Health

What is FIP (feline infectious peritonitis) in cats? FIP is an uncommon but severe disease which is most often diagnosed in young cats (less than 2 years old). It is caused by an infection with feline coronavirus. It’s important to note that this is different from the coronavirus that infects people and leads to COVID-19. Feline coronavirus infection is very common, and in most cats, it only causes mild signs. However, in rare cases, the virus mutates and interacts with the immune system to cause FIP. A mutated feline coronavirus can trigger feline infectious peritonitis, so before we get to the specifics of the FIP disease in cats, let’s look at what the feline coronavirus is and how your pet might get it.

If you’ve had a diagnosis of lymphoma in your cat, we have put together this information to help. Feline lymphoma is the most common of all cat cancers and unfortunately, it isn’t completely curable. The disease varies greatly with some cats managing to live with it for a number of years and for others it’s rapidly progressive and ultimately fatal. Find out all you need to know about lymphoma in cats, including what it is, the causes and the treatment options currently available.

If your cat has developed an unusual cough lately, you’re probably wondering ‘why is my cat coughing’ and what to do about it. Although it can be disturbing for owners to see their cat coughing and wheezing, this is not uncommon in the feline kingdom and it’s often a sign of the occasional hairball your pet is trying to get rid of. However, a simple cough can quickly get a bit more complicated when we take into consideration all the possible issues with their nose, throat and lungs that could cause this symptom. And even your cat’s heart might have something to do with it. This means your cat’s cough riddle is best left for the vet to solve. But while you wait for the appointment, here are some of the possible reasons why your cat is coughing.

Flat faced cats have become extremely popular in recent years with their smooshed faces, button like noses and doll-like eyes, but there’s a price to pay for this cute factor. The technical term for cats with these flat faces is ‘brachycephalic’, and there are tonnes of health risks that come with it. If you’re considering a brachycephalic cat, keep reading to find out about the risks involved and how extreme breeding has negatively impacted the health and well-being of these felines.

If your cat experiences a stroke, it can be really scary and it’s important to take them to the vet quickly so they can receive any treatment they need. Find out about the symptoms you should look out for and the current treatment options in this guide. Strokes in cats occurs far less frequently than they do in humans, but a stroke is still classed as a medical emergency. If your cat experiences a stroke, it’s important to seek veterinary care quickly to make sure they have the best chance of recovery. Find out all you need to know about the cat stroke symptoms to watch out for and the treatment options currently available.

Abscesses can affect any cat at any point in their life. So, if you’ve got a feline in the family, the chances are that one day you might have a abscess on your hands and your cat will rely on your help to get them back to their normal, happy self. Keep reading to find out what you need to know about cat abscesses, what to do when they burst, and how to know when it’s time to contact the vet for help.

Worms are parasites that cats can get by accidently eating their eggs. The most common worms in cats are roundworms and tapeworms. Neither of them are good for your cat – they can cause everything from lethargy to a change in bowel habits, as well as weight loss and other symptoms. Your vet will be able to advise you on routine worm prevention which is part of cat care, and the symptoms of worms are easy to spot.

Many cat lovers are searching for an option that will allow them to introduce a cat to their household while minimising their sensitivity to cat allergens. That’s why many believe 'Hypoallergenic'or allergen-free breeds could provide a solution. However, while some hairless breeds are considered to be the ‘best option’ for people with cat allergen sensitivities, technically, there is no such thing as a 100 per cent Hypoallergenic cat.

Complications are rare in cat pregnancies, but can occasionally happen. To help your cat bring bundles of fur into the world with ease, the Purina Pet Care team share their advice on how to spot warning signs early on. It’s so exciting when your cat is expecting, and as a loving pet owner we understand that you might worry and want to give extra tender loving care to your pet at this time. Luckily as cats are usually more than capable of looking after themselves, you shouldn’t have anything to be concerned about. Several symptoms could signal a problem with your cat’s pregnancy. If you notice any of these, contact your vet immediately: • She loses interest in her food. A drop in appetite can occur just prior to delivery, but she should be bright and well in every other way throughout her term. • She is visibly distressed, agitated, crying more than usual, or is noticeably licking her vulval area without producing any kittens. • You see any abnormal, bad-smelling vaginal discharge or bleeding at any point in her pregnancy or labour. • She goes to the toilet more often, passes blood or squats without producing pee. These could signal a uterine infection, which could potentially affect her kittens if left untreated.

Keeping your cat at a healthy weight is important for their wellbeing. But sometimes it is difficult to tell what that ideal weight should be. Discover an easy, step-by-step tool to check your cat’s current and ideal size. Cats come in all shapes and sizes so it’s sometimes tricky to determine whether yours is the right weight or not – after all, you love them regardless of any extra pounds! But size does matter when it comes to health, and excess weight on your cat can cause problems. So, what is a healthy cat weight?

Do kittens lose their teeth? All kittens go through a teething process. Just like humans, kittens do not have visible teeth when they are born. These will come through when your kitten is between 2-6 weeks old and they should have a full set of baby teeth by the time they are 8 weeks old. These won’t last long however – and they will be replaced with 30 adult teeth which will usually all be there by the time your kitten is 6-7 months old. While some kittens deal with teething well, others may need a little reassurance from you. Whatever the case, rest assured that teething is completely normal. Keep reading to find out more about the process of kitten teething.

The decision to neuter your cat is one of the most important choices you will make as a pet owner. It can significantly improve your cat's health and behaviour. Neutering can help reduce the risk of certain cancers, prevent unwanted litters, and minimise roaming and territorial behaviours. The Purina Pet Care Team are here to help answer some of the most commonly asked questions, so that you can make a decision that’s best for you and your cat.