Loss of hearing in cats necessitates particular care from owners, with deafness a potential threat to their pet’s safety and general wellbeing.   Deafness may be congenital, such as in the case of white cats that are regularly born deaf, or derive from a number of other sources, including old age, injury, infection or as a side effect of particular medications.   Image Credit  If your cat shows little or no response to outside stimuli, such as his or her name being called or a loud bang, they may indeed be affected by hearing loss. Many deaf cats will not realise you are in the room until you physically touch them, especially if they are dozing. Disorientation, an unbalanced gait and difficulty waking are other signs your cat may be partially or entirely deaf.    A veterinarian can perform a test such as BAER (Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response) to determine your cat’s hearing levels. The procedure involves small electrodes being inserted beneath the skin to measure the amount of electrical activity occurring in the ear and brain. The procedure is painless and effective in providing precise information concerning animal auditory response.   Image Credit If your cat is diagnosed as suffering deafness, yellow or black discharge and reddened ear canals may indicate it is purely the symptom of a curable infection. Alternatively, your cat may have been born with a predisposition towards hearing-impairment or be simply ageing and the deafness is irreversible.   Even if treatment is out of the question, deafness is not in itself necessarily going to impede on your cat’s quality of life. However the impediment of one primary feline senses can lead them in to trouble, especially if they are let outside where they may not hear a car approaching, or a barking dog ready to attack. It is for this reason it is recommended that deaf cats live an indoor life, where safety issues can be minimised.   Image Credit   When in the house, be conscious that your cat may be startled by your sudden ‘appearance’, as they are unable to hear your approach. It is best practice to touch your cat gently as you enter and leave a room, so they can gain a sense of where you are in relation to them.   Cats with hearing issues can detect vibrations even if they can't hear the sounds that go with them. Tapping on the floor can attract their attention. You may even be able to develop a code such as two taps means ‘dinner’ and one tap means ‘pats’. Some deaf cats have even learnt sign language developed by their owners or to respond to different coloured lights. Remember – whilst they can’t hear, your cat can see and feel, meaning you, with a bit of creativity, can still communicate effectively.   Whilst deaf cats may need a little more TLC than cats without hearing issues, they make loving companions that can lead happy and fulfilling lives with your care.        Feature Image Credit  

Just as with human medical treatments, blood transfusions can be a vital part of canine surgeries, such as those required if a dog is hit by a car. Dog blood donors are thus vital to saving the lives of other dogs who fall victim to accidents and disease. Despite their importance, donors tend to be in short supply with blood bank shortages the norm internationally.   Image Credit   Dogs, similar to their masters, have different blood groups. Thirteen blood groups exist, with dogs that are DEA 1.1 negative especially sought after as donors as they are near universal donors, similar to humans with ‘O negative’ blood.   The donation process is simple. Many veterinary schools have blood donation programs set up for interested dog owners and additional programs can be discovered by enquiring at your local veterinary clinic.   Image Credit Prior to donation, a dog is checked to see they are in good health, up to date with their vaccinations and free of parasite infestation. They must also not be currently on any medications.   Once a potential donor has been cleared, blood is taken from a vein in a process that takes approximately half an hour. The procedure is gentle and done without the need for anaesthetic. Slight swelling and tenderness around the site the needle was inserted is generally the only sign the donation has taken place at all. The last step is usually lots of pats and treats from the vet and vet nurses for your dog’s generosity.   Image credit   Often, in return for your pet’s service towards helping other dogs in need, veterinary clinics will offer a monetary reward or a discount on future treatments or check ups your dog may require. Plus, you get the fuzzy feeling that only comes with having done a kind deed.   So help your dog be a hero today and speak with your local clinic about whether or not your dog would be an appropriate donor. Remember, a tiny bit of time out of your dog’s life can save the lives of other pets just as loved as they are.   Feature Image Credit

