Lyme Disease in Cats

Lyme disease in cats

What is Lyme disease?

Lyme disease is a tick-borne disease that affects humans, dogs, cats and other mammals. It is caused by a bacteria known as Borrelia burgdorferi. Infection occurs via the bite of a tick, which carries the bacteria.

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Japanese Bobtail Breed Profile

Japanese Bobtail breed profile

History

The Japanese Bobtail is a natural breed of cat that arrived in Japan over 1,000 years ago. They are thought to have originated in China or Korea, although there have been references made about cats with tail deformities from all over Asia.

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Chartreux Cat Breed Profile

Chartreux cat breed profile

Chartreux cat at a glance

  • Origin: France
  • Lifespan: 12-14 years
  • Eyes: Gold to copper
  • Energy: Medium
  • Temperament: Friendly but independent, laid back, good-natured
  • Weight: 5.5 – 7 kg (12.1 – 15.4 lbs)
  • Colours: Blue
  • Grooming: Requires weekly grooming
  • Alternate names: Chartreuse Cat, Monastery Cat and Blue Cat of France

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Kitten or Adult Cat-Which is Best?

Kitten or adult cat

 

So you have decided to bring a new cat into the family but can’t decide on an adult or a kitten? There are pros and cons with either choice you make, hopefully, this article will help you in making a decision.

Your lifestyle should factor into your choice to adopt a cat or kitten also. Generally, an older couple may be more inclined to want an adult cat, where a family with youngish children would prefer a kitten. Are you out for long
periods? An older cat is more able to entertain itself while you are out (usually by sleeping), whereas a kitten needs much more attention and supervision.

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Heart Disorders in Cats

Heart disorders in cats

The heart is a part of the circulatory system which is responsible for transporting oxygen around the body. It is susceptible to several disorders that may be congenital (present at birth) or develop later in life.

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Cat Mating and Reproduction in Cats

Mating in cats

When do female cats reach sexual maturity?

Female cats reach puberty as early as six months and when this occurs, she will have her first heat. At this stage, the female is fertile and receptive to mating. An entire female who is capable of sexually reproducing is known as a “queen“, and an entire male who is capable of sexually reproducing is known as a stud or tom. A cat is in the heat for 5 – 8 days and estrus will repeat every 2-3 weeks until she is pregnant or spayed.

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The Scoop On Cat Poop

The scoop on cat poop

Cat poop is something most pet owners would rather not spend time thinking about let alone studying, but our cat’s poop can give us a window into their overall health. Did you know, there is a well-known chart known as the Bristol stool chart which identifies the different types of feces we pass.

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Drooling (Ptyalism) in Cats

Cat drooling

At a glance

Drooling occurs when saliva falls out of the mouth. Unlike dogs, cats are not prone to drooling. There are some cases when drooling
is normal, for example, when a cat is happy (and kneading), they sometimesdrool, or due to certain bitter-tasting medications.

Causes:

  • Drooling can occur whenthere is an overproduction of saliva, spillage of saliva from the mouth oran inability to swallow saliva, there are many possible causes which include poisoning, dental problems, ingestion of plants that contain calcium oxalate crystals, nausea, pain, foreign object, topical flea products, teething, liver disease, reflux, rabies and pseudorabies.

Treatment:

  • Treatment will depend on the underlying cause.

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How To Clean Cat Ears – Step By Step Instructions

How to clean a cat's ears

From time to time it will be necessary to clean your cat’s ears. It is a good idea to get into the habit of performing a weekly check-up of your cat’s ears so that you can quickly spot any problems. The ears are susceptible to several disorders, including:

  • Ear mites – Spider-like mites which live in the ears causing discomfort and inflammation. Signs of ear mites include a coffee grounds appearance, itching, and head shaking.
  • Ear infection – Bacterial or fungal infection of the ear characterised by itching, bad odour and discharge.
  • Ear hematoma – A pocket of blood on the pinnae (outer part of the ear).
  • Sunburn (solar dermatitis)
  • Squamous cell carcinoma – Cancer of the ear, as a result of prolonged exposure to the sun. This occurs most often in white cats.

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