The term ‘arthritis’ means inflammation of the joint; many animals suffer from it and cats are no exception.
FLUTD describes a collection of common conditions that affect the bladder and/or urethra. It includes the condition more commonly known as cystitis and does not usually involve the kidneys.
This condition affects the control of blood sugar levels and usually occurs in middle-aged and older cats, particularly those that are overweight. There may be some genetic predisposition to diabetes.
Skin disorders are a common source of discomfort to cats and a concern to owners. This guide outlines some of the more common skin problems in cats.
Feline parvovirus is a virus that can cause severe disease in cats, particularly kittens. It can be fatal. The disease is also known as feline infectious enteritis (FIE) and feline panleukopenia.
The kidneys are responsible for filtering waste products out of the blood to form urine. Disease of the kidneys is one of the most common problems affecting middle-aged and older cats.
This leaflet describes cats with some more common types of disability – blind cats, deaf cats, three-legged cats and wobbly cats affected by cerebellar hypoplasia.
In cats, high blood pressure (known as hypertension) usually occurs as a result of another underlying disease, such as kidney disease, heart disease or hyperthyroidism. It can also occur as the primary problem.
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) and Feline Leukaemia Virus (FeLV) - FIV and FeLV are both viruses within the same family of retroviruses, but are in different groups within that family.
Feline Coronavirus (FCoV) and Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) - FCoV is a common and contagious virus, passed in the faeces of cats. It is more commonly found in multi-cat households and does not affect other animals or people.
The heart is a muscle that pumps blood around the body, providing it with oxygen and nutrients. The normal pumping and shutting of valves in the heart causes the ‘lub-dub’ heart sounds that a vet listens for with a stethoscope.
The thyroid is made up of two glands located on either side of the windpipe at the base of your cat’s neck. These glands produce thyroxine, a hormone which helps to regulate his metabolic rate.
Feline asthma is a term used to describe a number of conditions generally affecting the airways in the lungs. It is also known as feline chronic small airway disease, feline bronchitis and allergic airway disease.
Cats commonly suffer with disorders of the teeth, the jaw and the soft tissues of the mouth. Oral health problems can be a significant source of pain and suffering for our feline friends.
A parasite is an organism that lives and feeds on another to the detriment of the host. Both outdoor and indoor cats are at risk from infection.
Cat flu is a common illness that affects the upper respiratory tract of cats. It can be caused by a number of infectious agents, including viruses and bacteria and can be life threatening.
Vaccination is a safe and effective way to keep cats safe from the potentially fatal threat of some infectious diseases.
Most cats have a healthy digestive system, although mild occasional upsets are not uncommon. However, some cats can suffer from digestive disturbances on a more regular or long term basis.
We encourage you to register with a vet as soon as possible after getting a cat – certainly before a vet is needed in an emergency – and to take your cat for health checks at least once a year, with advice from your vet.
Toxoplasmosis is a disease caused by a microscopic parasite called Toxoplasma gondii (T gondii). This leaflet aims to explain a little more about T gondii and cats.