Everyone appreciates a good night’s sleep or sneaking in a nice, re-energising nap during the day. It’s the same for pooches - although it seems like all they do some days is sleep, and sleep, then sleep some more. So how do we know whether our dogs’ sleeping habits are normal or if they are actually unwell?   Adult dogs will sleep between 12–18 hours each day. Most will average 14 hours including several naps throughout the daytime. Whilst deep REM (rapid-eye-movement) sleep typically makes up 20–25 per cent of our total sleep, for adult dogs it’s only 10-12 per cent. Puppies spend more time in the REM stage. REM is the deeper, dream stage of sleep accompanied by movement of the eyes under the lids and sometimes, jerky body movements.   It’s no surprise that the deeper your sleep, the more rested you feel. Even though dogs sleep longer, they are mostly in a lighter stage of sleep and waking frequently.   There are several factors that will influence how much your dog will sleep.   Age Puppies and older dogs need more sleep. Puppies expend a heap of energy playing and learning and need to recuperate, often sleeping for 18-20 hours each day. For older dogs, everything they do takes more effort than it used to and rest is ismportant for their health.   Breed Large dogs tend to need more sleep than smaller dogs. Generally larger breeds will sleep for between 14 and 18 hours and quite surprisingly, this is why some larger breeds are actually more suited to apartment living than small ones.   Activity level Active dogs, such as working and service dogs, require less sleep than companion animals that spend most of the time indoors. For pets, sleep can also be the result of boredom.   Environment Dogs are light sleepers and will be affected by noisy environments. Cold or very hot weather, bright light and even being uncomfortable can interrupt their quality of sleep. To us it seems like dogs can sleep anywhere, even on a bed of jagged pebbles – and they probably could – but they’d sleep much better if they had a cosy, padded spot to curl up in.   Food Low quality food does not provide dogs with the correct nutritional requirements to give them energy they need and is often more difficult for them to digest.   Health If your dog has had an illness or surgery then lots of rest and sleep are necessary for the recovery process. Some health conditions and medications may also cause your dog to sleep more than usual.   However, if you think your dog is sleeping too much, or their sleeping has increased rapidly for no obvious reason then consult a vet. You should also take careful notice of any changes to their appetite and thirst level, weight, mood, coat and skin condition, eyesight and coordination. Conditions such as rabies, distemper, parvovirus, spotted fever and Lyme disease, canine depression, hypothyroidism, diabetes and cancer will cause your dog to become lethargic but will involve additional symptoms.  Image credit   Feature image credit

As a pet owner it is important that you not only provide food, water, and affection to your pets, but also that you watch out for their general health and happiness as well. Like humans, there are many common illnesses that can strike your cat and lead to pain and suffering.   The following are 10 common illnesses that impact cats. In the following paragraphs you'll learn a little about each disease, and how to spot it before it gets any worse.   Conjunctivitis A common eye problem in cats, conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the membrane that covers the back of a cat's eyelids. You'll be able to spot conjunctivitis in your cat by their pink, swollen, or crusty eyes. You may also notice persistent squinting, discharge from its eye, or excessive blinking. Conjunctivitis is common in kittens because they have weaker immune systems.   Feline diabetes Feline diabetes is a serious problem. Cats tend to lounge around the home and receive less owner-driven exercise than dogs. At the same time, a cat's diet is never adjusted downward to compensate for lower energy levels. Overweight cats face the greatest risk of developing feline diabetes. Symptoms to watch for include increased thirst, urination, and appetite, as well as corresponding weight loss.   Lymphoma This is the most common form of cancer in cats. Lymphoma is a form of cancer that originates in white blood cells and has a direct impact on the animal's immune system. Symptoms of lymphoma can vary, but common signs include lumps, swelling, weight loss, skin infections, and bloody stool.   Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) FIV is a retrovirus that prevents your cat from developing a normal immune response. FIV is hard to catch because it can remain dormant in your cat for years and is slow-moving when it does become active. Signs to watch for include fever, enlarged lymph nodes, dental disease, decreased appetite, and wounds that won't heal.   Feline Panleukopenia (Feline Distemper) Feline Distemper is an extremely contagious disease that attacks your cat's blood cells. The virus often attacks the blood cells of the intestinal tract and bone marrow, opening the door to future infections and leading to anemia in many cats. You should be on the lookout for signs such as vomiting, diarrhea, high fever, depression, and lack of coordination.   Kidney failure This illness comes in two forms: chronic and acute. Chronic kidney failure often occurs as a cat ages and loses nephrons. Acute failure occurs rapidly as the result of exposure to toxins or as a side effect of an infection. The signs of kidney failure in a cat include lethargy, weight loss, increased drinking, and increased urination.   Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) FeLV is another retrovirus that impacts cats and inhibits the body's immune system, opening the door to numerous infections and illnesses. FeLV is tough to spot because infected cats may show no symptoms. Warning signs you can watch for include inflamed gums, poor coat health, seizures, skin diseases, and respiratory problems.   Cat flu The cat flu, also referred to as an Upper Respiratory Infection, results in a runny nose, sneezing, and watery eyes. You can catch the warning signs pretty easily by watching for sneezing, discharge from the eyes, coughing, difficulty breathing, and fever.   Feline Lower Urinary Tract Diseases (FLUTD) It is not at all uncommon for cats to suffer from a Lower Urinary Tract Disease. LUTD impacts your cat's urinary tract and bladder, and can lead to symptoms such as difficult urination, blood in urine, and urinating outside the litter box. LUTD can also lead to other diseases such as Feline Idiopathic Cystitis, urinary stones, or urethral obstructions.   Obesity Numerous animal welfare groups estimate that roughly half of the cats in the United States are overweight or obese. Obesity can have many of the same serious health impacts on cats as humans. Obesity can lead to arthritis, respiratory issues, diabetes (as mentioned earlier), and many other problems. Aside from the obvious weight gain, signs that your cat is struggling with its weight include lethargy, trouble moving, and lack of body definition.

As a human being with a complex nervous system, you know exactly how annoying it is to have a constant itch. The incessant desire to scratch an itch is a great annoyance. While it can mean little more than having an itch at times, it can also be a sign of a skin condition or another disease. Likewise, if you own a cat that spends a significant amount of time each day itching, this excessive itching could be more than just a desire to scratch an itch.   Excessive itching in cats, known as pruritis, occurs when chemical reactions in the skin stimulate nerves that cause the brain to feel the itch. Your cat will start scratching itself to relieve the sensation, but in many cases that can stimulate an inflammatory reaction in the skin and make things worse.   Your cat is not simply itching itself constantly because it is bored. All cats have an itch threshold. There are normal, everyday triggers that can cause itching. However, your cat won't necessarily feel the urge to itch until those triggers pass this itch threshold and irritate the skin enough to stimulate the nerves, sending messages to the brain to scratch. When excessive itching sets in, your cat can end up scratching its skin until painful lesions develop. Those painful lesions can, in a worst case scenario, become infected.   There are numerous conditions and diseases that can lead to pruritis in your cat. Some of these conditions may lead to mild forms of pruritis, while others lead to severe pruritis and excessive itching.   Skin allergies Fleas are the most common source of allergic skin diseases in the United States. If your cat suffers an allergic reaction to fleas it will likely scratch its backside excessively, leading to lesions on its bottom, tail, belly, and hind legs.   Atopy is the term used to refer to an allergic reaction to airborne allergens in the home. These include allergens such as pollen, house dust, dust mites, and mold. Your cat would react to these allergens by scratching its ears, face, and paws. You may notice an uptick in atopy-related conditions in the summer months when mold and pollen levels are higher.   