Peanut butter is a popular treat given to dogs to hide medication, as a treat or reward. But can cats eat peanut butter and is it safe? Cats can eat peanut butter but should only be given in small quantities but most cats don’t find it as appealing as their canine counterparts. If you do have a cat who likes peanut butter, a small amount won’t do him or her any harm, but it should only be given in very limited quantities.
Cat Health Collection
Cat health articles. Browse our health collection for common and uncommon cat health issues.
Is Peace Lily Toxic (Spathiphyllum) To Cats?
- Family: Araceae
- Botanical name: Spathiphyllum spp
- Common names: Peace lily, white flag, Mauna Loa plant
- Toxicity: Toxic to cats
- Toxic parts: Leaves and stems
- Severity: Mild to moderate
- Toxic properties: Insoluble calcium oxalates
About
The peace lily is a herbaceous perennial popular as an indoor or outdoor plant (in warmer climates) with dark green leaves and a stunning white spathe. There are approximately 40 species of peace lily which are native to tropical regions in Asia and America and thrive in warm and moist environments.
Is the peace lily toxic to cats?
The peace lily is toxic to cats. The toxic property is insoluble calcium oxalate crystals which are located within the tissue of the plant. Many plant species contain calcium oxalate crystals which are bundled together (known as raphides) which protect the plant from herbivores. These needle-like crystals penetrate the mouth and throat (pharynx) when they are chewed causing intense pain.
How To Safely Break Up A Cat Fight
A cat fight can develop between cats who share a home (intercat aggression) or between cats outside squabbling over territory or females. Two (or more) cats fighting can be an alarming sight and one which has the potential to cause injury to the fighting cats as well as well-meaning people who try to break up … Read more
Can Cats Eat Rice?
Can cats eat rice? Yes, cats can eat rice. Rice is the most important food crop in the developing world and a staple food throughout the globe. Veterinarians routinely recommend white rice as a part of a bland diet for cats recovering from gastrointestinal disorders because it is easy to digest.
When to feed a cat rice
Cats are obligate carnivores and must consume meat in their diet to obtain essential nutrients which their body cannot produce. When feeding rice as a treat, rice (and other treats) should make up no more than 10% of a cat’s diet as they are not nutritionally complete and contribute to extra calories which can lead to weight gain over time.
Your cat’s veterinarian may recommend rice as a part of a bland diet for cats with acute gastrointestinal inflammation or infection, pancreatitis, gastric ulcers, during chemotherapy and post-surgery (especially involving the GI tract). Depending on the veterinarian’s instructions, this may be fed alone, or with chicken breast.
Can Cats Eat Blueberries?
Can cats eat blueberries?
Yes, cats can eat blueberries. These delightful berries are packed with antioxidants and nutrients which include vitamin C, vitamin K, manganese and fibre.
A 100g serving of blueberries contains 57 calories, which makes them a great low-calorie snack.
Is Chinese Evergreen Toxic to Cats?
- Family: Araceae
- Botanical name: Aglaonema spp.
- Common names: Chinese evergreen, Philippine evergreen, Poison dart plant, Diamond bay, Emerald bay, Moonlight bay, Stripes
- Toxicity: Toxic to cats
- Toxic parts: Leaves and stems
- Severity: Mild to moderate
- Toxic properties: Insoluble calcium oxalates
What is Chinese evergreen?
Chinese evergreen is a herbaceous perennial which is native to China. The plant is popular as an indoor plant due to its variety of patterned leaves which vary between the 24 Aglaonema species.
Is Chinese evergreen toxic to cats?
Yes, Chinese evergreen is toxic to cats. The toxic properties are insoluble calcium oxalate crystals which protect the plant from herbivores. Insoluble calcium oxalate crystals are organised in bundles known as raphides, when the cat chews or bites the Chinese evergreen, needle-sharp crystals penetrate the oral tissue leading to intense pain and irritation of the mouth and gastrointestinal tract and in rare cases, upper airway swelling which causes difficulty breathing.
Eating Disorders in Cats
Eating disorders at a glance
- Anorexia
- Polyphagia
- Eating too fast
- Pica
- Overeating
- Fussiness
- Coprophagia
It’s hard to imagine a cat with an eating disorder, but they are more common than we realise. Changes in eating habit can often be an early sign that the cat is not well and should see a veterinarian.
How Hot Is Too Hot For A Cat?
Cats evolved from desert-dwelling animals but can still be at risk of overheating as the warmer months hit. Unlike people who sweat to cool down, cats only have sweat pads on their feet and nose. If the cat is unable to cool down sufficiently, he or she is at risk of heatstroke (hyperthermia) which can be deadly.
It’s hard to give an exact temperature as the answer will vary from cat to cat. What we can do is be prepared and take steps to ensure our cats remain cool as the mercury rises so that we can avoid cats overheating and developing heatstroke.
Take The Stress Out Of A Trip To The Veterinarian
At a glance
- Teach the cat to accept being examined from an early age
- Accustomise the cat to the carrier by turning it into a comfy den
- Take the cat to the veterinarian for hello visits
- Use a Fear Free or Cat Friendly practice
- Use synthetic pheromones
- Book a home visit
- See the same veterinarian
- Speak to the veterinarian about sedatives
About
Visiting the veterinarian is a stressful event for both cat and carer but it doesn’t have to be. One study conducted by Bayer and the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) found that 52% of cat owners in the United States had not taken their cat to the veterinarian in the past year, 38% of cat owners get stressed at the thought of a veterinary visit and 58% of owners believe their cat hates visiting the veterinarian.
Cats who do not receive regular (annual or bi-annual) wellness checks are at increased risk of common age-related diseases such as cancer, chronic kidney disease and hyperthyroidism progressing unnoticed until the cat is in an advanced stage of the disease. Cats are hardwired to hide symptoms of pain or discomfort, which makes it difficult for pet owners to pick up changes in the early stages and it can also be hard to notice changes because we are with our cats every day. One veterinary oncologist said that she hadn’t noticed her cat had lost weight, until her mother in law commented on it.
Cat Carrier Stress: Train A Cat To Like The Carrier
Most cat lovers have experienced the scenario where the cat carrier comes out and all of a sudden, the cats are nowhere to be found. Cats quickly learn by experience, and for most cat households, the cat carrier is only used to transport a cat to the veterinarian, boarding cattery or groomer. Unfortunately, our cats don’t understand that these places are there to help care for them. Let’s face it, most of us don’t relish a visit to the doctor or dentist, cats especially.