You adopted your kitty from the shelter and can’t help but wonder at some of her behaviors. Certain noises trigger her flight from the room. Certain objects cause her to hiss. Could your cat have PTSD?

Can Cats Have PTSD?

While we don’t commonly refer to cats as having PTSD, the truth is they certainly can have behaviors that are triggered by sights, sounds, smells, and actions. Stressful triggers could range from a storm outside to being taken to a family member’s house for pet sitting while you’re out of town.

Cats that have gone through traumatic events may show fear-related behaviors or even aggressive behaviors in response to certain stimuli.

What Are the Signs of PTSD in Cats?

Signs of stress or PTSD can be challenging to identify in some pets, while other cases are pretty clear-cut. It can take time to become attuned to the behaviors of our furry family members.

What Are the Causes of PTSD in Cats?

Our cats can’t directly tell us what’s bothering them, so it can be challenging to identify things that stress your cat out or trigger an episode of panic or aggression. Things could also have happened when you weren’t in their life, such as being abandoned by a previous owner, which can lead to PTSD in your cat.

Some cats experience physical abuse at the hands of humans in their lives. These cats are much more likely to develop PTSD.

If your cat sees an action or object that reminds them of that event, they may become severely stressed. Even something as seemingly innocuous as going to the vet can be a painful trigger. Loud sounds can also trigger stressful responses in our cats. Storms, fireworks, trains, and more can all be scary noise sources that send our cats fleeing.

While abandonment or neglect are more likely to be identified as a PTSD-inciting event, lack of attention can also foster PTSD in your cat. These cats would lack vital interactions and socialization that help make for a happy and healthy feline.

You might not think of illness as causing PTSD, but it can be a significant factor in how your cat responds to stimuli. If your cat has arthritis pain, it could associate jumping on the couch with pain and start to avoid it. Did your cats get into a fight? One or both cats might start to avoid the other. This can also be a reason why cats start to avoid using the litter box.

Diagnosing PTSD in Your Cat

If you notice abnormal behaviors in your cat, contact your veterinarian for an appointment. Your vet will start by taking a thorough history and performing a comprehensive physical exam, looking your cat over from nose to tail. The vet will look for physical changes that could account for these behaviors, like a painful hip.

Your veterinarian might suggest diagnostics to assess your cat more in-depth. Blood work can look for metabolic changes, while a urinalysis might reveal a urinary tract infection. Radiographs (X-rays) are helpful to check for bladder stones or areas of arthritis.

Some veterinarians, particularly behaviorists, may need to visit your home to watch how your cat reacts to different scenarios. Videos of your cat’s movements, interactions with other pets and family members, and where they hide can all provide vital information to your veterinary team.

How Do I Care for a Cat With PTSD?

The first step in caring for a cat with PTSD or anxiety is identifying that there is an issue. The extent of the anxiety will help determine what steps you need to take to help your cat.

1. Environmental Changes

If something in the environment triggers your cat, can you remove it? Sometimes, rearranging the furniture and adding a cat tree or scratcher can make a significant difference. A TV set or white noise machine may provide soothing background noise to help keep loud sounds from causing panic.

If you have multiple cats or other animals, ensure everyone has a safe space to go. You should have at least one litter box for each cat plus an additional one, and they should be placed in different areas around the house.

2. Behavioral Modification

Counterconditioning your cat can be difficult, but it is a great way to help it develop more positive associations with certain stimuli. Working with an animal behaviorist is often the best way to utilize behavioral modification practices because what works for one pet may not work for another.

3. Medication

Veterinarians use several medications to reduce anxiety. These medications are most effective when combined with behavioral modification.

Some supplements, such as the Purina Calming Care Probiotic, are helpful. Pheromone products like Feliway are not traditional medications but can help reduce your cat’s stress and anxiety. Combine pheromones with a product like Cat Attract litter to encourage your cat to use the litter box.

4. Enrichment

Enrichment activities are vital to your cat’s well-being. They often provide mental and physical interactions and can also build the human-animal bond between you and your cat. Puzzle toys and even building obstacles for your cat to investigate are both great ways to enrich your cat’s environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do cats get traumatized after a cat fight?

Cats can certainly be traumatized after a cat fight, especially if an aggressor constantly bullies one of your cats. The affected cat might become more withdrawn, fearful, and jumpy. They might eat less or start urinating outside of the litter box.

Do cats remember traumatic events?

Cats can remember the good and the bad that happen to them. Even if they happen once, adverse events can leave a lasting impression and affect your cat’s behavior for years if you don’t intervene.

Conclusion

Cats can have PTSD, but we don’t often call it that or describe it as such. Anxiety-inducing events should be addressed through positive methods like counterconditioning when possible. Your veterinarian might also suggest medication as a means of helping your cat.

Featured Image Credit: Rawpixel.com, Shutterstock

The post Can Cats Have PTSD? Our Vet Explains Trauma Facts & How to Help by Dr. Samantha Devine DVM (Veterinarian) appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

Has your cat started to have an odd meow? Maybe it’s deeper or really squeaky, but there is no doubt about it: something is not right. Let’s examine feline laryngitis, including some of the potential causes and treatment options.

What Is Laryngitis in Cats?

Laryngitis is inflammation of your cat’s larynx, a structure also commonly referred to as the voice box. Viral infections can cause the condition. Some cats have no changes other than a change in the volume or tone of their voice. Other cats may show signs of a respiratory infection, such as sneezing, watery eyes, or even trouble breathing.

What Are the Signs of Laryngitis in Cats?

You’ll typically be able to identify that something is wrong by a change in your cat’s voice.

What Are the Causes of Laryngitis in Cats?

Laryngitis can be caused by a range of things, including infections. Viral and bacterial respiratory illnesses can easily impact the larynx. If your cat has this type of infection, they might have watery eyes or be sneezing or coughing. A severe case of cellulitis in the mouth could, in theory, extend to the larynx.

Inhaled irritants are sometimes associated with laryngitis. These could include pollen, dust, and even cigarette smoke.

