Cats are amazing companion animals. They shower us with affection by playing with us and their favorite laser pointer, then using this as their very own pillow. they also tend to the amazingly clean creatures, spending quite a bit of time grooming themselves. Although this cleaning routine does mean that less of their beautiful forever ends up on our furniture, it does often lead to a small problem with hairballs ending up in less than desirable locations. As much as hairballs seem to be an actual medical issue, it is simply a slightly unpleasant byproduct of how your cat stays so clean. Hair balls form when some of the hair dislodged when your cat grooms themself. Most of the hair swallowed will pass all the way through and not cause an issue, however nobody likes hairballs. Cats can't stand them and they often make the pet parents quite uncomfortable at best. This of course they did this all with the question of what the best ways to handle and eliminate hairballs in cats are.There are a variety of different ways to manage hairballs. Although there is no way to completely eliminate hairballs from the cats and cat owners life there are a few ways to make them less common so that you and your wonderful cat do not have to deal with this unpleasant byproduct of cats grooming themselves. One of the simplest solutions to hairballs is to help your cat by grooming them as well. Since hairballs come from their tendency to dislodge any loose hair and then swallow it, brushing your cat regularly will help by dislodging some of the loose fur and preventing it from being swallowed and then coming back as a hairball later. There are a wide variety of brushes available offline and online that will help keep a lot of this forever from being swallowed by your cat and from shedding onto your furniture. another benefit of spending more time helping your cat grooming self is that you will be spending quality time with your cat. This is definitely good for both your cat and you as spending time together will help with any stress in your lives.In addition to some of the simpler and lower tech remedies, there are many brands that are now coming out with anti hairball formulas. These high fiber blends of cat food are designed to help improve your cat's digestive system and allow more of the hair to pass through rather than to get stuck your cat's stomach where it forms the notorious hairballs. In addition to this, there are even a few supplements coming out onto the market for cats that have an extra difficult time dealing with hairballs.No matter what strategy or combination strategies you use, it is certain to improve the quality of life for both you and your cat.

Kennel cough or also known as canine cough in dogs is characterized by a deep, dry, hacking cough. Another cause for this type of this of cough is that something could possibly be stuck in their throat. If the cough is wet or gurgly may be an indication that fluid or phlegm has built up in the lungs. If a human coughs it is to clear out their throat or due to a cold or flu. If a human has a persistent cough it could be a sign of pneumonia or a more serious condition such as cancer. However, in dogs, a cough can be a sign of numerous different conditions. Clues of the type of cough that your dog has are the dog’s breed or the circumstances surrounding when the dog is coughing. Kennel cough is a highly transmittable viral or bacterial infection. If your dog begins to cough after a recent stay at a boarding facility or in another circumstance where he or she has been in contact with multiple dogs they could have contracted kennel cough. This cough usually gets worse with exertion. If this is the case it is best to seek veterinarian consultation to prevent any further complications. Tonsillitis is rare in dogs but can be diagnosed by a veterinarian. Signs of tonsillitis in dogs are swallowing motions and licking its lips accompanied by a high pitched gagging cough but can also indicate a sore throat. This type of cough can also be a sign that there is an obstruction in the throat. When a dog has a cough that sounds like he or she is gargling is a sign of fluid or phlegm in the lungs. Predominantly this occurs with pneumonia, which mainly occurs in adult and senior dogs. Pneumonia is mostly caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. Another cause of pneumonia is if a dog aspirates on a foreign body or they aspirate on vomit. The tiny toy breeds and extra small dogs are known to have a condition called collapsing trachea. When these little dogs have this condition and they cough it is a honking goose sound. Dogs that pull strongly against their collars also make this honking goose sounding cough. The breed of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a breed that is prone to heart disease. If these dogs cough while laying down or mostly at night this could be a sign that the disease is progressing. If anyone of these types of coughs become more frequent than usual or becomes violent, it is recommended to immediately transport him or her to your veterinarian. If diagnosed early most conditions that cause coughing can be managed or treated fairly easily. If your dog is diagnosed with kennel cough the veterinarian will prescribe antibiotics and they should be quarantined to prevent further spread of the infection.

