Perhaps the most common malnutrition problem with cats is obesity. To be considered obese, a cat has to be at least 20% heavier than what is considered to be its optimal weight, and the excess weight is due to fat accumulation. A cat that is 1-19% over its ideal body weight is considered to be overweight. (more…)

Toxoplasmosis is a disease caused by the single-celled toxoplasma gondii parasite. This parasite is found throughout the world, but more than 60 million people in the United States alone may be currently infected with the toxoplasma parasite. Few people show symptoms of toxoplasmosis because the immune system wards it off. In pregnant women or people with compromised immune systems, however, toxoplasmosis can cause serious health problems. (more…)

Many cat owners do not spay or neuter their cats. There are multiple excuses for failure to perform these simple procedures. Some don’t want to bear the cost of spaying or neutering. Others think it is “cruel” to do so. (more…)

So what nutrients do cats need? Basically, they need four elements: protein from meat, fish, or poultry; taurine, which is an essential amino acid; various vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and fatty acids; and water. Carbohydrates like corn and rice are often added as filler in cat food, but cats do not need them. (more…)

Cats, like humans, often need to eat a special diet. Often, your veterinarian will recommend a special diet for your cat if your cat is pregnant or nursing, under the age of one, older, has a medical condition or needs to lose weight. (more…)

As a cat owner, your first responsibility is to keep your pet healthy. However, even with balanced nutrition and a good amount of love and attention, cats can still get sick. Learn about the most common ailments that affect cats so you can try to prevent them or cure them quickly with the proper medical care when you first spot the symptoms. (more…)

Flea treatment options for your cat extend to your immediate environment as well. The yard, cars, inside your home … wherever your cat goes, fleas are there. So putting a flea collar on your cat is just the tip of the iceberg! Let’s talk first about your cat itself. What measures can you take in regards to eliminating or at least greatly reducing those fleas on them? (more…)

Hairballs, or trichobezoars as the scientists and veterinarians like to call it, are literally balls of hair. And since hair is not a digestible piece of matter, the rule of most living bodies is what goes in, must come out. So, cats will either pass hair through their digestive system or the hair will build up in their bodies causing the retching and heaving required to get rid of it. If you are not familiar with cats, the first time you witness this upchucked hairball could be a bit disconcerting. (more…)

What vaccines does your cat need, and on what timeline? What are the most common vaccines and what special vaccines may be needed? Find out more about common vaccines, some of the risks, and the appropriate timeframe for getting vaccines to keep your cat healthy. (more…)

Perhaps the most common malnutrition problem with cats is obesity. To be considered obese, a cat has to be at least 20% heavier than what is considered to be its optimal weight (more…)