Food, insect, and contact allergies are less common, but far from rare in cats. Food allergies cause a reaction similar to that of atopy in cats. Insect allergies result in lesions that occur near the bite site, which most commonly affects cats on the ears and bridge of the nose. Finally, contact allergies are the result of interactions with irritants that come in contact with your cat's skin.   Skin parasites Scabies is the most prevalent parasitic skin condition in cats. This condition is caused by the sarcoptic mange mite and results in lesions on the ears, elbows, and hocks of your cat. Fleas can also cause excessive itching in your cat as a parasite, but the condition is less intense than it is for those cats that are allergic to fleas.   There are various other mites that can trigger different levels of parasitic skin conditions in your cat. Demodex mites cause demodectic mange, a condition which causes hair loss and dermatitis. The condition itself does not often lead to excessive itching, but the secondary bacterial infection it can cause in the skin results in itching.   The cheyletiella mite can lead to cheyletiellosis in your cat, resulting in lesions along the top of your cat's back. Ear mites, as the name suggests, can lead to excessive itching in and around the ears. However, ear mites have been known to cause itching elsewhere on a cat's body. Notoedric mange is a contagious skin condition in cats that is caused by a mite related to the sarcoptic mange mite. This disease is highly contagious in cats and is spread by direct contact.   Relieving the itch If you notice excessive itching in your cat that occurs over an extended period of time, you should bring your cat into the veterinarian. Treating the itch alone with any topical medication available from retail pet stores may not be enough to treat the underlying cause. For example, in the case of food allergies, providing itch relief requires a change in diet in order to solve the problem long term. Parasitic conditions require diagnosis and treatment from a vet to rid your cat of the cause of the itch, rather than simply treating the itch.  

  Cats can form strong bonds with other humans and other furry members of the family. You may not even realize the depth of this attachment until that friend is gone. With the loss of a loved companion, cats can become more aloof, lethargic, and even stop eating and drinking. In some cases, the cat's personality may seem to change. A once-aloof cat may suddenly become very affectionate. An otherwise quiet cat may become vocal, crying nonstop looking for their lost friend. Here are some ways to help your cat cope with its grief.   Get a full vet exam A cat that is acting depressed may be suffering from an illness. Lethargy, lack of play, and not eating or drinking are all also symptoms of many medical problems, such as bacterial and viral infections, and kidney and liver disease. It's important to first rule out a physical medical cause with a veterinarian's help before assuming that he or she is grieving. If the vet determines that your cat is healthy and it is grief, your vet may also be able to offer suggestions to help get through this tough time.   Spend more time with kitty Even if your cat was never the most affectionate, spending more time with your grieving kitty will help it not feel alone. By petting or playing with your cat, you will help him or her take an active interest in life again outside of the grief. Even if you just sit next to your cat, this will provide the companionship he or she is missing.    Play music Just as music can lift a human's spirits, it can have the same effect on a cat. Calming music can help relax the now over-anxious cat, whereas upbeat music may help the now lethargic cat. You may need to try different types of music to see what your cat responds to.   Get a new pet when you are ready If the grief is the result of a lost pet, a new pet may be just what you both need. Whether you adopt another pet right away or wait to give yourself and your cat time to work through some of the grief first is a personal choice - you should do what feels best. Of course, no pet will replace the one you and your kitty just lost. However, a new friend for your cat will get it moving again. At first, your cat may not agree that a new pet was a good idea, but even if he or she acts aggressive or aloof with the new addition to the family, this will get your cat moving and thinking about something other than his or her lost companion.   Know that it is normal for cats to grieve, and just like in humans, they will do it in their own way. Support your cat as much as you can, but recognize that it's a process that will take time.