Obstructions can affect the larynx as well. While it’s less common to see in cats than in dogs, foreign bodies can get lodged within the oronasal cavities. Tumors in the throat can also cause issues here. In some cats, thyroid gland tumors can lead to hyperthyroidism and even enlargement of the thyroid gland.

Trauma to the throat can contribute to laryngitis. As difficult as it might be to think about, some cats are choked. A too-tight collar could also irritate the larynx. Some cats develop facial nerve paralysis. This relatively uncommon condition in cats can contribute to laryngitis.

Diagnosing Laryngitis in Your Cat

If your cat makes abnormal noises, it’s worth contacting your veterinarian. They’ll want to start with a complete physical exam. The veterinarian will listen to your cat’s chest and may even auscultate over the kitty’s throat with a stethoscope. The vet will gently look inside your cat’s mouth and palpate their throat for size changes, painful areas, and more.

If your cat appears to have a respiratory infection, the veterinarian might swab the throat for a PCR panel to determine the infectious agent contributing to the infection.

Blood work is quite helpful. Elevated white blood cell counts can indicate infection. A thyroid level helps your veterinary team assess your cat’s thyroid function in case your cat is hyperthyroid.

Your vet might use different forms of imaging. Radiographs (X-rays) help examine for structural changes. An ultrasound might be used to look for fluid pockets. A long, flexible camera called an endoscope might be used to image the area internally.

How Do I Care for a Cat With Laryngitis

Treatment varies for cats with laryngitis. If there is evidence of a bacterial infection, antibiotics are often used to treat the disease. One such example is Clavamox, a potentiated version of amoxicillin.

Anti-inflammatory medications might be needed. The two main non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that we use in cats are Onsior (robenacoxib) and Metacam (meloxicam). Instead of an NSAID, your veterinarian might suggest prednisolone, a steroid.

Beyond pharmaceutical options, some cats need supportive care. If your cat doesn’t panic, steam up the bathroom with a hot shower and then bring your kitty into the room. The warm air can moisten airways and loosen secretions.

If your cat has eye or nasal discharge, gently wipe the drainage away with a clean, damp cloth. If this discharge sits there, especially in a long-haired cat, it can irritate the skin. Your veterinarian might suggest changing your cat’s food. A softer food may be easier for your cat to swallow and more enticing to a cat with a stuffy nose. Canned foods are your go-to, but some dry foods can be softened with warm water. Just make sure the water isn’t too warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is laryngitis in cats contagious?

Laryngitis is not typically contagious, but the underlying cause, such as a virus or bacterial infection, can sometimes be contagious. Speak to your veterinarian to see if you will need to isolate your sick kitty.

Is laryngitis permanent in cats?

Most cats will recover from their bout of laryngitis, but if it is significant enough, the cat could permanently damage their larynx. Nerve damage or swelling could be permanent.

Conclusion

We hope this article helped answer any questions you had about what to do if you notice a change in your cat’s meow, tenderness, or swelling when you touch its throat or lethargy. The safest thing would be to have your cat examined by a veterinarian. These changes could indicate laryngitis and need treatment.

Featured Image Credit: Cat Box, Shutterstock

The post Cat Laryngitis: Our Vet Explains Causes, Signs, & Treatments by Dr. Samantha Devine DVM (Veterinarian) appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

Your cat has been shaking their head nonstop, and it looks like they have an ear infection. You call your vet’s office to see when they can fit you in for an appointment. They say in five days. Five days!

Frustrated, you call around, and no one is available. Inspiration strikes, and you check online. With the rapid emergence of telehealth, you can have your cat examined by a vet immediately.

When Should You Consider Using an Online Vet

Knowing when you can or cannot use an online vet service might be difficult. The following are times when online veterinary care can benefit you and your pet:

At times, an in-person exam is essential, such as:

The 9 Steps on How to Get a Vet Prescription Online

1. Figure out which veterinary telehealth service is suitable.

Your veterinarian might offer telehealth services, which are excellent because these visits can often be linked to your account and pet’s history.

Depending on your state, not all online visits are created equal. Some states require that you have established an in-person veterinary-patient-client relationship before medication can be prescribed via a telehealth meeting. However, this is not always the case.

Your pet might require a more specialized telehealth visit via the phone or internet, such as when contacting the Pet Poison Helpline. They’ll make toxicology recommendations to your veterinarian (and often you).

Speak To a Vet Online From the Comfort of Your Couch!

If you need to speak with a vet but can’t get to one, head over to PangoVet. It’s an online service where you can talk to a vet online and get the personalized advice you need for your pet — all at an affordable price!

Click to Speak With a Vet

2. Gather any pertinent history to give to your online veterinarian.

A complete history is essential for your veterinarian to diagnose and potentially treat your pet. An organized approach makes explaining your cat’s condition to the vet much easier, which is especially helpful since they can’t examine your pet in person.

3. Schedule a time for your pet’s consultation.

Consider having someone available to help you with your pet during the visits so that you can focus on answering your veterinarian’s questions. This extra person can help restrain your cat, assist in positioning your pet so that the vet can see more clearly, or they can help take photos of skin lesions.

4. Answer your veterinarian’s questions to the best of your ability.

Many of us are guilty of embellishing the truth at one time or another, but your vet really needs you to say nothing but the truth. They’re not looking at your cat in person, so they will need a very accurate picture. Knowing exactly how something smells, sounds, and looks is vital.

5. Get a diagnosis and review the treatment plan with your veterinarian.

Depending on how your vet plans to treat your pet, your furry family member might need prescription medications or a dosage adjustment of their current medication. Your vet might recommend over-the-counter treatment, such as Vetericyn, wound spray, or probiotics.

6. Ask the veterinarian about follow-up plans.

Depending on the circumstances, some veterinarians will want you to have a follow-up visit with an in-person vet exam. They may also refer you directly to a veterinary specialty hospital or emergency facility.

7. Order your medication.

There are several options for fulfilling prescription medications or diets. Some online veterinarian telehealth programs partner with an online retailer like Chewy.com. Sometimes, prescriptions can be sent to a local pharmacy for pick up.

