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Cats
Explore expert articles on cats with Vet Verified.
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Depression in Cats: Recognising Low Mood and Supporting Emotional Wellbeing
Learn about depression in cats and its causes like stress, loss, or illness. Changes such as sleeping more, reduced play, or eating less can signal depression. Common triggers include losing a companion, environmental changes, or social stress. Illness can also mimic depression. Ensure your cat's routine and environment support their wellbeing. Regular vet checks can rule out medical issues. If changes persist, consult your vet for behaviour advice. Help your cat adjust by restoring routine, increasing engagement, and providing safe spaces. Prompt vet help is crucial if your cat stops eating or shows signs of pain.
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Why Do Cats Knead?
Kneading is a common cat behaviour where cats press their paws on soft surfaces like blankets, cushions and laps. Known as 'making biscuits', it starts in kittenhood as it helps kittens get milk from their mothers. Adult cats knead for comfort, to mark their territory using scent glands in their paws, and to create cosy sleeping spots. While some cats keep their claws in while kneading, others extend them, and some may even drool when deeply relaxed. Although most cats knead as a sign of contentment and trust, it can sometimes occur during stress. Regularly trimming your cat’s claws and using a thick blanket can help make kneading comfortable. Kneading is an instinctive behaviour linked to a cat's early life, showing their trust and affection.
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Antifreeze Poisoning in Cats
Antifreeze poisoning is a serious threat to cats in the UK, especially in winter. Just a small amount of antifreeze with ethylene glycol can be fatal. Cats can be exposed through leaks from cars, spills, or contaminated surfaces. Symptoms like lethargy and vomiting can progress quickly, leading to kidney failure. If you suspect antifreeze exposure, contact a vet immediately. Prevention includes checking for leaks, using pet-safe antifreeze, and storing it securely. Winter increases risks due to more vehicle use. Awareness and quick action are crucial to protect your cat from this dangerous poison.
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Can Cats Eat Raw and Cooked Meat?
Feeding your cat meat is vital as they're obligate carnivores. Options like chicken, beef, lamb, and pork are suitable if prepared safely. Meat provides taurine, protein, and essential vitamins. Both raw and cooked options have benefits and risks. Raw meat needs strict hygiene and can mimic natural diets, but poses bacterial risks. Cooked meat is safer for households but must be unseasoned and free from bones. Cats shouldn't eat processed, seasoned, or fatty meats, and bones should always be raw. Monitor your cat's health and consult a vet or nutrition expert to ensure a balanced diet.
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Winter Paw Care for Cats: Protecting Your Cat’s Feet in Cold Weather
Winter in the UK can be tough on cats' paws due to cold, wet conditions, ice, and grit. Cats may face issues like dry, cracked pads, irritation from grit, ice build-up, cuts, and infections. To protect your cat, check their paws regularly, wipe them clean after outdoor times, trim fur between toes, and limit outdoor access during harsh conditions. Indoors, provide warm, dry spots and keep litter trays clean. Regular grooming is important, but avoid human products on cat paws. Contact a vet if you notice persistent limping, swelling, or signs of infection. Special care is needed for kittens, senior cats, and those with certain health conditions.
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A Complete Guide to Raw Feeding for Cats
Raw feeding for cats is gaining popularity in the UK as it mimics their natural diet. While it can offer benefits like improved coat, digestion and hydration, it also carries risks such as bacterial contamination, nutritional imbalances and bone hazards. A balanced raw diet should include meat, bones, organs and sometimes supplements. Options include commercial raw meals, homemade diets and prey-model diets. It is crucial to maintain strict hygiene and follow expert advice. Raw feeding might not be suitable for all cats or households, especially where there are people with weakened immune systems. Consultation with a vet is advised for safe practice.
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Christmas Hazards in the Home for Cats
Keep your cat safe this Christmas by being aware of potential hazards. Common festive dangers for cats include toxic foods like chocolate and raisins, harmful plants like lilies, and decorations like tinsel and fairy lights. Ensure your Christmas tree is secure, and keep dangerous items out of reach. Provide your cat with a quiet space and be cautious with scented products and open doors. If your cat shows signs of ingesting something harmful, contact your vet immediately. These steps will help you protect your cat during the festive season.
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Can Cats Be Given Ibuprofen for Pain Relief?
Ibuprofen is extremely dangerous for cats and can be fatal even in small amounts. It disrupts vital processes and may cause severe symptoms like vomiting, kidney failure, and seizures. No UK vet prescribes it for cats. Safe alternatives require a vet's advice. If your cat ingests ibuprofen, seek emergency vet care immediately. Laws prohibit giving prescription-only medicines to pets without vet direction. Quick action is crucial to save your cat's life.
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What Vegetables Can My Cat Eat?
Cats are carnivores, but some vegetables can be safe treats or aid digestion. Only offer vegetables occasionally, ensuring they're soft and cut into small pieces. Safe options include carrots, peas, green beans, broccoli, pumpkin, and courgette. Avoid onions, garlic, and raw aubergine due to toxicity. Vegetables should be less than 2% of a cat’s diet. Consult a vet for specific health conditions like diabetes or kidney issues. Always offer vegetables cooked, unseasoned, and in moderation to avoid digestive upset.
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Premature Birth in Cats: Causes, Risks, and Care
Premature birth in cats occurs when kittens are born before 58 days of gestation, leading to increased health risks. Causes include infections, stress, poor health, large litters, hormonal imbalances, and genetics. Signs of early labour are restlessness, unusual discharge, and weak kittens. Premature kittens need warmth, help feeding, and careful monitoring. Veterinary care is crucial for both the mother and kittens. To reduce risks, maintain the queen's health, provide proper nutrition, minimise stress, and have regular vet visits. Spaying non-breeding cats can also prevent premature births.
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Caesarean Birth in Cats: What Owners Need to Know
A caesarean birth in cats is a surgical procedure for delivering kittens when natural birth faces complications. It involves making an incision in the mother cat's abdomen and uterus, performed under general anaesthesia. Vets may decide a C-section is needed for problems like difficult births, prolonged labour, or kitten distress. The procedure is quick to ensure kitten safety, but risks include anaesthesia effects and surgical complications. Owners should support recovery by creating a quiet environment, monitoring for infection, and helping with feeding if needed. Knowing signs of labour trouble and having emergency vet access can help ensure mother and kittens' wellbeing. Most queens recover well within 10–14 days, and spaying may be advised to prevent future issues.
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How and Why Cats Purr?
Cats purr for many reasons, not just when they're happy. This familiar sound is produced by rhythmic signals to a cat's muscles, creating a vibration. Purring helps with healing and bonding, and even serves as a calming mechanism in stressful or painful situations. Some cats purr quietly, while others are quite loud. Domestic cats purr regularly, unlike big cats like lions and tigers. The frequency of a purr may even aid bone and tissue repair. Kittens purr from a young age to communicate safety and strengthen bonds with their mother. So, if your cat's purring, it's not just contentment they're expressing.
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