Your Cat Health Questions (and Answers)
You have cat health questions, we have a community with answers.
I've
included some of the more common cat health questions that are on my list to give us a
start, and then I'll open it up to your questions and answers below.
General Questions
Q. My cat won't use the litter box, what should I do?
A. The answers to this are many and varied, depending upon the type of problem and the cause. The first step is to rule out a physical cause by taking your cat to the vet. Then, you can work through any emotional issues and behavior problems. See my cat litter box problems guide for more help.
Q. My cat is coughing. What does it mean?
A. Your cat may exhibit various hacking and coughing behaviors when trying to deal with hairballs. Hairballs in cats are quite common, and may contain fur, food, and other ingested items that ball up in the gut.
An actual cough, however, is relatively rare in cats and warrants a call to your veterinarian for guidance.
Q. What is a healthy cat weight?
A. Many cats are overweight. Just as in humans, overweight cats may develop weight related illnesses and medical conditions. Here are tips to help your cat stay slim and trim (more...).
Q. Is there a cat weight chart?
A. Yes, there are charts (more...).
Cat Health Questions Regarding Food
Q. My cat likes to eat dog food. Is this healthy?
A. No. Cats and dogs have different nutritional requirements. For example, cats require that an amino acid called taurine be in their diet in sufficient quantities. Without it, your cat may go blind or develop heart problems including cardiomyopathy.
If your cat is eating too much dog food and therefore not getting enough of what a cat needs, that is a problem. You'll need to adjust your lifestyle and feeding schedules to ensure your cat is getting adequate nutrition.
Q. Can chocolate kill cats?
A. Yes. Chocolate poisoning is more common in dogs, but many animals may have reactions to it, including cats. While small quantities may not kill your cat, chocolate should be off-limits for kitty.
I've put this one on here because I've seen elsewhere on the Web where people have asked this question and the answer was given as "no" so I wanted to make sure that cat owners are informed.
Q. Should I feed my cat table scraps?
A. Opinions on this are mixed with some veterinarians saying no, not at all, and others saying yes but in limited amounts.
There are a number of reasons why some argue against feeding human food to your cat at all. For one thing, if your cat's diet becomes unbalanced, she may become malnourished.
I hear stories about people feeding their cats cheesecake, macaroni and cheese, vegetarian meals, and all kinds of other things (that I would probably never feed my cat).
Around the holidays, some cats end up with a case of pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) from being fed foods outside of their normal diet. While any sudden change in diet can cause a kitty to experience stomach upset, pancreatitis is serious business, and can be fatal.
Your cat's physiology is
designed for a low carbohydrate diet, so something like cheesecake is not a good idea. Some vets will say that feeding scraps of meat (without spices or sugary sauces) is probably OK
in moderation for most cats, but be careful.
Cats are obligate carnivores. They need meat and can't get all the nutrition they need from a plant-based diet. So, broccoli is fine if your cat likes it, but your cat needs meat to balance things out.
To ensure that your cat has the most balanced diet possible, with all the required nutrients, most vets recommend commercial cat food that meets AAFCO standards.
If you do feed table scraps...
Unless you want a beggar, don't feed directly from the table or the stove/oven. Prepare the food and feed your cat at a later time. Preparing homemade cat food recipes are another option.
Poisons and Your Cat
Q. I want to keep my cat away from my plants, my garden, and other areas of my house. I've heard that I can use mothballs as a cat repellent. Someone said I shouldn't because they're poisonous.
A. Yes, the two different substances that mothballs are made of are both poisonous to cats. Don't use them.
If you feel you must use mothballs as a cat
repellent, then put them in a glass jar with a metal lid Punch small
holes in the metal lid so that the fumes can escape. Don't let pets or humans, especially children, come in contact with the moth balls.
Q. I've heard that many household items, including common cleaners, contain chemicals that may be poisonous to cats. Is this true? Where can I get a list of these items?
A. Many household products can be poisonous, or at the very least an irritant to cats and other pets. New products are put on the market all the time. Check with the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center for the latest on poisoning issues.
Q. Can I give my cat aspirin or other over the counter drugs?
A. No. According the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, human medications are the number one cause of poisoning in pets.
A small amount of Tylenol can kill a cat, and aspirin takes your cat's body about 3 days to metabolize. Never try to treat your cat with drugs for humans, unless instructed by your veterinarian to do so, and keep all medications under lock and key so your cat does not accidentally end up poisoned.
Q. Someone told me that Pepto Bismol is OK to give my cat. Should I give my cat Pepto-Bismol for vomiting or diarrhea?
No. According to veterinarian Arnold Plotnick, the main ingredient in both Kaopectate and Pepto-Bismol is bismuth subsalicylate, which is related to aspirin. For that reason, giving a cat either product is not recommended.
Cat Parasites
Q. There's black build up in my cat's ears. What is that from? Does my cat need treatment?
Without seeing it, it's hard to say, but a black build up in your cat's ear is likely caused by a parasite known as ear mites. It often is described as looking like coffee grounds. Ear mites in cats are treatable, but a veterinarian should clean your cat's ears since doing this improperly can cause damage, and doing it incompletely will not cure the problem.
Q. Do home remedies really work on ear mites?
A. After the cleaning procedure is done correctly (by your vet), a home remedy may help, but most of the time their effectiveness is less than optimal. Ideally, your vet should do the cleaning and then prescribe treatment.
Q. I think my cat might have worms. How do I tell?
A. Your cat should be tested for worms once per year by your veterinarian. Keep in mind that worms can be present whether you see them or not, and an infected cat may not show any signs or symptoms. Here are some common types of cat worms and how to spot them.
Get Answers From Veterinarians
There are many question and answer type sites popping up on the Internet. Beware when getting any answers to cat health questions on the Internet.
While even different authoritative sources can have conflicting information, many of the question and answer sites are filled with misinformation, rumor, and innuendo.
Your veterinarian is your best source for health information regarding your cat.
That having been said, for a nominal fee, JustAnswer.com has expert advice and immediate answers to specific questions from trained veterinarians and cat experts.
Click here for more info on how to get an answer using this service.
Books that Address Cat Health Questions
Cat Talk: What Your Cat Is Trying to Tell You by Carole C. Wilbourn. This book focuses a lot on cat behavior, but gets into the connection between emotional problems in cats and cat illnesses.
