If your cat is suffering from coughing fits and lack of energy, lungworms might be the culprit. Find out more about symptoms and treatment. Lungworms in cats can pose a series of dangers for your little ball of fur. These parasites travel the distance, hopping from host to host looking for perfect places to burrow into and every once in a while an unlucky cat becomes a stop on their route. Although less common than intestinal worms, lungworms are not to be ignored. Here are a few useful things to know about lungworm in cats and how you can help your cat get back to a clean bill of health. What is lungworm? Lungworms are parasites infecting other organisms and use their nutrients to stay alive and produce eggs at the expense of their host. If you are more familiar with the classic lungworms in dogs, these are not known to affect cats. In fact, cats have a different type of lungworm to contend with. There are two types of lungworm in cats: the Aelurostrongylus abstrusus (feline lungworm) and Capillaria aerophilus (bronchial capillarid that affects cats and dogs) and they can both cause lung damage. How do cats get lungworm? The more your cat is a keen outdoor explorer, the higher chance there is for lungworms to get attached to your feline companion. The little parasites usually have to travel through an entire food chain before reaching your cat’s system. Cats become infected with lungworm when they drink water or eat prey infected with the larval stage of the worm. The larvae migrate out of the intestines via the bloodstream to the lungs, where they develop into adult worms and lay eggs in the host’s lungs within 40 days. The eggs are then coughed up by the cat or passed in faeces, which may then be eaten by birds, rodents and/or snails.

There are so many things to learn for a new kitten making their first steps into the world. Discovering it all by themselves can be a little bit scary, but luckily you can do a lot to help them learn the ropes of their new life. These are the basics of kitten socialisation. The world is such a big place for a kitten just starting to figure out where exactly they fit in it. A kitten’s early life is noisy, busy and full of new experiences. There are humans everywhere, other kittens roaming around, older cats, objects big and small, plus all sorts of startling strange sounds and smells. Deciphering what they all mean will take a little while which is what the period known as kitten socialisation is for. All of this can be overwhelming when you get a new kitten, as they arrive in your house and everything is new to them. Find out how to turn your shy ball of fur into a confident and happy adult cat and help your kitten learn life’s first lessons quickly. What is kitten socialisation? Kitten socialisation is the period of time early on in a cat’s life when they start to learn what is safe in their environment by getting familiar with different experiences, people, pets and even sounds. Exposure to new things from the beginning is crucial for cat socialisation, but make sure not to overwhelm the small bundle of joy with more information than they can handle. When should you teach kitten socialisation? Although the exact timeline for kitten socialisation is still being debated among specialists, the first 8-10 weeks are usually considered crucial for the process of socialisation. Kittens are like a sponge for new information, especially in their early days, which means there will never be a better time to show your kitten the ropes of life in general, and family time in particular. It is very possible that by the time you get to meet your new kitten the socialisation period has long passed. In this case it’s at the breeder’s house or at a rescue centre where they will have learned (or not) the first things about people and what role they play in a cat’s life. But this doesn’t meant cats have learned all they need to know about the world around them. It’s important to check with the breeder to see if there is anything in particular you need to focus on. After all, if your new kitten can’t help but duck for cover every time the alarm clock goes off, you want to know about it early on so you can continue the kitten socialisation job at home. Although the first weeks are essential, don’t forget that your kitten is likely to deal with new things long after their first birthday. Cat socialisation doesn’t stop after the 10-week marker, especially when the time comes to move into your home. Top tips on how to socialise your kitten Chances are that the first time you’ll welcome the new kitten into your home, you’ll notice they’re stepping into their new life somewhat reluctantly. They might be a bit shy or even looking frightened by all the attention they’re getting. Your first instinct will be to lift the ball of fur up and comfort them, but this might actually make matters worse as it can add to their panic. Here are some useful tips for socialising your kitten with the least amount of distress for everyone involved. Keep everyone calm Once they’re rested and are confident in their room, then it’s time to meet their new human family. This is obviously a very exciting moment, but do try to keep everyone calm. Before introducing a new kitten to the home, everyone should sit still on the floor and agree one rule - only touch the kitten if the kitten comes to you. No grabbing There mustn’t be any grabbing or arguing between the kids, or it will frighten your pet. If the kitten tries to hide, coax them out with a toy or a treat to encourage them to be sociable, but never grab or force them.

