Reiki is an energy therapy that can bring relaxation, comfort, healing and an increased sense of well-being to cats and their humans. Continue Reading
Feline Health
You and Your Cat Can Help Basepaws Create a New At-Home Test For Early Detection of Osteoarthritis
This is a sponsored post, written by Rowyn Rose, Director of Research & Science Communications at Basepaws*
Osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease, affects not only humans, but also our beloved furry feline companions. Just as in humans, feline osteoarthritis can cause pain, discomfort, and mobility issues that significantly impact a cat’s quality of life. Early detection, diagnosis, and treatment play a crucial role in treating and managing this condition effectively.Continue Reading
My Cat-astropic Year, Part Two: Losing a Cat to Aggressive Lymphoma Highlights the Need for Better Diagnostics and Treatment
Guest post by Ingrid R. Niesman MS, PhD
During the first few months of 2022, I had two apparently healthy and happy Siamese boys. Until I didn’t.
Uli was diagnosed with asthma in January. Click here to read The Challenges of Treating Feline Asthma for his story.
Then, in March, heartbreak struck again. Big boy Paterson started vomiting. At first, it was just occasional, and we wrote if off as hairballs. By the third week of March, we became worried and scheduled a vet appointment.Continue Reading
What DNA Testing Can Tell You About Your Cat
Have you ever wondered about your cat’s genetic background? Maybe you want to know which breeds might make up her genes, or are curious about whether or not her coat color influences her personality. Perhaps you’d like to find out if she has any genetic health conditions so you can be proactive about preventing them from manifesting. Having a DNA test done on your cat can answer all these questions and more – and it can also contribute to our scientific understanding of the feline genome.Continue Reading
Buying a Water Fountain for Your Cat? Here’s What To Look For
Water is critical to keeping your cat healthy. Lack of water can lead to chronic low-level dehydration, which in turn can lead to urinary tract and kidney problems. If you suspect your cat isn’t drinking enough water, a fountain might prompt her to stay better hydrated. Many cats are attracted to running water, so a fountain can be a great way to encourage them to drink more.
In a recent article for Animal Wellness, I explained what to look for in a fountain.
Click here to read Buying a Water Fountain for Your Cat.
You can find all our favorite fountains in our Product Guide. Click on the image below to go directly to the fountains page.
Why You Should Weigh Your Cat Once a Month
Did you know that your cat’s weight is one of the most important clues to her state of health? Weight loss or gain can be an early warning sign of illness, but if it happens gradually it can be difficult to recognize. Visually assessing your cat’s weight, and annual or bi-annual weigh-ins at your cat’s wellness exam may not be enough to catch these changes, so weighing your cat once a month at home can help prevent problems from going undetected until they’re in more advanced stages.Continue Reading
Rosie’s Story: Allergic to Cats? This Product May Be a Solution
Guest post by Nic Tatano
This post contains affiliate links*
My wife and I both love cats. Unfortunately, she’s severely allergic. She’s done the allergy shots, the meds. Nothing really works. And regularly bathing the cat isn’t a fun solution for anyone.Continue Reading
My Cat-astropic Year, Part One: The Challenges of Treating Feline Asthma
Guest post by Ingrid R Niesman, MS PhD
2022 was the year my human life intertwined with multiple cats’ lives. Somehow, in one year, I encountered a myriad of cat health, cat ecology and cat behavioral issues. Each unique situation provided me with ample material to weave the newest feline science and medicine into my personal accounts of what interacting and sharing life with cats means today. Continue Reading
How Your Healthy Cat Can Support Research That Helps All Cats
This is a sponsored post, written by: Rowyn Rose, Science Communications Specialist at Basepaws*
Is your cat at least one year of age or older? Does he or she also have a clean bill of health from your veterinarian? Your cat could be a perfect candidate for Basepaws citizen science healthy cats research program!Continue Reading
Changing the Future of IBD and GI Lymphoma Diagnosis in Cats
This is a sponsored post, written by: Rowyn Rose, Science Communications Specialist at Basepaws*
When your cat isn’t feeling well, you want to help them to get better as soon as possible. As a cat parent, one of the hardest things to deal with is when your cat is sick, but it’s not exactly clear what’s wrong.
Symptoms such as weight loss, decreased appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea can be associated with a wide range of feline health issues. One of these is the cancerous condition called gastrointestinal (GI) lymphoma—the #1 form of cancer seen in cats. Another is the non-cancerous condition known as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which causes chronic irritation and inflammation of the GI tract.Continue Reading
Why Keeping Track of Your Cat’s Weight is Important
Weighing your cat on a regular basis is one of the easiest ways to monitor her health. Gradual weight loss or gain is often not noticeable in cats until it has become quite dramatic. Consider that the average cat weighs 10 pounds. Weight loss of only 6% of a cat’s body weight is considered a clinical sign – that’s less than ten ounces. Depending on the size of your cat, visible changes to her weight may be too subtle to notice without actually weighing her.Continue Reading