8. Initiate treatment for your pet and monitor their progress.

When you have your veterinarian’s directions, it’s time to implement the treatment plan.

Follow the directions carefully, such as the frequency of bathing or how much food to feed for weight loss. Photos taken at home can help you track your progress. You could photograph skin lesions or keep a chart of your pet’s weight weekly.

9. Follow up with your veterinarian.

Schedule a recheck appointment with your vet in person or via telehealth so the veterinarian can evaluate your cat’s progress and make changes as needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a virtual vet prescribe antibiotics?

A virtual vet can only prescribe antibiotics or other prescription medications within the scope of the laws of your state. Generally, you must already have a valid VPCR (vet-patient-client relationship).

What are some advantages of veterinary telemedicine?

Generally speaking, many telehealth visits are less expensive than in-room exams. You also usually have fewer extraneous costs associated with it, such as missing work or gas to get to the veterinary clinic. You can often find more convenient times for telemedicine.

Conclusion

In many areas, telemedicine is becoming increasingly common for both human medical concerns and those of our pets. The laws and restrictions on telemedicine are constantly changing, but your veterinarian or telehealth service will be able to let you know if they can prescribe medication for your cat.

• See also: Virtual Vet Visits: What to Expect & FAQ (Vet Verified)

Featured Image Credit: Miriam Doerr Martin Frommherz, Shutterstock

The post How to Get a Vet Prescription Online: 9 Steps & What to Expect by Dr. Samantha Devine DVM (Veterinarian) appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

Our cats are beloved members of our families, living longer and healthier lives than ever before. It’s important to realize that with longer lifespans, veterinarians and pet owners are seeing age-related changes in our feline family members, including cognitive changes.

What Is Cognitive Dysfunction in Cats?

Feline cognitive dysfunction is also referred to as kitty dementia. Cognitive dysfunction is a gradual change that happens over an extended period. Rapid changes may have a different underlying cause.

Typically, brain and cognitive changes occur in senior cats, with them often at least 10 to 15 years old. Cats of any breed can develop cognitive dysfunction.

What Are the Signs of Cognitive Dysfunction in Cats?

Signs of cognitive dysfunction vary between cats, with some showing only one or two signs that are difficult to detect and others with significantly more. Some of the signs to watch for include:

There’s a process in pets and people with cognitive dysfunction that tends to be called sundowning. It refers to the fact that some animals and people show more signs of cognitive changes later in the day, like after the sun goes down.

What Are the Causes of Cognitive Dysfunction in Cats?

The main thought behind why cognitive dysfunction develops in cats is the presence of beta-amyloid plaques in the brain. The protein accumulates in the brain, eventually slowing blood flow to parts of the brain, which inevitably leads to neuronal cell death. Changes that we associate with cognitive dysfunction can also have a root in other health conditions.

Some examples include:

Diagnosing Cognitive Dysfunction in Cats

Diagnosing cognitive dysfunction is challenging in pets. In cats, your veterinarian will want to perform a thorough physical exam, checking for discomfort from dental pain or arthritis, ocular changes, and even skin changes that could suggest anxiety.

They will likely recommend several diagnostic tests because there are several things to rule out:

Your veterinarian may refer you to a neurologist to perform an MRI to look for brain changes. They’ll likely also perform a spinal tap to check for infections.

How Do I Care for a Cat With Cognitive Dysfunction?

First things first, your vet will want to treat any underlying health conditions that could be contributing to the appearance of cognitive dysfunction. The veterinarian may recommend dental cleaning and extractions to treat diseased teeth. Hyperthyroidism can be treated with methimazole.

Consider a medication like Solensia as a monthly injection for arthritis pain in cats. Gabapentin is commonly prescribed for both anxiety and neurogenic pain.

You can also try different litter pans for your cat, such as ones with a lower lip, so they don’t have to step as high if they’re uncomfortable.

Diets high in vitamin E and antioxidants may have brain health benefits and slow the progression of cognitive dysfunction. Other supplements that might be beneficial include:

Talk to your veterinarian about melatonin to help your cat sleep at night.

Don’t make sudden changes within the house. If you have to move furniture, try to navigate your cat around the new locations so they learn where everything is, especially if they have vision changes.

Consider not bringing new pets into the environment, which could stress your cat more.

Enrichment is beneficial for these kitties. You can put food in a puzzle toy or treat dispenser so your cat can manipulate it to get the kibble out.

Pheromone products, like Feliway, help cats have less stress or anxiety. Your veterinarian may prescribe a behavioral modifying medication, such as fluoxetine or amitriptyline.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How long does a cat live with dementia?

Cats can live several years with dementia, and it doesn’t have to impact their lifespan at all. The most significant issues are managing any underlying health problems to keep your cat comfortable and what you can handle. Some people have issues if a cat is waking them up all night. Significant disruptions within the human-animal bond could mean it’s time to consider euthanasia.

How can I improve my cat’s quality of life with dementia?

You can try a few things to keep your cat’s quality of life at an acceptable level:

Conclusion

Cognitive dysfunction is a severe condition affecting cats that can drastically impact you and your cat’s quality of life. Work with your vet to try and pinpoint underlying causes that may be treatable, and above all, be patient with your kitty. This is scary for them as well, and they will need your support.

See Also: 

• Feline Cognitive Decline: Vet-Reviewed Signs, Diagnosis & Treatment
• Solensia for Cats: Vet-Reviewed Uses & Effectiveness

Featured Image Credit; 毛 祥, Unsplash

The post Cognitive Dysfunction in Cats (CDS): Causes, Signs & Treatment (Vet Answer) by Dr. Samantha Devine DVM (Veterinarian) appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

It’s natural to want to offer your kitty something from your garden, but how do you know what is safe or potentially dangerous for your feline friends? Let’s look at some of the herbs you may have access to that you could let your cat around and some that should be avoided.

An Important Note About Herbs

Even if an herb is considered “safe” for your cat, it could still cause issues like gastrointestinal upset in large quantities. Talk to your veterinarian about anything you’re considering giving your cat because cats with allergies or specific health issues could be more likely to have side effects.

