Just like most female mammals, cats also go through physical cycles, which prepare their own bodies for the fertilization and birth. In us, humans, this particular cycle is what we call menstruation. In cats, we define it as estrus. When female cats experience estrus, they are in heat. Further, they are commonly receptive to both reproduction and sexual intercourse. Moreover, cats may also go in heat in the late kittenhood. This makes it essential to geld in them when a pregnancy is unwanted. Read on through this article and get to learn more about cats in heat.

Cats In Heat: What is it like for cats?          

While it is logical to assume that a cat in heat will have similar physical symptoms as a woman having its own period, the reality is actually not the same. Additionally, first and foremost, cats font shed the lining of their own uterus. Therefore, in contrast to the popular belief, heat must not involve any vaginal bleeding. Furthermore, in case your female cat is bleeding, you need to contact your veterinarian.

Due to the fact that human females shed their uterus lining each month, bloating, cramping, and related symptoms may be present. Furthermore, this is in spite of the wailing and the need for attention at this point in time. Rather, a heave of hormones might make your cat extremely eager to have intercourse.

Moreover, your cat may rub against you, pace hither and thither, as well as assume a sexual position when you stroke or pet it.  In addition, you may also notice that your cat loses its appetite during this period. As well as lick its genital areas often and mark its own territory by way of spraying it. Further, it may also attempt to run outside the house, escaping to find its own mate. When you notice this, it’s all fine, all of this is normal for a cat during an in heat period.

Cat’s Heat Cycles

Cats are known to be polyestrous. This just means that their heat cycles happen occasionally during their own fertile years. Furthermore, these cycles might begin in as early as four months, and will keep going on until the cat is either spayed or bred. The heat cycles in cats may last for about several days up to 2 weeks. Moreover, these repeat themselves once every 2-3 weeks. Further, it is so easy to look at, then how a female cat nearly always seems to be in heat. Additionally, a lot of vets practice early neuter and spay from this particular reason.

In case your heart is in heat, you will be able to notice it. Further, while it is not that easy to prove that the heat cycles are not painful, the lurid howling has its own purpose. And this is to attract the attention of a possible suitor. Getting aware of fact may ease your worry regarding something that it wrong or off with your own cat.

When do Cats Go in Heat?

A female cat, which is not neutered is actually the queen. A female kitten may have been matured enough to experience its first estrus at the age of 6 months. However, it can be as young as 4 months and even as old as 12 months. The queens may go in heat occasionally in the fall or in the spring. Moreover, if your cat did not get pregnant while it is in heat, you may expect some other estrus cycle to follow 2-3 weeks after. Additionally, some other factors like additional cats and hours of daylight in the environment may influence the cycle.

Moreover, cats are prompted ovulators. This just means that they release an egg in order to get fertilized only after having sex with another cat. Due to the fact that cats ovulate on each of the mating, the mating often results in pregnancy. Furthermore, the spaying is actually the best way in preventing kitten litter. In case your cat hasn’t been neutered, it is wise to familiarize yourself with the common signs of in heat before it happens.

Cats in Heat: What are the signs?

As a matter of fact, cats do not always exhibit similar signs during each of the estrus cycles. Therefore, you should be familiar with some of its symptoms. Here are some of the most common symptoms when cats in heat take in:

• Spraying. The female cats may spray on various objects all over the house while in heat. This is mainly because the urine has pheromones, which attract the male cats. Further, you might also notice signs of spraying cats from the male cats.
• Commando crawling. A cat might flatten its quarters in front close to ground, crawl along the floor, and stick its rear end up in the air.
• Excessive licking on the genital area. You might notice that the cat’s genital area is swollen.
• Wants to escape home. An indoor cat, which suddenly wants to escape and go outdoors is a sign of cat being in heat.
• Deflection reflexes. It may move its own tail to a side. This is typically seen along with the posture of those in estrus.
• Estrus posture. This is a position where the rump rise in the air, and the hind find might appear to step on the carpet.
• Excessive affection. Your cat might run its own body on your ankle excessively that it starts to become not easy to walk without being stumbled.
• Calling or vocalizing. You may expect yowling or meowing, sometimes to a point of sounding like a cat is in pain.

Almost anything that tickles or irritates a cat’s nose may trigger a sneeze. However, if you cat sneezes a lot, you may begin to worry that something is really wrong. In case sneezing is the sole symptom your cat has, for instance, there is no discharge from the nose or eyes, great appetite, no change in the behavior, then something that’s as simple as an allergy or a contact with irritants, just like air fresheners or cigarette smoke might be the one to blame. Nevertheless, in case sneezing in cats come with a runny eyes and nose, they might have some upper respiratory infection. Read more about this in in this article!

Sneezing in Cats: Is this normal?

Have you ever caught your cat sneezing? However, worry less; the occasional sneezing in cats is not actually a big deal. In the actual fact, when a cat sneezes, it is just releasing the high-pressure air that comes from its nose and mouth.

Nonetheless, when your cat’s disproportionately sneezing or sneezes more than a several times in each day or several days in a row, a vet visit might be essential. Furthermore, this is particularly important when you notice some extra clinical signs, apart from the sneezing, just like:

• Swelling all over the nose or a disproportionate nose
• Weight loss
• Fever
• Dehydration
• Difficulty or increased breathing
• Noisy breathing
• Mouth ulcers
• Pink eye symptoms
• Anorexia or inappetance
• Bloody release from the nose
• Drooling die to mouth or tongue ulcers
• Difficulty in chewing food
• Lethargy
• Nasal discharge
• Squinting of the eyes
• Runny eyes

Causes of Cat Sneezing

Here are the most common causes of sneezing in cats:

• Cancer, often the squamous cell carcinoma
• Infections foundations, just like the fungal infections, upper respiratory infections, etc.
• Infection in the lungs, like pneumonia, secondary to  some upper respiratory infection
• Inflammation on the upper respiratory tree, like rhinitis
• Upper respiratory viral infection, like herpes virus and calici virus
• Foreign matters, like small pieces of plant seeds, grass, etc.
• Allergens like fur, pollen, as well as dust

Medical Causes of Sneezing in Cats: How bad are these?

