Asthma is not an ailment limited to humans - even your cat cat suffer from this chronic condition. If your cat is asthmatic or has recently been diagnosed as such, getting them to take their medication can be a difficult but necessary ordeal. Asthma is the the build-up of excess mucous and inflammation of the airways. Muscles spasms constrict the airways which also contributes to respiratory distress. If your cat is diagnosed with asthma by a vet, they may be prescribed medications like corticosteroids or bronchiodilators. You may even choose to combine traditional medicines with accompanying holistic therapies. However if your cat has severe asthma, they will more than likely be required to use a nebuliser. A nebuliser is a device that administers medicine in the form of an aerosolised mist which is then inhaled into the lungs, delivering relief. Nebulisers are used not only to treat asthma but other respiratory conditions like pneumonia and bronchitis, where they administer antibiotics and other medications. Nebulisers are the most effective way to deliver quick relief to constricted airways. Nebulisers generally come in two forms: a tabletop or portable version. Tabletop nebulisers have to be plugged into a power point and are quite large and bulky but are less expensive than portable versions. A portable nebuliser requires batteries and is hand-held. They are popular because you can keep them with you at all times, which is reassuring in case of emergencies. Your cat's personality will determine which way to give them their nebuliser is going to be best:   If you have a nervous cat… If your cat is a real scaredy cat then a good idea is to place them in a cage or crate along with the nebuliser and place a towel over it to create a chamber. Alternatively, you can do the same thing by placing your kitty inside a small room, like the laundry or bathroom. Be aware though, you can loose a lot of medicine, and therefore money this way because not all of the medicine will make its way into your cat's lungs. If you have a relaxed kitty... Lucky you! If your cat is more than happy with be manhandled then you will be able to try these more effective methods: Hold the mouthpiece of the nebuliser close to your pet's mouth and nose and they will be able to inhale most (but not all) of the medicine. By far, the most effective way is to purchase a soft, paediatric nebuliser mask and place if over your cat's mouth and nose. This way all of the medicine enters your cats lungs and provides the most benefits and relief. Keep in mind that you should always first speak to your vet to check how much medication should be given per dose. If you are generally having a nightmare each time you try to give your cat their much needed medication, try these tips and tricks for a more calm and effective experience: Remain calm at all times: your cat will easily pick up on any nervous energy and tension and will quickly associate taking their nebuliser as a negative experience. Set up a regular routine so your cat will quickly become accustomed to the idea of taking their nebuliser. Try to do it at the same time of the day or after a particular activity. Speak calmly to your pet and about the nebuliser and give a couple of reassuring pats on the head. After each successful attempt at taking the nebuliser, remember to reward your pet so positive associations quickly develop. If you are using a nebuliser mask, you could put a little bit of food inside it to coax your pet to put their face in to it (and provide a small distraction). Once you've given the treatment, allow your cat some space to calm down - but don't forget to reward them!

Cat owners will attest that their felines have some pretty fascinating habits and behaviours, with some that are easily explained while others, just aren't. One such curious behaviour you may have noticed is your cat digging in their food or water bowl. If this sounds like your cat then read on to decipher this unusual habit... Unfortunately, there isn't one clear cut answer to this strange habit, but the good news is that it doesn't denote anything serious. Instead, there are a few reliable and plausible theories, any of which could apply to your cat. Ultimately, it is not urgent for you to do something about it, but if you find this behaviour annoying or messy then you can look into ways of reducing it, again depending on what the cause is. Let's look at the possible reasons now: 1. Change in diet Have you recently changed your cat's diet from dry to wet or the other way round? If you have, it could be your cat's way of telling you they don't like the change and would prefer to be fed something else. They're not known for being fussy for no reason! If you can detect a particular food or flavour that is causing more digging then you should consider removing that flavour from the menu. 2. Instinctual behaviour Your cat's digging could simply be a genetic instinct shared with their big cat relatives. Wild cats tend to bury their food, either to save it for later or to protect it from being eaten by others as well as to deter predators. So perhaps your domestic kitty is simply mimicking what only comes naturally. This is particularly prominent in cats that were stray or feral who inherently learn to be more protective. 