Other health problems of Cats

If your cat is vomiting undigested food, many of us would assume it is a sign of a digestive health problem. This can make us confused when we observe them acting normal afterwards with no other evident symptoms. If they are sufficiently unwell to throw up their food, we would expect them to have other...

Lethargy is a symptom of cats which is seen as a general state of weakness, tiredness and a lack of energy. It is very important we consider the context when our cat is acting lethargic. Lethargy in cats can be a natural response to being overexerted, but it also important to know it is not only a physical...

Cats are well-known for their personal hygiene. They spend many hours of the day grooming to ensure a spotless coat which helps maintain overall health. In the wild, this is still very important. Their hygiene routine is not limited to their coat. They will also go to great lengths to ensure they urinate...

Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) is a prevalent condition affecting cats, often characterized by recurrent urinary blockages. These blockages can be painful, distressing, and life-threatening. Perineal urethrostomy is a surgical procedure designed to address this issue by creating a wider opening...

Unless they have eaten something which is yellow in color, the yellow liquid a cat vomits is likely to be bile. This is a yellowish or greenish liquid which is produced in the liver. Bile is important for healthy digestion in cats and its production is essential in breaking down certain lipids. While bile...

If your cat is overgrooming, it can be a result of physical, psychological or environmental problems in your cat's life. To understand the causes and treatment of excessive grooming in cats, we need to look at the context of their behavior. If they have started to overgroom all of a sudden, it will likely...

Intestinal lymphoma in cats is a malignant tumor originating from lymphocytes, which can affect both the small and large intestines. Its clinical presentation often resembles that of other digestive disorders, underscoring the importance of conducting a thorough differential diagnosis to distinguish it from...

We should never give human antibiotics to a cat. There are many reasons why this is prohibited behavior for cat guardians. The same applies to all drugs. Often, the specific drug will be toxic to cats. Not only will it not treat the bacterial infection for which antibiotics are used, but it can cause...

Although it is a plant which can be enjoyed all year, the poinsettia is known for its association with Christmas. This is because the beautiful flower of this plant blooms toward the end of the year, often during the holidays. Like Christmas itself, it is a relatively short, but beautiful time which is...

Black wax in a cat's ear is due to the natural secretions being mixed with another substance. The wax itself won't be black, but these other substances cause the discoloration. Identifying the substance will help us to identify the underlying problem. There are certain pathologies and conditions to which...

Cats are relatively prone to ear infections, especially long-eared cat breeds. Mites, otitis, and other ear problems can be bothersome, but they are usually easily treatable. As long as we are observant of their symptoms and treat them in time, prognosis is generally very good. However, treating a cat's...

Gastritis is one of the most common gastrointestinal diseases among domestic felines. It is characterized by an inflammation of the gastric mucosa, which can be acute or chronic. Gastritis can affect cats of all ages, whether they are mestizos or of a defined breed. However, it is more common in felines...

It should not be a surprise to cat guardians that coughing up blood is a sign of a health problem. Various underlying causes can lead to blood appearing from the nose or mouth. The threat to the cat's health will depend on this underlying cause, as well as the greater context of the symptom. For example,...

Depending on the amount of fur your cat has on their paw, it can be difficult to tell if their paw is swollen. However, once the swelling is developed enough, it will soon be obvious. Even if you cannot see the swelling itself, there will be other symptoms depending on the underlying cause. This inflammatory...

Mastocytoma in cats, otherwise known as mast cell tumors, can be either subcutaneous or visceral. This refers to whether they develop under the skin or on internal tissue, respectively. Subcutaneous mast cell tumors are more common and are the second most prevalent type of malignant tumor in cats. Visceral...

Petting and brushing our cat helps to condition their coat, strengthen our bond, and provide all-important affection. It also provides the opportunity to check their skin for any abnormalities. Sometimes inflammation and lumps can be seen when we look at the cat, others are only detectable when we feel them. As...

Ear problems are relatively common in cats. Felines may experience itching, pain, or discomfort to various degrees. As they are very hygienic animals, we should not confuse regular cleaning of their ears for scratching. When a cat has a serious problem with their ears, they will keep scratching at them,...