So what is the diagnosis?

When the symptom of your cat include squinting of the eyes, running eyes, sneezing, drooling, as well as the fact that you have just adopted a new kitten from an animal shelter, the cause may typically be an upper respiratory infection or URI. Furthermore, this particular infection is due to herpes virus or calici virus. Moreover, fortunately, the diagnosis is fair-good with this infection.

Additionally, as these viruses are so contagious to some other cats, you may want to ensure to keep the affected cats remote. As well as make sure that your cat is up to date on its vaccines. Moreover, bear in mind that just like herpes virus may hide in the body for a long period of time, the viruses may also hide in cats, as well as recrudesce when being stressed. Furthermore, all-time, occasional sneezing in cats may be identified as a stressful situation.

Moreover, some other infections, which may immunosuppress a cat like feline leukemia or feline immunodeficiency may also predispose a cat to bacterial or viral infections. In addition, this may result in sneezing.

Lesser commonly, some other types of fungal or bacterial infections may also result in sneezing. Infrequently, sneezing may be due to cancer, most commonly an aggressive kind known as squamous cell carcinoma. Furthermore, unluckily, the diagnosis for cancer in the upper respiratory tract or nose is so poor, even with cancer treatments and surgery.

When you are doubtful, you can check with your vet for some examination. Additionally, they might be able to give some medications to help in hydrating your cat. Furthermore, your vet might also offer some tasty prescription cans of food. Moreover, with moderate to severe causes of the URI, various medications might be essential. Furthermore, in case there are several clinical signs that do not resolve, an in-depth oral exam in sedation, together with CT scan or x-ray of the head and nose region may be necessary.

Reasons for Cat Sneezing

Whether you are curious or just concerned, read through the following possible reasons why cats might sneeze:

Intranasal vaccines.

Vaccines, which fight against respiratory infections cause sneezing for several days. This may last for a few days and vanishes on its own, thus requiring no symptoms.

Pollen allergies.

This are much less common in cats than in human, yet are heard as well.

Dental issue.

Dental disease may cause sneezing, specifically involving the root infections.

Foreign bodies.

The nasal foreign bodies, like grass blades or grass awns may find their own way in the nasal cavity.

Chemical irritants.

Occasionally, a noxious smell or  chemical  vapors that comes with solvents may produce inflammation of the sinuses and nose.

Respiratory infections.

Cats may get colds. This may affect and cause sneezing in cats. Moreover, alike infectious diseases include:

• Bacterial infections

• Chlamydia infections

• Calci virus

• Herpes virus

Benign tickle.

This might be the most obvious among all the causes of sneezing. A benign tickle on a cat’s nose may cause reflexive sneeze.

When your cat only sneezes occasionally, there is no treatment needed. Nonetheless, when your cat has some other symptoms, like discharge from eyes and nose, the appearance of mucus or blood in the nose, reduced activity, as well as loss of appetite, you need your cat to pay a visit to a veterinarian. It is a must for you to pay your vet a visit because he will be the one to help you the most, more than anybody else.

Dry skin is no fun for anyone –this includes our cats. However, there may be a lot of different reasons for it. As a cat owner, you can come up against the dry skin of your cat for a lot of reasons. Fortunately, there are so many ways to get rid of dry skin in cats. Read on through this article and get to learn more about it.

Dry Skin in Cats: How common is this?

In the actual fact, dry skin in cats is so common, most especially when the  weather gets so cold and we need to turn the heat up indoors. The dry skin is flaky and frequently has white scales that resembles the dandruff. Various diets that lack in important nutrients like zinc and omega-3 fatty acids can actually lead to dry skin. The same is true when you bath your cat with the wrong shampoo or with the use of water that’s so hot.

Moreover, various parasitic skin conditions, like lice, mice, and fleas, as well as allergies may lead to a dry skin in cats. Furthermore, the same is true with several hormonal disorders, just like the Thyroid disease.

Dry Skin Likely Causes and Symptoms

Constant or persistent itching in the same area might be an indication that your cat has a dry skin. Furthermore, some other symptoms of dry skin in cats are the dandruff-like flakes that is visible on their bald spots and fur. Moreover, a dry patch hither and thither or some occasional scratching typically is not something to worry about. However, when the scratching keeps on going for several days, or when your cat is licking and chewing a certain area compulsively, it might be the time for your to determine if your cat has serious skin irritation or condition.

Moreover, one reason why your cat might have dry skin is that, something is wrong in its food bowl. It is necessary for cats to have a nutritionally balanced food that has a lot of fatty acids. Moreover, this is in order to maintain a healthy coat and skin. You will need to talk to your vet first about the cat food you will give your cat, in order to see if she really needs to shift to a more broad food or try some supplements, like a fish oil. However, bear in mind, that any recommendations from a vet might take up to about one month before clearing up your cat’s dry skin. Moreover, when your cat is stressed, you will see an increase in shedding, flaky, dry skin.

When your cat’s dry skin is customarily at the center of its back, its problem might be due to its excess weight. It is important to note that  obese cats have some trouble reaching particular areas to groom, and might have matted or dry skin as results.