3. Age If your cat is still only young, they may be practicing this behaviour out of insecurity. Is there another cat or animal in the home? They may be feeling a bit anxious or feel that their food supply is threatened. Once they feel more comfortable in their surroundings and feel convinced their food is not about to be stolen away, then the behaviour should stop. You could try and keep your cat's food bowl in a room on its own where it won't be disturbed by other members of the house. 4. Location Cats are incredibly clean creatures and really dislike their food bowl near their littler box. If this is your current set-up then perhaps your cat's digging is caused by an instinctual disgust of having to eat near their poop. If you have the room, move the little box to another location and see if this stops the digging. 5. Cleanliness Following on, your cat may be digging around in their food or water bowl if they feel like the bowls themselves are not clean enough. Make sure your cat's dishes are cleaned well everyday and perhaps the digging will cease. 6. Size and type of bowl What sort of bowl do you feed your cat from? Perhaps its size and shape is contributing to your cat's digging? Generally, cat's do not like their whiskers to touch the side of the bowl as they are very sensitive, this is especially the case for cats with very long whiskers. Narrow, oval or bowls with low sides are most suitable to prevent food or water going everywhere. 7. Eyesight This is most relevant to water bowls. Cats are short sighted and are unable to see well, making it hard for them to judge where exactly the water is in their bowl. They will use their paws to create ripples making it easier to see the water. If you use a glass or metal bowl, this perpetuates the issue further, so make a switch to a ceramic bowl or one that is patterned. Alternatively, your could consider investing in a water fountain. They particularly appeal to cats as they love drinking from outside water sources. Feature image credit

Your cat’s habits and moods will change during their later years and their health and physical condition will deteriorate. However, you can take steps to make sure your cat is comfortable and able to enjoy their senior years as much as possible.   Cats are generally considered middle-aged when they reach 7-8 years, and seniors from 10 years old. You'll notice some age-related changes in your cat from middle age even if your cat is very healthy. Any behavioural or health changes should be assessed by a vet to rule out medical disorders, and should not be assumed a normal result of ageing.    Food and water Discuss an appropriate senior diet with your vet. The correct nutritional requirements will depend on your cat’s health, weight and any present medical conditions. Senior diets will usually be low in fat and high in protein. Ample fresh water should always be available to your cat.   Bedding Your cat should have a comfortable bed that has a low profile so that they can easily get in an out. You can purchase orthopaedic beds designed for older cats, those with arthritis or recovering from surgery.   Living space Make sure that your cat’s litter tray is easily accessible. Having more than one litter tray in the house may also help if your cat’s physical condition is poor. Cats may no longer be able to climb stairs, jump onto windowsills and their favourite shelves. Consider keeping bedding, toys, litter trays, food and water bowls downstairs and even providing them with ramps or pet stairs to sunny warm spots.   Temperatures Older cats are more sensitive to cold weather so require access to warm and dry spaces and warm, comfortable bedding. Senior cats are also more susceptible to the effects of hot weather and humidity. Take extra care during summer to ensure your cat does not suffer from heat exhaustion.   Play and petting Make sure that vistors and children are aware that your cat is ageing and will not be as energetic or willing to play as they once were. Your cat may be in pain, suffering from hearing or vision loss and will be more startled and less forgiving of noises and being handled.   Grooming Aged cats become less interested in grooming, often because it is difficult for them to position themselves and reach where they need to. Regular gentle brushing of your cat will assist keeping their coat healthy and clean.   Vision loss Try to keep corridors, doorways and familiar pathways clear so that your cat doesn’t bump into things. Nightlights in your cat’s living space and favourite rooms will also help.   Stress Routine is very important to cats, especially as they reach senior years. Whenever possible, avoid major stressful changes or interruptions to their routine. Aged cat health Annual health checks are advisable for all cats but as your cat ages, your cat should see a vet every six months. Aged cats become more prone to infections and early diagnosis and preventative treatment is vital to managing many diseases.   Normal changes that accompany ageing include: increased sleeping, less activity, eating more, declining skin and coat condition, hearing loss, difficulty grooming, slower movement, difficulty climbing and jumping and loss of muscle mass.   