The Encyclopedia of the Cat contains information on cat health, first aid, parasites, and home nursing kittens.
Now, let's tap into the collective wisdom of our readers below...
Ask Your Cat Health Questions
Cat health questions submitted by Cat Lovers Only readers are below. Feel free to submit your own using the form provided.
What's Your Most Important Cat Health Question? (Ex... What's the Best Flea Treatment You've Used?)
Do you have a nagging question on cat health that you want the Cat Lovers Only readers to answer? Do you have an answer to a question you once had that you feel would help other cat owners? Share it!
You can ask a question or post an answer along with your question. Remember that everyone's situation is unique. Please include a background story so that readers can understand the context of the question and provide a better answer for you (or better understand your answer).
This will better help us all to learn about cat health.
Questions and Answers from Other Visitors
Click below to see contributions from other visitors to this page...
What can I do to get a cat with runny eyes and nose to eat? 
She is drinking water, but I cannot seem to tempt her into eating anything. I know refusing to eat can rapidly turn into a crisis situation. Should I try …
Cat with infection on skin following vaccination
I had my cat vaccinated for rabies and 4 in 1 the last 2 years. After the vaccination, a spot suddenly appeared in my cats stomach near the leg area where …
What is this sound my cat is making?
I adopted a stray cat, she's been living with me a few weeks now and when she eats, cleans herself or holds a toy with her teeth she makes a strange noise. …
My kitten has a bloody butthole and runny stool, what can I do?
I took him to the vet two weeks ago due to this issue as well as bad constipation. I brought up that I thought it was minor rectal prolapse. She disagreed …
My cat keeps meowing and hiding
My cat (British Shorthair, Adult) has been doing this weird thing lately where he will meow a lot with a fluffy toy or his mouse toy in his mouth. He keeps …
My cat has a scratch with green puss
My cat has a scratch with a soft ball and green puss coming out of it. Have had this cat for about 2 and a half weeks. Comes inside and outside. We live …
My cat has not been eating. Is he constipated?
My cat has been sleeping for 3-4 days and not eating. He's an outside/inside cat. Is he constipated?
We've had this cat about 5 years (Stinky). He came …
What causes an extreme itch to my cat's ear?
My 10 year old cat started scratching her ear yesterday so hard it started to bleed. Now, today I noticed the inside of her ear is all puffy and swollen …
My cat is limping a month after healing from a leg wound
My cat was in (what I assume to be) a fight with another cat. I heard screeching outside from 2 cats and my cat came rushing in with a very bloody wound, …
My cat is breathing very heavily. Is it serious or not?
My cat went out 2 days ago and came home with a little bruise under his right eye. So he had fought another cat. But then he started breathing very heavily …
How to treat a cat uti without a vet visit?
Kitty has a very clear uti -- is there anything I can do to help her without a vet visit?
Can I give my constipated cat some of my lactulose?
My cat is constipated. Can I give him some of my lactulose?
Why would my cat vomit and have his eyes roll back in his head?
Just right now. He is 5-6 years old a black Siamese cat. However, would like to mention 2 or 3 am this am I also woke up with a bad bad bad headache and …
How to know if your cat is rabid?
How to know if your cat is rabid? Is the cat only infected once symptoms appear?
My cat had to be put down and we are awaiting to see if she had rabies. …
Incision area hot to the touch?
I have a 10 months old cat, she got spayed surgery 2 days ago. The incision looks normal but very hot when I touch it. The cat body temperature is normal, …
Why is my cat coughing?
A few minutes ago my cat and I played a little chasing game. Then suddenly she started coughing so hard. Even though I got worried I did my best to calm …
What can I do to improve my cat's health?
My cat has gone from being lively to moping around, eyes a little squinty, throwing up more often, and generally looking like he doesn’t feel good. I took …
My cat looked dead
My cat last night was lifeless and his eyes rolled to the back of his head. His body was limp. Shallow heartbeat. He looked like he was dead.
This morning …
Why are my cat's eyes fixed an dilated?
My cat is a 17-year-old Maine Coon male. Due to his age, I realize these things happen such as hearing loss and eyesight failure. But his eyes are fixed …
Catching a cat who has diarrhea
A cat I am fosteing has giardias and I need to clean her after every bm. She has learned to hide from me after using the litter box and is even wary of …
Cat cannot tell that its stomach is full?
Is there a condition where a cat cannot tell that its stomach is full? My six-year-old cat has always been a good eater but currently, he just won't or …
Cat fell and was in shock, what should I do?
My cat fell and was in shock, what should I do? I was asleep and my cat was asleep on top of my gecko viv next to me. I heard her be noisy and then she …
How serious is a grade 3 parasternal heart murmur in kittens?
My family adopted a 3-month-old Turkish Angora with a heart murmur. The shelter said they usually go away as they get older; they had been monitoring it …
18 year old cat is lethargic and does not want food
My cat is 18 years old and very lethargic. It does not want food, and waste is runny and black.
The cat had no symptoms of any illness until around 2 …
What are the raised black spots on my cat?
Both cats have fleas and I am treating them and the areas where they go. But my female cat has these raised black spots on her neck and head. I can scrape …
What are the raised black spots on my cat?
Both cats have fleas and I am treating them and the areas where they go, but my female cat has these raised black spots on her neck and head. I can scrape …
Clear fluid after vaccine?
My cute little one had to be sedated to get his rabies and distemper vaccine. When we got home I laid him on the bed to rest. When he got up a few hours …
Why is my cat licking odd surfaces?
Why is my cat licking odd surfaces such as the fireplace brick? Of late, my cat is lethargic and not playing. She seems to be missing something in her …
Can a cat die days after being yelled at?
I was just getting home late at night and my two-year-old cat loved jumping in the car and walking around. We hung out for a few minutes and then I wanted …
Cat anal gland expression?
My cat has recently been excessively licking her rectum, and sometimes poop would leak out of it and onto my sheets. She's also been really gassy lately …
Is it okay if my Siamese-calico mix cat is 13 lbs?
Is it okay if my Siamese-calico mix cat (who was pregnant about 3 years ago but got fixed a few months after the single kitten was born) is 13 lbs? She …
Can my 3-month-old drink cat milk?