Kidneys are important in the body of a cat as they are important in human beings. Abnormal conditions affecting the cat's kidneys will lead to dysfunction of the kidney. When the performance of a kidney fails, there are some metabolic processes in a cat that will seize to occur. If important metabolic processes fail to occur then definitely the cat dies. What are Kidney Stones in Cats? Kidney stones are hard deposits made of minerals and salts. These stones form inside the kidney of a cat, bringing about kidney complications. Often, these stones form when the urine becomes concentrated, and it allows crystallization of minerals which eventually stick together. Causes of Kidney Stones in Cats. Kidney stones can form due to various contributions. The major contributions to their formation is not very clear, but among the reasons include: Oversaturation of the kidney stones forming materials in the urine of the cat. Increased calcium levels in the urine and blood. Diets that produce alkaline conditions in the urine. Recurrent urinary tract infections. Metabolic kidney stones, which are formed due to an imbalance of urine components, are common in cats than kidney stones resulting from infections. Some of the infections include fungal mycoses and bacterial cysts. Symptoms of Kidney Stones in Cats. Many cats do not have apparent signs for kidney stones. This implies that most kidney stones are diagnosed after carrying out some tests on the cat. Some of the commonly known symptoms of kidney stones in cats are: Blood in urine. Frequent vomiting. Recurrent urinary tract infections. Abdominal discomfort. Weight loss. Poor appetite. Altered urine production, which can be increased or decreased. Painful and difficult urination. Other symptoms may vary depending on which types of kidney stones are present in the cat. Kidney stones may be active or inactive. When they are active, is when a lot of symptoms can be observed on the cat. Diagnosis of Kidney Stones in Cats. When the above signs are seen on a cat, then the veterinarian will have to do procedures for diagnosis of the cat. The following steps will be followed during the cat diagnosis. The veterinarian will ask for a well-detailed history of the cat. Then the officer will go ahead to perform a physical examination on the cat. The analysis involves ultrasound imaging and urinalysis. After the two procedures above, the veterinary officer will then identify the mineral content on the stones. Determination of the type of content is done by acquiring mineral deposits from the urinary tract of the cat. The deposits are acquired by sound waves in a process called Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy. Treatment of Kidney Stones in Cats. After the diagnosis of kidney stones in your cat, then treatment of the stones has to be undertaken immediately. The treatments vary depending on the type of kidney stones present in the kidney. Some of the treatments include: Administration of antibiotics to the cat. This is specifically for kidney stones resulting from urinary tract infection. Carrying out Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy. This procedure reduces the size of the kidney stone progressively until its existence comes to an end. Conclusion. Kidney stones affect most of our cats day in day out. It is important to know how to deal with cats whenever they show signs of this condition. Consultations should be made with a veterinary officer for more information concerning kidney stones.

Unfortunately, chronic vomiting in cats is considered to be "normal" behavior to some pet owners and veterinarians, so they don't try to improve or make a diagnosis. Big cats who live in the wild aren't known to constantly vomit or have the same issues domestic cats do. I'm not saying that wild cats and domestic cats are a different species, I'm saying their diets and habitats are different, and if we look at those differences we can find out why is the cat vomiting. There's a variety of reasons a cat can vomit constantly. It can be because of a food intolerance, eating too quickly, and too much time between meals, poor diet, or they could have an infection. Other issues can include gastrointestinal (GI) issues that cause hairballs, medical conditions like kidney disease, GI cancer, toxin ingestion, and parasites. If your cat is constantly vomiting hairballs, you will see undigested bits of food, wads of hair and debris, and phlegm to hold the disgusting mess together. Your cat might vomit at certain times as well or even pass out. Cats with long hair really enjoy grooming themselves — and sometimes other cats, (dogs and even people) who are living with them. These type of cats typically have more hairballs than normal. Cats who eat dry foods normally don't get enough moisture in their diet so this upsets the digestive process. And unlike dogs, cats don't make up for the lack of water by drinking a bunch of water, so they often end up a little dehydrated. A GI tract that lacks moisture is least likely to transport a hairball than a digestive tract of a well-hydrated cat, eating a diet that's appropriate for them. Cats in the wild pass hair in their bowel movements on a daily basis. Cats have tiny bristles on their tongues that are made to swallow and process hair. So cats digesting hair is normal. The solution: Feed your cat a diet rich with moisture and brush their hair. This will help them digest the hair better and eat less hair when they are grooming themselves. If there's other cats in the house, make sure they are brushed and groomed, especially if your cat loves to groom other cats and people. What other solutions do you know help with cat vomiting? Tell us in the comment section below and don't forget to like us on and share us with others who are looking for solutions to their cat vomiting issues!

