Hypoallergenic Cat Breeds
| What causes allergies to cats? Allergy symptoms What breeds are hypoallergenic? Why are they more hypoallergenic? Coat colours and allergies |
Hypoallergenic breeds at a glance
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What causes humans to have an allergic reaction to cats?
The primary cause of allergies to cats is a glycoprotein known as Fel D1 which is produced by the sebaceous glands under the skin, and to a lesser degree is present in the cat’s saliva.
A cat is constantly shedding minute particles of dander (skin flakes) into the environment, and when he grooms, he transfers saliva onto the coat, which is then shed around the home producing allergies in those susceptible. Continue reading
Sphynx Cat Breed Profile-History, Appearance & Temperament
| At a glance History Appearance Temperament Are Sphynx cats hypoallergenic? |
Sphynx at a glance
- Origin: Toronto, 1966 and Minnesota
- Lifespan: 12-14 years
- Eyes: Hazel, green, yellow, blue, copper
- Energy: Medium to high
- Temperament: Playful, outgoing, curious, loving
- Weight: Males 4-5 kg (8.8 – 11 lbs), females 3.5-4 kg (7.8 – 8.8 lbs)
- Colours: All colours and patterns
- Grooming: None
Cat Claws-Overgrown & Abnormal Claws in Cats
As cats age their claws can become thickened, brittle and overgrown, and eventually curl in on themselves, cutting into the paw pad. The claws on the front feet are most commonly affected. There are a number of reasons your cat’s claws may overgrow as he ages. Continue reading
Disseminated Intravascular Coiagulation
| What is disseminated intravascular coagulation? What causes it? Symptoms Diagnosis Treatment Prognosis |
What is disseminated intravascular coagulation?
Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is a rare, life-threatening condition in which systemic activation of coagulation (clotting) occurs, resulting in the formation of blood clots (microvascular thrombosis) throughout the small blood vessels. Clotting is a vital response which serves to protect blood from being lost from damaged blood vessels, however, DIC causes blood clotting to become overactive leading to problems. Continue reading
Supportive Care For Sick Cats
Supportive care is care provided to your cat to assist him when he is sick or injured, the aim is to help reduce pain, keep fluids and nutrition when a cat is too sick to eat and drink on his own, provide necessary medical care, such as medications, change dressings, and keep your cat comfortable while he recovers.
It is very common for a sick or recuperating cat to lose his appetite and drink fewer fluids. Dehydration is quickly life threatening and anorexic (cats who are not eating) cats are very susceptible to developing a life-threatening condition known as hepatic lipidosis (or fatty liver disease). This occurs as the body begins to use fat stores as fuel, which is to the liver to be processed, quickly overwhelming it and its ability to function properly.
Other effects of a loss of appetite include metabolic disturbances due to mineral deficiencies including hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), hypokalemia (low blood potassium) and hypocalcemia (low blood calcium). Continue reading
Common Household Products Toxic To Cats
Many day to day products we use can be lethal to cats. It is important that household chemicals be kept in a safe place, out of reach of cats.
Never administer medicine to your cat without veterinary advice. This is especially important with human medication, which can be fatal to cats. Ensure all household chemicals are stored in a safe place where your cat can’t have access to it. Many household chemicals are lethal to cats, even in small doses.
Petting Induced Aggression in Cats
What is petting-induced aggression?
Petting-induced aggression common problem many cat owners experiences. One minute you are enjoying some time petting your cat and all of a sudden he turns around takes a bite or swipe and then runs off and hides.
The cause of this behaviour is unknown although it is thought that some cats can only accept a certain amount of petting before becoming uncomfortable.
Being taken away from their mother and siblings can lead to a number of behavioural problems, which highlights the importance of not adopting a cat until he or she is a minimum of 10-12 weeks.
Cat Products Which Should Be Regularly Replaced
Over time, many of the products you use for your cat will suffer from wear or tear and decline in their effectiveness. We look at how often, and what type of cat products should be replaced. Continue reading
Odd Eyed Cats (heterochromia)
Also known as dichroic eyes, heterochromia iridis (hetero = different, chromia = colours, iridis = iris), is a condition in which cats have odd-coloured eyes. One will be blue, the other may be green, copper or brown. The condition may be inherited, congenital or acquired. Continue reading