Allergies and Skin

The environmental allergies, and some other outside factors are actually the common causes of skin conditions, like dry skin in cats. Furthermore, it is important to be well aware of what is at home, which may cause the skin irritation. Ask the following to yourself:

• Have any new animals been introduced at home?
• Have my cat eaten any medication, which are around my home?
• Did I wash any clothing or blankets in different detergent?
• Did I use any new household chemical cleaners on the floor, air, or furniture?

If your answer to these questions is yes, and may isolate a conceivable source, you should call your veterinarian and describe the symptoms and what you really think your cat really come in contact with. From thereon, your veterinarian will decide whether you need to pay a visit or wait for several days. Furthermore, you may also want to talk to everyone at home and make a record of any new products that may have entered right before your cat start to itch. Additionally, cats may also be upset by pollens, mold, and dust. When your cat becomes lethargic suddenly, has seizures, or vomits soon after you notice its scratching, you need to get it to the vet directly. Additionally, it may have some severe food allergy or ate something that’s poisonous.

Treatments for Dry Skin in Cats

When you are looking for a dry skin treatment for your cat, you might be drawn to turning the internet for some possible natural treatments. Furthermore, bear in mind, however, that some products, oils, and soaps, which are safe for us, humans, might be poisonous for the cats. You need to check with your veterinarian first before you try and relieve its irritation.

Furthermore, some cats might experience itchy, irritated, red skin because of food allergies. Moreover, you need to talk to your veterinarian about whether a prescription nutritional supplement or cat food might be a solution in relieving itch. While you are solving your cat’s skin conditions, you should always try and keep your cat busy with some active playing. As well as distract it from scratching an area before it starts to become infected or raw. Additionally, you may also use some humidifiers to help in relieving and preventing the ski dryness.

When your cat experiences dry skin or itchy skin, the chances are the cause of it is actually skulking in your home. However, it may possibly be stirred easily. Your  vet, as well as you may work together in modifying your home for a much happier and much more comfortable cat.

Urinary tract infection or UTI in cats is actually a big deal. In the actual fact, it is one of the most common reasons why cats are being abandoned to various animal shelters. Furthermore, sometimes, these cats are euthanized afterwards in case they  can not be rehomed. Luckily, there are a lot of nutritional and medical advances that are made to help in resolving the cat’s urinary tract infection. Give this article a read and get to learn more about this.

UTI in Cats: What is this?

The urinary tract infection that affects cats is the Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease or FLUTD. Moreover, this is one of the most infuriating syndromes in the field of veterinary medicine. In general, cats suffer from irrepressible urination, as well as recurrent trips into the litter box. Furthermore, in worse cases, the urethra may become entirely obstructed. If pet owners leave this without doing any treatments, it may result to painful death.

Even though some cats show infection, stones, or urinary crystals, the mainstream of the cases actually don’t have a freely identifiable cause. Furthermore, stress is often thought to cause the condition in many cases. Moreover, this causes a painful syndrome, the same as the interstitial cystitis, which happens in people. Irrespective to the cause, quick veterinary care is the key to an optimistic outcome. Additionally, all the cat parents must be well aware of the different signs of urinary tract infection. This is for them to be evaluated easily when the different symptoms take place.

Cats’ Urinary Tract Problems: Symptoms

The UTI in cats, in its much milder forms, cause  the cats to make recurrent trips to the litter box. Thus, typically passing small quantity of urine. Furthermore, the cat parents may notice a blood stain in the urine. There are some cats that start to relive themselves in various areas outside the litter box. Specifically when they start to associate the litter box with the pain they feel.

Moreover, in various cases, typically the young, female adult cats, their urethra might become wrought. It may have stones, crystals, or a plug of mucous and cells. Furthermore, if this case happens, the cat can’t urinate at all, and might become gradually frantic. Additionally, the cat parents often misconstrue straining on the litter box for the constipation. As well as to observe the situation. Not being able to realize that their pet is actually experiencing a lethal emergency. Moreover, in the most severe stage of the condition, the cat might become   unresponsive and depressed. In addition, the worse that may happen is for the cat to die.

Cats’ Urinary Tract Problems: Diagnosis

Examination by a vet is necessary in determining whether or not a cat is suffering from lower urinary tract infection. Furthermore, your vet may also recommend the following tests:

• In austerely sick cats, most especially those with full impediments. The blood work is essential as the patient might have fatal electrolyte imbalances.
• X-rays are shown, in order to assess the urinary tract for the presence of stones. This may show up on the x-rays as white dots. Furthermore, in approximately 10 to 20% of the cases, the urinary stones are present. Additionally, this particular condition is what they call urolithiasis.
• Urinalysis  is beneficial in determining the presence of infectious agents, blood, and crystals. Further, a lot of cat parents are actually surprised to ascertain that below 5% actually show active UTI in cats. Furthermore, most of the cases are spotlessly clean.
• In the cases wherein the urethra is blocked, a huge, painful bladder might be palpated.

Cats’ Urinary Tract Problems: Prognosis

For the cats that does not present any obstruction, the prediction will be fair to good. Furthermore, in the unfussy cases, typically, it resolves in 5 to 7 days. This is even though a lot of cats experience a relapse within a year. Proper environmental management may be so essential in eliminating or reducing these situations.

Moreover, the long term prediction of the cats who show symptoms of obstruction actually depends. It varies on their own health at the moment of presentation. Moreover, austerely sick cats might have heart arrhythmias because of the high levels of potassium that goes in the blood. Furthermore, a lot of cats are prone to the relapses. Therefore, cat parents need to be so vigilant with cats who already have a history of obstructions. As well as bring them in, even at the first sign of the condition.

Cats’ Urinary Tract Problems: Treatments

Felines who have obstructions need immediate hospitalization.

