Health

Understanding Weight Changes in Ageing Cats First things first, we need to understand that weight changes in ageing cats is normal, and they often occur in two distinct stages. As cats enter their senior years, they may become less active, which can lead to weight gain if we don’t adjust their diet, same as with dogs. However, as cats become geriatric, they tend to lose weight – both fat and muscle. This loss can be due to several factors, from dental problems, that make eating painful, to a decrease in their sense of smell and taste, as well as changes in their metabolism. Studies have shown that after the age of 11, a cat's metabolic rate can actually increase, while their digestion and ability to absorb nutrients decrease. Many cats over 12 struggle to digest fat (up to a third) and protein, which can lead to weight loss even if they're eating the same amount. This is why it's important to consider a cat's age when feeding them. Energy provision may need to be slightly decreased from 7 to 11 years old, but then increased from 12 years old onwards to account for these metabolic changes. In some cases, senior cats may actually need more food after the age of 12 to maintain a healthy weight.

Blood in a cat’s urine is a worrying sight. Also known as ‘haematuria’, it can be a sign of a few different urinary tract conditions which is why it’s important to get your cat checked by a vet. Our article covers what other symptoms to look out for, what it could mean for your cat and ways to prevent it.

Heart murmur in cats is a condition that has the potential to affect a cat’s life in many ways. As a pet owner, it can be worrying. We’ve listed all you need to know about feline heart murmur, including the clinical signs (or symptoms) and treatment. Read on to find out more.

You’ve probably noticed that your cat’s mouth is full of sharp teeth – especially if they’ve nipped you before! You probably even wondered ‘how many teeth do cats have?’ Well, we’ve got the answer and other information on all things cat teeth below. Take a look!

Cats love to scratch, climb and adventure around the house, and outside too. However, this can sometimes get them into trouble, especially if they come into contact with something that they shouldn’t. Have you ever wondered whether there are some plants in your garden your cat shouldn’t be eating? In this article, we will answer whether lilies are poisonous to cats or not.

Cats’ claws grow just like our nails, so you might be wondering if you need to trim them when they get too long. This can seem like a daunting task, but it is possible to make it stress-free for you and your feline. Keep reading to discover our top tips for how to trim your cat’s nails.

Just like us humans, cats can get asthma. We know how asthma manifests in us but what is cat asthma and how do you know if your cat has it? Knowing if your cat has asthma can help you give them a better quality of life. Keep reading for our guide on cat asthma and the information you should be aware of.

Cat miscarriage can occur at any time in your cat’s pregnancy and while they might not usually react emotionally, the experience can be very painful physically. If you suspect that your cat might be at risk of a miscarriage, there are a few things to know so that you can provide them with the care they need. Since our pets can’t communicate with us when they’re going through something, it’s important to try and recognise any unusual behaviour. Read on to learn more about cat miscarriage, causes, and the way in which you can recognise the symptoms.

Cat mites can be itchy and uncomfortable for our feline friends. You might have noticed your cat scratching more or maybe their fur isn’t looking its best. If this is the case, you’ll want to think about getting them checked for cat mites.

Just like us, our cats can suffer from eye infections. Their eyesight is precious so it’s important we notice when something’s not quite right. There are different causes for cat eye infections, and they must be treated quickly so your cat doesn’t suffer with any pain or discomfort. See our guide to the types of infections below so you know what to look for if you suspect there’s something wrong with your cat’s eye.

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

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