by Nomi Berger Although “appropriate” chewing (to relieve the pain of teething, for example) may be acceptable in kittens, it’s far from acceptable in fully-grown felines. Contrary to the old adage, curiosity may not kill your cat, but introduce chewing into the equation, and curiosity can certainly cause both hurt and harm. Some…
by Nomi Berger As with humans, cognitive dysfunction or dementia in cats is more prevalent the older they get. Because of this, protective pet parents must become proactive pet parents to ensure their cherished companions receive the extra care they require. For senior cats without a specific disease or injury, these are some…
by Nomi Berger The short answer, despite several theories: no one really knows. And yet, consider the following: Safekeeping: The theory given the most credence by animal behaviorists involves a cat’s territorial instinct. They believe cats consider their food and water bowls to be safe places, known only to them. Depositing a…
by Nomi Berger Has your cat been drinking a lot more water recently, and having to urinate more frequently? Has she begun losing weight despite being hungrier than usual and wanting to eat all the time? If so, she may have diabetes. The second most common glandular disorder in cats (hypothyroidism is first), diabetes…
by Nomi Berger Curious about the meaning behind YOUR kitty’s tail wag? According to many cat behaviorists, the manner in which your frolicsome feline wags her tail can have several different meanings. Consider then: “The Swish” Playing cats will often swish their tails from side to side before pouncing. On the other…
by Nomi Berger While relatively rare, a cat stroke is always alarming. A stroke occurs when the flow of blood to the brain is obstructed, resulting in almost immediate tissue damage and disruption of your cat’s bodily functions. Therefore, recognizing the symptoms, getting a diagnosis and beginning treatment can mean the difference…
by Nomi Berger The nose knows! And so it is with cats who rely on their noses to more fully comprehend the world around them. They detect smells as well as sense pheromones (chemicals produced and released by other cats) through their olfactory systems. For indoor cats in particular, understanding and appreciating the…
by Nomi Berger Problems affecting a cat’s lower urinary tract may prevent the bladder from emptying correctly or may even cause a fatal blockage of the urethra, the tube that connects the bladder to the outside of the cat’s body. All too often, the cause is Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD)….
by Nomi Berger Arthritis, also known as osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease, causes pain and inflammation in a cat’s joints. Although fairly uncommon in felines, arthritis tends to affect the elbow joint when it does strike-but many joints can be afflicted. Felines suffering from arthritis may show overall stiffness, swelling of…
by Nomi Berger Cats’ eyes, so large and so lovely, can also signal injury or illness. Consider the condition called Anisocoria, where the pupil of one eye is larger than the pupil of the other eye. Odd sized pupils occur for a number of reasons and may or may not be…