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1379 results for “cat URI”
What Happens When a Cat Lacks Taurine?
Taurine is a nutrient cats cannot make on their own—they must get it from food, so a shortfall quickly harms health. It is vital for eyes and heart: deficiency degenerates the retina and causes irreversible blindness, and it is a leading cause of dilated cardiomyopathy, which improves if caught early but worsens without it. Taurine also powers metabolism and immunity, aids digestion by boosting stomach acid and protein absorption, and supports reproduction—a deficient pregnant cat risks weak, slow-growing, high-mortality kittens. Because cats can't synthesize it, feed taurine-rich foods like organ meat, muscle, and some seafood.
Caring for Your Cat During Spring Festival
For the holiday, plan your cat's care three ways. Staying home: stock ample dry food, extra water (evaporation and spills happen) and thick cat litter - one cat wants about three boxes; lay waterproof pads on sofa and bed in case of stress-peeing. Road trip: use a spacious airline crate (not a cat bag for long drives), let the cat adapt to it beforehand with treats and a blanket that release calming pheromones, pack pee pads and wipes, shield shy cats from view, and drive gently since cats get carsick. Boarding: ensure vaccines are current, pick a cat-dog separated, larger space, bring familiar items and pheromone gear. Not all cats suit this - under-six-month kittens, medicated or chronic cats, pregnant or post-birth cats need special care. After return, wait 2-3 days before bathing, and watch for blockage (a post-holiday high-risk period).
The Secret Story Your Cat’s Urine Tells
A litter box is a daily health report if you know how to read it. Volume, color, and smell reveal early warnings of kidney disease, diabetes, infections, or bleeding. Tracking frequency, amount, color, and odor helps catch problems before they grow, and gives your vet useful data when something looks wrong.
The Curious Sleep Positions of Cats
Cats seem to sleep all day, but about three-quarters of their 16–20 hours is light dozing; true deep sleep is only 4–5 hours. Sleep cycles through four stages—onset, light, deep, and dream (REM)—where growth hormone repairs the body. Positions reveal mood: the loaf (alert but resting), the curl (cozy and secure), side-sleeping (deeply relaxed, may dream-kick), and the belly-up surrender (total trust). Reading the pose tells you how safe and calm your cat feels.
My cat normally urinates fine but tonight couldn’t in the litter box, then peed on my bed — seems unable to hold it
These signs suggest urinary blockage, likely from a urinary tract issue (urethritis, cystitis, stones, kidney disease). This is an emergency — get to a vet quickly, as blockage can cause kidney failure fast.
My cat has pink, blood-tinged urine
Blood in cat urine can signal a urinary tract infection, stones, or cystitis. See a vet for urinalysis and diagnosis. If a vet visit isn't immediate, you may give an amoxicillin-clavulanate anti-inflammatory, but distinguish it from normal estrus bleeding.
My cat’s urine is very yellow and concentrated — what should I do?
Yellow, concentrated urine in cats is most often caused by not drinking enough water, but it can also signal urinary tract disease such as urethritis or cystitis, or dehydration from vomiting and diarrhea. If you also notice frequent urination, straining, blood in the urine, or gastrointestinal symptoms, take your cat to a veterinarian promptly.
Can a cat’s bloody urine heal on its own?
Bloody urine in cats generally won't resolve on its own. Causes range from poisoning, trauma, urinary tract infection, and bladder stones to reproductive tumors, leukemia, and candidiasis (and in females, vaginitis or pyometra). Apart from mild trauma, most cases are unlikely to self-heal, so have a vet identify the cause and treat it before it worsens.
Optic Neuritis in Dogs and Cats
Optic neuritis is an inflammatory condition of the optic nerve that can cause sudden, often bilateral blindness in dogs and cats. The underlying cause is frequently unknown but may follow ocular trauma or infection, and prompt veterinary care is needed to protect vision.
Pruritus (Itching) in Dogs and Cats: Symptoms, Causes, and Relief
Pruritus is a symptom rather than a disease, signaling an underlying problem such as parasites, eczema, diabetes, endocrine imbalance, or nutritional deficiency. Lasting relief comes from treating the root cause, not just suppressing the itch.