My kitten is 3 months and I’m not sure If he can drink cat milk or just kitten milk. Can my 3-month-old drink cat milk or does he specifically have to …
Flea and tick prevention monthly?
My new cat was given Revolution for flea prevention a month before I adopted her, but the shelter form says that she needs it again in a month. Why would …
How long can a kitten go without oxygen before brain damage sets in?
If a kitten goes 10 minutes without oxygen, will it end up with brain damage? I live on a farm and my cat had kittens today. One was dead, not moving, …
My cat still gets fleas after treatment with frontline
My cat still gets fleas after treatment with frontline. What should I do?
We have been treating our cat regularly with frontline and until recently …
My cat has been hacking and gagging
My cat has been hacking and gagging like she is ready to throw up, but when she does throw up it's like yellow foam. There are no other problems with her. …
Former feral cat has watery stools
Former feral cat Rowdy has watery stools. Why and how can I cure this? A vet visit didn't help.
My 2 month old (recently adopted) kitten has a black lump behind its paw
My 2 month old (recently adopted) has a black lump behind its paw. Need to know, is it dangerous?
One of my 2 cats popped my kid's "water wiggler" toy. Could it be a problem?
One of my 2 cats popped my daughter's "water wiggler" fidget toy. It's a soft plastic tube filled with colored liquid and glitter. We found the toy, popped …
Re-adopting my cat
My cat has lived with my friend since last August. When I visit, he usually hides but sometimes he will come out and be friendly: lets me pet him, rolls …
What is wrong and what should I do?
My cat vomited red this morning, but not bright red. After that, he vomited 8 more times the color yellow. It's a boy, it is three years old and its breed …
How to get kitten to drink water?
Recently my mom took in her friend's kitten, not even sure how old. Her friend went to the hospital and we are keeping the kitten as we're sure he's going …
How often can a cat be bathed?
My cat is elderly and has started to urinate in his bed while he sleeps. I put a puppy piddle pad down and change it as soon as I see a wet spot under …
Do vaccinations cure feline upper respiratory infections?
I recently rescued a kitten and she seems to have an upper respiratory infection. I would like to know if she will need to go on antibiotics or if getting …
Cat gave birth but still pregnant
Is it normal for my cat to give birth to a kitten one day and then it be two days later and she still hasn't given birth to any more but she's still pregnant? …
My cat drags her but on carpet. Is this a sign of worms?
My cat drags her butt on the carpet. Is this a case of worms? The cat is about 2 years old and just showed up at our door on Christmas. Black and white, …
Does growing nipples mean my cat is pregnant?
My cat had gotten out a little while back for around three days. I couldn't find her and a few weeks after she returned, I noticed her nipples dilating. …
Why does my cat love to chew on zip lock plastic bags?
I have a rascal of a cat. Kirby is my Tuxedo cat. He loves to open my bottom kitchen doors where I keep Clorox and fuel. I finally moved the zip lock bags …
My male cat licks his belly raw, why?
Angus is 8 years old. We rescued him when he was a kitten along with his sister. At least 4 years ago he started licking his belly until it became red …
My cat is fine he just won't wake up
He is sleeping but he won't wake up. Should I let him sleep?
My cat's eating habits?
I have a 6-year-old Maine Coon who is otherwise healthy, with no vomiting or diarrhea. I feed her small amounts of food every two hours while I'm awake …
Is my cat sick or just getting old?
My boy oreo is about 10 years old, but he’s doing great for his age. You would never know he's that old. I’ve noticed he’s stopped eating within the past …
What could this scab-like patch be on our cat's nose?
We just adopted our sweet cat a few weeks ago. When we met her, she had a dry raised patch on her nose that looked almost like an old scab or scar.
…
Is my cat's tail infected?
We got Loki as a kitten 3 or 4 years ago along with his brother, Roman, who died two and a half years after we got him. Loki went out for a walk one night …
Male cat has circular bald patch on belly area - please help!
I have a two-year-old indoor male cat (desexed). I noticed this bald patch in the belly area today and not too sure what it is. He is not in pain and the …
Does this surgical site from a spayed cat look normal?
I just had my 8-month-old Bengal cat spayed yesterday, and I noticed her site looks like it's folded over or protruding a little bit. Looking at other …
My female cat is skinny and wants food all the time?
I have 3 cats, 2 males, and 1 female. I feed them all the same amount, but my female is so skinny and her coat looks bad. I tried giving her more food, …
To spay or not to spay pregnant cat?
I found this cat, she's maybe barely a year old or so and shes always had these really bad legs. She was born with a leg defect or something in her back …
Is something wrong with my cat?
I've had lots of cats and never had one lay like this. He lays with his legs tucked under him and then stretches his neck out flat on the ground. Does …
Can kittens or cats be allergic to themselves?
My brother claims he took his cat to the vet and they said the cat is allergic to itself. Is that possible?
Post vet visit lethargic kitten
We have 3 British Shorthair cats- one, George, who is a 5-month-old kitten. George went to the vet a week ago for his rabies vaccine and to get some blood …
What are these white balls? Should I be worried?
He has recently started to go outside a few times during the day. I give him a bath once every 2 weeks. I'm just starting to see these. Is it because of …
Is it normal for my cat to give birth to 6 kittens for her first litter?
I had plenty of cats my entire life and this is the first time I've seen this.
Why does my aging cat meow loudly?
My older cat who never meowed now will yowl 5-6 times at all hours. What is she trying to tell us?
How can I see a skin problem beneath the long hair of my kitty cat?
About 4 or 5 years ago, my indoor/outdoor longhair cat was outside (as she loves to be in the Summer & Autumn hot months), when I heard a cat make a loud …
Should I start giving my kitten lactose free milk or completely stop the milk?
My kitten is 8 weeks old. He drinks a very small amount of KMR milk every night before bed. I have had him for three days now. He does eat solid food both …
My cat has black on both sides of his mouth?
My cat has black on both sides of his mouth. This started 2-3 weeks ago and is getting worse. What causes this and what can I do about it?
Switch kitten from wet food to KMR?
I have two kittens, Luna, 2 months old and Ivy, 40 days old. They both eat wet kitten food. Luna is playful, while Ivy I feel she is weak. She trips when …
Why is my cat bleeding?