Aged cats are more susceptible to the following conditions: Obesity – due to increased appetite and less activity Thinning coat Arthritis Diabetes Constipation Kidney and liver disease Hyperthyroidism Loss of muscle mass, particularly in the hind legs Dental and oral disease Vision problems Urinary problems Cancers Many of these conditions can be treated effectively with medication and dietary changes.   Dementia and Feline Cognitive Decline Cats can also develop age-related dementia and suffer from decline in cognitive function. According to the ASPCA, Feline Cognitive Decline “affects more than 55% of cats aged 11 to 15 years and more than 80% of cats aged 16 to 20 years. Memory, ability to learn, awareness, and sight and hearing perception can all deteriorate in cats affected with FCD”. Signs of dementia or cognitive decline include: Weight loss as senile cats may forget to eat Increased vocalizations, particularly at night Confused states – not recognising family members, other pets, familiar surroundings or getting lost Forgetting litter training, urination or defecation in inappropriate places Lack of grooming Becoming anxious and stressed especially at night Increased agitation or aggression Reversed sleep patterns and waking or becoming restless during the night Stares at objects or at 'nothing' Vision Cats can develop cataracts that appear as white and cloudy segments on the eye lens. If not treated, cataracts can lead to difficulties with colour perception and can cause vision loss or blindness. If your cat walks into objects or trips frequently, they could have cataracts.   Lenticular sclerosis is more common in dogs but can also occur in cats. This is the transparent bluish-grey haziness in the pupils of senior animals. Vision is not usually affected unless in extreme cases.   A prominent cataract.  Image credit When to see a vet As mentioned, aged cats should be taken to the vet every six months for health checks. Any changes in behaviour necessitate a vet consultation. You should take your cat to the vet as soon as possible if you notice any of the following in your aged cat: Weight changes Decreased appetite Vomiting and diarrhoea Increased heart rate Breathing difficulties Increased activity levels Increased thirst  Drooling Constipation Changes to urination increased frequency, straining or inability to pass urine Urination/defecation in the wrong place Bad breath or bleeding gums - can indicate ulcers or cancer Difficulties standing or walking Cloudy or deterioration of eye condition or any changes to the appearance of eyes Signs of hearing loss and head tilting – could be the result of parasite or infection in the ear Becoming more light sensitive Disturbed sleeping patterns Disorientation, staggering and confusion Anxious, agitated and aggressive behaviour Lumps, bumps or scabs on the skin Weakness or lethargy Increased vocalization – can indicate disorientation, loss of hearing or pain   Feature image credit

There are few sounds in this world more annoying than snoring. Spouses lose sleep and get irritated when one or the other, usually the male (sorry guys), snores all night. In humans, snoring is a sign of any number of conditions. Sometimes snoring is the result of a head cold and congestion. Other times snoring is a sign of a more serious health condition, such as sleep apnea.   Believe it or not, dogs are often caught snoring by their owners as they sleep away the day in the living room. If you own a dog, you've no doubt caught your dog snoring at least once. In many breeds, especially those with shorter snouts, snoring is common because of the pushed-in nature of the nose. However, just like in humans, snoring is not always a harmless indicator.   Brachycephalic Syndrome This condition is associated with dogs that have broad skulls and short muzzles. This includes, but is not limited to, breeds such as the pug, English spaniel, and Boston terrier. Due to the shortened muzzles on these dog breeds, breathing is obstructed. Dogs from these breeds primarily breathe through their mouths, snort when exercising, and snore when sleeping.   While dogs with brachycephalic syndrome are the most likely breeds to snore, the syndrome itself is not always the cause of snoring. Additionally, brachycephalic breeds are not the only dogs to be affected by other syndromes that can lead to snoring.   Stenotic Nares A condition called stenotic nares, or collapsed nostrils, is common among puppies. This occurs when the nasal openings are too small and the puppy's nasal cartilage is soft and floppy. Snoring results from the nostrils collapsing as the puppy breathes in, obstructing the airway. If your young puppy is snoring, this could be the root cause. Your veterinarian can suggest a surgical solution that involves the enlargement of the nasal openings.   Elongated Soft Palate Another common source of snoring in dogs is an elongated soft palate. Normally, your dog's palate, a flap of mucosa that closes during swallowing, touches or slightly overlaps the epiglottis. When dogs have an elongated palate, this overlap becomes excessive and results in snorting, gurgling, and snoring. Again, a surgical solution is available that shortens the soft palate to relieve snoring.   