Cats

Indoor and outdoor safety, recognising illness, behaviour and emergency first aid — practical guidance for cat owners.

Cats

Why is my kitten being sick? Causes and when to see a vet

Key takeaways Vomiting and diarrhoea are common in kittens, especially after rehoming, and many cases can be managed at home. Contact a vet…

Cats

Old and elderly cats: 7 common health concerns and how to help

Key takeaways Unexplained weight loss in older cats can be an early sign of disease, so it's worth monitoring even small changes. Older…

Cats

What can cats not eat? 8 common human foods that are poisonous to cats

Key takeaways Common human foods poisonous to cats include chocolate, alcohol, caffeine, onions/garlic, and raw meat, eggs or fish. Signs…

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Cats

14 tips on how to keep a cat cool in hot weather and how to cool a cat down

Key takeaways Cats are at real risk of dehydration and heatstroke in hot weather, always ensure fresh water and shade are available. Rapid…

Cats

How to cat-proof your house: 9 safety tips for cat owners

Key takeaways Washing machines, tumble dryers, and antifreeze are among the most dangerous hazards for cats, and both can be fatal even in…

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Cats

Summer hazards for cats: What every cat owner needs to know

Key takeaways Summer brings serious hazards like heatstroke, poisons, and accidents that need urgent vet care to keep your cat safe. Watch…

Cats

How long do cats live and what affects their lifespan?

Key takeaways A cat's lifespan averages 14 years but varies by breed, indoor/outdoor lifestyle, and health, with some living over 20. Road…

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Top 9 autumn hazards for cats

Autumn is a wonderful time of year that brings crisp leaves, golden walks and cosy evenings. But as the seasons change, it's important to…

Cats

Top tips for socialising your kitten | Cat advice

What is kitten socialisation? Socialisation is a vital point in a cat's early life when they begin to learn what's safe in their…

Cats

11 popular plants and flowers poisonous to cats

Key takeaways Many common plants and flowers found in UK homes and gardens are toxic to cats, including lilies, daffodils, tulips, and…

Cats

How cold is too cold for cats?

What temperature is too cold for cats? While cats can tolerate cold temperatures, there is a limit to how cold they can get before it…

Cats

Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism in cats

Thyroid problems in cats, such as hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, are common hormonal disorders that can significantly impact their…

Cats

Can cats eat dog food? What should I feed my cat?

Is dog food bad for cats? Technically, cats can eat a small amount of dog food as a one-off, so don't worry if your cat swipes a mouthful…

Cats

Can cats eat cheese, milk and dairy products?

Is cheese good for cats? Cheese and dairy are not good for cats. They aren't toxic to cats, but eating too much cheese can upset their…

Cats

Blood in Cat's Poo

Finding blood in your cat's poop can be a frightening sight and it's normal to think it always indicates something serious. But there are…

Cats

Cat conjunctivitis: causes, symptoms and treatment

What is cat conjunctivitis? Cat conjunctivitis occurs when the conjunctiva – the lining of your cat's eyelid – becomes inflamed. The…

Cats

Nine signs of kidney disease in cats. A guide to kidney failure

A guide to kidney failure in cats Your cat's kidneys work extremely hard to keep them healthy and if they become damaged and are unable to…

Cats

How do fireworks affect cats and how do I help my scared cat?

Cats associate loud noises with danger, therefore lots of cats become stressed as a result of fireworks and the loud noises they make. How…

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Cat poisoned symptoms: How can I tell if my cat's been poisoned?

What causes poisoning in cats? Our emergency vets regularly treat cats who have been poisoned. These cases tend to result from either…

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Cat bite and scratch injuries, what are the risks and how can I prevent them?

Are cat bites dangerous to humans? Cat bites and scratches are not to be ignored. They can lead to serious infections such as Pasteurella…

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Can cats eat chocolate? Is chocolate bad for cats?