The bladder of the cat expands, commonly by performing a cystocentesis. This is via the abdominal wall, as well as removing urine using a needle. Furthermore, often with anesthesia, the vet might need to place a catheter to relieve the obstruction of the urethra.  Additionally, these cats might require days of hospitalization, varying on the sternness of the signs.

Cats with stones of crystals.

This requires a much longer dietary medication. Furthermore, long medication is essential in keeping the urine pH level at right levels. Moreover, the large stones might need to be surgically removed.

For cats who show no infections, crystals, or stones.

If the cat does not show any of these in their urine, the emphasis is on the pain alleviation. Furthermore, you may use recommended medications and provide a stress reduction in order to reduce the chance of relapse.

In case a cat suffers multiple relapses of obstruction, the vet may suggest a perineal urethrostomy. This will widen the urethra, as well as prevent any further blockade. However, the underlying roots of inflammation are still there.

Does your cat has blackheads or pimples on its face, mouth, or some other parts of its body? This might sound a bit weird, but this is real. Cat acne is a thing –and your cat do not need to be teenager just to experience these. Feline or cat acne is actually a common skin condition in felines. It may appear at any age and any gender. Furthermore, these may wane or wax or be stubbornly hard to cure. The signs may range from hardly noticeable blackheads to austerely inflamed pustules. There are some cats that are not bothered at all, while the others find this acne so painful and itchy. Read on through this article and get to learn more about it.

Facts about Cat Acne: First, what is this?

Cat or feline acne is actually the most common name for an idiopathic disorder. Moreover, the term idiopathic denotes that we are not really knowledgeable about it occurring. Histologically, cat acne is known as the follicular keratosis. Furthermore, this particular condition is actually common in all cats and may happen on any breed at any age.

Moreover, the cat acne is most common to appear on the chin or all over the mouth area. However, it may also appear anywhere in the body. Looking like small bumps, it looks a lot similar to that of the whiteheads and blackheads, which we humans can get. Some cats actually have a single breakout, while the others have recurrent symptoms.

Furthermore, in the case where the condition is austere, you might notice hair loss, nodules, bleeding scabs, or redness. Moreover, if your cat licks or scratches the area, a bacterial infection may develop as well. Further, for this particular reason, it is vital to remember that you must not squeeze, remove, or pick at your cat’s acne.

Causes of Cat Acne

One of the most important facts about cat acne that you need to know is what causes it –really. There are actually known cause of this condition in cats, however, there are some possible contributing factors, these include:

• Simultaneous infection or disease
• Inhibited immune system
• Dermatitis or contract sensitivity
• Abnormal sebum production
• Bacterial overload
• Poor grooming
• Stress

Moreover, actually plastic bowls were considered once as a potential culprit for causing cat acne.  However, it is now quite clear that the bacterial levels in the bowl are what causes the real problem. Moreover, using ceramic, metal, or glass bowls may be beneficial. Furthermore, it is also important to wash the bowls frequently.

In addition, you might also want to raise your cat’s water and food bowls. This is for their chin not to get in contact with whatever bacteria lives in the bowl.

Furthermore, just like us humans, cats may develop acne because of allergies. Differ your cat’s treats and foods, in order to ensure that there is not an ingredient in them that may cause allergic reaction. You would also like to notice some other allergic signs if this is the case.

Symptoms of Cat Acne

Feline or cat acne is a cosmetic disease in cats, yet it commonly requires a lifelong ongoing symptomatic treatment. This is in order to keep the condition under control. Most of the time, there are only blackheads on the lower lip, chin, and on the upper lip. Furthermore, there is a probability that pustules might form when the secondary infection is already present. In some severe cases, the skin all over the chin may become so edematous and thick. Moreover, it may also be scarred from the repeated treatments and infection.

Moreover, you must not confuse acne with some other diseases like eosinophilic granuloma complex, Malassezia dermatitis, contact dermatitis, ringworm, or mange. It is very significant to rule all of these out with some appropriate testing by a vet.

Diagnosis of Cat Acne

A lot of times, the diagnosis of cat acne is done by your vet. Your veterinarian will want to rule out all the other possibilities. This includes bacterial and fungal infections, mites, or fleas, as well as assess the general overall health status of your cat. Moreover, various testing methods including bacterial and fungal cultures and skin scrapings may take place.

In various severe cases, wherein the skin gets sore and red, a biopsy may be done. This particular condition may mimic some other serious conditions, which must be ruled out. All of these conditions must be ruled out before starting whatever treatment.

Treatments for Cat Acne

Of course, the most important among all that you can learn about the facts about cat acne are the possible treatments for the condition.

Mild cases of the cat acne may be treated with the use of medicated shampoos or human acne pads. In case the area is infected, the treatment will involve systematic antibiotics for about 2-6 weeks.

For the pustules, you can use a tea bad or warm water compress. This will help in soothing and healing the acne. Further, you may also cleanse it using an antibiotic soap, diluted Epsom salt, topical vitamin A, diluted iodine, and hydrogen peroxide. In much more sever cases, you can cleanse your cat’s skin using a gel or an ointment containing benzoyl peroxide or chlorhexidine. In order to restrain dermatitis issues, you may switch from aplastic bowl to a ceramic, glass, or metal ones.

Remember this, never use human medications of products on your pets. You need to check with your vet first before doing anything on your own. Your pet may be in danger if you use any human products without proper cautions.

Cats do not vary in size as much as the dogs do. Nevertheless, there may be a bit of a difference in between cat breeds. There are some cats that are muscular and small, some are lean and long, some are also solid and large. It may be narrowed down, yet it’s still reliant on the build of the cat. Moreover, in this article, we are going to discuss about the average cat weight. Additionally, if you want to learn more about this are more facts about it, feel free to give this article a read.