It’s also important to understand that we don’t know all about how herbs can affect our cats or their potential benefits. Also, just because a product claims to have certain benefits doesn’t mean it will work for your cat.

If you’re unsure which herbs may benefit your cat’s health, it’s best to contact your vet for a recommendation.

Speak To a Vet Online From the Comfort of Your Couch!

If you need to speak with a vet but can’t get to one, head over to PangoVet. It’s an online service where you can talk to a vet online and get the personalized advice you need for your pet — all at an affordable price!

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The 10 Herbs That Are Safe for Cats

1. Catnip (Nepeta cataria)

Many cats love catnip. You might have even given it to your cat and watched them roll around. It can be an effective attractant, helping you get your cat used to items in the house like a scratching pad or litter box.

Catnip can be grown indoors or outdoors. Interestingly, one study¹ found that cats rubbing against plants like catnip and silver bone protected them from mosquitoes.

2. Cat Grass

Cat grass is often a combination of safe grasses for kitties to munch on or roll around. It is usually a single population or a combination of barley, oats, wheat, or rye. These grasses are generally grown indoors, so they don’t contain pesticides or other chemicals that could make your cat sick.

Cat grass can be beneficial to your cat for several reasons. It can help move material through your cat’s gut and contains folic acid. Folic acid is especially important in biochemical reactions within your cat’s body, such as DNA synthesis and even the production of red blood cells.

3. Basil (Ocimum basilicum)

According to the ASPCA, an excellent resource for checking if plants are toxic, basil is non-toxic for cats and dogs. That means you shouldn’t have anything to worry about if your cat knocks over your basil plant or chomps on a few leaves. Your cat isn’t likely to get major benefits from eating basil, but they can get some micronutrients, including folic acid.

4. Valerian Root (Valeriana officinalis)

Valerian root is safe for cats to consume because it has a wide margin of safety. Like in people, it has calming properties. You can find it in a range of calming products for cats.

5. Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum)

Milk thistle, or silymarin, is a commonly recommended supplement for cats and dogs and is considered safe. One of the more commonly recommended supplements in veterinary practices is a milk thistle combination product, branded under several names such as Denamarin or Denosyl. Your veterinarian may recommend this supplement if your cat has evidence of liver changes on blood work because it may support liver health and may improve your cat’s elevated liver enzyme values.

6. Echinacea (Echinacea)

While there are limited studies on using echinacea in animals, it is a safe and well-tolerated supplement. It may benefit your pet’s immune system and reduce symptoms associated with upper respiratory infections, but that information is primarily based on studies in people.

7. Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza glabra)

Licorice root appears safe for pets and has been touted for its numerous health benefits, including digestive health. A main ingredient in licorice root is glycyrrhizic acid. This compound may have significant potential in several aspects, as it appears to be:

8. Dandelion (Taraxacum)

Dandelions have long been a popular plant cultivated for medicinal purposes, even though many people consider them a weed. There are a variety of species of dandelions, but they all appear safe for cats. If you haven’t treated the yard with fertilizers, pesticides, or other hazardous chemicals, these plants are safe for your feline friends to eat outside.

9. Calendula (Calendula)

Calendula has many names, the most common of which is the common marigold. Marigolds are popular as companion plants to help keep pests away from vegetables like tomatoes, so you probably have some in your garden already. They’re not considered toxic for cats or dogs, so feel free to grow some in your kitty’s herb garden.

10. Marshmallow Root (Althaea officinalis)

Marshmallow root is safe for cats and may provide various potential health benefits. It can coat irritated tissues and has antibacterial activity. In addition to helping with inflammation, it may also help regulate your pet’s blood sugar.

Herbs and Plants to Avoid

Some herbs can be incredibly toxic for your cat and have different side effects. Avoid planting these in your garden if your cat has access to the outside, and keep them out of your cat’s reach in the house to keep your feline family member safe.

Mint (Mentha species)

Mint contains essential oils that, while often beneficial for people, are unsafe for cats. According to the ASPCA’s toxic plants list, mint can cause vomiting and diarrhea, particularly if your cat eats a lot of this herb.

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

Lavender is classified as toxic to cats (as well as dogs and horses). While lovely and fragrant, this plant can cause gastrointestinal issues in cats, ranging from inappetence to vomiting.

Allium Species (Allium)

Garlic, onions, and chives belong to the same plant family, as they are Allium species. These plants can cause mild to significant gastrointestinal signs, including vomiting. What’s particularly scary is that in cats and dogs, they can damage red blood cells and lead to hemolytic anemia, which could be life-threatening. If there’s the possibility that your cat could’ve gotten into garlic, onions, or chives, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Conclusion

Numerous plants are safe for cats to be around, and just as many, if not more, have the potential to be toxic. Before you bring any plants into the house or chop up some herbs to add to your kitty’s dinner, ensure they aren’t harmful. Your veterinarian is an excellent source of information to see if supplements or herbal remedies might help your cat, especially as some can interfere with more traditional pharmaceuticals.

• See also: Herbs for Cats That Improve Health & Are Feline Friendly (Vet Answer)

Featured Image Credit: Georgia Evans, Shutterstock

The post 10 Herbs That Are Safe for Cats (& Ones to Avoid) Our Vet Answers by Dr. Samantha Devine DVM (Veterinarian) appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

You adopted your cat from a shelter, and she was already spayed. Now, several years later, she yowls and acts like she could be in heat, but that couldn’t be possible, right?

You bring it up to your vet during your cat’s semi-annual physical exam, and they suggest that your cat could have ovarian remnant syndrome. Let’s dive into what that could mean and what to do for your cat.

What Is Ovarian Remnant Syndrome?

Ovarian remnant syndrome is a condition where there is still some ovarian tissue left in the abdomen after a vet has spayed your cat. This condition can also occur in dogs.

You might notice that your cat is showing signs consistent with being in heat or estrus. While they can’t get pregnant, affected cats may be attracted to males. Your veterinarian will examine your cat and suggest specific tests to confirm a diagnosis of a retained ovarian remnant.