It is said that, cats are easily poisoned because cats find everything new, they might play with it or lick it and while licking or playing they get easily poisoned. Some poisons affect the body badly, such as internal bleeding, affecting the brain and heart, and nervous system of brain. Poisons affect the feline body of cats in different ways. Poisoning in cats is alarming situation for the owners. As soon as possible, after diagnosing any toxic cats must be seen by some veteran. Common Cats Poisons There are some causes of poisoning in cats. It is fact that cats do not know whether the food they are eating or environment is toxin or not. Directly ingesting the toxin substance either by eating or by eating poison prey or inhaling, may cause poison Inhaling the toxin because of toxic environment for cats Absorbing some toxin substance through their skins. Sometimes, if the owner cleans his cats with some chemical agent, it may cause poison in cats. Some pesticides cause poison in cats, such as; Insecticide Molluscicides (snail killer) Fungicides (treating fungal infect) Rodenticides (rat killer) Household and chemical products also cause poison; Cleaning and hygiene products such as detergent, cleaning fluids etc can burn the feet of cats if they walk on it. Some human medicines such as aspirin, paracetamol, and its little amount can kill the cat. Sometimes, cats’ overdose on vitamins or supplements, especially if they are given high levels of vitamin A or D. Beauty products and decorating material like paints, white spirit can cause poison in cats. Effects/Signs of poison in Cats Signs are connected to the toxin substance the cats are suffering from. Most toxics give signs of: Gastrointestinal signs (Vomiting and Diarrhea) Depression or coma signs Skin signs (Inflammation or swelling) Liver failure signs Increased urination Cat coughing, sneezing, trembling, poor health condition. Treatment Treatment of poisoning in cats can be depended on the type and sign of toxin in cats. After diagnosis the poison immediately call some vet. And most of the time, you may not know the source of toxin and Veteran may prescribe some options such as giving medicines or some blood test options like; Fluid Therapy (this will help to flush out the toxin from cats’ body) Anti-seizure medication Activated Charcoal (this will help in to prevent toxin from spreading in body) Preventing Cat poisoning Prevention is always best medicine instead of medication or other medical tests. By taking some steps to prevent the cats from many types of poison and other unhygienic things, can make your cat healthy and protective. Some of preventative measures include feeding cats, don’t feed cats’ human foods because they may develop a taste for it or may cause unhealthy signs in cats. Another measure to protect cats from poisoning is to use cleaning products for cats. Make sure to keep your cats away from the human medicines or overuse of vitamin because they may cause poison or unhealthy effects in cats. Make sure to keep your cats indoor because of some dangerous plants that can have poison, or protect them from household materials such as, detergent, or other washable materials. Protect your cats from different pesticides because they may cause allergy in cats’ body or create poison. So, know the warning signs of cat poisoning and do the best you can do.

