Cat health articles. Browse our health collection for common and uncommon cat health issues.
Easter lily (Lilium longiflorum) is a flowering perennial bulb native to Taiwan and the Ryukyu Islands of Japan. Its white, highly-fragrant trumped-shaped flower is highly valued for its beauty. Easter lilies were first introduced to the United States in the 1800s and are now grown commercially around the world.
Also known as desexing or ovariohysterectomy, spay is a surgical procedure performed by a veterinarian to remove the uterus and ovaries of a female kitten or cat. Its purpose is to eliminate the chance of unwanted pregnancy and reduce or remove the risk of uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, mammary cancer, and pyometra.
Most kittens are spayed before they reach six months, which is when most kittens reach sexual maturity and are capable of becoming pregnant. Most rescue organisations and cat breeders spay their kittens before they go to their new home.
Cats cannot eat onions (Allium cepa) or any other members of the Allium family. Allium spp., which includes onion, garlic, chives and leeks contain sulfur-containing oxidants (thiosulfinates and thiosulfonates). Sulfur-containing oxidants are metabolised into reactive oxidants which can lead to Heinz body hemolytic anemia.
Heinz bodies are abnormal structures that form as a result of the denaturation of hemoglobin, which is the protein that carries oxygen in red blood cells. Normally, hemoglobin is tightly folded and structured, but when exposed to sulfur-containing oxidants, becomes denatured and forms a clump, which is called a Heinz body. Heinz bodies appear as small, round or irregularly shaped inclusions within the red blood cell when viewed under a microscope. The presence of Heinz bodies can interfere with the normal function of red blood cells, such as oxygen transport, and may cause the cells to become more fragile and prone to hemolysis (rupture).
Most of us are familiar with how uncomfortable constipation can be; our cats can suffer from the same condition. An occasional firmer-than-normal stool may not be cause for concern, but if your cat seems unwell or has chronic constipation, this might indicate an underlying disease like kidney disease or diabetes. While most veterinarians do not … Read more
When your cat’s health is deteriorating rapidly, making the decision to euthanize can be difficult and heartbreaking. Unfortunately, concerns about the cost of euthanasia may add to your stress. While prices vary from city to city or between clinics and shelters, having a general idea of what to expect can help you to prepare.  In … Read more
Cancer of any kind can be extremely debilitating for a cat. When your precious kitty has cancer, one of the hardest decisions you’ll make is when to euthanize her. How will you know it’s time to humanely end your cat’s suffering? In this article, we’ll provide a list of questions for you to consider if … Read more
One of the hardest decisions any pet parent can make is choosing when it’s time to humanely end your cat’s life. It’s very difficult to say goodbye to furry family members, but you don’t want to prolong pain and suffering. Unfortunately, the cost of professional veterinary care only adds to the stress, particularly if your … Read more
The most common cause of cysts in a cat’s ear is blocked ceruminous glands in the ear canal. The lesion presents as multiple distinct or coalescing blue-black purple papules that are usually benign. Other cysts you might find in your cat’s ear include inflammatory polyps and squamous cell carcinoma. Let’s take a look at these … Read more
As a veterinarian, I received several calls from clients who were concerned because their cat’s poop was slimy (looked like “jelly”) and had blood. Unless their kitty had other concerning signs like vomiting, diarrhea, depression, or anorexia, I let the owners know that we should schedule an exam, but it wasn’t an emergency situation. In … Read more
Vomiting and diarrhea are common complaints from cat parents. When I speak with concerned clients about their kitty’s symptoms, I explain that some causes of vomiting and diarrhea can be treated at home, but others require veterinary attention. In this article, we’ll explain the top causes of vomiting and diarrhea and cats, review the best … Read more