Common Cat Health Questions

1. Why is my cat marking its territory?

As feline-lovers will know, cats are extremely territorial creatures. Have you ever noticed your cat rubbing its cheek against you? This is them marking you with their scent to let other cats know that you are ‘taken’. Things get annoying for cat owners when they begin to take their territory marking too far. Defensive tomcats are especially prone to ‘spray’ urine around their environment – which is very different to normal urination.

Cats often spray if they are experiencing stress – has there been a change to their routine or a new addition to the household? Are they feeling threatened by other cats in what they see as their turf? The spraying should stop once they get used to the new circumstances or if the cause of their stress is removed.

Neutering of cats will usually stop their tendency to mark their territory.

2. Why does my cat have a runny nose?

Runny noses in cats are not uncommon and can occur for a number of reasons. Discharge from just one nostril could mean a blockage in the nasal cavity, caused by dust, pollen, or grass. This is usually not a cause for concern and will probably sort itself out.

Things get more serious when there is fluid coming from both nostrils – mites, infections, allergies and the cold can cause this and are all quite treatable. Owners should take immediate action if they notice a bloody discharge from the nose as it could be an indication of a nasal tumour.

3. Why does my cat vomit?

Although it is quite upsetting to see your cat vomiting, there is often nothing to worry about. It can oftenlook and sound like a graver problem than it actually is. In a lot of cases, a cat vomiting will be a good thing – it means that their body is getting rid of something that the naughty cat really shouldn’t have eaten or that they are just coughing up a fur ball.

If the vomiting lasts for more than 48 hours or if it contains blood, a trip to the vet is in order. It could be a sign of something much more serious such as a viral infection, a blockage in the digestive system, kidney disease or cancer.

4. Is my cat too fat?

There are a few ways in which you can check if your cat is too heavy. A cat of a healthy weight should have the following characteristics:

• They should have just a slight layer of fat on their back, from the ribs to the tail. You should be able to feel the impression of bones when you pet them.
• While the cat is standing, look at them from above. Does the waistline get narrower behind the ribs?
• Now look at them from the side. The abdomen should curve upwards between the back legs and ribs.

If your cat fails any of these quick checks, there could be a weight problem. Overfeeding is of course the main cause of feline obesity. You probably know yourself if you are guilty of over-indulging your pet and will know that you really should could down on treats and large portions. Obesity will greatly reduce your cat’s lifespan, so please do not spoil your cat with food.

Your vet will be able to give you more diet advice specific to your own cat.

5. Why has my cat stopped grooming?

Cats are known for their meticulous grooming habits. They love to stay clean, but they also groom to stimulate circulation and regulate body heat. If you notice that your cat has changed its usual clean-freak tendencies, you will know that something is up.

Signs that your cat has stopped grooming can be spotted quite easily. Their coat will become greasy or coarse rather than silky. There might be knots and matted parts on their fur and their paws can become stained. Healthy cats will never smell bad or leave food particles on themselves.

Common causes of the cat’s lack of interest and ability to groom are old-age, obesity and illness. Arthritis, pain or simply too much body weight will make it difficult for them to get to those hard-to-reach parts of their body. Owners should help their cat out by combing and petting their fur – this will also help absent-minded cats to remember the grooming process.

If you can’t determine a reason for the cat’s less than pristine appearance, your vet should be able to pinpoint the cause, allowing you to properly deal with the problem. You should try to make lifestyle changes or have the cat treated for possible illness if their grooming is affected.

By Sinéad. Posted in Cats, Pet Care

Plans Made to Return Lost Penguin to the Ocean

The wayward emperor penguin who somehow found himself in New Zealand last month looks set to make his way back home once he is well enough.

Named after the popular film by the country’s media, Happy Feet was found stranded on Peka Peka beach having swam around 3000 miles off course from Antarctica.

Things got even worse for the wandering bird when he mistook the sand for snow – sending him into a critical condition. Penguins eat snow to stay hydrated in the wild, so Happy Feet misguidedly ingested a large amount of sand, pebbles and twigs.

Once discovered, he was rushed to one of New Zealand’s top surgeons, who removed huge amounts of debris and liquids from his stomach over a series of procedures.

Luckily, Happy Feet’s condition has stabilised and plans are being made to return him to his natural habitat. He is currently staying in a special icy enclosure at a Wellington zoo and has moved on to a diet of salmon rather than sand.

A special group of experts and conservationists, or “penguin advisory group,” has been set up. It has been decided that once he is strong enough, the emperor penguin will eventually be released into the Southern Ocean, southwest of the country.

The story has caused quite a stir, with many New Zealand companies pledging funds for Happy Feet’s plight. He is only the second emperor penguin to turn up in New Zealand in recorded history.

By Sinéad. Posted in News

‘Donkra’ Born in China – Donkey/Zebra Cross

Last weekend saw the birth of a rare cross between a zebra and a donkey in China. The ‘Donkra’ resulted from the natural breeding of a female zebra and male donkey when they were kept together in the same enclosure at Xiamen Haicang zoo.

The foal has remarkably gained attributes from both his parents – he is mostly brown like a donkey, but with a zebra shaped head and stripy legs.

Despite complications during birth, the Donkra is doing very well according to zoo attendants. Weighing in at 30kg and reaching a metre in height, he is thriving physically but has yet to overcome his shyness.

By Sinéad. Posted in News

Jack Russell Beats Grass Allergies Thanks to Cute Booties

Jaxs, an eight year old Jack Russell, has finally been given the chance to frolic in the park with other dogs – thanks to specially made boots. The UK terrier unfortunately suffers from a serious allergy to grass, which causes fur loss and skin sores if he comes into contact with just a single blade.

Owner Maria, had tried medication, bandages and socks to try to prevent allergic reactions, but has found that the canvas booties do the trick. Jaxs is so attached to his boots that he keeps them in his basket and picks them up in his mouth before his daily walk.

”As soon as I get the lead he runs off and gets his boots and if another dog comes round or anyone tries to pick them up he will run off and protect them,” says Maria.

These simply made boots have given a new lease of life to Jaxs. According to experts, grass allergies are more common than most would expect, and methods like this provide a simple solution to a serious problem for dogs.

By Sinéad. Posted in Dogs, News, Pet Care

Oh Deer God – Fawn Runs Amok in Baptist Church

By Sinéad. Posted in Funny, News, Random