A cat enclosure offers the perfect way for your favorite feline to enjoy a little outdoor time without being subjected to the dangers of the real world. Before you make the decision about adding an enclosure to your property, consider these facts. Free Access to the Outdoors Can Decrease a Cat’s Lifespan Free roaming cats are subject to many dangers,…
Diabetes in cats, also known as feline diabetes mellitus, is an increasingly common disease affecting 1 out of every 400 cats. Obesity is the leading risk factor for diabetes. “Overweight or obese cats are two to four times more likely to develop diabetes than cats with a healthy body weight,” says board-certified veterinary nutrition specialist Dorothy Laflamme, DVM, PhD, DACVN.…
The flu doesn’t just affect people. Your cat can develop the viral infection, too. Although most cats recover fully from a bout of the flu, it can be particularly hard on young, old and immune-compromised cats. Take a look at a few symptoms that can occur if your furry friend has the feline flu. Common Symptoms of Feline Flu Your…
Cat declawing is possibly one of the most controversial of all animal surgeries. Cats scratch to mark territory and to keep their claws in top condition, but the scratching behavior can challenge the bond between a cat and his owner. Felines, especially young cats, often play rough and scratch their owners or other animals. Scratching behavior also ruins furniture, flooring,…
Cats, unlike dogs, are true carnivores which means they thrive on meat only diets and require no vegetable, grain, or dairy supplementation. Cows milk is not recommended for cats because it can be too rich for their digestive systems. This is because most cats can’t digest milk properly because it contains lactose and most cats are lactose intolerant. The proteins in…
Does your favorite feline leave you hairballs as gifts? If so, you’re not alone. Although we love cats for being meticulous groomers, it’s safe to say we don’t like finding hairy presents around the house. Let’s explore what causes hairballs and how to prevent them. What Causes a Hairball? Hairballs are clusters of fur, or hair, that your cat unintentionally…
Do Not Overfeed “Obesity is the most common nutritional disease seen in cats,” says Joe Bartges, DVM, PhD at the University of Tennessee’s College of Veterinary Medicine. It is a common bad habit for cat owners to feed their cats too much. Cats only need 24 to 35 calories per pound of body weight each day. This guideline is a…
n a word, yes. “No other medical development has been as successful as vaccination in controlling deadly diseases in companion animals,” says feline veterinarian Dr. Arnold Plotnick. The Exception Dr. Plotnick and other veterinarians acknowledge that, rarely, vaccinations in cats have been linked to the development of fibrosarcoma, a type of cancer that may occur at the site of injection.…