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132 results for “cat abscess”
Why Your Cat Keeps Sneezing
An occasional sneeze is nothing, but frequent sneezing with discharge, eye issues, or coughing can hide something serious. Causes span environment, infection, and even facial structure, from dust and viruses to flat-faced-breed anatomy. This guide explains the reasons, when to see a vet, and how to care for and prevent sneezing fits.
The ‘Sandwich’ Training Trick to Make Your Cat Cooperate
The 'sandwich' method borrows a conversation technique of praise–criticism–praise and applies the same pattern to cat training. Once you master it, tasks your cat used to resist—giving pills, trimming nails, brushing, detangling—will be met with cooperation. The principle is simple: first do something your cat loves (play, treats); then quickly perform the 'scary' procedure (pilling, etc.); and finally end with something it loves again. Learn what your cat enjoys—chin scratches, baby food, laser pointers, catnip—and identify the procedures it fears, from nail trims to temperature checks. With patience you will discover its motivators, and over time the 'scary' routines lose their fright. A small tip: for long procedures like nail trimming, give a full sandwich after each single nail.
Should You Spay or Neuter Your Cat?
Deciding whether to spay or neuter your cat is a personal choice with real trade-offs. Benefits include fewer diseases—neutering males lowers urinary and prostate problems and stops territorial spraying and aggression, while spaying females prevents ovarian cysts, pyometra, and mammary or ovarian tumors—plus a longer average lifespan and calmer behavior. The main drawback is a higher obesity risk because hormones shift and activity drops, which raises the chances of diabetes, joint, heart, and urinary-stone problems, especially in males. The right call depends on your cat; if you proceed, always use a licensed veterinary clinic.
My cat has a lump on its leg that I can touch and it still eats normally
A lump on a cat's leg can come from a tumor, hematoma, subcutaneous abscess, or cyst. A suddenly appearing, soft lump is usually a hematoma or abscess — clean with iodine and give oral antibiotics. A tumor needs further testing to determine its nature and severity.
Will my cat’s black chin (feline acne) heal on its own?
Feline black chin (acne) generally won't clear up on its own, and untreated it tends to worsen. Treatment centers on cleaning - gently wipe with a lysozyme spray and apply antibiotic ointment - and shaving the surrounding fur helps; severe cases need oral medication, and any abscess or swelling should be seen by a vet.
Periostitis in Dogs and Cats: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention
Periostitis is inflammation of the periosteum, the membrane covering the bone, usually triggered by blunt trauma, repeated friction, or infection from an open fracture. It appears as a painful, hot swelling over a bone and, when septic, can discharge pus; prompt rest and appropriate veterinary care prevent chronic thickening or bone-spur formation.
Osteomyelitis in Dogs and Cats
Osteomyelitis is infection and inflammation of bone and marrow, usually from bacteria entering through an open fracture, wound, or the bloodstream. It causes fever, pain, and lameness, and can lead to sepsis if untreated. Long-term antimicrobials and, sometimes, surgery are needed.
Anaerobic Infections in Dogs and Cats
Anaerobic infections are caused by bacteria that grow without oxygen, producing tissue death, gas, and foul-smelling discharge. They often mix with pus-forming bacteria and can lead to gas gangrene, malignant edema, and late anemia or dehydration. Opening the wound to air and veterinary antimicrobials are key.
Sepsis in Dogs and Cats
Sepsis is a whole-body infection that arises when bacteria and their toxins spread from a local source such as a wound, burn, or urinary infection. It causes high fever, collapse, and organ damage, and is life-threatening without prompt care.
Cellulitis in Dogs and Cats
Cellulitis is a rapidly spreading infection of the soft tissue under the skin, usually from pus-forming bacteria. It causes hot, painful swelling and fever, and can progress to abscess or sepsis if untreated. Combined local and whole-body care stops spread.