Health

Some cats are naturally smaller than others, but unlike this natural variation in size, feline dwarfism is often associated with numerous health issues. Dwarfism in cats is the result of a genetic disorder, and there are a few cat breeds in which this genetic disorder is selectively bred, such as the Munchkin.

We never like to think of our cats as being unhappy, or feeling sad, but in many ways they can experience feelings in a similar way as we do, and sometimes they can suffer from a feline equivalent of depression. Lots of things might cause a cat to feel a bit down in the dumps. For example, most cat owners tend to think of their cats as independent creatures, who prefer to be alone. But that is not always true. Some cats need companionship and like to be cuddled and loved, and so sometimes a lack of affection can lead them to feel blue. Knowing what signs to look out for will help you to determine whether your cat is suffering from a low mood state and what you can do about it. Carry on reading to find out all you need to know about depression in cats.

Cats are curious creatures who love to get into stuff. If your feline loves to explore the outdoors, you might be thinking about which poisonous plants cats should avoid and how you can help them if they come into contact with one. Come spring time, you might be wondering ‘are daffodils poisonous to cats?’ Carry on reading to find out and discover how you can help your feline if they end up ingesting them.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

When it comes to living with a cat allergen sensitivity, it’s not easy, but it doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Some of the practices and advice you may find suggested online aren’t feline-friendly and can negatively affect your relationship with your cat. For example, bathing your cat can be a really stressful experience, for both of you. Although bathing will lower the levels of allergens present on your cat's hair, the effect is short-lived with the levels returning to baseline within 24 hours of bathing. Similarly, keeping a cat outside, particularly one that has been used to living indoors or keeping them restricted to a certain part of the house, can also result in increased levels of stress for them. Love finds a way and there are safe, easy and feline-friendly steps you can take to help manage cat allergens in your home, while also maintaining your close bond with your cat.