-
Eye Problems
Category:
Feline, Pet Health, Chronic Conditions
Cats normally have excellent vision—their eyes are about six times more sensitive to light than a human’s eyes. However, injuries and a variety of diseases can impair a cat’s vision and even cause blindness.
You can help your cat keep its eyes healthy by making sure it has regular check-ups and
Read more
-
Euthanasia
Category:
Feline, Living With Your Pet, Saying Goodbye
It is never easy to say goodbye to a cat that has been part of your life for many years. This is even truer when your veterinarian suggests that you consider euthanasia. However, euthanasia may be the most humane way to care for a beloved best friend that is suffering.
Is It Time to Say Good-bye?
The
Read more
-
Common Fungal Infections in Cats
Category:
Feline, Pet Health, Diseases and Viruses
Fungi are spore-generating, parasitic organisms. They are able to survive by taking in food from the hosts on which they grow. Cats can develop fungal infections when fungi spores are ingested, inhaled or enter a cut or wound. Common sources of most fungal infections are soil and bird droppings, making
Read more
-
Cats and Poisons
Category:
Feline, Living With Your Pet, Providing Care
Many cat owners already know that insecticides and antifreeze are not things their cats should consume. However, many everyday, innocuous-seeming substances are also poisonous to cats. From a beautiful bouquet of lilies to human medications casually left around the house, you never know what you cat
Read more
-
Anesthesia
Category:
Feline, Living With Your Pet, Providing Care
It’s an unfortunate fact that most cats don’t relish a trip to the vet. For this reason, sometimes they need to be sedated—both for their own and the veterinarian’s safety—during even relatively simple procedures. Anything from dental care to a major surgery may require anesthesia. Some especially
Read more
-
Cancer in Cats
Category:
Feline, Pet Health, Chronic Conditions
The term “cancer” describes a whole class of diseases. If your cat gets a cancer diagnosis, it means that undesirable cells are growing uncontrollably, invading nearby tissue and possibly spreading through your cat’s body. Some types are more serious than others. As with people, early detection
Read more
-
Behavioral Issues
Category:
Feline, Living With Your Pet, Providing Care
No matter how much you love your cat, some behaviors are hard to tolerate and may even be dangerous to you, your cat or others. Here are a few common cat behavioral issues and how to best manage them.
Cognitive Dysfunction
Due to better food, information and veterinary care, cats are living longer than
Read more
-
Aging
Category:
Feline, Living With Your Pet, Providing Care
Owners often feel sad when they are forced to admit that their beloved cat is no longer jumping as high or running as fast as he or she used to. But cats, like humans, are living longer than ever, and their golden years can be of high quality despite slowing down. Advances in veterinary care, better
Read more
-
Seasonal Care
Category:
Living With Your Pet, Providing Care
Heat Stroke
Heatstroke may kill or seriously injure your pet—but it can easily be avoided by adhering to the following tips. Never leave pets in cars on warm days. Exercise your pet during the cool part of the day. Look out for rapid breathing, loud panting or staggering; these can be signs of dehydration,
Read more
-
Recognizing Illnesses
Category:
Living With Your Pet, Providing Care
Only a healthy pet is a happy companion. Assuring your pet's daily well-being requires regular care and close attention to any hint of ill health. The American Veterinary Medical Association therefore suggests that you consult your veterinarian if your pet shows any of the following signs:
* Abnormal
Read more
-
Mealtime
Category:
Living With Your Pet, Providing Care
Puppies
Feed a high quality diet designed for puppies. A wide variety of diets and formulations are available and your veterinarian should be your primary source of information as to the best choice for your puppy. The amount fed will vary with the type of food and the individual dog, but in general,
Read more
-
Camping with Pets
Category:
Living With Your Pet, Travel
Camping with pets presents its own challenges. Skunks, raccoons, porcupines, snakes, and other wildlife can bite or otherwise injure your pet. Keep your pet within sight and on a leash. Be considerate of other campers. Be sure to ask your veterinarian about flea, tick and heartworm prevention.
Read more
-
Planning and Preparation
Category:
Living With Your Pet, Travel
Planning and preparation are necessary when traveling with family pets. Consider whether your pet is comfortable when traveling. Some animals, like some people, function better in familiar surroundings. A car-sick animal can make a trip miserable for everyone. Some ill or physically impaired dogs and
Read more
-
Travel by Airplane
Category:
Living With Your Pet, Travel
Air travel is of most concern to pet owners. You can minimize the chances of an unpleasant experience by following a few guidelines. Federal regulations require that pets be at least 8 weeks old and weaned at least 5 days before flying. Generally, a health certificate (which is not more than 10 days
Read more
-
Travel by Car
Category:
Living With Your Pet, Travel
Pets should not be allowed to ride with their heads outside car windows. Particles of dirt can enter the eyes, ears, and nose, causing injury or infection.
If your pet is not accustomed to car travel, take it for a few short rides before your trip. Cats should be confined to a cage or crate to allow
Read more
-
First Aid
Category:
Living With Your Pet, Providing Care
Never leave dangerous objects like pins, needles, or fish hooks within reach. Keep poisonous products and materials far from your pet's reach as you would with a child.
Of course, before an emergency ever arises, it's a good idea to learn all you can about first aid techniques and pet health care. Never
Read more