Search Results
3544 results for “when to take cat to vet”
Is It Normal for Cats to Swallow Kibble Without Chewing?
Cats that gulp down kibble without chewing are usually behaving perfectly normally, and it generally does not harm their digestion. This fast-eating habit is inherited from wild ancestors who swallowed prey whole to avoid losing it to rivals, while a cat's sharp, offset molars are built for tearing rather than grinding food the way human teeth do. Most modern kibble is formulated to be easily digestible, so whole swallowing is rarely a problem. However, a sudden shift to non-chewing, signs of mouth pain while eating, or undigested kibble appearing in the stool or vomit can signal dental disease or poor digestion. Choosing appropriately sized kibble, using a slow-feeder bowl, and offering chewy treats such as freeze-dried meat can encourage healthier eating. Keep an eye on your cat's habits and consult a vet if anything changes.
Cat Food Ingredients to Avoid, No Matter How Cheap
Not all cat food is created equal, and the ingredient list is the single most reliable way to judge quality. Some products hide preservatives, flavor enhancers, and fillers that can harm your cat over time — from potential carcinogens like BHA, BHT, ethoxyquin, and TBHQ to appetite stimulants such as MSG and pyrophosphate. Other risky additives include propylene glycol, nitrites, synthetic vitamin K3, and thickening gums, while artificial colors and sweeteners add sugar and nothing of value. Because cats are obligate carnivores, diets overloaded with corn, wheat, or soy not only lack nutrition but may trigger allergies and even aflatoxin exposure. Learning to read the label helps you protect your cat from low-grade food, no matter how attractive the price.
What to Do When Your Cat Has a Fever
Cats get fevers just like people, but a cat's fever is rarely simple - it can signal parasites, stress, bacterial infection, panleukopenia (feline distemper), feline herpesvirus, or various inflammations. A fever is not a small matter: left alone it can damage organs and even turn deadly. Telltale signs include hot ears and tail tip, a dry nose, sweaty paw pads, and a cat that suddenly prefers cool floors and dark corners while eating less and looking limp. Normal cat temperature runs 38-39C (about 39.3C in kittens); above 39.5C is a fever and above 40C is high. For a mild fever or when a clinic is out of reach, cool the paws and belly with alcohol and offer water, but never give human fever medicine, which can be fatal - see a vet for high fevers.
Can Inhaled Cat Hair Reach Your Lungs?
A rumor says cat hair is sucked into human lungs - but you would need to vacuum like a machine. The human airway filters by size: particles over 10 microns stop in the nose, 2-10 microns reach the throat, and only under 0.5 microns enter the lungs. Cat hair is about 20 microns wide, so it never reaches the lungs. It does, however, get swallowed: cats groom 50% of their waking hours, and in shedding season a cat loses handfuls - unmanaged hairballs can be fatal, and vet bills are steep, so prevent hair issues early.
What to Do When Your Cat’s Temperature Drops to 37°C
A normal cat temperature sits between 38.5°C and 39.5°C, so a reading of 37°C is below the healthy range and worth taking seriously. The right response depends entirely on the cause. Sometimes it signals a weak or sick cat that needs warmth and a vet; other times it is a normal, expected dip just before labor. Here is how to tell the difference.
What to Do When Your Cat Throws Up
Cat vomiting has many causes, so watch and reason before acting, and see a vet when needed. A single vomit of undigested food with normal energy is usually harmless. Bad or spoiled food can trigger it and may lead to gastroenteritis. Hairballs show as fur in the vomit and need a hairball remedy. True gastroenteritis brings repeated vomiting, soft stools, and severe thirst but no eating, risking dehydration and organ failure if ignored. Pancreatitis and serious viral infections also start with vomiting. For mild cases, probiotics and warm water may help; persistent vomiting needs a vet, where anti-emetic and anti-inflammatory shots work fast and forced feeding may be needed.
Why Your Cat’s Paw Pads Are Peeling
Peeling paw pads can be as simple as low vitamin B, dry weather, or rough litter, or as serious as a bacterial or fungal skin infection. Most cases improve with water, a little balm, and softer litter, but itching, hair loss, or scabs mean a vet check. This guide covers the common causes and what to do.
What to Do When Your Cat Gets Ringworm
Ringworm is a common skin problem in cats, especially in newly adopted kittens, and while not deadly it is stubborn: mild cases clear in two to three weeks, but it can linger and relapse for three to four months. About 98 percent of cat ringworm is caused by the fungus Microsporum canis, which shows as round patches that shed hair and crust, itches, and spreads as spores travel. Because it can pass to people, control means antifungal medicine, immune support, thorough disinfection, sunlight, isolation from other cats, and care to avoid human infection.
Allergies in Cats and Dogs
An allergy is the body's over-reaction when it meets the same trigger again, and in pets it often runs in families. Sneezing, chronic diarrhea, itchy skin, hair loss, and over-grooming are clues, and severe reactions can be fatal. Knowing the main allergen types helps you remove the cause and get the right care.
Are Blue-Eyed White Cats Always Deaf?
Many people assume every blue-eyed white cat is deaf, but the truth is more nuanced. The white coat gene is linked to inner-ear degeneration, raising the odds sharply, yet not every such cat loses hearing. Understanding the genetics, how to test at home, and how to communicate with a deaf cat helps these special pets live safe, happy indoor lives.