substances and factors, ranging from pollens and parasites to food and drugs. Allergies are caused by a deficient immune system, which responds negatively to certain allergens.

• 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.

• Vomiting and Weight Loss in Cats

  Weight loss in cats is generally a symptom of an underlying or accompanying illness. Weight loss that occurs along with vomiting should be diagnosed promptly to avoid potentially life threatening situations.

• 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 Dental Care

  Proper veterinary dental care can mean a healthy pet. Cats and dogs develop teeth and gum problems as early as the age of 3 years due to poor dental hygiene.

• 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.

• Vestibular Disease in Cats

  The cat's ability to be flexible and agile comes from the vestibular system. When the vestibular system no longer functions properly, it is called vestibular disease.

• Vaccine Allergy Diagnosis in Cats

  A vaccine allergy may occur when your cat's body rejects one or many of the ingredients contained in a particular vaccine. A vaccine is intended to prevent certain types of infections or diseases by stimulating the immune system using antibodies that resemble that particular infection or disease.

• 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 Feline Clavamox Tablets to Treat Urinary Tract Infection

  Many pet owners prefer to give their feline Clavamox tablets as a treatment for a urinary tract infection rather than providing their cat injections. Cat pills can also be difficult to administer to your animal, while tablets can be included along with food and make for an easy treatment procedure.

• Using Dental Cat Chew Treats for Feline Oral Hygiene

  Cat chew treats are recommended for an optimal feline oral hygiene. These treats have many benefits, such as preventing gum disease, and cats like these treats. There are several types of dental chews available.

• 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

• Urinary Blockage in Cats

  A urinary blockage can quickly become a life-threatening condition in your cat, so urgent veterinary attention is important to ensure her health. One way you can do this is to know the clinical signs of this condition, so you’ll be able to help your cat when she needs critical care.

• 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.

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