My cat is an outdoor cat but today she came home and looked like she was trying to pee on the floor. When I looked, it was a spot of blood. I have put …
What is this hard growth on cat’s paw pad?
I noticed my cat had a hard growth on both back paws. The cat only had mild irritation when I touched them and one looks scab-like. Half was peeling off …
New mother cat hasn’t stopped meowing the past few days?
My cat, who is a new mother as of a month ago, hasn’t stopped meowing the past few days?
Her name is Sassy and her kittens are 5 weeks old. Around a week …
What are these lumps on my kitten's neck?
Can anybody tell me what these lumps on my kitten's neck mean? I found a box with two kittens (a boy and a girl) left in it with half a small bag of adult …
Why is my cat losing weight especially in hindquarters?
My 13-year-old cat suddenly started losing weight, but really bad in the hindquarters. More friendly than ever, eating better than ever and still poops …
My 1 year old cat leaves a little poop ball?
Why does my one-year-old cat leave a little poop ball some times when he gets up or down?
When can I expect my cat to have her kittens?
My cat is very large! I feel like it could be any day now but I could be wrong. She started nesting behavior 3 days ago. I have been feeling the kittens …
Uneven pupils and otitis?
Hello, cat lovers. :) First of all, thank you for reading my post! It's about Maria, my lovely 14-year-old cat. Second, I'm sorry for any English mistakes. …
My cats are coughing
My cats recently have been coughing and vomiting water and saliva. It's already been one week. Recently we moved to a new house. Unfortunately, sunlight …
Cat staying in bed a lot
After two years I finally got her to use her bed and now she's been in it for three days straight and she is worrying me. Not actually, but she only leaves …
Why was my cat staring and drooling?
Why was my cat staring at the bedroom door, drooling this morning? She has never done anything like this before. She always wakes up with me when my alarm …
Low weight after male cat's urinary blockage?
My male cat had a urinary blockage last October. My Vet tested him for everything and checks him 2 to 3 times per month (he still cannot urinate like a …
Cat being sick after dewormer?
I gave my kitten (he's nearly one year old) a dewormer granule with his food two days ago. Today he was unwell and he vomited all his undigested food which …
Cat vomiting every two hours?
Yesterday my cat was vomiting every two hours or so. If she ate or drank she would throw up. She wasn't lethargic and was playing like normal.
I took …
My cat changed her eating habits
For a while now my cat has been eating, but not finishing her food which is really weird for my cat to do. She always wakes me up at three every morning …
Rescued kitten cannot control when she pees or poops
I have a rescued kitten with nerve damage. She is not able to control when she pees or poops. What should I do?
About two months ago, I stopped to get …
Is it safe to spay my cat if she has a fungus?
My cat started losing hair in the back of her right ear with redness in that area and a little bit of itchiness. That happened just after she went into …
What's going on with my cats nose?
My kitten is about seven months old, and constantly has black/dark brown discharge coming out of his nose. I rescued him, and when I found him he had a …
Why is my cat not sitting down all of a sudden?
I have a 7-year-old boy who was fine this morning. Sometime around midday after he had been let outside, he came back in and was acting strange and meowing …
How do I treat my cat with scabs on her head?
My cat has scabs all over her neck and head from scratching because of fleas. I've treated her for the fleas but she still continues to scratch.
I've …
My cat has moved only two of her kittens
My cat had kittens four days ago. She has moved two under my bed and is feeding them. Then she goes back to the other four kittens and feeds them. Why …
How to check my cat’s incision after spaying?
Our cat, Masha was spayed this Monday morning. She is fine and doing well. I want to check her wound, but I don’t know how to approach her as she is not …
What can a vet do for this feral kitten's legs?
I found a feral kitten four weeks ago and it was in critical condition. The hind legs had been cut off, and his front right paw had nerve damage. He was …
Why are there big lumps on my cat's neck?
Two days ago, I realized that my cat has big lumps on her neck. When I touch them, her reaction shows the lumps do not hurt. I just want to know, are the …
5 month old kitten is constantly hungry and begging for food?
Is it normal for a five month old kitten to be constantly hungry, begging for food (even after he just ate) and opening cabinets, climbing in the fridge …
What is this small hole on my cat's back?
I was petting my cat when I noticed this small hole on her back. I'm very worried. What could this be? Can I cure her with antibiotics? I cleaned the area …
Cat has continuously dilated pupils
My kitten was found feral at what we assume was 8 weeks. I have never, not once, even with shining a flash light in her eyes, seen her pupils "slit." Her …
How did my 6 month old kitten die?
My kitten's name was Kitkat. He was a very energetic and playful lovely kitten. He loved going outside, but our backyard has a lot of plants and trees. …
Worried about kitty's eye
I have a 5-month-old kitten and yesterday I noticed her left eye looked different. I didn’t have any other cats before her so I don’t have much experience, …
Feral kittens meowing a lot?
My mostly feral cat has already had one batch of kittens. We did not know of their existence until they were at least five weeks old.
We found them …
1 kitten abandoned out of 5 by mother cat
A cat kept five kittens in a shed just outside our home in a corner. I only realized this when they were crying.
I used to offer the mother cat milk. …
Why is my cat's fur so matted?
I have a 15 year old male tabby. He has always been healthy, but lately his fur on his lower back has matted into several clumps. I wonder if he's having …
Is my new white Persian cat deaf?
I adopted a Persian cat yesterday. He is a 2 year old male named Bello. Whenever I call him, he doesn't respond. He doesn't even look.
When I pick him …
Why is my cat's mouth hanging open?
I adopted my Sally Mae five to six years ago. She rescued me! I love her so much! She has asthma and I use an inhaler on her per the vet. Lately though, …
Why is my cat scooting and streaking blood after defecating?
Our 3-year-old male, non-pedigree cat has a problem which is driving us crackers. Every time he defecates, he scoots along the carpet leaving streaks of …
After fight, cat seems scared to come into the house
My cat got into a fight about two weeks ago on the deck. Now he seems scared to come in the house.
Normally, he stays in the house, uses the litter …
Matriarch cat has 3 teeth left, vomits regularly
Matriarch Humphries was born August 1, 2005 on a farm some 15 miles away. We got her as a kitten. In spring, 2007, she tried to wake up my wife to give …
My cat is losing weight and won't eat
I have a 10 year old tabby, Alex, who is my best friend. He is continuously losing weight. He's been under a vet's care for over 2 years.
