Feline Health

H5N1 Infections in Cats: Surveillance is Warranted, Panic is Not

Feline Health| 7 Comments

barn-cats

Written by Ingrid R. Niesman MS, PhD

When 38 out of 40 cats die from a disease, it’s time to take notice. A 2024 report out of South Korea describes a swift wave of infections in a closed cat shelter (1). Between June and July of 2023, symptoms of high fevers, anorexia and neurological issues were evident within the shelter, ultimately killing nearly all the cats. H5N1, clade 2.3.4.4b, was confirmed by a private lab in July.  As the cats were housed separately, in groups of 4-5 cats, infected poultry in the cat food is a suspected route of transmission.Continue Reading

How Changes in the Veterinary Profession Are Affecting You and Your Cat

Feline Health| 15 Comments

cat-veterinary-clinic

Over the last few years, the veterinary profession has undergone profound changes. The days of the neighborhood vet may be numbered as more and more practices are being bought by large corporations. An unprecedented number of veterinarians is leaving the profession, and the veterinary profession consistently has one of the highest suicide rates. These changes will affect you and your cat in various ways, if they aren’t already.Continue Reading

Will Your Cat React to the Solar Eclipse?

Feline Health| 11 Comments

cat-sun-face

On Monday, April 8, a solar eclipse will be visible in totality within a band across North America. Even if you’re not in the path of totality, you may still be able to observe one of nature’s most exciting spectacles. When the moon moves across the sun, day will become twilight, the temperature will drop, and nature will react. That includes animals – but will your cats react to the eclipse?
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AAFP Launches Chronic Pain Educational Tool Kit

Feline Health| 5 Comments

cat-blanket

Chronic pain in cats often goes untreated because cats are such masters at disguising pain and illness. This is an evolutionary holdover from their wild origins. In the wild, a cat in pain is seen as weak, making him a prime target for predators.

We know that chronic pain in humans can be debilitating, interfering with daily activities and taking the joy out of life. It’s not a big leap to assume that the same thing happens for our feline companions.Continue Reading

This Hack Will Let You Easily and Accurately Cut Pills for Your Cat

Feline Health| 7 Comments

cat-pill-medication

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Allegra has been on several different medications for the past few years. Since she needs to be on half and quarter sizes of some of her pills, that means I have to cut pills. It’s been a bit of a frustrating journey to find a solution that would cut her pills as accurately as possible. I was thrilled when I discovered a hack that has made the whole process so much easier.Continue Reading

Lilies are Toxic and Potentially Fatal for Cats

Feline Health| 3 Comments

lilies-deadly-cats

Easter is early this year, and already, Easter lilies are popping up at florists. And every year, cats needlessly die because far too few cat parents are aware that these flowers are highly toxic to cats. Just one small bite of a flower, leaf, stem or even just the pollen of this plant can lead to fatal kidney failure if not treated within 12 to 24 hours of ingestion.Continue Reading

How to Choose a Cat-Friendly Vet

Feline Health| 3 Comments

vet-cat-carrier

Next to you, your veterinarian may be the most important person in your cat’s life. She is your cat’s surgeon, radiologist, dentist, dermatologist, neurologist, ophthalmologist, psychiatrist and pharmacist, all rolled into one. Choosing the right person to care for your precious feline can be overwhelming. Here are my recommendations on how to go about finding a vet you and your cat will be comfortable with.Continue Reading