Head Shaking in Cats

Head shaking in cats

Head shaking is not as common in cats as it is with dogs and when it does occur it almost always relates to a problem with the ears.

Most causes of head shaking relate to discomfort due to itching and inflammation. As the cat scratches his ears and shakes his head, he risks further aggravating the problem by inducing an ear hematoma, which is a blood-filled pocket caused by a broken blood vessel in the ear.

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Rabies in Cats

Rabies in cats

At a glance

  • About: Rabies is a contagious and fatal viral disease that causes inflammation of the brain in affected animals.
  • Transmission: The virus is spread via the bite of an infected animal which introduces virus-laden saliva into the wound.
  • Symptoms: Low-grade fever, vocalisation, restlessness, changes in behaviour (aggression, irritability), muscle tremors, incoordination, paralysis, death.
  • Treatment: There is no treatment for rabies in cats. The disease is always fatal.

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Wheezing in Cats

Wheezing in cats

What is wheezing?

Wheezing is the abnormal whistling sound that accompanies breathing, caused by a narrowing of the airways due to a partial blockage, constriction or inflammation.

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Broken Skull in Cats

Broken skull in cats

The skull is the tough, bony framework of tightly connected bones, consisting of two parts, the cranium (the domed top, back, and sides which protect the brain) and the facial section which encases the sensory organs.

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Cat Pooping Outside the Litter Box

Cat litter tray

Why is my cat pooping outside the litter tray?

It is frustrating for pet owners when a cat poops outside the litter tray, but it is important to determine the cause to provide a solution. Ask the following questions:

  • Has the cat stopped using the litter tray completely?
  • Have you noticed any other changes in the cat, which can include behavioural and medical?
  • Is the cat urinating in the tray?
  • How many litter trays are there?
  • Are there any issues between household cats?
  • Is there a new cat in the neighbourhood?

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Pyothorax in Cats

Pyothorax in cats

What is pyothorax?

Pyothorax (pleural empyema) is the presence of pus in the pleural space of the chest cavity, which is the thin, fluid-filled space that lies between the lungs and the chest wall.

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Escherichia coli (E. coli) in Cats

E. Coli in cats

Escherichia coli at a glance

  • What is Escherichia coli?  Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a bacterial infection of the gastrointestinal tract, uterus and urinary tract affecting many species of animal including cats. Most of the time, the bacteria reside in the GI tract without incident.
  • Transmission: Cats become infected when the bacteria find their way from one part of the body to another, for example, urinary tract infections, or when a cat consumes food containing a pathogenic (disease-causing) strain of the bacteria.
  • Symptoms: If the gastrointestinal tract is affected, vomiting, diarrhea, which may be blood-tinged. If the uterus is affected, fever, loss of appetite, lethargy, and in some cases discharge from the vagina.
  • Treatment: E. coli is treated with antibiotics to kill the bacteria as well as supportive care, including fluids and nutritional support.

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