Three years …
What would cause a cat to throw up a large volume of blood?
What would cause a cat to throw up so much blood that he needs a transfusion? My friend has seven cats from same litter. They are now ten years old.
…
Can adult cats become sick if they eat kitten food?
Almost two months ago, we got a new kitten and for the first while, since she was adjusting, she stayed in my bedroom at all times. After the first few …
Male cat won't mate with female anymore
They've mated a couple times, but now he won't go near her, although she is in heat. It's been a day or so. He was all over her, but now he has no interest. …
How to take care of month old kitten?
I have a kitten that is almost a month old. The mommy stopped nursing. He is skinny, mouth is pale, and has fleas. I've washed him. I'm now hand feeding …
Information about Siamese eye problems?
Does anyone have knowledge about Siamese eye problems? Nancy June came into our life last August. She is 1/4 Siamese, but looks 100%. She is wonderful, …
Why is my male kitten meowing like a female?
A few days ago, my male kitten (5 months old) fought with a male adult who entered my house by opening the window while I was away. When I got home he …
What to feed kittens?
A street cat had gave birth to two male kittens in my house on May 22, 2018. They are recently hiding under the stairs.
The mother cat pays them a regular …
Flea medicine makes my cat cry in pain
I put flea medicine on my cat and he cried like it was hurting him. I cleaned it off. I have tried many different brands and all seem to bother him. …
Why does my cat's head and nose look swollen?
Why does my cat's head and nose look swollen? He also has back pain. I took my cat out three days ago. When we came back that night he had small red dots …
Is baby okay?
My newborn kitten was born last Monday. Her mom loves bringing her around, typically on my bed. Well, today I was sitting on the bed and mama brings me …
Am I overfeeding my cat?
I have a 9-month-old neutered male cat that I picked up off the streets. Currently, he looks like his head is really small compared to his body, and the …
Are my cat's ribs normal?
I have a month old kitten. The last couple ribs on both sides seem to be pointed downwards. When picking the kitten up, you can feel the ribs sort of come …
Cat has runny eyes
What does it mean when a cat has runny eyes and how can I cure it at home?
How to treat wound from scratching?
My cat cries a lot, and he always has black crust in his inner eyes. As I was cleaning his inner eyes I noticed there being very little hair there. Also …
Male cat gone for two days acting strangely
My boy cat, who will be 1-year-old in July, got outside for two days. He came back, and now he is acting strangely. He doesn't want to be picked up and …
Is Science Diet a good cat food brand?
Our vet recommended Science Diet and we use it along with wet food. Is this a good product? We have a Siamese who is fairly picky.
Need advice about badly injured feral I feed
Let me start by saying, I love cats and will always lend aid, food, cuddles, etc. when I can. I have a feral I've fed for about one-and-a-half years now. …
How to help kitty with hair clumps?
My kitty has recently developed hair clumps. She won't let me brush her because they hurt her. Kayleigh is an 8 year old long hair kitty and otherwise …
Can I treat my cat's ear mites myself?
I am pretty sure my cat has ear mites but my vet did not treat them. Can I treat the cat myself without spending hundreds more?
About a week ago, I …
Cat mothering things after emergency spay
My Persian cat had an emergency spay done last week, when the vet found the calcifying remains of ONE embryo!
Ever since her emergency spay surgery, …
White things in kitten's mouth?
There is this cat in my neighborhood. I feed her and she usually sleeps in my front yard. I never thought of adopting her, though, because I am not very …
Flecks reflected in cat's pupils?
To try to make a rather long story short, straight to the question: I took a picture of her and happened to notice flecks being reflected in her eyes. …
Red cord in cat's stool?
I found something very weird in my cat's litter box this afternoon. It weirded me out so much that I flushed it away immediately, but I'm regretting it …
Cat has red scab on neck after injection
I took my cat to the vet about a week-and-a-half ago, and she got her rabies shot. A few days later she went into heat. A few days after she went into …
Cat milk is making my kitten sick
For the past few weeks, my 5 month old kitten has been having one small bowl of milk a day. I've been using the Wilko own brand cat milk (it's cheap and …
Is it normal after shots to be lethargic?
My cat got a feline 4-in-1 booster this morning and hasn’t moved all day. The vet said she may be sleepy all day, but when I picked her up she cried like …
Cat throwing up smelly bile and not eating
My cat was throwing up smelly bile for about 48 hours and was not eating. He seemed like he was thirsty, but was very lethargic. Then he had a seizure …
Cat with glassy eye and blood vessels
Help! My cat has been going through a series of eye issues. Glassy eye, blood vessels forming. He doesn't seem to be in pain, and is eating well.
We …
My young cat has thick, dark, stools
My young cat is pooping ONLY thick, dark, kinda clotty blood. She wouldn't eat for 3 days and drank little water (thankfully). I finally got her to eat …
Will my cat be too stressed by car ride and shots?!
I just adopted the best little kitty (Pawter) this past Saturday! He was born on Nov 14th and is the sweetest. I need to get him vaccinated!
If I go …
Drooling cat has tongue sticking out
My cat has her tongue sticking out of her mouth with a mucus drool dripping out of her mouth. She just started this, and still acts fine other than this. …
Male cat leaving wet spots?
I have an almost five month old male cat who is not yet (soon to be) neutered. He's a sweetheart. I have been finding small wet patches on the couch and …
7 month old kitten acting lethargic, weird meows
My kitten of seven months keeps bragging herself on the floor and isn't being as playful. She usually plays with the puppy and today she has just lays …
What should I feed my cat?
I have had Foxy for at least five months, and since she has been with me, she has had five kittens. I got her from a neighbor of mine. She doesn't have …
Kitten has black mucus coming out of its nose
I adopted a kitten at 8 weeks old and it has black mucus coming out of its nose since I got him. This kitty (male) was abandoned when I got him.
The …
Can a steroid shot kill my cat?
My 17 year old cat was diagnosed with chronic bronchitis 6 weeks ago. They started her on Prednisone every other day. There was some improvement in her …
Cat suddenly afraid
Went to bed last night, cat did his thing and came up on to the bed and made it his own as usual.
Approximately 1 hour after getting up and out of bed …
How can I make my older cat more comfortable?