Anatomy indicates that humans have 206 bones and 12 hips while cats have 213 bones and 13 hips. Just like humans, cats are not far below the list of evolutionary marvels as they can jump, hop, twist and turn as well as perform other muscular related activities at ease. Cats have excellent muscle flexibility and muscle control. Ligaments and tendons articulate the cat bones forming a joint. The muscles and ligaments assist in locomotion and help reduce friction and tension between the bones. The joints are subject to dislocation from rigorous exercises or external injuries. If the joint is completely dislocated, the condition is referred to as luxation. Types of cat joint dislocation A cat joint dislocation may occur from constant wear and tear or torn ligaments. The dislocation may occur in various joints in the cat structure. There are hinge joints, which include articulation of bones and ligaments, and ball and socket joints that consists of a capsule enclosing the articulation point. If the bone moves out of the capsule, it results in dislocation. The dislocation in the hinge joints happens because of overstretching. According to recent studies, the movement supporting joints are at a higher risk of dislocating compared to other joints. Major cat joint dislocations include; Cat tail joint disorder Cat jaw dislocation Cat paw dislocation Cat leg dislocation Cat shoulder dislocation Cat hip dislocation Significant causes of cat joint dislocation Although cats have a higher ratio of strength and size compared to that of a human being, their bones and muscles are not strong. If you mishandle the cat, it may succumb to injuries that may include major joint dislocations. You should treat your cat with tender and keep it in a safe environment favorable for pets. Cat joint dislocation may happen because of the following reasons; Heavy fall from a high ground Knocked by the door Hit by a hard or blunt object Hit by a speeding automobile Symptoms of a joint dislocated cat Cats cannot communicate verbally making it difficult to understand when it needs help. However, some signs can make you aware that the cat has a dislocated joint and requires special medical attention. If ignored, the symptoms may worsen leading to more complicated conditions such as arthritis. The symptoms include Cat limping when walking Swelling around the joint Limited movement Pain Aggressiveness when touched Cat Joint dislocation treatment Taking the cat to a veterinary for immediate treatment is imperative. If you notice that your cat has a dislocated limb, don’t try to treat it because you may sentence it to additional pain. On receiving the cat, the veterinary examines the degree of the dislocation and assesses the best mode of treatment for the cat. The veterinary may decide to give the cat a painkiller to relieve the pain as he performs several treatment procedures. The veterinary may manipulate the joint physically if the dislocation isn’t extreme. In some cases of severe dislocation, surgery may be prescribed to reform the joint back to its normal state while treating the surrounding organs in case they got affected during the dislocation. The cat may stay at the vet for scrutiny then be released after being confirmed healthy.Cats are fantastic pets and their health matters. It may be hard to notice some cat joint dislocations hence it is advisable to take your cat for checkups perpetually.

Just like humans, animals too suffer from diabetes. Canine diabetes is very prevalent in today’s society with 1 out of 160 dogs exhibiting the symptoms. But what causes diabetes in dogs? Diabetes comes about from the body’s inability to produce enough insulin to help in the metabolizing of food for energy. Also, it can occur when the body does not utilize the insulin in the body properly. Dogs are affected by type 1 diabetes. Gestational diabetes can as well happen on pregnant dogs. Type 2 diabetes is most familiar to humans and cats. There is no evidence supporting the occurrence of Type 2 diabetes in dogs. Diabetes affects middle-aged and senior dogs. A higher number of dogs are above seven years during the time of diagnosis. It is less common in younger dogs and even rare on dogs under one year. It mainly occurs in neutered males and female dogs and less common in fully intact males. Researchers have as well speculated that diabetes in dogs may have a genetic link to it. Half the number of diabetes cases in dogs is linked to a failing pancreas. Veterinarians speculate that multiple vaccinations, processed food, and other environmental factors may lead to an over-stimulation of the immune system leading to the development of diabetes. Excessive damage of the pancreas contributes to 30 percent of all diabetes cases in dogs. Cushing’s disease may as well play a role in the development of diabetes in dogs. However, you may resolve the situation by treating Cushing’s disease. Some people assume that obesity can lead to diabetes in dogs. However, there is no clear evidence to support the theory. Obesity leads to the resistance of insulin in the body increasing the difficulty in dealing with diabetes in overweight dogs. How can you tell that a dog is a diabetic? If dogs could talk, everything would be effortless. However, it makes it reasonable to always be on the lookout for signs that can tell if a dog is diabetic. The most common symptoms are an increase in thirst, excessive urination and loss of weight despite maintaining a good eating habit. Diabetes affects a dog in two ways; The body cells are deprived of the glucose needed for energy formation. Due to this, the body breaks down the fats and protein to generate energy. Without enough insulin in the body, there is an accumulation of sugar levels in the bloodstream that eventually acts as a poison damaging multiple organs in the body. Uncontrolled diabetes is dangerous to a dog as it can lead to; Cataracts – May, later on, lead to blindness Seizures Enlarged liver Kidney failure Ketoacidosis When a dog exhibits any signs of diabetes, it is essential that it receives immediate treatment. Provided the proper care is given the life expectancy of a dog with diabetes is similar to that of a non-diabetic dog. The first six months are critical when insulin therapy is introduced to the dog. However, once the conditions stabilize everything becomes okay. A veterinarian is able to advise on the best insulin treatment. However, to find the right insulin product, you may be required to experiment with different varieties under the guidelines of your veterinarian.

