Kidney disease leads to renal failure, a leading cause of mortality in cats. It often begins to manifest in middle age, making older cats far more at risk. Any cat can suffer from acute kidney failure, which is usually caused by the consumption of poisons. Acute renal failure can be reversed if treated early enough. Similarly, discovering chronic kidney disease at its very onset will prolong a cat’s life. With lifestyle changes and treatment, cats […]

All things must come to an end, including the lives of our beloved pets. A cat reaching the end of its life will display certain behaviors. Recognizing these obvious signs will help you to prepare for the inevitable. Dying cats become withdrawn and irritable, unprovoked aggression may become more common, the cat’s appetite will change, and it will spend more time hiding or become clingy. Heavy breathing, seizures, and an unkempt appearance are also more […]

Ringworm is a fungus that affects the superficial layers of a cat’s skin. The fungi that cause this fungal infection are called dermatophytes. Any feline can get ringworm, but senior and longhaired cat breeds are most at risk. Cats usually recover from ringworm on their own in 6 weeks or less. However, the ringworm recovery process can be expedited with a prescription topical ointment or shampoo. Anti-fungal oral medications may also be needed to clear […]

After a wound has been stitched, your cat may scratch the incision site because the shaved area starts to get itchy when the hair grows back. Your cat may scratch a neck wound as a natural response to reduce irritation. However, scratching can remove sutures or cause bleeding. Your vet will recommend that your cat wears an Elizabethan collar (e-collar) to stop your cat from scratching, biting, or licking its head and neck during the […]

Healthy cats spend many hours licking and biting at their fur to remove dirt and debris. So, if a cat’s coat is greasy and clumping up, something is wrong. Health concerns, either physical or emotional, will be behind the problem. An obese or arthritic cat will be physically incapable of grooming, leading to greasy and clumpy fur. Dental pain will also leave a cat unwilling to groom itself. Medical explanations include hyperthyroidism, diabetes, and skin […]

Fleas aren’t the only cause of itchy skin in cats. The itching is just a sign and not a specific disease or medical diagnosis. If fleas aren’t the cause of your cat’s itchiness, a more detailed analysis is required to make a diagnosis. Infections and allergies are common causes of itchy skin (pruritis) in cats. Cats can have food allergies, dust allergies, and an inherited skin allergy called atopy. Many skin diseases do not start […]