I have three cats currently. I started with two (brothers that I got at the same time) and have had these two (Thor and Loki) for almost 5 years.
We …
My cat Tornato is sick and I think it is her heart?
My name is Lora Farnham and we (2 for me and 2 for each of my daughters) have kept a litter of kittens (6 - 2 male and 4 female).
They all got left …
My cat's left pupil is enlarged?
My cat's left eye (pupil) is so enlarged I can't see the color of her eye. What could be the problem?
My female cat is 13 years old, and is fairly …
Cat is thirsty, not able to jump as high
Adopted 3 year old Egyption Mau. Doesn't like other cats and usually hides if she doesn't know a person.
Impossible to get her in a cat carrier. She …
Cat purring sounds like snoring
My indoor cat is eating, grooming, and drinking as normal, but he has been losing a lot of fur. He is a longhaired cat.
The problem is when he purrs, …
My kitty is getting a bald chin. Why?
Missy is 14 year old Manx. She has hyperthyroidism and has been on Monmethimazole, 10 mg for 3 years.
Thanx for any help! Ann
My male cat started vomiting this morning, why?
Cody is approximately 6 years old and is an indoor cat. He's always eaten in the morning, but this morning he ate and threw it up.
I waited a few hours …
Cat with unique intestinal issues
We're looking for information on cats with intestinal issues such as IBS, Ulcerative Enteritis, Crohn's, and similar issues!
Our Toby has multiple Gastrointestinal …
Why is my 17 year old cat behaving strangely?
This is Minina, my beautiful cat. She is going to be 18 years old in August. Lately, she has been doing odd things, like lying on the litter. She screams …
My kitty has an ongoing tummy rash
Hi kitty lovers. My 12-yr-old Precious has had a bad rash for a few months now on her lower belly. She has had 4 steroid shots from the vet.
Does anyone …
My cat's paws shake or tremor a few seconds
My cat is 12 years old, and I notice that when she is lying down, her back paws sometimes shake. Now today I notice her front paw doing it. She has been …
My female cat has poop stuck to her butt and is in pain
She leaked on the sheets one night. Then seemed fine. Now her back end is sensitive and smelly from leakage.
She must have problems evacuating because …
Why is my cat urinating blood?
She had one lump in her stomach then two then three then four, etc. She is urinating blood and does not seem to be defecating.
EDITOR'S NOTE: PLEASE …
My cat can't produce solid stool
I need some feedback to help my 15 year old Coon, Tupper. He is an otherwise healthy animal, but has for a long time not been able to produce solid stool. …
What does it mean when your cat won't eat or drink?
What does it mean when your cat won't eat or drink? He's walking really slow and discharges from the mouth.
My cat's an outside cat and now he refuses …
How long can a cat with bladder problems go safely without water?
Our cat has urinary tract problems and has just come home from 5 days at vets. How long is it safe for him to go without much water before the problem …
My cat is walking very slowly and low to the ground
What might be wrong? My cat is walking very slowly and low to the ground.
My 5 year old cat began sitting hunched, and walking very slowly and crouched …
Can a heart problem in my cat be made worse by giving steroids?
Can an undetected heart problem in my cat be made worse by giving steroids?
Symptoms: lethargy and loss of appetite.
Editor's note: If your cat …
My cat Pixie is OCD about cleaning herself
My cat Pixie is OCD about cleaning herself. It's to the point of pulling her hair out. How do I stop her?
My cat Pixie is 3 yrs old. She's always been …
Tail dragging on the floor and difficulty jumping?
My cat's tail is dragging on the floor and she is finding it difficult to jump. She is 7 years old and eating and drinking as normal.
Editor's note: …
Does clubfoot cause health problems?
My cat I just recently took in has what is called "clubfoot" - what is usually needed to be done for treatment, and does it cause health problems?
Penny …
Help for an abandoned grey-blue dwarf kitten
Help for an abandoned grey-blue dwarf kitten... seeking best doable suggestions...
This is my very first blogged question ever... so please be gentle …
10 year old male cat losing weight. Why?
My male cat of about 10 years has just recently been losing weight. What could be the problem?
We got our brother and sister cats when they were 8weeks …
Do female cats go through menopause as do women?
My 12 year old female cat has lost weight, but she needed to, and she has never had kittens, nor been spayed. She tends to be a bit annoying when she comes …
Is it possible for neutered male to impregnate female cat?
I had a male feral type cat I befriended about a year ago. I had his shots and neutering done in March, and put him with an unspayed female.
She just …
Kitten stopped breathing while being neutered...help!
My kitten Eugene just got taken in to be neutered and stopped breathing while under. My question is this... will he have damage from this... and how common …
Cooking rhubarb causes my cats to go into a catnip-like frenzy!
It took me a while to figure out what was causing my kitties to go into a catnip-like rolling around fun state for seemingly no reason, and then I finally …
My cat is not eating or drinking!
Hi, I think I might have a serious problem on hands, my 6 year old cat (Hans) stopped eating 2 days ago after being sick all over the place.
He has …
Stop cat from vomiting (cancer of the stomach)?
I have a cat that was just diagnosed with a mass in his stomach. We had gone for months with him throwing up constantly but then his weight changed significantly …
Cat coughing plus weight loss
Hi, my cat has been losing significant weight. We've had him to the vet twice in the past week and plan to call again in morning, hoping he makes it through …
Cat has scabs on skin?
I have 3 cats. When we got the last one, she brought fleas with her. We treated them, but now my male cat has these awful scabs on his upper back/neck …
How do you know your cat has a hairball?
I have 2 cats (Patty and Pickle). Patty has long hair and used to cough up what I called a rope of hair but only occasionally-now she throws up/coughs …
Male cat licking his nipples
My male cat is licking his own nipples. Now his nipples are red and irritated. Is there something that is causing this behavior?
He does not appear …
My cat is panting and not drinking her water
My cat is panting and not drinking her water what can possibly be wrong? Georgie is a 15 year old tortie. She recently has stopped drinking her water. …
Phantom pains in amputee?