Eversion of Laryngeal Saccules The laryngeal saccules are small pouches of mucus in your dog's larynx. When these pouches enlarge and turn outward, they narrow a dog's airway and make breathing difficult. This affliction is commonly associated with an elongated soft palate and is cured by removing the pouches from the larynx. This surgery is often performed by veterinarians at the same time that the elongated soft palate is being shortened.   Common causes It is also possible that, much like humans, dogs snore as a result of congestion. As mentioned, humans typically snore as a result of congestion from a head cold or allergies. Dogs are not immune to colds, congestion, and allergies. For example, your dog may have an allergic reaction to a new household cleaner you are using. The resulting congestion can lead to snoring during sleep.   For owners with brachycephalic breeds, it is a good idea to consult a veterinarian if snoring occurs on a consistent basis. For others, track the occurrence of snoring in your dog and consult your veterinarian if it becomes excessive or appears to impact the dog's quality of life in other ways, such as breathing problems while awake.

The key to any good owner-dog relationship rests in the hierarchy of the family pack. Dogs are pack animals and rely upon the guidance of an alpha dog to lead the group. In the absence of a dominant character, your dog may assume this mantle and become aggressive. On the other end of the spectrum, dogs that become too submissive may fall in line and listen, but do so at the cost of emotional health.   Is your dog overly submissive? What are the warning signs you can look for, and more importantly, how can you help your submissive dog regain some confidence? The following tips will help you restore balance in your submissive dog's life and create better emotional stability.   Causes of submissive behavior There are numerous factors that can lead your dog to become too submissive. It could be a situational trigger that leads to submission, or it could be an item or individual. Fear of strangers is a common problem in submissive dogs. This is more common, but not unique to, smaller dog breeds. These breeds are naturally shy compared to other breeds, and that shyness can turn to submission with little effort.   Interactions with overly aggressive animals or individuals can also create an extreme state of submission in your dog. Events that trigger this kind of submission include aggressive behavior (growling, showing teeth, etc.) from other dogs or aggressive verbal tones from humans. Physical and verbal abuse from humans can also trigger submission in dogs.   Age is another factor in submissive behavior. As dog's age, they are not able to react as quickly to situations. This can lead to a reflex behavior of submission in an attempt to display a nonaggressive attitude.   Signs of an overly submissive dog There are a number of common signs that show a dog has become too submissive. Many of these signs are noticeable in dogs that are submissive, regardless of the root cause. Whether a dog fears a certain situation or has a fear of people because of physical abuse in its past, the warning signs are the same.   Common warning signs of an overly submissive dog include, but are not limited to, the following: Hiding: An overly submissive dog may choose to hide when faced with a frightening situation. Examples of this include hiding behind you when meeting a new dog, or hiding under furniture in the home when strangers enter the house. Wetting: A common reaction in many submissive dogs is a loss of bladder control. The fear elicited from a certain situation may lead the dog to lose control of its bladder spontaneously. Additionally, when a situation creates fear in a dog it may urinate somewhere it believes it can hide the deed. This action in itself is an attempt to hide the behavior for fear of retaliation for urinating in the home. Body language: Another easily spotted key is body language. Dogs that become too submissive will lower their heads, put their tail between their legs, and/or lie down and try to bury their head as low as possible.   Preventing & coping with submissive behavior The type of submissive behavior your dog exhibits, and the specific triggers that result in that submission, will determine the course of action you should take to help them cope. For example, a dog with a fear of certain places or situations needs a reward-based approach to cope. Slowly allow your dog to adjust to a new or fearful place by playing with it in that space, offering rewards for good behavior and a playful attitude.   Create personal space in your home to offer your dog a place to call its own. This personal space can serve as a coping mechanism as your dog adjusts to its fears. While it is free to venture out and test the waters around new individuals or other animals, it will know it has its own place in the home to retreat to for relaxation or quiet.   Most importantly, always work to socialize your dog with other animals and people from a young age. The more time your dog spends around others, the more likely it is that it will not develop fears in the first place.   Preventing fear and submission in dogs relies on trust and confidence. Take time each day to help your dog adjust to new surroundings, conquer fears, and play with others. This will build trust between you and your pet, and will provide it with the confidence to tackle situations and places that once created a sense of fear. Feature image credit  