  Medical doctors and governmental agencies are constantly reminding human beings to be aware of the signs their bodies are giving them about health and wellness. For pet owners, it is equally important to be aware of the warning signs that something is wrong with your best friend. You might even argue that it is more important to be aware of, and looking for, warning signs in your dog. After all, your dog does not share your language and cannot clearly communicate when it is in distress. If you own a pooch you should be aware of the warning signs that indicate your dog could be suffering from cancer. Rather than wait till it is too late, be on the lookout for these signs to try and catch cancer when it can be stopped (or suffering minimized). It's important to note that the following signs are quite general and just because your dog may be showing some of the below signs doesn't mean they are suffering from cancer. In the first instance, take your concerns to your local vet so any nasty medical conditions, including cancer can be ruled out.   1. Strong odors It can be difficult to tell with this one, because every owner is likely to believe that dogs have a few funky smells that humans simply are not accustomed to sensing. While "dog breath" is common in all dogs, it should not be immensely overpowering. Strong, foul odors coming from your dog's mouth, nose, or hindquarters could be a sign of a tumor.   2. Bumps & lumps Take a little time once each month to run your hands along your dog's body in search of any unusual lumps or bumps under their skin. Be sure to check behind the ears and around the face. When you do this for the first time, a bump could just be a bump. The key is to keep a mental note of where you noticed bumps or lumps, and look again in 2-4 weeks to see if they feel bigger and/or have noticeably increased in size.   3. Weight loss Your dog's weight should remain in a healthy range and not fluctuate too much. Of course, your dog's body weight will fluctuate from time to time. For example, the warm summer months might cause your dog to shed pounds if it eats less or sheds a heavy second coat. What you need to keep an eye open for are sudden, drastic dips in weight.   4. Loss of appetite Is your dog one of those pooches that simply cannot wait for you to put the food dish down before pouncing? A sudden loss of interest in food or lowered appetite could be a sign that your dog is sick. While this doesn't necessarily mean cancer is the culprit, it is a possibility and should be cause for concern in any case.   5. Lack of energy You've undoubtedly heard of the "dog days of summer," when everyone's energy levels dip because it's just too darn hot to do much of anything. There is, however, a difference between a lazy dog and a lethargic dog. You've probably had your dog long enough to know its activity patterns throughout the day. If you notice an extended, severe dip in its activity levels you should consult a veterinarian to ensure that cancer is not aggressively growing in your dog's body. Feature image credit  

  A cat suffering from asthma will noticeably struggle for breath. They will stop moving, breathe with their mouths open, and you may see their sides move in and out as they struggle for air. They may also have congestion in their lungs and cough up mucus. You may hear them wheeze when breathing. If the asthma is severe, the cat's gums and other mucus membranes may turn blue from lack of oxygen. As with asthma in humans, these symptoms will come and go. Cats will have an asthma attack and then may seem fine once the attack is over.   Allergies and Asthma Asthma caused by allergies is most common in cats versus other pets reports The Merck/Merial Manual for Pet Health.  This is usually a seasonal condition and more severe in the summer and when cats spend more time outside. When exposed to an allergen, the histamines released cause the lungs and airways to constrict, making it difficult for the cat to breathe.   Chronic Asthma Cats with chronic asthma will have asthma year round. In chronic asthma, more than just allergies will trigger an attack. Exercise and stress may trigger an attack. Sometimes cats with chronic asthma may struggle to breathe for no apparent reason. Usually cats are born with this condition and symptoms start when they are kittens or as young cats. It's most common in Oriental breeds, such as Siamese and Himalayan cats, and may be hereditary. It's rare for an older adult cat to suddenly develop chronic asthma.   Diagnosing Asthma in Cats Seasonal asthma due to allergies can be easier to diagnosed just based on symptoms. If the cat has reduced or no symptoms during the winter or when kept indoors, then a diagnosis can be made clinically. However, for symptoms that do not easily resolve and occur year-round, the veterinarian will need to perform more tests to determine the cause of a cat's breathing problems. This may include x-rays, cultures of mucus, and viewing the airways and lungs with an endoscope.     