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3542 results for “when to take cat to vet”
Why has my cat’s personality changed and it bites people?
Causes include heat (anxious, spraying, running), strong pain (irritable, avoids touch, see a vet), and maternal protection of kittens. Rule out pain first by checking where it refuses to be touched.
What is the difference between a false pregnancy and a real pregnancy in cats?
False pregnancy causes mammary development and milk without a growing belly, while a truly pregnant cat's abdomen visibly enlarges and produces milk only near delivery. An ultrasound confirms it.
Why do cats make a purring sound?
Purring usually means a cat is content, such as while eating or being petted, showing it feels safe and relaxed. But cats may also purr when in distress, like when injured or giving birth. If purring comes with poor spirits, appetite loss or pain, see a vet.
Why does my cat have bloody diarrhea but still seem energetic?
Bloody diarrhea with good spirits may be parasites such as coccidia or tritrichomonas, bowel disease like colitis or proctitis, or infectious disease like feline distemper. If vaccinated with good antibody levels, distemper is unlikely. See a vet to confirm.
Can a cat’s lip ulcer heal on its own?
Cat lip ulcers usually do not heal by themselves. Use a pet oral spray promptly, and see a vet if severe to rule out herpes or calicivirus. Causes include vitamin B deficiency and stomatitis; keep the mouth and bowls clean.
Why does my cat make a huffing or puffing sound?
A cat's huffing may reflect unstable emotions in a new environment, in which case give it space and time. If accompanied by eye or nose discharge, lethargy, or appetite loss, it may signal a respiratory infection.
When should you not brush a cat’s teeth?
Skip tooth brushing if your cat has sore, swollen gums, and see a vet first. Once healthy, regular brushing with pet toothpaste prevents tartar and gum disease.
What to Do When Your Cat Hisses at You
Cats hiss from feeling threatened—new environments, food guarding, hunger, protecting kittens, pain, or a touched 'no-go' zone like the belly or paw pads. Don't hit back; redirect with treats or toys, use a calm voice, and if hissing is new or constant, rule out illness with a vet check.
Does Strong-Smelling Cat Urine Mean Illness?
Cat urine naturally contains ammonia and other compounds, so some odor is normal — especially in unneutered toms, whose pheromone-laced urine marks territory and smells stronger. Diet, water intake, and litter type also affect odor. But a sudden, unusually strong or sweet smell with little urine, frequency, or pain can signal a UTI, stones, or kidney disease; a sweet scent in particular may mean diabetes — see a vet.
Why does my cat urinate frequently but only pass a little each time?
Frequent, scanty urination suggests cystitis, urinary stones, urethral spasm or blockage, especially in males. Stress or low water intake also contributes. See a vet promptly.