Cat health articles. Browse our health collection for common and uncommon cat health issues.
Cats can eat whipped cream on the proviso that it is only given in small amounts and only if the cat hasn’t experienced symptoms associated with lactose intolerance in the past.
Nursing kittens produce an enzyme called lactase in their small intestine. This enzyme breaks down lactose in dairy and converts it into glucose and galactose to produce energy. Once a kitten weans, the body greatly decreases or completely shuts down lactase production.
Also known as the Jacobson’s organ, the vomeronasal organ (VNO) is a chemosensory tubular organ located between the hard palate of the mouth and the soft tissue of the nasal septum.
The vomeronasal organ is an accessory olfactory system, best described as a taste-smell organ. It is used to identify non-volatile chemicals known as pheromones primarily from other cats but also from prey and predators. Pheromones in glandular secretions and urine advertise important information such as territorial boundaries, dominance and reproductive status. Scent glands on the head and face of cats produce feline facial pheromones which induce a sense of calm. Urine spraying marks a cat’s territory and is most common in entire male cats.
Thanksgiving cactus (Schlumbergera truncate) is non-toxic to cats.
Scent glands are specialised glands that produce semi-viscous secretions which contain odour messengers known as pheromones that impact the behaviour of cats around them. Most cat lovers have observed their cat rubbing against objects in the home and even against people. Rubbing deposits a chemical scent (pheromone) which relays a number of messages. Scent marking also enables the cat to convey a message even when he or she is no longer around.
The scent glands are a modified apocrine gland and develop in association with hair follicles. These glands open near the surface of the skin into the infundibulum of the associated hair follicle.
The dewclaw is a rudimentary claw attached to a short digit located on the inside of the cat’s front leg at the wrist. Unlike the other four claws, the dewclaw is non weight bearing and doesn’t make contact with the ground.
Cats can eat bacon, however, this processed meat doesn’t provide any nutritional value. Bacon contains nitrates, high saturated fat and salt content and should only be fed as a very occasional treat. Cats are obligate carnivores and the majority of their diet should be nutritionally balanced cat food.
Peets is an affectionate term used to describe animal feet. The term is a combination of the words ‘paw’ and ‘feet’. As with many of these endearing terms, the origins are not always known.
Most cat owners will have to decide if their cat needs urgent or critical care, but its not always easy to determine when a cat should see a veterinarian soon immediately vs the next day or so.
Veterinary care can be loosely divided into primary care, urgent care and emergency care. There are also specialist veterinarians who focus on specific areas of veterinary medicine such as a veterinary oncologist, surgeon, radiologist. This article focuses on primary care, urgent care and emergency care.
Rubber plant (Ficus elastica) is toxic to cats. The toxic principles are ficin and ficusin that are enzymes present in the milky sap leading to skin and gastrointestinal irritation.
The sense of smell (olfaction) is one of the most important cat senses, providing information on pheromones (females in heat, territorial marking), dangers (predators, fire, spoiled food), taste and appetite. While dogs get all the credit for their sense of smell, but cats deserve recognition too.