Typically, this condition occurs because a piece or an entire ovary is left within your cat’s abdomen during the spay procedure. Some cats can have ectopic ovarian tissue, which is ovarian tissue in an abnormal place within the body.

What Are the Signs of Ovarian Remnant Syndrome in Cats?

Because cats with retained ovarian tissue experience hormone cycles, they will show signs similar to an unspayed female. Interestingly, it can take years for a cat to show signs of a retained ovarian remnant. According to the Animal Surgical Center of Michigan, affected cats will show signs of a heat cycle an average of 15.5 months after spaying. In addition, roughly 17% of spay complications involve ovarian remnants.

Common signs of a retained ovary are bloody discharge from your cat’s vulva and an enlarged or swollen vulva. Because cats are avid groomers, you may not see either of these signs in your cat.

Another sign of estrus in cats is increased vocalization. Your ordinarily quiet cat may yowl continuously. They can also be increasingly restless. If you have an intact, unneutered male cat, your female may allow or encourage copulation, but they will not be able to get pregnant.

Secondary to hormone changes, your cat’s mammary glands and nipples may enlarge.

What Are the Causes of Ovarian Remnant Syndrome in Cats?

The most common cause of ovarian remnant syndrome in pets is surgical error. The surgeon leaves a portion of the ovary remaining after surgical removal of the ovaries during a spay. This complication may be a little more common in cats than dogs because it can be harder to visualize the whole ovary as it’s harder to break down the proper ligament in cats than in dogs.

Another potential cause is ectopic ovarian tissue. This cause relates to ovarian tissue not being located in a normal position in your cat’s abdomen. Instead of its usual location within the ovary, some ectopic tissue can be found in places like the broad ligament. If your veterinarian doesn’t detect this ectopic tissue during surgery, it gets left behind and becomes an ovarian remnant.

The remaining tissue becomes hypertrophied after a while and continues to secrete reproductive hormones, leading to signs of estrus.

You do need to be careful about certain medications because they can also mimic your cat having an ovarian remnant. If you use a topical estrogen cream and your cat can touch or lick it off, they can present like your cat is having a heat cycle.

Diagnosing Ovarian Remnant Syndrome in Cats

Your veterinarian may have a strong suspicion that your cat has ovarian remnant syndrome, but it should be confirmed through testing before any intervention.

First, ensure there’s no chance that anyone has exposed your cat to topical estrogen or progesterone.

Your veterinarian may perform vaginal cytology to look for cellular changes consistent with a heat cycle, most notably cornified vaginal epithelial cells.

The best support for ovarian remnant syndrome is using two hormone tests.

How Do I Care for a Cat With Ovarian Remnant Syndrome?

Unfortunately, if your cat has ovarian remnant syndrome, they’ll need surgery to remove the remaining ovarian tissue. Some veterinarians can perform this surgery laparoscopically, where your vet will make a series of small incisions and use a camera to identify the tissue.

Sometimes, your veterinarian will perform an exploratory surgery to identify the retained tissue. The procedure is done the same way as your cat’s initial spay.

After surgery comes the hard part: keeping your cat quiet and calm for about 10 days. If you have a very active kitty, your veterinarian might prescribe sedatives to keep them calm.

Gabapentin may be used as a pain medication and a mild sedative. They’ll also generally receive pain-relieving anti-inflammatory medication, such as Onsior (robenacoxib).

As hard as it might be, your cat should wear an Elizabethan collar (e-collar, for short). This usually rigid “cone of shame” can help keep your cat from licking or chewing at their incision, which could cause it to become inflamed, infected, or even reopen. Some cats do well with a bodysuit, so talk to your vet about what option might work best for your cat.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How common is ovarian remnant syndrome in cats?

Ovarian remnant syndrome is not a common occurrence after a spay, but it does appear to be more common in cats than dogs. Of post-ovariohysterectomy complications, less than 20% are retained in ovarian tissue.

One study looked at pre-surgical variables to see if anything was common to reviewed cases. The age of the pet and its breed were not significant factors. Interestingly, even obesity did not increase the risk of a cat having ovarian tissue left behind.

Can ovarian remnants become cancerous?

Ovarian remnants have the potential to become cancerous, at least in humans. We do know that, in pets, retained ovarian tissue can be linked to several cancers developing outside of the ovaries, such as mammary cancer (such as mammary gland adenocarcinoma) and vaginal cancer

Your cat is also at a higher risk for developing a uterine stump pyometra, an infection within the remaining portion of the uterus.

Conclusion

Ovarian remnant syndrome can occur in cats as a result of poor surgical technique, trouble exposing the ovaries during an ovariohysterectomy, or even extra ovarian tissue in an abnormal place within your cat’s body. Your veterinarian will partner with you on surgery or refer you to a facility for laparoscopic surgery.

Featured Image Credit: megaflopp, Shutterstock

The post Ovarian Remnant Syndrome in Cats: Causes, Signs & Treatments (Vet Answer) by Dr. Samantha Devine DVM (Veterinarian) appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

Anemia is an insidious disease that can affect your cat. Unfortunately, veterinarians often diagnose anemia when it has progressed to being a significant condition, causing weakness and lethargy. The signs are often subtle, so what do you look for to diagnose anemia in cats? Read on to learn more about the process.

What Is Anemia?

Anemia is when there is not a healthy amount of red blood cells circulating around the body. This health issue can also be due to a reduced amount of hemoglobin in the body.

Red blood cells transport oxygen from the lungs throughout the body. Without adequate levels of red blood cells, your cat will become weak as they can’t get enough oxygen to all the areas of the body.

Red blood cells form within the bone marrow. They circulate for roughly two to three months unless they become damaged. In a healthy pet, the old red blood cells get replaced by new red blood cells in a continuous cycle.

Without the healthy amount of red blood cells circulating around the body, the organs do not receive enough oxygen, and this can lead to them failing. Severe anemia can be fatal.

