Cat Health Collection

Cat health articles. Browse our health collection for common and uncommon cat health issues.

Can Humans Give Cats Cold Sores?

Can humans transmit cold sores to cats?

What are cold sores?

Cold sores, also known as fever blisters are small fluid-filled blisters that develop on or around the lips. They are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1), which is transmitted by direct contact. Eventually, the blisters erupt, scab over and finally heal. After an initial outbreak, the virus remains dormant in the nerve cells near the site of infection. Periodically, the virus can reactivate and cause new outbreaks. The frequency of these outbreaks can vary from person to person and can be influenced by a number of factors such as stress, illness, or hormonal changes.

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Post Spay Care For Cats and Kittens: Tips For a Smooth Recovery

Post spay care for kittens and cats

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.

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Can Cats Eat Onions?

Can cats eat onions?

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).

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Cost of Euthanizing a Cat [$25.00 to $220.00]

mosquito on cat's nose

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

Euthanizing a Cat at Home? Risks & Veterinarian Advice

cat laying on the floor with eyes closed

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

There’s a Cyst in My Cat’s Ear: What to Do

vet inspecting cat ear

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

Cat Pooping Bloody Mucus or Jelly: Top Causes & What to Do

brown tabby cat

As a veterinarian, many of my clients called me because their cat’s poop appeared slimy, resembling “jelly,” and contained 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 isn’t an emergency situation. In this article, we’ll review … Read more