Health

What do you do when you find a stray cat? When a cat comes to your window, meowing for food and water, what steps should you take?

When the weather gets warmer, your cat will probably want to drink more water. However, on occasion, if your cat is drinking a lot, it may signal an underlying problem. Read on to find out about your cat’s water intake, and how to spot any problems.

Spending lots of time indoors can get boring for all after a while, and that feeling extends to your pets too! That’s why we’ve put together this article to give you lots of handy tips for keeping your cat or dog entertained inside your home. When the whole family is cooped up inside for extended periods of time, you may find it difficult to come up with new activities for your family and pets. Fortunately, there are a number of enrichment activities you can set up indoors for both cats and dogs and some can even involve the kids. These activities can provide your pet with much-needed mental stimulation and help prevent boredom, which can lead to destructive behaviours if left unchecked.

Caring for a newborn kitten can be daunting. The type of care you provide will depend on whether the mother is present or whether you have found this kitten on their own. In this article, we will talk you through the essentials of kitten care, what you should keep in mind as you raise this feline through the early years of their life and how to bring up a strong, healthy and confident cat.

Cat ears – just like ours – are sensitive things, and should always be handled with care. Your cat’s ears should always be clean, with no thick brown or green waxy discharge, and there shouldn’t be any redness, itchiness or unusual smells. If your cat starts to scratch their ears, shake their head more than normal, hold their head to one side or rub one side of their face, they might be trying to let you know something’s not quite right. One of the main reasons why you should take them to the vet to have their ears checked is because severe cat ear problems can have more serious effects and lead to ear infections. Here are the signs and possible solutions for a cat dealing with ear problems such as infections.

If you’re expecting new bundles of fur arriving at your home soon, it can be exciting – but perhaps a little daunting too. As long as you are prepared and know what to expect, there is no need to worry unduly - pregnant cats are usually more than capable of taking care of themselves, although they will still need close care and supervision from you during labour. As they often try to sneak away to give birth in private, you’ll need to keep a close eye on them in the last few weeks just in case! Speak to your vet if you have any concerns about pregnancy in cats, or are worried about your cat giving birth. Their advice should help to put your mind at rest. Here are some helpful tips from our Pet Care Team to help you be as prepared as possible for when your cat becomes a new mum.

Excessive grooming can be a response to changes in your cat’s environment they’re struggling to come to terms with. Your cat is naturally on a mission to keep their coat clean, at times spending a lot of their waking time self-grooming. But sometimes their behaviour can take a turn into excessive cat grooming. Find out why this happens and what you can do to help your cat.

Getting a feline to do anything unwillingly is a challenge few owners look forward to. Here is a guide on 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.

The decision to neuter your cat is one of the most important choices you will make as a pet owner. It can significantly improve your cat's health and behaviour. Neutering can help reduce the risk of certain cancers, prevent unwanted litters, and minimise roaming and territorial behaviours. The Purina Pet Care Team are here to help answer some of the most commonly asked questions, so that you can make a decision that’s best for you and your cat.

Complications are rare in cat pregnancies, but can occasionally happen. To help your cat bring bundles of fur into the world with ease, the Purina Pet Care team share their advice on how to spot warning signs early on. It’s so exciting when your cat is expecting, and as a loving pet owner we understand that you might worry and want to give extra tender loving care to your pet at this time. Luckily as cats are usually more than capable of looking after themselves, you shouldn’t have anything to be concerned about. Several symptoms could signal a problem with your cat’s pregnancy. If you notice any of these, contact your vet immediately: • She loses interest in her food. A drop in appetite can occur just prior to delivery, but she should be bright and well in every other way throughout her term. • She is visibly distressed, agitated, crying more than usual, or is noticeably licking her vulval area without producing any kittens. • You see any abnormal, bad-smelling vaginal discharge or bleeding at any point in her pregnancy or labour. • She goes to the toilet more often, passes blood or squats without producing pee. These could signal a uterine infection, which could potentially affect her kittens if left untreated.

Many cat lovers are searching for an option that will allow them to introduce a cat to their household while minimising their sensitivity to cat allergens. That’s why many believe 'Hypoallergenic'or allergen-free breeds could provide a solution. However, while some hairless breeds are considered to be the ‘best option’ for people with cat allergen sensitivities, technically, there is no such thing as a 100 per cent Hypoallergenic cat.

Worms are parasites that cats can get by accidently eating their eggs. The most common worms in cats are roundworms and tapeworms. Neither of them are good for your cat – they can cause everything from lethargy to a change in bowel habits, as well as weight loss and other symptoms. Your vet will be able to advise you on routine worm prevention which is part of cat care, and the symptoms of worms are easy to spot.