Your New Cat or Kitten’s Behavior

Cats and kittens may not speak, but they can communicate just as effectively through their behavior and body language as any human can. Learning to observe and understand your cat’s behavior allows you to detect health issues, meet all of their needs, and develop a strong, lifelong bond with your new feline family member. Getting […]

Liver Disease in Cats

Detailed anatomical illustration of a domestic cat highlighting the liver for liver disease understanding.

Liver disease in cats Since the liver has such important functions in the body, the development of liver disease in cats may result in serious health consequences. Liver disease in cats occurs when the liver is damaged, hindering normal function. It can be acute (sudden onset) or chronic (slow and progressive). The liver is responsible […]

Heartworm Prevention for Cats

A veterinarian gently examines a tabby cat for heartworm prevention in a clinical setting.

Heartworm infection occurs when a mosquito carrying infective heartworm larvae bites into a cat for a blood meal. It is crucial to give your cat heartworm prevention medication every month to prevent the spread of the disease if such a mosquito bite occurs, because heartworm infection is fatal for cats. Currently there is no approved […]

Separation Anxiety in Cats

The warm, inviting hues emphasize the cat's fur and the comfortable home environment, highlighting the cat's expressive posture and anticipatory meow.

What is separation anxiety? When your dog or cat has separation anxiety your pet becomes anxious because he or she is away from you. Pets exhibit separation anxiety with both physical and psychological problems. Many social animals—birds, horses, whales, monkeys—experience separation anxiety because they are genetically programmed to live within a social structure strengthened by […]

Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Cats

What is inflammatory bowel disease in dogs and cats? Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a complex syndrome seen in dogs and cats where there is inflammation in the lining of the digestive tract leading to chronic gastrointestinal symptoms. Key facts about inflammatory bowel disease in dogs and cats Inflammatory bowel disease is one of the […]

Cushing’s Disease Treatment for Cats

A healthy cat eating premium high-protein cat food with modern cat care supplies in a bright, clean interior.

Treatment options for pets with Cushing’s disease If Cushing’s disease is caused by steroid-containing medications, the medications are gradually withdrawn. If the pet’s pituitary (brain) is sending the wrong signals to the adrenal glands or if the adrenals are spontaneously releasing too much cortisol, mitotane (Lysodren), l-deprenyl (Anipryl), trilostane (Vetoryl) or Ketoconazole can be prescribed. […]

Feline Leukemia in Cats

Compassionate female veterinarian examining fluffy white kitten for feline leukemia in a clinical setting.

Leukemia means white blood cells (leukocytes) within the blood (emia). With the feline leukemia virus (FeLV) the number of white blood cells is drastically abnormal—either higher or lower than normal. This leads to tumors and overwhelming infections.Leukemia in cats is a contagious disease that causes two potentially fatal problems in cats: Immune system failure, and/or […]

Weight Loss Treatment for Cats

Veterinarian examining a tabby cat for weight loss treatment.

Treating sudden weight loss in pets The appropriate treatment for your pet’s rapid weight loss will depend on what is causing his or her weight loss. Once the cause of the weight loss has been determined, the proper care can be implemented. Following are several treatment options for your pet’s unusual or sudden weight loss: […]

Feline Asthma

A tabby cat sits in front of a fireplace on a carpet

What is feline asthma? Asthma in cats is best defined as chronic allergic bronchial airway disease. The inflammation of the airways and lungs is a slowly progressive disease, which while difficult to cure, can be successfully controlled with medications. Key facts about feline asthma Asthma is one of the most common causes of chronic coughing […]

Feeding Your New Cat or Kitten

What should you feed your cat, and when? Some cats are foodies, while other felines are more finicky. The right cat food will appeal to your cat’s palate and support their overall health and well-being. Sticking to a meal schedule every day will help regulate your cat’s digestion and ensure they take in all of […]

Training and Behavior Basics for Cats and Kittens

curious orang kitten exploring a scratching post

Cats and kittens may not speak, but they can communicate just as effectively through their behavior and body language as any human can. Learning to observe and understand your cat’s behavior allows you to detect health issues, meet all of their needs, and develop a strong, lifelong bond with your new feline family member. Bonding […]

Poisonous Plants for Cats

A curious tabby cat investigating vibrant cat grass on a sunlit windowsill, highlighting poisonous plants for cats.

Plants Can Be Harmful to Your Pet. Chewing grass and green vegetation is normal for pets, but chewing the wrong vegetation can be fatal. About 25% of pets poisoned by non-drug products get sick from poisonous house plants and outdoor plants. Give your pets grasses, sprouts, green vegetables or treats so they leave poisonous plants […]

Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism in Cats

A scruffy tabby cat with tense expression on a veterinary exam table, related to hyperthyroidism symptoms in cats.

Common symptoms of hyperthyroidism Many cats with hyperthyroidism lose weight despite being ravenous. Often these cats eat so quickly that they vomit. Many also have diarrhea. They are hyperactive and irritable, expressing a meanness that hadn’t been seen before. They look unkempt and have poor coats and thickened nails. Their hearts beat so strongly and […]

Symptoms of Feline Asthma

Portrait of a delicate domestic cat with symptoms of feline asthma, resting on an ivory surface with a vulnerable expression.

Symptoms of feline asthma Depending upon the severity of the asthma, affected cats may experience varying degrees of labored breathing, from mild wheezing to intense choking, gagging and coughing. Symptoms are often seen after exertion or exercise, as well as after stress. A cat will typically hunch his or her body close to the ground […]

The PetMeds Everything Guide To Your New Cat

Just adopted, or preparing to adopt a new cat or kitten? Though they’re known to be independent, your cat needs your help to stay happy and healthy for as long as possible. With a little luck and a whole lot of love, you’re in for a commitment of up to 20 years. Ready to get […]