Treating Asthma in Cats If the cause of a cat's asthma is allergies, then avoiding the allergy is the best prevention. This may mean keeping your cat indoors. If this does not resolve the symptoms, then your veterinarian may prescribe a corticosteroid, such as prednisone, and/or inhalers similar to medications used in humans that help open the airways. For severe acute attacks, cats may need emergency treatment at the veterinarian's office.   If your cat has been diagnosed with asthma, know that it can be managed and your cat can live a long, active life. However, you will need to learn to manage your cat's condition with your veterinarian's help. Ask your vet how to best prevent asthma attacks and how to best treat asthma attacks when they do occur. Also, ask your vet how to determine if you can treat the asthma attack at home or if you should bring your cat in for emergency veterinary care. Feature image credit

Vestibular disorders are unfortunately common in cats.  Also known as the labyrinth, the vestibular apparatus is a sense organ which is composed by three canals, an utricle and a saccule. The apparatus is stimulated by gravity and rotational movement and plays a vital role in allowing cats to orient themselves in space as well as maintain balance.   A vestibular disorder essentially interferes with a cat’s ability to move correctly. A cat suffering a vestibular disorder is likely to wobble, circle, fall and roll continually with the world through their eyes seeming to spin. They may also lean again the wall to try and hold themselves up as well as crouch low to the floor when attempting to walk. Rapid jerking eye movements and head tilting are also common symptoms.   Image Credit   The causes of vestibular issues vary. Some cats are affected by a simple inner ear infection, however other causes can be far more serious issues such as strokes, brain tumours, head trauma, thiamin deficiency and brain infections.   Idiopathic Vestibular Syndrome is also a common cause of the problem. The syndrome is mysterious with there being no current understanding of how it begins. Onset is typically sudden and affects a cat’s ability to walk. There is a suggestion environmental factors may be to blame as there is usually a significant increase in cases in July and August in the United States.   Image Credit   In idiopathic cases, just as suddenly as the syndrome begins, it ceases, with recovery usually occurring in two or three days. Generally speaking a cat with be healthy again in three weeks time, though some cats retain a permanent head tilt. Whilst recovery usually occurs naturally, a suffering cat will need supportive care from a veterinarian as eating and drinking will become difficult for them during the first stages of the syndrome.   Disorders can also be the result of a congenital vestibular defect. Particularly prevalent in Oriental breeds such as the Siamese, kittens may born with the issue and manifest rolling and circling behaviours shortly after birth. Sadly, there is no cure. 

Dog’s aren’t the only pets that can suffer bad breath. Cats too can emit powerful, foul smelling odours when they open their mouths, which can also make their fur reek after they engage in a thorough grooming session. Whilst your cat’s breath is not supposed to scent sweetly of perfume, if it smells strongly unpleasant there are a variety of medical conditions that may be to blame.    Image Credit Bacterial colonies in residence of kitty’s mouth are the uninvited occupants responsible for unpleasant smells. This bacteria may not only cause you to want to hold your breath when your cat starts yowling for dinner but also seriously affect your cat’s health. Bacteria spread via the bloodstream from the mouth to other organs, such as the liver, kidneys and heart can result in serious ailments, and even organ failure making bad breath more than problem for your nose.   Image Credit   Poor dental care is one of the most common causes of reeking cat mouths. Teeth brushing is just as necessary to dogs and cats as it is to human dental care. A number of cat friendly pastes in flavours such as chicken and fish are available along with specially designed toothbrushes to allow you to clean your cat’s pearly whites and reduce tartar and bacterial build up. Dental chew toys and treats are also recommended for use in conjunction with brushing to improve dental health, as are natural 'chews' like chicken necks from the butcher.   Image Credit   If your cat’s dental problems are more advanced, a trip to the vet for extensive teeth cleaning may be essential. The procedure involves placing the cat under anaesthetic and scraping away large amounts of residue – and even removal of certain teeth if it appears deterioration has drastically progressed.   Image Credit   If your cat appears to have perfect teeth, yet still suffers horrid breath, other feline disorders may be responsible. Bad breath is a symptom of kidney disease and diabetes along with a number of other feline diseases and syndromes. If you suspect these my be an issue with your cat, veterinary diagnosis and treatment is essential.