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1916 results for “pica”
Cat Upper Respiratory Infection: Symptoms and Treatment
A cat upper respiratory infection is inflammation of the mucous membranes of the upper airways. Affected cats typically cough, sneeze, and have a runny nose, sometimes with yellow nasal discharge, and a sudden drop in temperature, poor nutrition, or stress can trigger an outbreak. The usual culprits are viruses such as herpesvirus and calicivirus, bacteria such as Chlamydia, and fungi such as Cryptococcus. This article covers the common pathogens, how viral, bacterial, and fungal infections differ in their signs, what else can mimic these symptoms, and the supportive care and medications veterinarians rely on to treat them, from keeping the eyes and nose clear to antiviral, antibiotic, and antifungal therapy.
Two Ways to Protect Your Cat from Parasites
Parasites can pass from cats to people, so take them seriously. Spot them by symptoms like poor coat, pale gums, lethargy, and visible worms in stool or around the anus, and by checking bedding. Prevent by keeping cats indoors, cleaning the home against fleas and ticks, feeding balanced food, and applying topical dewormer every three months, dropped on the skin not the fur.
What to Do About Large Ear Hair Loss in Cats
Cats lose hair from season change, poor nutrition, or skin disease. Big patches, especially on the ears, point to ear mites or ringworm. For mites, clean with baby oil then apply drops for about two weeks; for ringworm, clip and wash the area, remove scabs, and apply clotrimazole plus vitamins. See a vet early for a correct diagnosis.
Why Indoor Cats Can Still Get Parasites
Many owners assume an indoor cat cannot catch parasites, but that is not true. Parasite eggs can ride home on your shoes and clothes, and mosquitoes, cockroaches, raw meat, or household plants can all introduce infection. Some parasites are zoonotic and can spread from cat to owner, so regular deworming matters regardless of lifestyle. Internal parasites such as roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, and heartworms, and external ones like fleas, lice, ticks, and mites are most common in spring and summer; nematodes and toxoplasma can also pass to people. Deworming is straightforward: oral medication every three months, or more often for raw-fed cats, plus topical drops applied to the skin at the back of the neck. Always follow the dose by weight, since these drugs are toxic in excess.
Symptoms and Treatment of Gastroenteritis in Dogs
Gastroenteritis is the general name for acute or chronic inflammation of the stomach and intestinal lining. Because dogs and cats are meat eaters, the causes are many, from bacteria, viruses, and parasites to drugs and bad food, so diagnosis must be precise. Most cases show on-and-off vomiting and diarrhea, with foam or yellow bile in the vomit. A vet should treat it early, with care centered on fasting, fluids, nutrition, and stopping the vomiting and diarrhea.
Cat Stress Reactions and How to Ease Them
Stress is the most common feline behavior problem and a driver of many diseases. Triggers include new homes, vet or grooming visits, noise, household changes, and resource competition in multi-cat homes. Signs range from acute fear to chronic hiding, over-grooming, and aggression. Ease stress with a calm space, play, pheromones, and a vet check.
What Is Pancreatitis in Cats?
Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas, the organ that makes digestive enzymes and insulin. When those enzymes activate in the wrong place, they digest the surrounding tissue and cause serious illness. Cats may show poor appetite, lethargy, diarrhea, vomiting, and belly pain. The disease can be life-threatening, especially in older or weak pets, and may become chronic or trigger diabetes. Treatment centers on fluids, antibiotics, and anti-vomiting care, often in hospital.
Reading Your Dog’s Personality From Its Sleep Pose
Sleep poses hint at mood. Belly-up is rare—dogs are guarded and the belly is vulnerable—so a dog that sleeps on its back by you feels safe and loved, and tends to be upbeat (it's also comfy). Flat-out (legs folded) is the common self-protective pose for quick reaction, often signaling low security—these dogs may sleep under beds or tables. Side-lying is relaxed yet still ready to react; smart dogs sleep lightly to stay safe. Curled-up dogs lack security too but are usually gentle and obedient—though a curled pose can also mean the dog feels unwell, so watch closely.
When Do Yellow-Margined Box Turtles Reach Sexual Maturity?
Yellow-margined box turtles generally reach sexual maturity at 5 to 7 years of age, then mate each mid-April and lay eggs from May to September. But breeding needs more than maturity—suitable environment, diet, light, temperature, and humidity all matter, and you need one male and one female paired together. After laying, check the eggs for fertilization and remove infertile ones so they don't spoil the rest of the clutch. This article covers their maturity timeline and breeding behavior.
What to Prepare Before Bringing a Cat Home
Before you take a kitten home, be ready to care for it for life — an abandoned cat can be deeply distressed and may not survive. Choose a cat over two months old that already eats and uses the litter box on its own, get a basic vet check first, and carry it home in a covered carrier. Set up a quiet room, lock away toxins and secure the windows, hold off on baths for young kittens, follow a deworming schedule, and plan to spay or neuter. A little preparation prevents most beginner mistakes.