When it comes to cats and babies, there are lots of opinions. The fact is there are also many variables. For instance, it sometimes makes a difference which comes into the home first-the cat or the baby. The age of the cat may influence the relationship between the cat and baby and, of course, the overall temperament of the cat. Introducing any animal to a small child must be accompanied by adult supervision at all times. If you are contemplating life with a baby and a cat, the following information can help you navigate the ensuing relationship.   Understanding the risks The most common fear associated with cats and babies is that the cat may smother the infant if allowed within the baby's crib. Fortunately, this is not something that occurs often, with barely any cases of this happening reported. However, the fact is, it's not sanitary for a cat to sleep with an infant and a cat that wants to cozy up to an infant could, in theory, snuggle up too closely to the baby's face. Still, it seems that cats don't pose any more risk to an infant than a dog or even another young sibling.   Reducing the risks The main way to reduce any risk that a cat may harm an infant is to keep both under adult supervision and to prevent the cat from sleeping in the baby's room. Many parents, particularly when their infant is newly born, purchase crib nets for their baby's crib to prevent cats from hopping into it. For more lively cats, other measures may be useful. For instance, parents might want to remove the door to the baby's bedroom and replace it with a screen door. This allows parents to listen for the baby while still maintaining a barrier for the cat. In addition, parents can keep cats claws trimmed; although, it's rare for cats to scratch babies.   If your baby is approaching the crawling stage, be sure to keep the cat's food, water, and litter away from the baby's reach. Your cat may not appreciate your baby's fingers rummaging through its food and the litter tray is, of course, completely unsanitary and should be removed from the baby's reach.   Other risks Parents have to be vigilant about their cats-especially outdoor cats. It's not sanitary for cats to bring home their prey from the outside and drop it where baby's crawl. On the other hand, indoor cats that are clean, flea-free, and de-wormed pose less health risks for small children. Also, parents need to choose cat care products that are safe for babies. By keeping your cat healthy and regularly checked out by a veterinarian, you can cut down on risks for both your cat and baby.   Cats and babies can co-exist quite happily and many babies are quite charmed by the antics of their feline friends. Also, children are also less likely to develop pet allergies when they live with pets during their first year of life. If you have any other concerns about cats and your baby, talk to your doctor and veterinarian. Feature image credit  

When you make the decision to welcome a dog into your home, that choice comes with responsibilities beyond simply feeding and walking your new pet. Dogs have health needs just the same as you do, but they cannot communicate with words when they are not feeling well. This means that you have the responsibility to watch out for their health and be aware of warning signs that your pet is not in good shape.   One of the most important things you can do as an owner is make physical contact with your pet each day. Petting your dog, playing with it, and taking a few minutes to run your hands along its body will help you watch for warning signs of possible disease. Maintaining a physical connection to your dog can, for example, help you detect lumps (polyps) when they are newly formed.   What are polyps? The term "polyps" is a generic word used to describe lumps that appear on your dog's body. These lumps are often benign and harmless and are caused by a number of factors. It is important to make note of them because polyps can be a sign of a more serious condition. Polyps most frequently appear on a dog's ear, though it is not uncommon for dogs to develop polyps in their bladder, colon, and rectal area as well.   Given the areas of the body that can be affected by polyps, not all of these lumps will be noticeable without a visit to the veterinarian.   Signs to look out for Polyps in your dog's ears are the easiest to spot because they are visible, as opposed to bladder and colon polyps. In the case of ear polyps, the lump itself is not harmful to your dog's health. However, if the polyp does affect the normal function of your dog's ear it can lead to other problems such as discomfort and/or infection.   In the case of vestibular polyps, which affect the ear, nose, and throat region, you may not notice the lump itself. However, you can identify the problem through other symptoms. Excessive drooling, rolling around, tilting of the head, and even falling down are all signs of distress in your dog. Vestibular polyps are most common among young puppies and older dogs.   