Last September I rescued (from the parking lot of a busy grocery store on a 4 lane hwy) a precious 2 month old little girl who had to have her right rear …
Cat doesn't like healthy food
My cat has a thyroid condition and is on medication for it. Prior to the meds, he would eat and vomit at least 5 times a week. Once he went on the meds, …
PetzLife Or PlaqueOff For Cat's Teeth
My poor 7-year-old Tortie has horrible breath. Every year when I take her to the vet for her checkup and shots, he breaks tarter off of her teeth. Within …
What can be given to a cat for a urinary tract infection?
Six year old male cat that has been fixed. All of a sudden he is growling at me and not using his litter box both which is very out of character for him. …
Problem with male cat not eating
I have a problem with my 4 1/2 year old male cat not eating, need help. My cat would never eat any kind of canned food, but now he won't even eat his dry …
Has anyone come across these symptoms in a cat?
Has anyone come across these symptoms in a cat and can they cause other cats to get the same thing? This old cat hangs around my house outside for a free …
Eosinophilic Granuloma Complex
What is eosinophilic granuloma complex? I'm building a resource page on this disease as it affects cats, and need your help. If you have any experience …
My cat screams when she stands and tries to move
My cat screams when she stands and tries to move. Could it be a urinary problem or a nerve problem? Any other problem?
My cat is a 12 year old Calico …
Gingivitis in cats
What are the available treatments for gingivitis in cats when sedation for dental cleaning is not an option? Cats with heart conditions, for example, shouldn't …
Cat showing "third eye" and coughing and breathing wierd, could this be an allergic reaction?
My cat is showing his "third eye" and was coughing and breathing weird yesterday. I used arm and hammer carpet powder with oxi-clean, could this be an …
Cheesecake several times daily, as a cat treat?
My 14-year-old cat, Nellie, loves cheesecake (NY style, without the crust). Is it all right to give her a very small amount of cheesecake several times …
Would a young feline mother be whining if I took her away from kittens?
Stray found me this morning. She has protruding nips and a fat belly. I want to find her a home but afraid of leaving kittens. My cats are spayed. Would …
I noticed a worm like thing wiggling out of my kitten's anus...
I just adopted a 4 month old kitten. I noticed this white little thing wiggling out of her butt. I'm really concerned because I'm wondering if it's contagious? …
Older cat meowing incessantly & losing weight
I have an 18 year old cat that has always been full of life & extremely healthy. She is still extremely vibrant & active, but is losing weight, has started …
Cat Worm Medicine: Is it OK to give my cat more worm medicine?
I recently wormed my cat and didn't realize the medicine had expired and he still seems to have worms. Is it OK to give him more medicine even though it's …
Why my cat will not drink or eat and is very weak?
Three days ago I started her on a different cat food, she ate it no problem. Two days ago I found her eating thread from a spool. I pulled a long piece …
Cat has cuts and flies have laid eggs in them?
My cat has two huge cuts by her butt and flies have laid eggs in them. What do I do?
My cat just had kittens when I notice she has a major cut on her …
Are house cats allergic to small lizards?
I have a cat, and live in South Florida. She loves to chase the little lizards that sneak into the house. I am not always home to save the little guys. …
Need help in diagnosing cat symptoms
Need help in diagnosing cat symptoms. My 13-year old female cat had started to lose weight pretty rapidly but is also eliminating outside of the litter …
Cat Lung Parasites
Cat Lung Parasites...anyone familiar with them? My cat was just diagnosed with lung parasites but she has been acting as though she has a kitty cold and …
Can Cats Get Swine Flu?
Can cats get swine flu?
The answer to that is yes. MSNBC reported earlier today on air that it was confirmed that a pet cat was diagnosed with swine …
My Cat's Feline Leukemia Virus Symptoms
What can I do to alleviate my cat's Feline Leukemia virus symptoms and make him more comfortable?
My cat is in the last stages of Feline Leukemia (I …
Sick cat is losing weight
I have a black and white cat that my family got from a friend. We got him at 8 weeks old (from what I know), the cat has never taken good care of himself …
My 13 Year Old Male Cat has Constant Diarrhea
My 13 year old cat has had diarrhea for the past 3 or 4 months -- his food has remained the same -- he drinks a lot of water, has lost about 10 pounds …
Does anyone want to give a cat a good home?
I have been working with a program helping to take care of some of the problems where I live. It is sad but it seems to be a dumping ground for cats no …
My cat vomited foamy white liquid
BB was spayed on Wednesday. My husband was holding her this morning while standing up and she jumped out of his arms. She has since spent a lot of time …
Safe To Sedate Cat With Heart Murmur?
Is it safe to sedate a 15 year old Persian with a heart murmur?
I have a 15 year old female Persian with a heart murmur. She has developed severe matting. …
My cat seems to throw up every time she eats.
My cat seems to throw up every time she eats. I have changed my cat food several times but that doesn't seem to help.
My cat Mouse is about 8 years …
My cat has a tumor what is it from?
My cat Blackie has a lump or tumor on his left side how do I know if it is cancer? He is going to the vet on Wed. but I'm really scared that it could …
How do you prevent cat hair on bed sheets and covers?
I have noticed that the higher the thread count on bedsheets the more difficult it is to remove cat hair during washing. What do you do to cat hair proof …
My Cat Seems to Have a Cold
My cat is approx 2 1/2 years old, and seems to have a cold. He is sneezing and has some whitish gunk in his eyes. He seems fine otherwise, eating, good …
Male cat takes a long time to urinate?
My cat seems to be taking forever when going for a wee. Over the last couple of days I have noticed when my cat is going for a wee that he can be stooping …
What are these scabs all over my cat? Not rated yet
What are these scab/clump like things all over my cat? My family owns one cat and she is about three. Lately, I have started to notice these odd things …
What is a good vet? Not rated yet
A good vet for cats is one that deals only with cats and checks their blood pressure, blood, takes x-rays, etc. This kind of vet knows cats.