Average Cat Weight: What is it?

About 25 percent of the cats are overweight. In actuality, in Britain alone, about 50% of their cats are overweight, as well as obese. Furthermore, well, just like in humans, cats tend to be overweight because they eat too much and exercise too less. Most especially the housecats that stay inside more often are overweight. Moreover, this phenomenon actually results in the circumstance that the cats die in the early or younger age. Furthermore, the normal cat weight actually varies on various factors, including the age, breed, and sex. Generally, we assume that the average cat weight is about 3.5 kilograms or at 7.7 pounds.

The average cat weight is as follows:                  

Small to medium-sized cats or breeds	4-6 kilograms or 8.8-13lbs.
Large-sized cats or breeds	6 to 11 kilograms or 11-24lbs.

Average weight of kittens

If you have kittens, it is important to know when they are in good shape or not. Additionally, below is a tabular representation of the ideal weight of kittens per week.

Age in Weeks	Average Weight in Pounds
1	0.45
2	0.63
4	0.95
6	1.32
8	1.79
12	2.65
18	4.23
25	6.17
40	7.28

If you are really anxious about your kittens’ weight, it is the best thing to pay your vet a visit -that’s important!

Weight Variations

Saying that all cats must weight an X amount is like saying that all cars must get X miles to the gallon. Moreover, various factors affect the average cat weight. This includes whether they are neutered or spayed, their overall health and their breed.

Moreover, on an average, a healthy cat weight varies from as low as 5lbs for Siamese to as high as 25lbs for Maine Coon. Moreover, the indoor cats may pack on a several more pounds than the outdoor ones. This is because it does not take much athletic deftness or cunning to sneak up on food dishes.

How to determine if your cat is at a proper weight?

The numbers on the scales may actually give you a general image of the weight of your cat. Nevertheless, as we have already said, cats come in all sizes and shapes. Therefore, rather than  focusing wholly on several numbers on the scales, it is better to determine when your cat is underweight or overweight by looking at it and feeling it.

• Vets usually regularly weight cats during a vet visit. It is a great idea to create a note of your cat’s weight, especially when it is fit and well. Moreover, this is for you to use this number in determining any weight loss or weight gain in the near future. Furthermore, you can make a file for your cat. Additionally, this is where all of its vet papers will be stored. Further, you can keep all of his healthy weight right there.
• You must be able to feel the spine when you run your fingers through your cat’s back. However, it must not be that much obvious. Moreover, if you are to stand up behind you cat, you must be able to see a torso. Furthermore, an overstated tuck is actually a sign that your cat is underweight. On the other hand, the overweight tuck have no tuck at all.
• You must be able to feel the ribs when you run your hands through the sides of the cat. Nonetheless, there should be a thin covering of fat above them. Moreover, the ribs that may easily be seen can be an indicator of a cat being underweight. Additionally, if you cannot feel the ribs, your cat might be overweight.

Whichever way, you must check on your vet to determine when there is a medical reason for your cat being overweight or underweight.

Causes of Cat Losing Weight

Here are some of the most common causes of weight loss in cats:

• Stress that may lead to loss of appetite,
• Infection in the uterus –pyometra,
• An inflammation of the pancreas because of pancreatic enzymes starting to breakdown and digest the organ –pancreatitis,
• Liver condition,
• Inflammatory bowel disease,
• Heartworm disease,
• Feline leukemia virus,
• Feline immunodeficiency virus,
• Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency,
• Intestinal parasites like giardia, cryptosporidium, as well as roundworm,
• Dental issues that make eating hard, as well as painful,
• Various types of cancer that may lead to weight loss, as well as death
• Addison’s disease,
• Kidney conditions like glomerulonephritis, chronic kidney disease, as well as acute kidney disease,
• Diabetes mellitus,
• Hypothyroidism, as well as
• Inadequate amount of food due to inter-cat bullying, underfeeding, or insufficient diet

Causes of Cat Gaining Weight

Moreover, here are some of the most common reasons as to why a cat gains weight:

• Pregnancy,
• Hypothyroidism,
• Acromegaly, as well as
• Overfeeding

How much should a cat eat?

More so, here are some factors in determining how much a cat must eat. Furthermore, a kitten will be able to eat more often, yet smaller meals. A lactating or pregnant cat might need to eat more than the adult cat. An active and young cat might consume more than an inactive cat. Hence, there are actually no fast and hard rules as to how much should a cat eat.

Just like people, our cats may also develop allergies.

This occurs when their immune systems become sensitive to substances present in their surroundings. Called allergens, these exasperating substances might not bother you or some other animals at home. However, as the cat’s body tries to remove these offending matters, it may show all kinds of symptoms. Allergies in cats are actually normal. Read on through this article and get to learn more about this topic.

Allergies on Cats: Three Major Categories

Due to the fact that there is such a wide array of allergens, cat allergies are usually divided into three major categories: food allergies, environmental allergies, and flea allergies.

Food Allergies

Unluckily, the poor quality of the pet foods may cause some allergic reactions in pets of any age. Further, food allergies may cause cats to scratch their own heads and lead to gastrointestinal reactions. This includes vomiting and diarrhea. You can talk to your vet regarding the transition of your cat’s diet and eliminate some allergens. One of the most common allergens in the cat’s diet is chicken. In addition, getting rid of these allergens is the first step to relieving the symptoms.

Environmental Allergies        

Various outdoor allergens or irritants may cause allergic reactions in cats. Pollen from weeds, grasses, and trees may all cause itchy skin and runny eyes. Most especially in outdoor cats, which are exposed to everyday allergens. Mildew, dust, and mold may affect any cat, including the indoor ones. Some other allergy perpetrators include pollution, smoke, medications, perfumes, or cleaning products. Moreover, allergens may also come in plastics, rubber, and fabrics.

