Due to the structure of their ears, cats are particularly vulnerable to ear infections and ear mite infestations. Unfortunately, these two conditions share many of the same symptoms so it can be difficult to tell them apart. Ear mites look like tiny white flecks dancing around in your cat’s ear. Also, they produce a grainy, black ear discharge. Ear infections (bacterial and yeast) produce a light-colored or bloody discharge. Both conditions can lead to deafness […]

Cats eyes deteriorate as they get older, but that doesn’t mean that eye discharge is “normal.” Cats with runny eyes will feel very uncomfortable and may struggle to see clearly. The most common causes of eye discharge in cats are viral infections such as feline herpesvirus 1 (FHV-1), and bacterial infections such as feline infectious anemia (FIA). Older cats are particularly susceptible because they have weaker immune systems. Aside from this, allergies, injuries, parasites, and […]

Ringworm is a fungal infection that feeds off the skin’s superficial layers. Dermatophyte infections most commonly affect your cat’s head, ears, and legs. It causes your cat’s fur to fall out and skin inflammation. The primary physical symptom is extreme itchiness. Although dermatophytosis will go away in 2-4 months, antifungal drugs (itraconazole, griseofulvin, terbinafine, and fluconazole) can be used to treat ringworm in cats and speed up recovery. Felines given medication will recover from dermatophytosis […]

If your cat has fought with a rival feline or had a bad fall, he’ll likely have cuts and grazes. Outdoor cats often return home with wounds and scrapes on their skin, proceeding to lick at them to remove any dirt and heal the lesion. There are pros and cons to a cat licking his wounds, of course. A cat’s tongue is covered with tiny barbs which will remove any dirt trapped in the cut. […]

We know that humans can be allergic to cats, but we often forget that cats have allergies, too. If your cat is wheezing, sneezing, or scratching incessantly, this could be due to an allergic reaction. Allergens can be split into three main categories: food, household, and environmental. Food allergies cause bloating, vomiting, and diarrhea, whereas household and environmental allergies cause itchiness, wheezing, and lethargy. The commonest allergens are beef, fragrances, and flea bites. Allergies cannot […]

Vaccines are necessary for most cats, especially those who spend much of their time outdoors. Although the experience is never pleasant, felines must be vaccinated against rabies by law. Also, other vaccinations are highly recommended to protect your cat against infectious diseases. All vaccines can cause side effects in cats. Fever, lethargy, reduced appetite, and swelling are all common. Some cats also have trouble walking and experience stomach upsets. These adverse effects should subside after […]