Signs of Anemia in Cats

Oxygen is necessary for many of the cellular reactions that occur within your cat’s body. An anemic cat is typically tired or lethargic. Unfortunately, lethargy is a relatively nonspecific finding, and in older cats, you might attribute it to their age.

Here are some other signs to be aware of:

Causes of Anemia in Cats

Your veterinarian can classify the causes of anemia into one of the major categories. These are as follows:

1. Red Blood Cell Destruction

If your cat eats certain toxic things, these substances could trigger your cat’s body to destroy red blood cells. Tylenol, garlic, and zinc are just a few materials that can cause erythrocyte oxidative injuries. The spleen helps clean up these damaged red blood cells, taking them out of circulation.

Infectious diseases can also contribute to red blood cell destruction. Often, fleas and ticks transmit these organisms, which is just one of the reasons why you should keep your cat on flea and tick prevention. Some of these infectious agents include:

In some cases of feline anemia, cats have immune-mediated hemolytic anemia. While some cases are idiopathic, and we don’t know the cause, vaccines or viruses such as feline leukemia may trigger some cases. With this condition, the immune system destroys the cat’s red blood cells.

2. Red Blood Cell Loss

Your cat can lose red blood cells in a range of ways. Unfortunately, parasites are a common cause of anemia. Your cat could have fleas or ticks that feed on blood, and these parasites can transmit infections that contribute to anemia.

Injuries can cause anemia. Outdoor cats are in danger of being hit by a car, but even cats that hang out on the balcony can fall from a height.

Some cancers can contribute to blood loss, such as transitional cell carcinoma in the bladder. Abnormalities in the gut, like ulcers, can also be associated with blood loss.

3. Trouble Producing Red Blood Cells

One of the significant conditions affecting senior cats is chronic kidney disease or renal failure. When the kidneys stop functioning normally, a hormone known as erythropoietin isn’t produced in appropriate amounts. This chemical messenger tells the bone marrow to produce more red blood cells; you’ll have an anemic cat without it.

Anemia of chronic disease is another process where chronic health issues and inflammation cause your cat’s bone marrow to produce fewer red blood cells.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How can I prevent anemia in cats?

Reducing possible exposure to agents that can cause anemia is essential for preventing anemia in cats. Keeping your cat inside is the best way to accomplish this feat. It’ll minimize their possible exposure to fleas and ticks, decrease their chances of getting exposed to viruses like feline leukemia, and virtually eliminate the possibility of getting hit by a car.

Regular preventative care, including screening blood work, can help your veterinarian diagnose potential causes of anemia sooner rather than waiting until your cat is already affected by a low red blood cell count and weak. Earlier intervention with kidney failure could buy your kitty more time.

Preventative care is also crucial for reducing your cat’s exposure to internal and external parasites like hookworms and fleas.

Can a cat recover from anemia?

Cats can recover from anemia sometimes, but not all the time. The prognosis and recovery time depend on many factors, from what is causing the anemia to how healthy your cat is overall. A mild case of flea anemia could be treated using flea prevention and environmental control measures, while an autoimmune condition may have a rather poor prognosis for recovery.

What do vets give cats for anemia?

The treatment your veterinarian prescribes for your anemic cat will depend on what the underlying cause of the anemia is and how severe it is. A blood transfusion may be necessary for a cat with a target low packed cell volume, but a mild case might be treatable with a vitamin supplement that contains iron, such as Pet-Tinic.

Conclusion

If your cat has anemia, you’re probably wondering what you need to do and if there’s any way you could have prevented it. Your veterinarian will need to run some diagnostic tests, but they can help determine your cat’s prognosis and a treatment plan.

• See Also: What Causes Anemia in Cats? Our Vet Explains

Featured Image Credit: Oporty786, Shutterstock

The post Anemia in Cats: Signs, Causes & Prevention (Vet Answer) by Dr. Samantha Devine DVM (Veterinarian) appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

If you own a cat, you’ve probably wondered how intelligent they are. After all, sometimes they can be silly goofballs, while at other times, they can find their way to harass you in the bathroom in the pitch black of night with their mouse toy.

So, how big is a cat’s brain? And does that brain size equate to intelligence? Your cat’s brain is roughly 2 inches long. It only weighs an ounce, which puts your cat’s brain at about 1% of their body weight. Read on for more interesting details.

The Size of a Cat Brain

Purely based on size, a dog’s brain is larger than a cat’s brain; a cat’s brain is slightly larger than a walnut, while a dog’s brain is roughly the size of a tangerine. It’s not necessarily the size that equates with how smart an animal is; the structures and surface folding determine how intelligent an organism is.

Cats have a brain structure more similar to ours than to a dog’s brain. In fact, their brain is about 90% identical to ours, so think about that next time you’re wondering how smart your kitty is!

Don’t panic and start worrying about the cat overlords taking over, however. We have a significant difference in the number of neurons in our cerebral cortex. Cats have roughly 300 million, and we have 21 to 26 billion neurons in that same structure in our brain.¹

Dogs tend to have more neurons than cats, which is likely because they have a larger brain size. In dogs, there’s more development of the social cognition portion of the cerebral cortex, while in cats, a more significant portion is devoted to movement and vision. That means each pet tends to be better at something different than the other.

How Do Cats Use Their Brains?

Your cat’s brain helps regulate every aspect of their life, and it’s the driving force for cats to be crepuscular. Animals like cats that are crepuscular are primarily active in the dawn and twilight hours. It allows them to prey on smaller animals that are also crepuscular. Other animals that exhibit this behavior include:

Based on this behavior pattern, don’t be surprised if your kitty wakes you in the pre-dawn hours. It’s instinct. They’re not trying to torture you.

Cats do other things differently than our canine friends. For example, if you have an outdoor cat that likes to hunt, you should also know they will keep hunting even if they’ve eaten already. This behavior differs from dogs, who typically stop hunting after eating.

The 5 Cat Senses

What your cat can detect with such a small brain is pretty impressive. Their brain allows them to uniquely utilize their senses to help them survive in their environment.