Flea Allergies

A lot of cats are allergic to fleas and become so remarkably itchy after getting bitten only once or twice. Furthermore, you might not be able to find any evidence of fleas on the cat having flea allergies. Scratching, licking, and/or biting especially around the tail base, flanks, belly, thighs, and necks may be indications of flea allergies.

Symptoms of Allergies on Cats

Kittens that have allergies are often so itchy and have some skin issues that come with allergic dermatitis. Furthermore, they may also exhibit some of the following symptoms:

• Sensitive paws
• Swollen paws
• Paw chewing
• Snoring due to inflamed throat
• Diarrhea or vomiting
• Ear infections
• Runny, itchy eyes
• Wheezing, coughing, sneezing, especially if the cat has asthma

Moreover, there are a variety of allergens, which may cause the following symptoms:

• Some cat litters
• Prescription drugs
• Household cleaning chemicals
• Flea-control chemicals
• Colognes and perfumes
• Food
• Organic substances, mildew, mold, plants, grass, and pollen

Gastrointestinal symptoms commonly go with food allergies. Therefore, it is important to avoid feeding cats food that they are allergic to. Furthermore, allergies have the tendency to be way more common to outdoor cats as they are more exposed to a much wider range of allergens, especially from organic matter and plants.

Diagnosis of Cat Allergies

In case allergies are making your cat miserable, the best thing for you to do is to pay your vet a visit. Your vet will initially do a whole physical and history examination for your cat. This is in order to determine the source of the allergies.

In case your vet suspects that your cat really has allergies, he may want to perform some blood tests and some other experiments. This is in the hopes of narrowing down the cause of the allergies. Furthermore, in case your vet thinks that your cat experiences skin allergies, your pet may be brought up to a vet dermatologist.

Prevention and Treatment

The best among all the ways to treat allergies in cats is removing the allergens from their environment.

For example, if the cat’s allergies are due to fleas, using some tick and flea preventives recommended by your vet may help in eliminating the case. Furthermore, in case the problem is the cat litter, changing the normal litter for a dust-free one may be beneficial. In actual fact, this may be beneficial in correcting a much bigger problem if your cat has been missing its litter box.

On the other hand, when it comes to dust, mold, fungus, or pollen, bathing your cat twice every week may be beneficial in alleviating the itching. Furthermore, your vet may also recommend a proper shampoo that may help in avoiding dry skin on your cat.

Moreover, the diagnosis of food allergies might need you to provide your cat with a particular prescription diet that are free of any allergens. Further, your vet may also provide some recommendations on what is the best course of action to do. It is possible that your cat will need a dietary supplement in ensuring that it gets the essential nutrients it needs.

Medications

The medications for the allergies on cats are sometimes prescribed for cats, especially in the case where the allergens can’t be gotten rid of the environment. Various common medications include:

• Flea prevention products
• Antihistamines for the prevention
• Steroids, cortisone, or some allergy injections for pollen

Bear in mind always, that the best treatment is still prevention. Therefore, extra effort in eliminating fleas, and some other allergens must be done. Soon, your cat will regain its coat, stop constant scratching, get rid of sneezing, and get back to being active. Always check on your vet for more information. After all, professional help is the best option that you can take to taking care of your lovely pet.

With a lot of different character types among them, it may be hard to read the mood and overall wellness of your cat. Nevertheless, studies show that healthy and happy cats mall exhibit the same vocal and physical cues in order to indicate that they really are healthy and happy. So, what really are the signs of a healthy cat? Read on through this article and learn more about this!

Before You Start…

You will want your cat in a relaxed condition to start your self-examination. Moreover, there are actually no tools necessary for this, yet it may be beneficial that you keep notes alongside the date of the examination. In case that you discover something, you will need some recording of when it may have started. Begin by taking a look at your cat’s head. Furthermore, remember, a head of a healthy cat will give a notion of alertness. Except, of course, when sleeping, on the lurk, or when interacting with some other cats. Additionally, begin by knowing what all the bumps and lumps on the head of your cat are in this healthy condition. Furthermore, you also need to confirm any suspicious ones with the help of your veterinarian.

Signs of a Healthy Cat

Here are some of the signs of a healthy cat:

Sign of a Healthy Cat: Whiskers

Even though the long whiskers right above the upper lips on every side of the nostrils are the commonly thought whiskers, cats have whiskers above their eyebrows as well. Furthermore, there are also whiskers on the cheeks, as well as the shorter ones on the legs.

These spare strong hairs are what they call the vibrissae or the tactile hairs. Furthermore, they are about twice as thick as the ordinary hair of a cat, with roots, which go thrice deeper. Moreover, it is surrounded by blood vessels and nerves. Furthermore, the vibrissae must never be clipped, because they’re essential tool for cats. They’ll fall out occasionally, just like regular shed, yet replacements will grow back after.

Furthermore, the cat’s whiskers are very sensitive that they may feel even the smallest amount of whisper of a breeze. Additionally, the whiskers are priceless in judging the wind direction and speed. Moreover, this helps both for identifying the location of a prey and protecting newly born kittens against predators.

Sign of a Healthy Cat: Mouth        

One of the best ways to look for the signs of a healthy cat is through its mouth. Furthermore, a healthy mouth and lips of cat might be black or pink. Several times, as cats age, their earlier pink lips might develop some black pigments or spots. Additionally, this is entirely normal. Light pink is the usual color of the gums mouth roof of a healthy cat. Very irritated, bright pink or pale gums, most especially combined with some other symptoms, must be checked by a professional.

