The life expectancy of cats varies considerably between individuals and with the kind of health care received throughout their lives. Most well- cared-for cats can be expected to live between ten and fifteen years, and many reach the age of twenty. A few cats have even been reported to have lived more than thirty years. … Read more
ECLAMPSIA (PUERPERAL TETANY, MILK FEVER) Eclampsia (puerperal tetany) usually occurs in mother cats within two or three weeks after delivery, although it can occur before delivery. Though the exact mechanism is unknown, it is due to a defect in calcium metabolism that results in an abnormally low blood calcium level when calcium stores cannot be … Read more
FALLS (HIGH-RISE SYNDROME) Cats are renowned for their agility and their jumping and climbing abilities. The saying that “Cats always land on their feet” has some truth to it, since cats’ air-righting reflexes are highly developed and they will normally turn in the air to land with their feet facing the ground if dropped from … Read more
CHOKING Cats have a highly developed gag reflex, and they rarely try to swallow large pieces of food or objects that could cause choking. However, should your cat look as if he or she is choking, a thorough examination of the mouth and pharynx must be performed immediately, since suffocation will occur if the airway … Read more
FROSTBITE AND/OR HYPOTHERMIA Cats rarely experience frostbite (cold injury caused by freezing of tissue) or hypothermia (lowered body temperature) when left outdoors in cold weather if they have been properly acclimatized, are adequately fed, and have access to shelter that prevents their fur from becoming wet. However, even short periods can be dangerous for animals … Read more
HEAT STRESS (HEAT STROKE, HEAT PROSTRATION) Heat stress occurs most often in cats who have been confined to a car (or other enclosure) with inadequate ventilation on a warm day. Temperatures inside a parked, poorly ventilated car can rapidly reach over 100°F (37.8°C) on a relatively mild 75 to 80°F (23.9 to 26.7°C) day even … Read more
PORCUPINE QUILLS IN SKIN The important thing to remember about a porcupine quill in the skin is to remove the whole thing. Grasp the quill with a pair of pliers near the point where it disappears into the skin, then, with a quick tug, pull it out. If the quill breaks off as you try … Read more
TOAD POISONING Toads have glands in their skin that secrete substances that are bad tasting to cats and that can cause local irritation and drooling. At least two toad species, the Colorado toad (Bufo alvarius) and the marine toad (Bufo marinus) are very toxic. Should you observe your cat mouthing or playing with a toad, … Read more
SNAKEBITE Although cases of snakebite in cats are rare, you should be aware of the first aid necessary in order to try to prevent death if your cat should be bitten by a snake. Prompt action by you and your veterinarian is necessary. Bleeding puncture wounds or small tooth marks are common signs of envenomation. … Read more
POISONING Emergency situations involving convulsions occur commonly following poisoning. Cats are extremely sensitive to the effects of many chemicals used commonly in the house and garden, but because of their habits they are seldom seen ingesting poisonous substances. Instead, an owner often becomes aware the poisoning has occurred only after signs of toxicity, such as … Read more