1. Sight

Your cat’s eyes can see incredibly well, even in a dark environment. Cats have a structure known as the tapetum lucidum in their eyes, which helps reflect photons of light back onto the retina, allowing them to have a second chance to utilize the light and see.

Cats also have more rods in their eyes than a person. These photoreceptor cells function best in dim light, allowing your cat to see better in the dark than you. The difference in rods and cones also affects the colors that cats see in the world.

2. Taste

Cats don’t have the same way to sense taste that you do. While we have around 9,000 taste buds, our kitties only have a few hundred taste buds. What is especially interesting about this is that cats don’t seem to be able to taste sweet things. If your cat is trying to get to your sweets, like whipped cream or ice cream, it’s not likely the sugary goodness they’re after but the fats they’re attracted to.

They can taste bitter and associate it with danger or poison, so watch out if you’re using a lemon spray.

3. Hearing

Your cat’s ears are also very helpful for navigating the world around them. The slightly cone-shaped pinna helps direct sound into the middle ear and allows your cat to pinpoint the source of the sound.

4. Touch

Cats also have interesting ways to navigate through touch. Their whiskers provide signals as your cat winds their body through narrow spaces. Aside from the whiskers, they have touch receptors in their paws and nose.

5. Smell

Cats rely heavily on their sense of smell. If your cat has a respiratory infection, they may have trouble scenting their food, which leads to many kitties refusing to eat.

Cats also have a unique structure called the vomeronasal organ. Located just behind their upper incisors in their mouth, this structure helps cats detect and process pheromones. Speaking of pheromones, your cat produces them from an array of places, including between their toes and their anal glands.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the main parts of your cat’s brain?

Your cat has a nervous system similar to your own. There are two parts to the central nervous system (or CNS):

These structures can be further divided. For example, the major parts of the brain include:

Are cats getting less intelligent?

We can’t quite compare measurements of how intelligent your cat is compared to their ancestors, but scientists have been studying the size of how cats’ brains have changed. They’re getting smaller.

According to the study, house cats may have undergone a 25% reduction in the size of their brain when compared to European and African wildcats, their wild cousins.

Conclusion

Your cat’s brain is unique and allows them to be amazing hunters. Even if we can’t make an easy determination about whether cats or dogs are more intelligent, they’re still wonderful members of our families.

See also:

• How To Keep Outside Cats Cool in the Summer: 5 Vet-Approved Tips
• Cats Against the World: The Card Game That Obsesses Us

Featured Image Credit: Wongsakorn Napaeng, Shutterstock

The post How Big Is a Cat Brain? Vet Explains Feline Anatomy by Dr. Samantha Devine DVM (Veterinarian) appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

You want what’s best for your cat, and she sure does like her toys with feathers at the end of a wand. Is there anything you need to remember before she plays with the feather toy, and why does she like it so much? Let’s take a look at feather toys and cats.

Cats and Hunting

Felines are predators, but you might already know that. Evolution favored cats that could hunt and do it well. Now, even our pampered indoor kitties will often find something to chase, whether a mouse or a receipt falling to the ground. Cats learn to hunt through play behaviors and by watching their mother. They utilize several methods of hunting, such as the “stalk and pounce” method or even fishing. Cats will hunt everything from mice to birds to fish.

The 4 Reasons Cats Like Feathers

1. Simulates Prey

The main reason cats enjoy playing with feather toys is that they simulate prey and trigger our feisty felines’ prey drive. Your cat will often chase after toys with feathers on the end, sometimes stalking and pouncing.

2. Colorful Attraction

Cats don’t see colors quite the same way that we do. However, they do have cones, the color receptors in the eyes, so they can likely see some shades. Feather toys are often quite colorful, so between the prey-like fluttering, the colors should trigger your cat to treat the toys with feathers like prey.

3. Unpredictable Movements

Like the colorful nature of feathers, the movement of feathers can attract cats. As you whip the feathers on the end of a stick around, they flutter and drift like a bird, which can bear a striking resemblance to prey.

4. Enrichment

Playing with feathers is one of the many ways you can offer your kitty enrichment activities. They stimulate your cat’s mind and can help keep her away from trouble triggered by boredom.

The Dangers of Feathers

While feather toys can help offer enrichment with mental and physical stimulation, they aren’t without risks.

Foreign Bodies

The main danger of feathers occurs if your cat eats them. Natural feathers are not digestible; faux feathers are often plastic and even less digestible. Because of the rigid nature of the feathers, these toys can quickly cause obstructions or even intestinal perforation. It’s even more concerning if your cat eats a string with a feather attached, as that steering can cause intestinal plication, where the intestines get folded up like an accordion and can tear.

If your cat eats more than one feather, getting a blockage anywhere in the intestines is possible. Surgery might be necessary to remove the feathers.

Choking Hazard

Feathers can also pose a choking hazard, especially if little feathers or tufts come off while your cat is playing. They could inhale those pieces.

Dyes

Many plastic or faux feathers are dyed. These feathers are not meant to be eaten, and they can have toxic dyes. Your veterinarian will need to assess your cat for possible toxicity.

Other Injuries

If you’re not careful, your cat could develop injuries playing with the feather toy. If your cat doesn’t blink as the feathers whip by her face, the feathers could cause a scratch on the cornea, also known as an ulcer. This injury can be quite painful and may even lead to blindness.

Ways to Keep Your Cat Safe Around Feathers

The number one guideline for cats and feathers is to ensure your cat is supervised when playing with feather toys. If your cat can rip off feathers unsupervised, there could be dire consequences.

If your cat has a feather toy that is starting to look frayed or the feathers are loose on the toy, it’s time to get rid of that toy. When hunting prey, cats often lick off some of the bird feathers so that they don’t eat them. Unfortunately, a kitty excited about their toys might not pay as close attention.

If your cat eats a feather, stop what you’re doing and contact your veterinarian immediately. You should not try to remove the feather yourself because it could cause more trauma with you trying to remove it. (Your cat could also bite you while they are choking or gagging on the feather.)