Moreover, the teeth of a healthy cat, next to its claws, are the most essential defense arms.  Due to the fact that it is an coerce carnivore, the teeth of cats are designed not just to kill prey, but to also shred and tear its flesh for easy swallowing. Moreover, an adult cat has about 30 teeth, equally divided between the top and the bottom.

• 4 molars
• 10 pre-molars
• 4 canine teeth
• 12 incisors

The teeth of a cat are usually while, with some small evidence of tartar accumulation. Furthermore, the teeth are securely rooted in the jawbone. Whatever signs of redness right in the gums surrounding the teeth or loosening the teeth must be checked by a vet. Furthermore, having a regular dental care plan may be beneficial in ensuring the healthy gums and teeth.

Sign of a Healthy Cat: Nose                                             

The sense of smell of a cat is about 14 times stronger than that of the humans. Well, this is not surprising already. Moreover, cats heavily depend on their sense of smell in order to find food in the form of scenting out enemies or preys.

The color of a cat’s nose leather could be any color, including pink and black. The nostrils should be free of mucus. Even though a cat might sneeze sometimes due to dust or allergies, severe sneezing sometimes come with gagging.

Sign of a Healthy Cat: Eyes

One more of the best ways on checking the signs of a healthy cat is by looking at their eyes. Moreover, the eyes of a healthy cat must be bright, clear, and alert to its surroundings. Even though the pupils might be wide or narrow, varying on the quantity of light, they need to be always of the same size. Furthermore, the whites must always be white, having no evidence of redness or yellowing. Blinking or squinting of one eye might also indicate an injury to the eye, like foreign matter or a scratch from the other animals.

Sign of a Healthy Cat: Ears

Except for the Scottish fold, as well as the American Curl, the ears of a cat is triangular in shape. The outer ear coat is so short. Furthermore, as a rule, rather thinner than the hair on the rest of the body of the cat. Moreover, the ears must always be clean, having no signs of ear mites. Even though usually, the ear of a cat might show a small amount of wax, there must be no visible pus or foul odor or drainage on it. In addition, this might lead to hearing loss. A healthy cat with a healthy ears must never paw its ears nor shake its head.

Avoiding Problems with your Cat while Examining

If your cat starts to balk while undergoing examination, take a break. You would want to be in-depth. However, there is no reason to cause your cat any distress. Give your cat some time and go through where you left. The examination of the signs of a healthy cat may take about a few hours or days, yet make sure that you finish it and date it properly.

If you own a cat, you know too well about the sound. Further, you also know that somewhere in your house, some meager, unwary bed sheet or carpet is in an impending danger. Your cat throwing up is something that they do on occasion. Commonly, in the presence of dinner guests. Nevertheless, that does not mean that you must just reach for the cleaning materials and forget all about it. It is very important to know why cats throw up. As well as when you might need to consult an animal expert. Read on through this article and learn more about the reasons why cats throw up.

Why Cats Throw Up: What is going on in there?

Vomiting or throwing up –this happens when the stomach decides it really does not want something the cat has ingested. Moreover, a cat shows its disapproval by vehemently contracting, as well as exactly throwing the matters up and out.

Regurgitation is a different term than this. Regurgitation does not involve all the persistent contracting of muscles. This is also seen in various cats, and typically happens hours after eating. Furthermore, you may think of it as a commentary from your cat food critic, which is brought in the undigested stuff form caught in its esophagus.

Moreover, 81 percent of cat owners say that their cats have experienced digestive issues, either within the past months or just recently.

When a cat throws up, the process is way more physical. As well as audible, involving lots and lots of neck extending and anxious restricting. Additionally, it this particular point, your cat may seek you out. All together, an enactment like this really deserves an audience. Moreover, the cause of all of the  theatrics? Well, usually it is gastric irritation. In addition, this may happen if your cat eats food excessively.

When kittens rush to play after eating, the activity may result in vomiting. In case you have more than one kitten, you may opt to feeding them separately or giving them smaller meals. Furthermore, this may take care of the situation.

Moreover, several times, cats eat indigestible matter. This may cause them to throw up as well. Spoiled food is one more culprit, same with the wet food that is too cold. Of course, this discussing will not be complete without mentioning the feline throw up catalyst –the hairballs. Essentially, if hairballs irritates the lining of the stomach, it needs to go. Additionally, if things are working properly with the digestive system of your cat –it sure will.

Types of Cat Vomiting

There are actually three different reasons why cats throw up. They are as follows:

• Chronic vomiting. The chronic feline vomiting occurs regularly, usually more than a few times every week. Though it may be scary, there are times where chronic vomiting does not even phase the cat.
• Acute vomiting. Acute vomiting of cats usually appears so suddenly. This is not a pleasant circumstance for your pet. It may involve a significant number of vomit as well or even projectile vomiting.
• Occasional vomiting. Just like any other animals, cats vomit occasionally. On occasion, cats vomit once or twice every month. Nevertheless, other cats may just vomit once or twice every year.

Diet is a Key

Commonly, when you change to a much higher-quality diet, there is no problem. Here are some tips in making sure that your cat’s change is as comfortable and successful as possible:

• Pay attention. Yonder cautious measuring, weighing your cat regularly. You also need to adjust the feeding amount accordingly after switching to premium food. Your cat may seem to be happy when you overfeed him. Nonetheless, over time, it may become overweight. Stomach troubles may be in the past with your vet’s help and a bit of effort on your own part.
• Measure it up. You must take your cat’s overall health, activity level, breed, sex and age in how much you feed it. You will need to talk to your vet, then read the recommendation of the food you are going to feed.
• Add some appeal. Changing from dry to we t food or vice versa must also be done progressively. A lot of cats find the canned food more palatable. If you are going to switch to dry, add some water and warm it a bit for a more appeal. Reject uneaten food after 20 minutes in order to prevent spoilage.
• Go slowly. Make the transition you will make in a gradual manner. This is in order to allow your cat time to adjust. Make certain that the cat eats something every single day. A cat that stops eating suddenly may develop some liver issues.

