Cats are carnivores, so they should eat like one
Diet can have a big impact on health. Just like humans, cats have special dietary needs to help them stay healthy. However, feline diets are a lot different than human diets. Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they require meat in their diet and need little carbohydrates. In the wild, cats usually prey on small animals, […]
When is your cat hiding illness or injury?
We do our best to take care of our feline friends, but sometimes signs of pain and sickness go unnoticed. Dr. Stacy Eckman, clinical assistant professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, described feline behavior that could mean a cat is hiding an illness, injury, or other underlying health issue. […]
Feline Upper Respiratory Infections
If your cat has irritated eyes, nasal discharge, and is sneezing and feeling lethargic, they may have an upper respiratory infection (URI). Feline URIs are commonly caused by certain viruses and spread by exposure to infected cats and their secretions. Though the viruses that cause feline URIs are present within cat populations, Dr. Christine Rutter, […]
Gastrointestinal Disorders in Cats
Frequent diarrhea, vomiting, and other signs of an upset stomach in your cat could be signs of gastrointestinal (GI) or digestive disorders. While an occasional upset stomach is normal, cat owners should inform their veterinarian if their pet frequently experiences signs of digestive issues. “Gastrointestinal disorders are diseases that affect the digestive tract,” said Dr. […]
Common Feline Parasites
Whether your cat stays indoors or outdoors, all cats are at risk for internal and external parasites. Recognizing the signs of parasites and knowing their life cycles could help maintain your cat’s health. Dr. Sina Marsilio, internist and researcher at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine’s Gastrointestinal Laboratory, explained the most common feline parasites, […]
Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease
Recognizing irregular behavior is one of the most common methods pet owners use to determine if their cat may be sick or in pain. One behavior that should be closely regulated is urinary behavior. Keeping track of urination habits helps prevent conditions such as feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD), an umbrella term that refers […]
Breast Cancer in Cats
Breast cancer is unfortunately prevalent not only among humans, but also in our feline friends. Just like with people, mammary cancer is very aggressive in cats, and they have the best chance of survival if caught early. “Eighty-five percent of mammary tumors found in cats are malignant, and more that 80 percent will eventually spread […]
Feral Cats
Feral cats, unlike strays, have been born and raised in the wild or have been abandoned and must revert back to their primitive ways in order to survive. Most of these cats, fearful of humans and too skittish to be handled, often live in groups and take refuge wherever there is available food and shelter. […]
Feline Nutrition
About 40 percent of cats in American households are obese. “Obesity is a serious medical condition and has been linked to other medical conditions such as diabetes mellitus, degenerative joint disease, and lower urinary tract disease,” explains Liz Kelley, veterinary technician II at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (CVM). There […]
Cat Scratch Disease
Today, most people own at least one pet whom they consider to be a part of the family. We are very attached to our pets, and try to provide them with the best nutrition and health care that we can possibly afford. As pet owners, we must remember that some very damaging illnesses can happen […]
