Cat health articles. Browse our health collection for common and uncommon cat health issues.
At a glance Also called: Age spots, liver spots, orange cat lentigo. About: Also known as lentigo, areas of hyperpigmentation develop on the lips, gums and eye rims. Symptoms: Flat, black spots on the eyelids, gums and lips of ginger, tortie and calico cats are common, they are the feline equivalent of freckles. Treatment: No … Read more
Gum disease in cats at a glance
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Medically reviewed by Dr Sam Kovac BVSc (Merit) – Southern Cross Veterinary Clinic At a glance About: Lilies (Lilium and Hemerocallis) are a popular flower in bouquets but are deadly to cats. Ingestion causes nephrotoxicity (acute kidney failure). All parts of the plant are toxic. Clinical signs: Early symptoms include increased thirst and urination, vomiting, … Read more
A cat’s tail is an extension of the spine and accounts for 10% of all bones. It contains between 20-23 bones (caudal vertebrae). These segments are held together by a series of ligaments. The tail can become broken along any of these vertebrae. Car accidents, being pulled or stepped on, and shut in the door are the most common causes of broken tails.
Also known as uroliths or calculi, bladder stones are rock-like deposits in the urinary bladder. The cause of bladder stones is concentrations of certain minerals in the urine. The most common type is struvite, which accounts for 50% of stones, other types include calcium oxalate, ammonium urate, calcium-ammonium-phosphate, urate, cystine and compound (stones that contain different materials).
What is stud tail? Also known as supracaudal gland hyperplasia or tail gland hyperplasia, stud tail is caused by hypersecretion of the glands in the supracaudal organ (an organ on the base of the tail). Sebaceous glands secrete oils (known as sebum) that lubricate the skin, preventing dryness and irritation. The sebaceous glands are mostly … Read more
Dehydration (hypohydration) is a severe and potentially life-threatening condition that is defined as excessive loss of water and electrolytes (minerals such as sodium, chloride, and potassium) from the body.
Most animals are made up of around 60% water. When the water ratio falls 5% below normal, cats will start to show signs of dehydration.
Kittens, senior cats and cats with underlying medical conditions are at increased risk from dehydration.
Dehydration has three classes:
Hematuria at a glance
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Meningitis at a glance About: Meningitis is an inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. Causes: Infection, medications, tumours, immune-mediated disorders and unknown causes. Symptoms: Lethargy, loss of appetite, neck stiffness, sensitivity to light, wobbly gait, disorientation, paralysis, coma. Treatment: The goal of treatment is to address the underlying cause and … Read more
What is anal sac disease? Anal sac disease begins when the secretions of the anal glands become thickened and impacted which causes inflammation. If the anal sacs are not treated at this point, an infection may occur which could lead to an abscess. This, in turn, could eventually rupture through the adjacent skin. The anal … Read more