Cat's kidneys play several important roles in keeping your pet healthy including removing toxins, maintaining their blood pressure and helping to produce hormones for new red blood cells. With so much to do, it’s perhaps not surprising that as cats get older, it’s quite common for their kidneys to wear out after working so hard. There are a number of causes for kidney failure, from cat kidney diseases to tumours, and these problems can be acute or chronic. Acute kidney failure in cats If your cat has acute kidney failure, it means that their kidneys are suddenly unable to function properly – this can be due to causes such as infection, or because your cat’s eaten something dangerous to them, such as antifreeze. Acute kidney damage in cats can either be permanent or reversible, depending on what the cause is. Chronic kidney failure in cats Chronic kidney failure in cats is more gradual, and usually develops over several months or even years. There are a number of reasons for chronic kidney failure in cats including infections and tumours, and unfortunately by the time it’s diagnosed the kidney damage is sometimes irreversible. In the early stages of kidney disease in cats the healthy areas of the kidney compensate for any damage by increasing their already busy workload. However, as the disease progresses, the healthy areas start to shrink and eventually there simply aren’t enough remaining healthy areas for the kidneys to be able to perform as they should. By this stage your cat will be showing signs of kidney failure (see below for more information). Chronic kidney failure in cats is a progressive illness that your vet will need to keep an eye on, but it can usually be managed with a combination of medical treatments and a special diet. Signs of kidney disease in cats Large amounts of very dilute urine and increased thirst As your cat's kidneys become less able to concentrate their urine, they will urinate more and drink more to replace the lost fluids.

Your cat is an important part of your family, and we understand that it’s not nice to think of your fluffy companion getting older. As felines don’t get fine lines and wrinkles like us, the signs of old age in cats aren’t always obvious. Changes in your cat are most likely to start on the inside as they approach their golden years, and they will gradually age like we do. But there are a few tell-tale signs you should be aware of. We explore them, next. At what age is a cat considered senior? Although cats are considered to be of old age from when they reach 7 years old, some felines will be showing off their kitten-like antics well into their mature years. Because there’s no exact age when your pet changes into a senior cat, you have to look out for particular signs instead. Signs of an old cat If your cat is not a spring chicken anymore, it’s natural to wonder what to expect when your pet becomes elderly and whether that moment hasn’t actually arrived. Elderly cats are very similar to humans in old age and will experience changes in their physical and mental abilities as years go by. Here are some of the most common signs that your cat is now a senior: Loss of agility One of the first things you will notice is a lower level of energy than usual. Of course, this could be also due to a medical problem, so it’s always best to check with your vet whenever you notice big changes in your cat’s behaviour. But expect your cat to enjoy living life in the slow lane as they get closer to senior status. Changes in their play time routine Play time for elderly cats will likely be comprised of shorter sessions, less energetic chases and more walking around the house or climbing cat trees. Depending on your cat’s health, you may need to adjust some of the usual games and bring them down to a slower pace, but don’t think play time is over once your feline reaches the golden years. Your vet will be able to advise on a level of activity that is suitable for your pet and will keep them well-entertained no matter the age. Different sleeping patterns Changes in the sleeping routine can also be a sign of an old cat. Whether your cat is waking up and vocalising in the middle of the night, or on the contrary, starts enjoying a shut eye more than usual, a cat’s sleeping habits could be the giveaway for old age. Increased disorientation Cats are not particularly aloof creatures. Their feline DNA keeps them in tune with their environment well into their senior years. So when all of a sudden your cat starts getting confused while doing simple tasks such as finding their food bowl or getting to their bed, this disorientation can be caused by a cognitive decline relate to ageing in elderly cats. In this case as well it is recommended to discuss the unusual behaviour with the vet. Changes in body condition and weight Weight fluctuations can also be a sign that your cat should start getting the senior treatment. Usually their metabolism slows down and as the amount of exercise decreases with age, you can expect to see your feline frame getting larger than usual. On the other end of the spectrum, some cats might suffer weight loss due to dental problems, also common in old age. You can check your cat’s body condition at home using these simple steps and get plenty of clues about your pet’s health and weight. Changes in behaviour You can find many signs of an old cat in their behaviour as well. They get a bit rusty when it comes to using the litter box and the frequency of accidents increases. They might not groom themselves as thorough as before. Or might even become moodier and less tolerant of changes in their environment. Many cats become less able to cope with stress as they age, so if you want to find out more about how you can manage cat anxiety, our guide is a good start.

Ear mites are a common cause of feline ear problems. These tiny parasites can be extremely itchy and lead to long-term damage if left untreated. Find out what they are and how to treat them successfully. Is your feline scratching their ears more than usual? One of the most common causes for a cat’s ear discomfort are microscopic parasites known as ear mites. Read on to find out how ear mites in cats affect your pet’s health and what to do to get rid of them. What are cat ear mites? The most common type of ear mite in cats is Otodectes cynotis. These are barely-visible to the naked eye but may be seen as very small white dots. Diagnosis usually requires looking for the mites under a microscope. They get inside your cat’s ear canal, where they feed on the ear wax and skin debris. These mites can cause significant inflammation and swelling in the ear canal and are very itchy. Cats of all ages and breeds can be affected, with outdoor felines being the most susceptible to an ear mite infection.

Good digestion is one of the keys to excellent health. By digesting and absorbing the goodness from food, your cat can take in all the nutrients needed to stay in top condition.