Cats have an innate hunting instinct which makes them seek out almost anything that moves. When they have access to the outside, their potential prey becomes even more varied. One potential prey for cats is the rat. Depending on their size, some rats can seem more like predators than prey. This can cause...

Although a cat's claws can do severe damage to their prey, they can be a sensitive part of their anatomy. Strong nails imply the cat is in good health and signs of damage to them imply the opposite. Nails are used to defend themselves against threats, climb, manipulate their environment and even mark their...

Feline plasma cell pododermatitis is a rare disease with a characteristic symptom of swollen feet. It is for this reason it has the common name of ‘pillow paw’ or ‘pillow foot’. The origin of the disease is not completely clear, but it is believed to be immunity-mediated. This means the well-being of the...

Feline rickets is a bone disorder characterized by the loss of consistency, strength and normal structures of the bone. It is caused by nutritional disorders or imbalances in the levels of phosphorus, calcium or vitamin D. There are many different possible causes, from feeding disorders or lactation problems,...

Cushing Disease in cats, also called feline hyperadrenocorticism (HAF), is a serious disease in cats that is caused when the cortisol hormone is accumulated in excess in the cat's blood. With that being said, it is still a very rare condition, of which few cases have been registered and whose treatment...

Feline squamous cell carcinoma is a type of cancer in cats that appears relatively frequently, especially in older cats. The lesions caused by this cancer mainly affect the mouth, ears, nose, or eyelids. In this AnimalWised article we're going to explain the causes, symptoms and treatment of squamous...

Many cat caregivers wonder what eosinophilic granuloma complex is, as these diseases are quite common in cats. This complex is a group of common diseases in cats that can be present in three clinical forms: eosinophilic ulcer, eosinophilic plaque, and eosinophilic granuloma. Keep reading this AnimalWised...

Is your cat's body temperature low? If so, they're probably suffering from hypothermia. This is when a cat's body temperature drops and they start experiencing certain health issues due to the drop in body temperature. These include neurological problems, heart issues, kidney failure, and frostbite....

Do you think your cat has broken its tail? If they have been in pain and their tail has been limp, it's understandable that you may worry. In this AnimalWised article we're going to help you tell if your cat has a broken tail or an injured tail, and what to do to help them. We'll go through the symptoms,...

Not all symptoms of disease in cats are as obvious as each other. A cat may be seriously ill without showing any signs for a long time. Unfortunately, it is often the medical conditions which don't have obvious symptoms that can be the most life-threatening. A high lymphocyte count is something that can only be...

There are several causes of sore throat in cats and it is a caregiver’s responsibility to be able to identify if their cat has a sore throat and how to treat it correctly. But what are the common causes, symptoms and treatment of sore throat in cats? You may also be wondering how to tell if a cat has...

Allergies appear when the immune system develops an adverse or exaggerated response to an allergen. An allergic reaction leads to high release of histamine in the body. This hypersensitivity occurs as a consequence of the ingestion of certain foods or compounds. Food allergies in felines can cause several...

Cats are very clean animals and take care of their own daily hygiene needs. But, like us, they can get sick and when they feel bad the first thing they neglect is their hygiene. In these situations they need pampering and for us to lend a hand. With this said, we must evaluate several points and consult...

In general, a cat drinking more water than usual is not normal and is usually a symptom that something is wrong. An average cat weighing 4 kilos (8.8 lbs) should take approximately 180 ml/day. If they are overweight and also urinate a lot, it means that something is happening, and we should go to the vet....

Do you think that your cat may have otitis? Are you sure how otitis may have appeared in your faithful companion's ears? What are the symptoms, what does it mean and can it lead to further consequences? If you are interested in knowing everything to do with otitis in cats, carefully read this AnimalWised...

Anal or peri anal glands are actually a way of communication between cats, since the characteristic smell that they secrete gives other cats information on the cat's identity. It is normal for cats, both male and female, to empty its contents when they defecate, thus lubricating the anus. In other situations...