Reacting to polyps When you notice a polyp on your dog, the best thing you can do is make note of its current size, shape, and color. If you notice a change in any of these factors, you should take your dog to the veterinarian's office for a thorough exam. Polyps that do not change size or color, but instead persist for long periods of time, may also warrant a visit to the vet. If nothing else, a visit will give you peace of mind and ensure that your dog is in fact healthy.   Preventing serious conditions from developing in your dog can best be achieved through routine veterinary visits. There is no way for owners to detect the existence of bladder, colon, and rectal polyps, which means your dog could be suffering from a serious condition for months before you notice. Remember, when you do encounter polyps on your dog many of them are benign. The best course of action is vigilance. Track the polyps as suggested above and consult your vet if you notice changes. Feature image credit

One moment you are having a loving moment with your cat, gently stroking their soft fur while they purr – the next, their teeth are embedded in your hand and you are shouting in pain. Why do cats suddenly transform into tigers without any apparent reason?   Whilst it may seem like your cat is a bully when they latch on to you, most of the time cats use aggression as a defence mechanism – even when it comes to their owners. A cat that feels cornered or stressed will attack to escape the situation that is troubling it at the time.   Image Credit   It is often the case that cats give subtle warning signals before they bite. While they are entirely obvious to other cats, they are easily missed by their human friends. A small twitch of the tail, ears flicking back, whiskers pushing forward and a shudder of the skin are all signs the cat has had enough petting and would like to be left alone. If you unwittingly continue to hug and touch them, from the cat’s point of view, they have been rudely disrespected and may start to become claustrophobic, feeling ‘trapped’ in your arms. Lashing out to escape suddenly may seem like a necessity, much to your surprise.   Image Credit   Cats may also suddenly scratch or bite due to ‘displaced aggression’. Displaced aggression is when a cat scratchs and attacks a person or other animal when feeling upset, even if something else, not the target, was responsible for their distress. Hearing a dog barking in the distance or another strange noise may cause your cat to attack you and run off, even if you did nothing worthy of punishment!   Image Credit   Some cats are particularly prone to Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde mood swings and their owners must simply learn to expect a petting session might turn painful. In terms of discouraging the behaviour, some have found keeping a treat close by before they settle down for a cuddle can help. As soon as the cat displays any sign their mood is shifting, giving them a treat can distract them from whatever strike they were plotting and teach them to learn to expect feelings of discomfort will lead to a positive rather than the emergence of something that threatens their wellbeing.    Feature Image Credit

Unless you are a registered breeder, spaying or neutering your pet is a decision we all face. Although neutering your pet is universally recommended, when this should happen is still a topic of some debate.   Spaying, neutering, desexing and castration all refer to the removal of all, or some, of the reproductive organs of an animal i.e. surgical sterilization. Spaying is a term used for females while castration is for males.    Generally, vets will neuter kittens and puppies at six months of age. Rescue shelters and some vets neuter their animals at 8-10 weeks of age. Earlier neutering is particularly relevant for female cats that can become pregnant at only four months of age. By waiting until your female cat is six months old means you may end up dealing with an accidental litter of kittens.   Early neutering or spaying refers to sterilization performed before a pet reaches six months. It can be performed safely and with no adverse effects, however always consult your vet who can advise you regarding the best age for your pet to be sterilized based upon their breed, health condition and your situation. Although sterilization procedures are the most common surgeries for vets, it is major surgery performed under anaesthetic and carries some risk. Your pet will need a few weeks to recover and heal afterwards.     Image credit Benefits of desexing: Neutering animals helps reduce the serious issue of overpopulation in rescues and shelters and the need to euthanise otherwise healthy animals.  