It's not pleasant if you have a cat that always seems to bite you. Learn more about the reasons why cats bite and the best ways to stop it with our guide and tips. It’s not uncommon for cats to bite. There are many reasons as to why a cat might suddenly start biting, seemingly unprovoked. It’s important to understand that cat biting isn’t always done out of aggression. Cats are natural born predators, and as such seemingly aggressive actions such as biting, pouncing and clawing make up a large part of their play. Allowing and encouraging this natural instinct is important for felines, but there is a fine line between engaging in stimulating play and allowing aggressive behaviour. Learn more about the reasons behind why cats bite in order to help to stop any unnecessary biting. Why do cats bite? There are many reasons as why cats bite and it’s important to understand what your cat is trying to communicate by biting. They may be trying to send a message or want you to stop doing something. Figuring out why cats bite can be confusing as many owners complain that cats will bite unprovoked, and out of nowhere. One moment they can be enjoying a stroke, the next moment, the teeth are out! Most often, when cats bite they are trying to tell you that they aren’t enjoying the contact that they are currently receiving. For felines, there is a very fine line between enjoyable handling and irritating petting, so while an owner may think a bite has come from nowhere, for a cat the action is entirely justified. Sudden cat biting when petting One of the most common complaints from cat owners is the sudden change in attitude that can occur during petting: one second a cat may be loving the attention, the next they’re snapping at your fingers! It’s hard to tell when a cat has had enough of stroking, but learning to read your cat’s body language will help you to know when a bite might be coming. Your cat is sending a message in this situation: they’ve had enough. You decrease the likelihood that they will bite again be respecting this, and letting your cat do their own thing, rather than insisting on further affection. Cat biting when playing Cats often bite during play because they are expressing their natural hunting instinct.

Pamper your feline friend with a lavish cat massage that will make them feel like theylives in the lap of luxury. There are a few things to keep in mind before you can become the resident specialist in premium cat massaging techniques. This article will give you the information you need to massage your way into your cat’s good graces. Why is massage important for your cat? We know – a massage is so good you don’t need reasons to have it. But there are also real benefits to offering your cat a massage. It’s not just a session of pampering – it has important consequences for the health and vitality of your feline friend. A cat massage improves circulation, promotes low blood pressure, supports joint mobility and it combats cat anxiety and stress like nothing else. So flex your fingers and get ready for all those lovely purrs of joy. If you are not sure where to start, we put together a short guide for all your cat massage questions. How to massage a cat in 3 steps The first thing you need to do before you start your cat massage is to wait to be approached. When you notice your cat starts rubbing against you, it means she’s relaxed enough to enjoy 5-10 minutes of quiet massage heaven. Start by talking to your cat. Change your voice, sing their favourite cat song or make any sounds you know puts your cat at ease. The key is to keep a calm and soothing voice. Then you can use our three-step CAT technique – Circle, Activate, Tap. 1. Circle: move around in circles Start your cat massage by lightly stroking your cat from the neck to the base of their tail by using an open and relaxed hand. This technique is also known as effleurage and it helps your cat get in a relaxed mood, warm-up the muscles and stimulate blood circulation. Once you feel the back muscles have eased up, move onto your cat’s shoulders. Using your thumbs, rotate your fingertips clockwise or counter-clockwise to make slow circles around her shoulder blades.

Most cats take real pride in their appearance, spending almost half their waking hours preening themselves to perfection. Being independent creatures, cats are keen to look after themselves, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t lend a hand in their pampering routine. Grooming your cat plays a big part in caring for your pet and regular maintenance will mean your cat looks great and feels great too! As well as helping to keep your cat looking beautiful, regular cat grooming allows you to spend quality time bonding with your pet, and gives you the opportunity to check their body condition and spot any unusual signs of health problems, such as lumps or bumps.

Although your cat is beautiful, they are so much more than a pretty face. Not only do they have a stunning coat, but they’re biologically designed to look after them. Their rough tongues act like mini brushes, removing dead hair and distributing oils through their coat. They’re also smart enough to know that when these biological grooming aids are not enough – for example, if they get fur-balls or tangles – you can be counted on to help. Kitten grooming Kitten grooming isn't just about making your feline look fancy - it removes dead hair, keeps their coat and skin healthy, helps you build an intimate bond, and gives you the opportunity to check their overall health. Grooming is an important part of looking after kittens, but thanks to their softer, fluffier and shorter coats, it should take next to no time to do, compared to adults. If you can get your kitten used to regular grooming from a young age, it will make life much easier for both of you in the future. The good news is that most cats love the gentle attention of being groomed, and as soon as they see a brush or comb in your hand, they’ll usually come running for the fuss. Brushing your kitten Long vs. short coats How thoroughly and how often you’ll end up brushing your kitten usually depends on their type of coat. A short-coated cat will usually only need a quick 'once-over' weekly while a long-coated breed will need daily attention with the right type of equipment - ask your breeder or a groomer for advice on specific coat types.