Is chocolate safe for cats? Chocolate contains two properties – theobromine and caffeine – that are poisonous to cats. Dark chocolate,…

Cats

Why is my cat sneezing? Feline herpes virus and feline calicivirus

What is cat flu? Cat flu, also known as feline respiratory disease, is a little like a human cold in terms of symptoms. It's very common in…

Eight dangers cat owners need to be aware of

Cats

Antifreeze Poisoning in Cats

Antifreeze poisoning in cats Antifreeze is found in car radiators and some screen washes, but it is extremely toxic to cats. Cats like…

Cats

Why is my cat being sick? Cat vomiting causes, symptoms and treatment

Why is my cat being sick? Anything that irritates your cat's stomach or prevents the contents of their stomach from moving through the…

Cats

Keeping cats away from busy roads & how to keep outdoor cats safe

Is my cat safe outdoors? These are dangerous times for outdoor cats. The number of vehicles on the nation's roads now outnumbers the number…

Cats

My cat has had an electric shock, what should I do?

Electric shock in cats, although rare, most commonly occurs in kittens and young cats Electric shocks in cats and kittens Electric shock,…

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How to tell if a cat is in pain

How to tell if a cat is in pain? Pain in cats can be caused by a variety of medical conditions such as systemic diseases, traumatic events…

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Blocked cats, cat cystitis, and the dangers of urinary tract infections (FLUTD)

What is feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD)? FLUTD describes a collection of conditions that can affect the bladder or urethra (the…

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My cat has been injured in a fight, what should I do?

Why do cats fight? Cats are territorial animals. They fight with other cats to protect their territory or to gain more territory. Our vets…

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What are the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning in cats?

Carbon monoxide poisoning in cats Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless, tasteless and highly poisonous gas. It is produced when…

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Can I give my cat paracetamol and other human painkillers?

Can I give my cat paracetamol? Paracetamol is extremely dangerous for cats and should never be used to treat cat pain. We've all been…

Cats

My cat eats poo, is this a problem?

Why is my cat eating his own faeces? Coprophagia is the term for eating poo (faeces). There are various medical reasons your cat may be…

Cats

Cat and kitten constipation and how to help a constipated cat

Cat and kitten constipation Cats should produce a stool around once a day. If your cat hasn't been to the toilet for 48 to 72 hours they…

Cats

Cat not eating, what are the causes and treatment for appetite loss?

Why is my cat not eating? Loss of appetite in cats, also known as anorexia, can be a sign of a serious underlying disease. The list of…

Cats

How do I check for cat ear problems?

Cat ear problems Cats can injure their ear in fights, or by scratching at their ears because of infection or ear mites. Abscesses or a…

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Breathing Difficulties in Cats

What should I do if my cat has breathing problems? Breathing difficulties can affect cats of any breed or age, and the problem can quickly…

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Cat eye problems | Cat eye health checks

Why should I check for cat eye problems? Eyes are delicate structures and even minor injuries can develop into more serious problems if…

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Cat heat stroke: causes, treatment and recovery

What is hyperthermia in cats? Hyperthermia means a high temperature and occurs when cats are no longer able to self-regulate and keep their…

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Cat teeth problems | How do I do a cat dental health check?

Why should I check for cat dental problems? Often people are amazed at the condition of their cat's teeth when they visit their vet because…

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What are the benefits of neutering male cats? Cat castration advice

What is cat castration? Castration is the specific term to describe 'neutering' of a male animal. Cat castration is a relatively simple…

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Pregnant cat labour problems, causes, symptoms & treatment

My cat's in labour, what should I do? Pregnant cats, known as queens, are usually able to deliver their kittens with little assistance from…

Cats

My cat or kitten is choking and gagging, what should I do about it?

Cat choking, what's causing it and what are the signs? Choking in cats is usually caused by a foreign object such as a bit of toy, bone or…

Cats

Cat diarrhoea: Causes, symptoms and treatment

What is diarrhoea in cats? Diarrhoea is faeces that are soft to liquid in consistency. If your cat has diarrhoea they may strain to pass…

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Kitten and cat vaccinations, what do I need to know?

Are cat vaccinations necessary? Cat vaccinations play a vital role in keeping pets happy and healthy and every cat should be appropriately…

Cats

Arthritis in Cats

My cat has arthritis, what does this mean? Common symptoms of cat arthritis Arthritis is inflammation of joints which causes pain. It is…