Your veterinarian may need to sedate or anesthetize your cat to remove the feather. In some cases, an endoscope might be able to remove the feather without performing exploratory surgery. This tool is a long, flexible camera with attachments that can be used to remove foreign bodies from the esophagus, stomach, and intestines.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is it okay for cats to chew on feathers?

Cats should not chew on feathers due to the potential health risks. Feathers are indigestible and can cause obstructions and perforations to your cat’s gut.

Why is my indoor cat hunting?

Hunting is a natural behavior for cats. They hunt for enjoyment and to get a meal. Cats are only successful with some of their hunting, so they may attempt any time they are presented with a chance to ensure they always have their next meal.

Conclusion

Cats like feathers because it reminds them of their prey, but feathers can be dangerous for your cat if she eats them. Feathers can’t be digested and are associated with different issues, such as obstruction. It is better to find more cat-friendly toys to entertain your cat!

Featured Image Credit: ChocoPie, Shutterstock

The post Why Do Cats Like Feathers? Our Vet Explains 4 Reasons & Safety Tips by Dr. Samantha Devine DVM (Veterinarian) appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

It is always a bit concerning when your cat seems ill, so you might feel more comfortable if you took them to the vet’s office to get checked out. Your veterinarian will likely want to run several tests if your cat feels under the weather. One test, a feline leukemia and FIV test, checks for certain viral infections. You hope the test comes back negative, but then you get the bad news: your cat tests positive for FIV.

What does that ultimately mean for its care?

What Is FIV?

Feline immunodeficiency virus, or FIV, is a viral infection in cats, affecting roughly 1% to 5% percent of cats.¹ It is relatively similar to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), although these viruses are species-specific. That means you don’t have to worry about catching FIV from your cat. When cats get exposed to FIV, the virus attacks their immune system. Without a fully functioning immune system, your cat is at risk for developing a host of different infections and may even be at a higher risk for certain cancers.

What Are the Signs of FIV In Cats?

FIV occurs in three main stages, according to the Cornell Feline Health Center:²

The Acute Phase

During the initial stage of infection, cats are in the acute phase. The virus reproduces within T-lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell. While the virus spreads throughout your cat’s body, initially, you might see lymph node swelling or enlargement.

Your cat might show other signs at this time, including:

The Latent Phase

The latent phase is also called the asymptomatic phase. Infected cats don’t generally show signs during this phase. It may last for months, years, or even the rest of your cat’s life. Viral replication is slow in this period.

There aren’t many signs in this phase, but your veterinarian might detect changes in blood work, such as:

The Progressive Phase

Not all cats enter the progressive phase, but if they do, they may be affected by numerous illnesses. Secondary infections are what usually affect the cat and can shorten their lifespan.

Possible illnesses include:

What Are the Causes of FIV In Cats?

FIV only affects cats but can affect any type of cat, from your domestic shorthair to an African lion.

The virus particles that cause feline immunodeficiency virus don’t last long in the environment, so cats are not usually affected by passive contact, such as sharing food or water bowls or multiple cats grooming each other. If you have more than one cat and they tend to get along well, there’s a much smaller chance of your FIV-negative cat becoming infected in a stable home atmosphere than outdoor cats roaming and potentially fighting.

The most common way for FIV to pass between cats is a bite wound. As such, outdoor cats, particularly unneutered males defending their territory, are likelier to have FIV than other cats. It is less likely for pregnant or nursing females to pass the virus on to their kittens. However, it is still possible to do so through the placenta, via milk when kittens are nursing, or during the birthing process itself.

How Do I Care for a Cat With FIV?

There is currently no cure for FIV in cats. When you get a new cat, your veterinarian should test your new addition for FIV. The most common way to check for this viral infection is to test for feline leukemia.

The test is commonly called the feline leukemia and FIV SNAP test. It is run on a small sample of blood mixed with a conjugate, using an ELISA or Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay test. If your cat is negative, your veterinarian should recheck it 2 to 6 months later, as that is the virus’s incubation period. Positive tests should be confirmed by either sending a sample to an animal laboratory, such as IDEXX or Antech, or by repeating the sample on a different manufacturer’s test.

Routine physical exams and preventative care visits are essential for all cats, but they’re especially important for cats with FIV. If your kitty is asymptomatic, visits every six months will likely be sufficient. Your cat should be seen immediately if it has any signs of illness.

Because many cats with FIV have gingivitis or stomatitis lesions in their mouths, your veterinarian will want to pay particularly close attention to your cat’s mouth. Stomatitis is a severe inflammatory condition often considered an overreaction of the cat’s immune system. If your cat is healthy enough, they should usually have annual or semi-annual dental cleanings under anesthesia.

Your veterinarian will record and monitor your cat’s weight, among other parameters. Weight loss is often one of the first signs detected in cats with worsening cases of FIV. Since there is no cure for FIV, treatments are often aimed at supportive care. Antiviral therapy is sometimes utilized, especially for symptomatic cats, such as Zidovudine (AZT). Unfortunately, this medication does not appear to improve survival times in cats. A mainstay of managing an FIV-positive cat is reducing their risk of exposure to potential illnesses.

General recommendations include:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What Should You Feed a Fiv-Positive Cat?

FIV-positive cats should eat balanced cat food appropriate for their life stage or consider other health issues, such as food allergies. These cats should not eat raw, unpasteurized, or undercooked foods, which could increase their risk of exposure to pathogenic bacteria, parasites, and other microorganisms.

Can a Cat With FIV Live with Other Pets?

FIV is not contagious to other species, so as long as your animals get along, they should be fine together. If you have other cats, they can live with other kitties, but you should ensure they don’t fight and have ample space to minimize the possibility of conflict.

Conclusion

It can be pretty scary to learn your cat has an incurable virus, but many cats live full lives. You should reduce their risk of exposure to other illnesses and conflict with other cats. Routine wellness care is also essential to monitor your cat’s health.

Featured Image Credit: RJ22, Shutterstock

The post FIV in Cats (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus): Vet Explained Causes, Signs & Care by Dr. Samantha Devine DVM (Veterinarian) appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.