Reading Between the Lines: Deciphering When Your Cat Is Sick
Whether they’re suffering from an illness or injury, cats instinctively hide symptoms. Hardwired to appear strong and stealthy at all times, cats know they may be easily targeted by predators if seen as weak.
Of course, indoor-only cats may not experience a specific risk from predators, but they’ll still hide under the bed or in the darkest corners of the closet when they’re not at their best. When cat owners are carefully tuned into the signs that their cat is sick, they not only ensure immediate help but may also prevent long-term complications.
Continue…The Yucky Truth About Cat Hairballs
It is widely accepted among cat owners that an occasional hairball is just par for the course. However, while all cats groom their fur coats, frequent hairballs definitely (more than about once per month) veer from what is considered normal, and should generate a special inquiry.
What We’re Really Talking About
Cats learn to groom themselves from their mothers, but they aren’t really good at it until they reach adulthood. For this reason, kittens rarely hack up hairballs.
The feline tongue is covered with minute spikes that make easy work of picking up loose/dead hair, dirt, and debris. Since they only face backwards (towards the throat), anything picked up on the tongue is swallowed.
Continue…Preventative Cat Care for Purrfect Pet Owners
Cats may have nine lives, but even these resilient creatures can succumb to disease and accidents. Luckily, with the ever-improving advances in veterinary medicine, we are learning more and more about how to prevent problems before they ever begin.
Preventative care for cats is an important part of pet ownership, especially when it comes to helping our fantastic feline friends living longer, healthier lives. Continue…