My older …
My cat seems to be grinding her teeth? Not rated yet
My cat seems to be grinding her teeth and makes funny little mouth movements. The vet says nothing is wrong and her teeth are very good. She is three years …
Kittens lost interest in food? Not rated yet
My kittens used to always show enthusiasm for food and always run to eat as fast as possible. Now they eat, but are not as interested in the food as they …
How do I know if my cat is in pain? Not rated yet
My 16 year old cat has a large growing tumor next to her nose. It's actually pushing one nostril closed. The vet says it's most likely cancer. She has …
How much dry cat food should I be feeding per day? Not rated yet
My girlfriend's cat eats dry food freely. I am watching the cat while she is away on vacation. How much dry cat food should I be feeding him per day? The …
Why does my cat scratch himself and create sores? Not rated yet
He has sores that ooze blood and he is loosing his hair, but he scratches it so bad he makes them bleed. He leaves hair attached to the scabs all over …
Caging cats to deworm? Not rated yet
I have two cats. Albert is 11 and Isaac is 10, both indoor only cats. Albert gets to the vet regularly. Isaac I got from a shelter at about 6 weeks and …
13 year old cat with thinning coat and skin problem Not rated yet
My 13 year old American Shorthair has a coat that's getting thinner every day. He also has a skin problem with scratching to the point of scabbing under …
What is the test for feline cancer? Not rated yet
My 8-year-old male Siamese was vomiting quite a lot, but was still eating. Blood work at the vet showed he was severely dehydrated. No other major issues. …
Tailless kittens? Not rated yet
For the last few years, I have been working on a cat colony fixing and feeding. Last year in a litter of kittens, two were born tailless. I was able to …
What is the gestation period for a cat? Not rated yet
My cat is only 9 months old. I'm worried she may be too young to have kittens.
Editor's note: It sounds like you're asking two different questions, …
My cat has started tearing up carpet along the baseboard Not rated yet
My cat has started tearing up carpet along the baseboard and chewing on the the loose fibers. She has also lost weight recently and throws up occasionally. …
Excessive scratching until bleeding Not rated yet
My cat has lost some weight, her coat is shaggy looking and she sheds a lot.
She has begun to scratch herself (rear feet as she has been declawed on …
Something is wrong with my kitten Not rated yet
My kitten has something wrong with it. He acts like he can't hold his head up and he throws his head back and opens his mouth every 20 seconds.
Nine …
14 year old male cat's fur starting to clump Not rated yet
My 14 year old short haired male cat's fur is suddenly starting to clump on his back towards his hind legs.
It started with 1 spot spot and now up to …
Cat has a watery eye and warm nose Not rated yet
My cat has a watery eye with gunk coming out of it and a warm nose. Any idea what could be wrong?
Her eye has been like this for several days, really …
Cure for my cannot who cannot poop Not rated yet
Recently, my cat suffered from diarrhea and he was almost close to death. When he recovered from the illness, then he was not able to poop.
My Thoughts: …
Male cat acting like he is hallucinating Not rated yet
My 1 year old male cat seems to be hallucinating. He is skittish, pupils are dilated, seems to be having pain in left hind quarter, walks super gingerly. …
Cat has been sneezing a lot lately Not rated yet
My cat's been sneezing a lot lately and he's also been dry heaving (he seems like he's going to barf, but never does). At first, I just watched him a little …
Sick cat: 13 year old female sleeping not eating Not rated yet
13 year old female cat sleeping all the time and not eating, only ate a bit of ham. Drinking a lot of water, feels cold to the touch and appears to have …
Cat has been losing weight the last few days Not rated yet
My cat has been losing weight the last few days. Does this happen a lot in spring?
My cat is 5 years old, a barn cat that stays INDOORS every night. …
Can you tell me what's wrong with my female cat please? Not rated yet
Hi, I have a female cat called Roxy. She is 2 and a half years old. She's had one lot of kittens and now she has been spayed. She has not been herself …
Cat has lost loads of weight and breathing rapidly? Not rated yet
My cat has lost loads of weight and is breathing rapidly when lying down. Any ideas what it could be?
My cat is about 6 to 7 years old. She has been …
What is wrong with my poor kitty? Not rated yet
My cat is a 12 year old male. The area under his left eye is severely swollen and he has been sneezing.
I just need to know what the problem could be, …
Male cat is vomiting a watery mixture and won't eat? Not rated yet
My cat Charlie is about 4 years old. Just in the last day he has been vomiting a watery substance, and he won't eat. Why is he doing this, and what can …
What are the symptoms of end stage chronic kidney failure in my cat? Not rated yet
We adopted our cat 5 years ago and were told that she was 11, but we think she may have been older. She suffers from arthritis which we treat with pills. …
Can a stray kitten transfer feline leukemia to my cat? Not rated yet
I found a stray kitten that has been in my house for about week and lately my cat has not been eating, drinking, sleeps a lot and gags once in awhile. …
Aloe vera for cat with wound from excessive licking? Not rated yet
I hope that someone out there could give me some advice. I took in a brother and sister. And the sister kitty is an excessive licker.
She now has a …
What does my cat's behavioral change indicate? Not rated yet
My usually sociable female cat has retreated under the bed in the guest room. She will come out but seems distant.
She is drinking water but not eating …
My cat has a lump in her throat Not rated yet
My cat has a lump in her throat and has stopped eating.
Editor's note: That's not much to go on Rachel, but it would be enough for me to take her to …
Does my cat have a cold or something worse? Not rated yet
My 6 year old black and white cat ISA has been sneezing profusely for the past week (yellow mucus comes out) and hissing/growling at me. Then she walks …
My cat is getting weak Not rated yet
My cat is getting weak. What I can do? My cat stopped playing with me. I don't know why. He always sleeps and can't run so fast, can't open his eyes easily. …
Metacam oral solution is NOT FOR USE IN CATS! Not rated yet
My friend and family member, Rocky, has been in emergency care for renal failure for 5 days. Our Veterinarian prescribed Metacam oral solution for pain. …
Cat Had Feline Sarcoma Not rated yet
Should I have had surgery or not? Cat had to be put down 7 months later.
Cat had tumors, they got badly infected towards the end. Cat was eating fine …
More Cat Health Questions
My cat has lost muscle mass in her back
Theresa needs advice concerning her 13 year old cat. She previously had a bad experience with a vet, and she's very nervous about what the vet might say and what the outcome is going to be.
Should I buy cat health insurance for my three cats?
Opinions wanted: Carmella, is considering purchasing a cat health insurance policy for her three cats, at $20 per month per cat. Do you think this is a good investment?
What's the best way to care for a cat with a broken leg?
Brenda wants to know how to best care for her cat with a broken leg (for the second time).
Related Topics
More than 70 cat illness signs and symptoms
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Lululemon from Wilmington
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Milo from England
Milo died by a car, 2 years after his sister died in the same place.
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