Spaying prevents female animals from coming “into heat” or into season, attracting males, and stops any chance of unwanted pregnancies. You do not need to allow your female animal to give birth to a litter before having her spayed. Many undesirable behaviours are reduced such as roaming, urine marking and aggression. Spayed and neutered animals tend to be calmer. Males in particular are less likely to fight or display dominant behaviour. By reducing the tendency to fight, there is also less chance of injury and other medical treatment. Conditions such as pyometra or uterine infections, cysts, prostatic diseases and cancer of the reproductive tract, breast, uterine, ovarian, cervix, prostate and testicular cancer are eliminated. Females can experience serious complications during pregnancy, delivering and nursing. There’s also the risk of any offspring needing specialised veterinary treatment. Any offspring need to be vaccinated, wormed, treated for fleas and ticks and rehomed. Hereditary diseases associated with breeds or bloodlines are not passed on.   There has not been enough research and scientific study to prove that early spaying or neutering causes additional concerns other than those associated the procedure being performed when your pet reaches six months.   Some information indicates that with when sterilization procedures are performed early: A small percentage of females may develop some incontinence. This is more common in overweight animals and with particular breeds. Incontinence can be managed effectively by treatment. Dogs may be slightly more at risk of developing hip dysplasia and cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) ruptures, particularly those breeds susceptible to these conditions. There are some reports of animals not reaching their full expected height. The general concerns of spaying and neutering include: It is surgery performed under anaesthetic and has associated risks. Recovery can take 10-21 days. Some animals may experience weight gain due to metabolic changes. This is easily managed by decreasing food intake slightly, increasing activity or changing your pet’s diet. Some females become more susceptible to infections of the urinary tract. Increased risk of developing hypothyroidism when thyroid activity is low and subsequently can affect growth and mental development. Your pet’s hormone levels are changed and may lead to changes in behaviour.  For breeds already predisposed to these cancers, there is slightly increased risk for bladder cancer, osteosarcoma and for dogs, hemangiosarcoma which is an incurable tumor of cells that line blood vessels. Neoplasia or abnormal tissue growth may also occur. Image credit   Feature image credit

After an especially dreadful accident, or the onset of a disease such as cancer, amputation of a cat’s limb may be the only treatment option available. Adapting to life on three legs is never easy, however with owner support the challenge can become far easier.   Even the boldest cat will be disturbed at first by the procedure and suffer pain that requires medication to ease any discomfort. However, owners of amputee cats generally note after the initial recovery period, they see little change in the mood, appetite and behaviours in their cats except for an overall decrease in activity and speed. However, actions that used to be a part of the cat’s everyday life will become impossible using only three legs, such as climbing trees and jumping from great heights.   Image Credit   However, cats missing a leg can still jump and climb, only lesser distances that previously. A cat will discover their limitations as they begin to explore their old territory. Whilst it can be difficult for owners to watch a cat flounder as they try to do what once came easily to them, it is important to resist the urge to overly baby your cat by carrying them from place to place. They need to build up additional strength in their remaining limbs and exercise is the only way that will be achieved.   Given time, many cats will adapt well to their new limitations. Foreleg amputees generally find movement more challenging than hind-leg amputees as forelegs are used for landing whereas back legs are used for propulsion. Yet cats, with their excellent balance and flexibility, usually find amputation far less challenging than other species.   Image Credit   Modifications made to the house are amongst the most useful ways owner’s can provide assistance, especially when the cat has just returned home from the veterinary clinic. Step stools or boxes can be used to create stairs to a cat’s favourite spot on the sofa. Some owner’s create imaginative ladders from wood so their cats can climb to their favourite spot on the roof.   Weight management is another vital component of amputee cat care. An obese cat will struggle greatly with the extra strain on their legs if their do not lose weight quickly. Cats who previously did not struggle with weight issues may become susceptible following surgery due to the decrease in activity that tends to follow.   Image Credit   Caffrey the Persian demonstrates the capacity for amputee cats to thrive following the loss of a limb – or in his case, limbs. After being struck by a car aged three, it was necessary for him to have his left hind leg removed. Aged fourteen, when a malignant growth was discovered in his left front leg, it was decided that too had to go. Caffrey, missing two legs both on the same side of his body, roams his house and garden unbothered. Fortunately, cats everywhere tend to prefer catnapping over any other activity, and that requires no legs at all.     Image Credit   Feature Image Credit