We all know of the genuine and independent character of cats, but the fact is that these domestic felines need all our care, as they are susceptible to suffer numerous diseases, as many other animals and humans can. This is why sometimes, your cat may need to take oral medications and some of them may not be...

Any pet that you decide to take home needs to be looked after in such a way that allows them to enjoy a good quality of life. In order to care for them properly, you will need one very important resource: your time. You need time to keep your pet company, to pamper them, and to be alert to any change...

The first months of a kittens life are characterized by rapid growth. For this kitten this is a time of discovery and awakenings. For their human guardian it is a time for both joy at this new life and concern that they get the best start they can. In cases where we think the kitten is not growing as...

Kidney failure in cats is common in older cats. When untreated, this could bring more serious health issues. When chronic, there is no cure. However, by detecting kidney failure early on we can find the right treatment for our cat and improve their quality of life. In this AnimalWised article we're...

Seeing abnormal cat poop is likely a sign of a health problem. While it is possible psychological issues can cause changes in your cat's stool, it is more likely to be a result of physical health issues which result in gastrointestinal problems. Changes in a cat's poop can be due to color, consistency,...

The liver is one of the largest organs in our body, and it's considered the big laboratory and storehouse of the organism. It synthesizes a lot of enzymes and proteins, and thus it is the largest detoxifying organ. The liver also stores glycogen, which is essential for the balance of glucose, among...

Have you noticed your cat walking strangely with its back legs? Maybe your cat can't support itself on its hind legs or is dragging its back legs? Vets call this condition "ataxia" when it affects the back legs. While that sounds technical, it simply means your cat is having trouble coordinating their...

A cat's morphology can vary according to many factors, including breed, diet, activity levels and many others. Some may be naturally more slim, while others may be known for having a rounded body. If a cat's spine is noticeable, it is often a sing of being underweight. Especially for cats with longer hair,...

To stay hydrated, cats in the wild rely more on prey than fresh drinking water. Domestic cats have the benefit of their guardians to provide drinking water, either in water bowls, fountains or other drinking devices. This is important, especially if they eat kibble which is low in moisture compared to...

Cats are specialists when it comes to hiding what is happening to them. This is why it usually takes us so long to figure out that something is wrong with our feline. One problem you might have noticed is that your cat is dragging their butt on the carpet or other surfaces. For some, this seems quite...

A growth on a cat's neck can be due to a cutaneous of the skin or a subcutaneous issue which affects the tissue underneath. The former can present in a single lump or multiple bumps appearing on the skin. Under the skin, swelling of the lymph nodes are a common type of lump on a cat's neck. This swelling is...

Cats with gastrointestinal issues are some of the most common patients in veterinary clinics. Vomiting is one of the most common symptoms of these issues, but there are many types and many concurrent symptoms. Similar symptoms can present for very different diseases, meaning veterinarians have to be...

Rectal prolapse is a serious condition which can develop from various underlying causes. It is a condition wherein the rectal walls move past the anus to become outside the body. Anal irritation may develop into a full prolapse in certain cases, the cause of which can be difficult to determine. We may...

Homeopathy is an increasingly popular natural therapy for both humans and animals. This is so because of several reasons, among which we can highlight its effectiveness and excellent safety conditions, since homeopathy doesn't cause any adverse or side effects. In this AnimalWised article we'll delve...

The presence of blood in cat urine is a symptom that usually frightens owners, usually for a good reason. Hematuria - as it is known medically - is a symptom that may be related to various diseases, and one that requires an immediate assessment by a veterinary surgeon. In order to inform you and raise...

You should never forget that your beloved cat is still a predator and its body has perfectly evolved for hunting. An example of this are its paw pads: a cat's foot pads are very sensitive, and this allows them to measure the temperature of a surface when they walk on it and to evaluate the texture of...

Gagging and retching are movements which a cat makes when it seems like they will vomit, but they don't. Although similar, it is not the same as coughing since the movement is coming from their digestive tract and not their respiratory system. It is possible for a cat to have problems with both these...