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3542 results for “when to take cat to vet”
At what stage of ringworm does a cat’s skin turn black?
Blackening skin usually means mid-to-late ringworm. Malassezia and Microsporum keep damaging the skin, causing the dermis to keratinize and darken. External antifungal cream alone no longer cures it; oral antifungals are needed. If the lesion keeps darkening, see a vet.
Feeding Your Cat Chicken Liver? Watch Out for Vitamin A Toxicity
Vitamin A is vital for cats but fat-soluble, so excess is stored and builds up to toxic levels — usually from too much liver or stacked supplements. Chronic toxicity causes stiff gait, joint pain, dry skin, coat loss, and gut upset, and the bone damage can be permanent. Feed liver only as an occasional treat and rely on a balanced AAFCO/FEDIAF complete food.
Why is my cat walking unsteadily and weak?
Wobbly weak walking may be bone disease, injury, calcium deficiency, or low blood sugar. Check for fractures/wounds; restrict movement and X-ray if needed. Young cats often have low sugar/calcium; older cats, bone disease. Fever over 39.5°C also causes weakness — see a vet.
What does a dog’s cough indicate?
A cough is usually a sign of respiratory infection and comes in two types: wet and dry. A wet cough sounds like something is in the throat with breathlessness and occasional white mucus/foam — from pharyngitis, lung abscess, bronchopneumonia, distemper. A dry cough is crisp and strong with little secretion — from chronic bronchitis, pleurisy, or a throat/trachea foreign object. Frequent coughing needs a vet.
What causes yellow nasal discharge in cats?
Yellow snot is likely a respiratory infection. If it's only yellow discharge with no cough or sneeze, the infection is usually limited to the nose. With sneezing and tearing too, it's likely an upper respiratory infection. See a vet to find the exact cause and treat it specifically.
How long do cats sleep?
Cats sleep about 16-20 hours a day; kittens and seniors sleep 18-20, adults about 16. This is normal because much of it is light dozing (half-asleep), which restores little energy, so cats spend most of their non-eating, non-playing time asleep. But a sudden increase with reduced appetite or abnormal stools may signal illness - watch for other symptoms and see a vet if abnormal.
What should I do if my cat keeps sneezing?
Constant sneezing can be from a foreign object in the airway, tracheitis, nasal irritation or a cold. If it's an airway object, the cat stops once it's expelled — no worry. Too much dust or dry air also triggers it — keep humidity right and the space clean. A cold or tracheitis also causes it; with other odd symptoms, see a vet.
How long after contractions until a cat gives birth?
Usually 1-3 hours after contractions. Contractions are short and weak but rhythmic. If over 4 hours pass with the cervix still closed, there is dystocia risk (small or young cats); see a vet for oxytocin or C-section.
What are the symptoms of a pregnant cat?
After becoming pregnant a cat stops going into heat and avoids mating. Early signs are subtle - some sleep more and eat more. Over time she resists belly touches, avoids jumping, and her nipples redden and enlarge. Around day 30 the abdomen visibly swells; a vet ultrasound confirms litter size. By day 50 nipple changes are clearer and a little discharge appears before birth.
Why won’t my cat eat?
Common causes are indigestion and pickiness. Check for bloating or constipation; if so, give pet probiotics and belly massages. If not, tempt it with a favorite treat — if it eats, it's likely being picky. If it also drools, vomits, has diarrhea or low spirits, see a vet to find the cause and treat it specifically.