Last night I heard a cough coming from the couch. I thought my daughter Bethany had already woke up from her nap, but when I looked over it was my cat Ralph. He was doing that thing again with his throat. The last time I took him in the vet said that he was battling some sort of irritation. At the time it didn't seem like too much of a bother, however, the vet did warn me about certain conditions that could contribute to coughing such as asthma, fungal lung infection, allergies, worms, lung cancer, heartworms, tight collars, and system diseases. Let's take a closer look at these conditions in case you sense something is irritating your cat's airways, lungs, or throat. Asthma This is the most common respiratory disorder you will find in felines. At least 1 percent of the domestic U.S, cats are dealing with it on some level. If you have an indoor and outdoor cat they are more susceptible to it. Asthma in cats means they have shrunken and inflamed airways. Breathing becomes a bit of a struggle, and that's where the cough comes from. Things that could be causing the asthma include obesity, perfume, stress, cigarette smoke, cat litter dust, pollen, and mold. Asthma can get worse, so it's best to get your cat looked at if he has an ongoing cough. Fungal Lung Infection There could be fungus in the soil your kitty is exposed to. Coughing is a common symptom from that type of exposure. The type of fungus can vary depending on where you're located in the country. Allergies This condition gives off the same symptoms as asthma, but your vet can ge to the bottom of which one it is. Worms This is a common condition for cats. Your vet always checks for worms during routine blood and fecal tests. Lung Cancer This condition is treatable, sometimes with medication depending on the tumor, if not, surgery could be a potential option for your furry friend. Heart Worms This disease is usually spread by mosquitos. There is a preventative medication you can request from your vet. It's good to note that symptoms of disease are similar to those of asthma so you might want to ask your vet to run a test to rule it out. Tight Collars Be careful with how tight you set the collar around your kitty's neck. too much pressure can be damaging to the windpipe, resulting in a cough. System Diseases Congestive heart failure or pneumonia can also give off coughing as a symptom. Speak with your vet about getting an X-ray, MRI, ultrasound or electrocardiogram. Help Your Vet Pinpoint The Cause You can be wuite helpful by giving the vet as many details as possible about the cough. Let your vet know if the cough sounds wet or dry. Also note when you tend to hear the cough. Is it during the day or at night? A nighttime cough might signify heart failure or fluid in the lungs. Lastly, note what your kitty was doing right before the cough started. Was it after strenuous play or a meal? Coughing after activity coul mean heart disease. Coughing after eating could signify issues with the esophagus or larynx. It's worth it to take good notes and then get to a vet as soon as possible to find the best disgnosis and solutions for your kitty.