Troubles Worthy of Vet Consultation

In case your cat throws up just once or twice and seems to be normal before and after, it is not that serious. Furthermore, if your cat ate something dangerous, call your vet’s attention immediately. On the other hand, if your cat is throwing up often, not only after meals, and seem weak, it could be a sign of disease or illness.

Moreover, in case you see a blood in your cat’s vomit, it could be a sign of bleeding inside. Furthermore, if its vomit is yuckier than the usual, it may be a serious case. You need to make an emergency call to your vet.

What’s the good news in here is that, most of the time, throwing up is due to something treatable and common. Though this does not make it lesser offensive, it doesn’t mean that very possible. Lastly, with your vet’s proper assistance, your cat will recover its health.

The general condition of a cat’s skin and coat are actually good signs of its health. A healthy coat must be smooth and shiny, not brittle or coarse. Further, a healthy skin must be clear and supple, not bumpy, flaky or greasy. Even though nutrition and health influence the texture and the luster of a cat’s coat from the inside, a skin care and regular grooming on the outside may help in keeping a cat’s coat fresh and free of any tangles, regardless of what type of hair coat it has.

Different Types of Hair Coat Cats Might Have

Due to selective breeding, now, we have cats with coats ranging from hairless Sphinx to curly-coated slightly-shedding Rex cats. There are also smooth-coated Oriental cat breeds with thin undercoats, domestic short-haired cats with regular guard hair coat, as well as fine undercoat, which provides insulation. Further, there are also long-haired cats with subtle silky hair, which kinks effortlessly.

Some cats, which live in much cooler climates. Specifically if they go outdoors, might undergo two heavy seasonal flaking cycles every year, precisely in late fall, as well as in late spring. Moreover, it is also during this time where much of the undercoat sheds out in clusters. Nevertheless, a lot of cats, which share homes had hair falls in low levels all year round.

How does Nutrition Affect Cat’s Skin and Coat?

Same with humans, the skin of cats is the largest organ in their body. Furthermore, the skin cells overturn quickly. Additionally, for most of the pets, practically all of the skin is covered with hair that’s being replaced and shed numerous times every year. Moreover, to be able to maintain cat’s skin and coat healthy, your cat needs an accurately balanced diet, which contains extremely digestible proteins, carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins, fats. As well as  provide the right amount of calories, in order to meet the  energy needs.

Moreover, in case the nutrients are inadequately digestible, they’ll not just be unavailable in meeting the needs of the body. However, they will also   put an extreme load on the kidneys and liver, which should eliminate the indigestible waste products. Furthermore, the idyllic diet must be customized to the cat’s definite life stage and health status. In addition, in all the cases, the balance and quality are the keys to a good nutrition. A cat’s diet that is insufficient in meeting the needs will have a dry, dull hair color and will shed hair excessively more often.

Vitamins and Minerals for Cat’s Skin and Coat

Various vitamins and minerals are essential for the development of your cat’s healthy skin and coat. Moreover, the best way to give these nutrients is via complete and well-balanced diet, which contains  proper amount of vital minerals, as well as vitamins, instead of via supplements.

Vitamins or Minerals	Importance to Skin and Coat
Copper	Pigment, tissue, as well as protein synthesis
Zinc	Protein, as well as fat metabolism
Riboflavin	Protein, as well as fat metabolism
Biotin	Utilization of protein
Vitamin C	Heal wounds
Vitamin E	Protects skin cells against oxidant damage
Vitamin A	Growth and repair for the skin

Role of Health in the Appearance of Cat’s Skin and Coat

Stress of illness, most especially if it’s chronic or long-lasting, may affect the appearance of the pet’s coat. Specifically its texture and luster as well as many cats may shed extremely when they’re stressed. Furthermore, some of the more common samples of diseases, which may affect the pet’s coat include hormonal imbalances or various metabolic conditions. Additionally, various digestive issues like diarrhea, external and internal parasites, and even cancer. Moreover, even obesity or arthritis may cause skin conditions like matting or dandruff .

A lot of skin conditions may affect both the appearance and the shininess of the fur of your cat. Furthermore, allergic skin condition and seborrhea may cause itching and vagaries in the usual production of skin oils. Moreover, this may result in excessive shedding and dullness, either over the whole body or in patches.

If the cat’s coat or skin problem is due to an underlying health condition, the general health of the skin, as well as the quality of the hair frequently improve drastically when the condition is already under control via treatment. In addition, this may include dietary changes.

Role of Regular Grooming in the Appearance of Cat’s Skin and Coat

All cats profit from consistent brushing for the removal of loose hairs and dead skin cells. Furthermore, this is to keep the coat free of any external parasites, debris, and dirt. As well as to deal out natural skin oils alongside the hair shafts. The cats with long, curly or silky hair need daily brushing in order to keep their hair from becoming matted and tangled, most especially in the ears, back of the legs and armpits. Additionally, those cats with short hair coats need lesser frequent brushing.

Regardless of the kind of hair coat your cat has, you need to inspect the coat of your cat every single day. Furthermore, this is in order for you to make certain that there are no clumps of tangles behind the ears, in the groin, or under the armpits. Additionally, when you regularly check your cat’s skin and coat, you’ll also have a better chance of detecting any strange bumps, lumps, or areas of sensitivity on the cat’s body.