Cat Health Collection

Is portulaca toxic to cats? 

Portulaca is toxic to cats. The toxic principle is soluble oxalic acid which is rapidly absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract and binds to systemic calcium causing blood calcium levels to drop suddenly (acute hypocalcemia) as well as the formation of insoluble calcium oxalate (CaOx) which accumulate in the renal tubules, leading to acute kidney failure.

Most cases of insoluble calcium oxalate ingestion occur in livestock that has a greater propensity to ingest large amounts of plant matter.

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Raw diets are a contentious topic among cat lovers and veterinarians. What is not disputed is that cats are obligate hypercarnivores who must consume meat in their diet. But why is it that cats can eat raw meat but humans can’t? 

Humans have adapted to eating cooked meat which is easier to digest and allows the body to obtain more nutrients. However, we can eat some raw meat such as steak tartare, beef carpaccio, and sushi. But, the meat must be prepared meticulously to reduce the risk of food poisoning or parasitic infection. Pregnant women and immunocompromised people should not eat raw meat. 

Cats can and do catch infections from raw meat that can potentially be spread to humans. But healthy cats have better resistance to pathogens in raw meat than humans. There are a number of physiological differences between cats and people.

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Is dahlia toxic to cats? 

Dahlia is toxic to cats. The unknown toxic principle causes mild gastrointestinal disturbances and skin irritation.

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As a cat enters his or her senior years, a number of age-related diseases can develop. Many of these can be managed if they are caught early enough, but eventually, there will come a time where treatment is no longer an option and palliative care must be instituted. The goal of palliative care is to manage symptoms and keep the cat comfortable until the end.

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As spring approaches for those of us in the Southern Hemisphere, and the days become longer and warmer, many of us turn our attention to the garden. But, households that have free-roaming cats must consider which plants are safe to grow in the garden. This list looks at growing, easy to grow flowering plants that are safe for cats.

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Is monstera adansonii toxic to cats?

Monstera adansonii is toxic to cats. The toxic principle is insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that penetrate the oral mucosa causing acute pain, burning and swelling. Calcium oxalate crystals are produced by specialised cells known as idioblasts and are arranged in bundles known as raphides. They act as a defensive mechanism against herbivory.

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Correcting unwanted behaviours in cats is a topic that is plagued with misinformation that is not only counterproductive but can also be abusive. Most pet lovers don’t want to harm their pets, which is why it is so important to use safe and kind methods when attempting to correct unwanted behaviours in cats.

While some feline behaviours can be frustrating,  cats aren’t inherently naughty and they don’t engage in behaviours out of spite, no matter how much it sometimes feels that way.

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