Seeing a runny stool when your dog uses the bathroom can be alarming but it is usually not a big concern. Nonetheless, many pet owners rush their dogs to the veterinarian filled with concern. It is understandable why pet owners rush Fido to the vet. They want to take care of their pet and they certainly don't want to clean up diarrhea messes around the house. What Causes Diarrhea in Dogs? There is a long list of causes of diarrhea in dogs; far too many to compile into one list. However, some of the most common causes of diarrhea include: Parasites, such as intestinal worms, can irritate the gastrointestinal tract, resulting in diarrhea. Diet changes may also cause diarrhea, so if you’ve recently changed your pet's food, this may be the only cause. Infections can cause diarrhea. They’re more common in younger dogs. Metabolic diseases such as those associated with the liver or thyroid can also cause a dog to experience diarrhea due to an upset GI tract. Certain medications can cause upset to the GI tract, resulting in diarrhea. Antibiotics are the most common medical culprits of diarrhea. How to Stop Diarrhea in Dogs Many of the causes of diarrhea resolve on their own, but some do require intervention. To help ease diarrhea that your dog experiences, veterinarians suggest the following: Continue to feed your dog as normal. Increase fiber intake Feed your dog smaller meals rather than larger meals so they’re easier to digest Ask your veterinarian if any of the medications your pet uses could cause diarrhea, specifically those the dog has just begun using. When to See a Veterinarian You know your dog better than anyone else. Do not hesitate to schedule an appointment with the veterinarian if something just seems off to you. It is better to be safe than to be sorry and simply having the vet take a look at your pet can ease your mind and potentially prevent health concerns and other illnesses. To determine if the diarrhea is cause for concern and warrants a trip to the vet, determine how much fluid is actually coming out and the frequency of the stools. If the dog is happy, is still eating and is playful, there is probably nothing to worry about if there are only small amounts of stool. However, if there are large amounts of stool, if the dog seems unhappy or doesn’t eat, or if there is blood in the stool, get the dog to the veterinarian quickly.

Feline tooth decay is a serious matter. It can cause a whole host of symptoms adversely affecting your cat's health. However, by keeping a careful watch on your feline's dental condition you can catch any such issues early on, avoiding negative health consequences. What are Signs of Dental Decay in your Feline? Watch your pet for any type of unusual behaviors. You may notice such things as Bad Breath, Weight loss, Sensitivity to hard food, Loss of Appetite and Infected Gums. No fun for kitty. So, be a good pet owner and be diligent about your cat's oral health care. Feline Dental Examinations Being proactive by having your pet's teeth inspected periodically will be very helpful and since dental decay can hide deep within the tooth canal to get the full picture the vet may need perform a deep dental examination. Your cat may need an X-ray and a more intense inspection. For this last procedure, your cat may need to be anesthetized since the Vet will use dental instruments to gentle manipulate the gums. After a thorough examination of your pet's dental condition, your vet will be in a better position to advise you further regarding on-going treatment. You may find that the condition is not so serious, and your pet may simply need a deep dental cleansing service provided in the vet's office. However, if the decay is more advanced, your pet may need a tooth or several teeth extracted. The extraction process may require anesthesia and stitches. Cat Tooth Decay Can Cause Poor Health Unfortunately, ignoring your cat's teeth can have tragic consequences. From cracked and worn teeth to mineral imbalances. These conditions can lead to poor health causing your pet to decline and even worst. Sadly, tartar and plaque develop slowly over time. Your pet may simply learn to live with the pain and consequence of decaying teeth. So, it's your job to be proactive by recognizing and preventing feline tooth decay in its early stages. How to Avoid Tooth Decay in Cats? You work so diligently to keep your pet safe and a hidden danger such as tooth decay can certainly sneak up on you and take you by surprise. However, there are steps you can perform to keep your kitty's dental health secure. 1. Daily teeth brushing! Yes, by brushing your cat's teeth everyday this can help prevent bacteria that quickly turns into tartar that can set deep down into your cat's tooth canal. 2. Taking your pet for regular dental visits. 3. Talk to your vet about nutritional snacks and foods that promote teeth cleansing and dental health. After Extract Dental Care Even if your poor kitty needs to have several teeth extracted, they can still experience a long life and return to healthy eating habits. The important thing is to be aware of this serious matter, feline tooth decay and be proactive in providing good dental care for your beloved pet.