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Common Gastrointestinal Diseases in Cats
Many diseases can affect the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea are common in GI disorders. Regurgitation (the effortless expulsion of stomach fluid, mucus, and undigested food from the esophagus) is frequent in esophageal disease.
Common Respiratory Tract Diseases in Cats
Coughing, sneezing, or difficulty breathing are the classic signs of a respiratory problem. This overview covers the nose, throat, and trachea — and the conditions that affect each, including some that also occur in dogs.
Pet Skin Diseases (Part 1): Parasitic and Fungal Infections
Skin disease is common in dogs and cats and tends to flare up and recur, usually because their skin defenses are weak and their surroundings are full of triggers. The two hardest types to clear are external-parasite infestations (fleas, lice, mites, ticks) and fungal infections (ringworm); both cause intense itching, hair loss, and skin damage and need treatment of both pet and environment. Since they are contagious and slow to resolve, early veterinary care and consistent parasite control are the keys to recovery.
A Guide to Vaccinating Your Cat
Vaccines shield cats from deadly contagious disease, even indoor ones, since owners carry viruses home on shoes and hands. Follow the core schedule, two or three FVRCP shots plus rabies, and use antibody tests to avoid wasteful or failed dosing.
Common Illnesses and Symptoms in Kittens
Kittens have weak immunity, so watch daily for dullness or odd behavior. Beware parvovirus, gastroenteritis, rhinotracheitis, ringworm, and ear mites, all serious and contagious, needing prompt isolation and a vet.
Why Does a Cat Shake Its Head Repeatedly?
An occasional head shake is normal, but frequent shaking usually means a pathological itch — most often a foreign object, ear mites, or otitis in the canal. The clues differ: ear mites leave dry, coffee-ground, foul-smelling black-brown debris, while inner-ear infection leaves wet, oily discharge; both need a vet's confirmation, then cleaners plus mite medication or antibiotics.
Why Is My Cat Having Diarrhea Again?
Diarrhea is loose or unformed stool from food moving too fast through the gut to absorb water and nutrients, and it can be acute or chronic. Causes range from infections, parasites, and diet changes to stress and underlying gut disease; at home, keep water available, feed small frequent easily digested meals, and use smectite or pet probiotics for mild cases — but see a vet for blood, fever, lethargy, or ongoing diarrhea in an unvaccinated cat.
Common Mistakes in Feeding a Cat
New cat owners fall into the same traps: treats as a main meal, raw fish with parasites and bones, abrupt food switches, too much liver, and mixing fresh food with stale leftovers. Each one strains a cat's fragile gut—or worse—so learn the habits before they cost your cat its health.
Can Cats Get Leukemia? (Feline Leukemia Virus)
Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is a usually fatal cat-only infection spread through saliva, bites, and shared dishes — never to people or dogs. There's no cure, but screening, isolation, and good hygiene prevent it.
Common Skin Diseases in Dogs
Dog skin problems come from many sources — fungal spores, bacteria, allergies, and parasites among them — and each cause looks a little different. This overview covers how fungal and mite infections take hold and the standard treatment path of shaving, herbal medicated baths, topical ointment, and systemic antifungals.