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3541 results for “when to take cat to vet”
My 13-year-old unspayed cat fell and acted strange—is it old age or related to not being spayed?
After falling, the symptoms likely mean a concussion or brief pain causing unsteady gait; if no reproductive signs, spaying status is unrelated. But at 13, if symptoms persist after a fall, get a full check-up (a senior exam) to catch issues early; senior cats have base conditions treatable by diet or meds to extend life.
How can I make my kitten defecate?
A kitten that can't poop may have indigestion or low water intake; if weaned, give warm water or honey water to soften stool, and gently massage the abdomen top-down to stimulate movement. For severe constipation, try a little hairball paste; if no effect, see a vet.
My cat drank toilet water with cleaner in it—what should I do?
Toilet cleaner's strong smell and taste may make the cat vomit, a helpful reflex to clear the stomach. If it drank a little and already vomited with no later reaction, no worry; if it drank a lot and shows breathing difficulty or convulsions, rush to a vet. Keep the toilet closed to prevent this.
My cat’s stool was like mud, then diarrhea with mucus and blood—what disease is this?
Mud-like stool with mucus and blood likely means enteritis or parasite infection. First, bacterial or viral enteritis—if unvaccinated, panleukopenia risk is high, so get a test and blood work. Second, coccidia or Giardia damage the gut lining and cause bleeding; diagnose by fecal exam and abdominal ultrasound, then deworm and treat with anti-inflammatories.
I found a small red scab on my cat—is it ringworm?
The picture shows a small red scab, possibly from trauma or fungal, bacterial or parasitic infection. Ringworm shows rough fur, heavy hair loss in oval patches, red itchy painful skin. Check for other scabs; if small, apply antibacterial ointment; if no improvement or other signs, see a vet for scraping, smear, Wood's lamp to confirm.
How can I tell if a cat is successfully pregnant?
After successful mating, hormone changes reduce heat signs. Early on there are few changes, but later appetite rises, she sleeps more, the belly is sensitive, and nipples redden and enlarge; after a month the abdomen grows. A vet ultrasound at one month confirms pregnancy and shows fetus count, size and health.
My cat ate something, then went limp, howled, walked unsteadily and twitched—what’s wrong?
After eating something unknown the cat became limp, howled, walked unsteadily and twitched—likely poisoning from a toxic substance. Identify the toxin and promptly induce vomiting, gastric lavage and detoxify. Once symptoms show, the toxin may be absorbed, so rushing to a vet for IV detox and anti-toxin shots is best; at home, try water and vitamin C.
My cat hasn’t pooped or eaten for three days—what’s wrong?
With little detail, causes may be slow digestion from low intake or constipation from disease. Constipation relates to weak gut movement, low exercise, little water or poor diet; increase water, add probiotics, honey water or hairball paste, and see a vet if it persists with poor spirits.
My cat has a scab on top of its head—is it ringworm, and what medicine should I use?
Baldness with a scab on the head is not necessarily ringworm; it could be trauma. Shine a Wood's lamp—green fluorescence suggests ringworm, treated with antifungal ointment. No fluorescence means possible trauma or other infection; try iodine, use a collar, and keep up external parasite control. See a vet if no improvement.
What Are the Symptoms of a Cat’s Stress Reaction After a Bath?
Most cats are sensitive and many fear baths, so they may have a stress reaction from fear afterward. What to do? Our pet care specialists cover cat stress symptoms and relief.