Ask the Vet

Thiamine Deficiency in Cats: 9 Signs to Look For (Vet Answer)

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tired sick cat lying on bed

Thiamine deficiency, or vitamin B1 deficiency, is a clinical syndrome associated with vascular lesions and nerve damage caused by an insufficient concentration of this vitamin in a cat’s body. This deficit is due to insufficient intake of vitamin B1 (part of the B complex group) in relation to the body’s requirements. It is predominant in … Read more

Trazadone for Cats (Vet Answer): Uses, Side Effects & FAQ

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Woman at home holding her lovely Devon Rex cat on lap and gives it a pill

Trazadone is a human antidepressant that is used off-label in cats to manage short-term events of high anxiety. In cats, Trazadone can help them be less stressed out by events that might be scary or disturbing.  Times when Trazadone might be helpful include a veterinary visit, when traveling or moving, during thunderstorms, during construction or … Read more

Cat Spinal Injury — Signs and Diagnosis (Vet Answer)

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cat who suffered a spinal injury

If your cat’s head is tilted awkwardly backward, their limbs are stiff or weak, or they seem paralyzed, they likely have a health condition at the level of the spine. Spinal cord injury in cats is called spinal trauma and can be caused by spinal fractures or tumors or be the result of a disease … Read more

Kidney Disease in Cats — Causes, Signs & Care (Vet Answer)

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vet holding burma cat

Your cat’s two kidneys perform many vital functions in maintaining your pet’s health. They help eliminate toxins from the bloodstream (because they filtrate blood) and maintain water, electrolyte balance, acid-base balance, and blood pressure at normal values. They also regulate circulation and produce hormones (vitamin D, renin, and erythropoietin). When the kidneys stop working properly, … Read more

FIV in Cats (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus): Causes, Signs & Care (Vet Answer)

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sick stray senior cat

Similar to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), feline immunodeficiency virus, or FIV, attacks the immune system to a point that it cannot fight off common infections. Once a cat becomes infected with FIV, their immune system gradually weakens, decreasing its strength against secondary and opportunistic infections. This results in the rapid proliferation of the organism and … Read more

Why Are My Cat’s Paws Peeling? (Vet Answer)

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cat's paw pads peeling

It can be easy to overlook your cat’s paws, especially if he or she doesn’t like you touching that area. However, cats’ paws act as their hands and feet, so they serve a number of important functions. Running, jumping, climbing, feeling, grasping toys—all of these activities depend on the paws being healthy! Additionally, the paws … Read more

Retinal Detachment in Cats: Causes, Signs, and Care (Vet Answer)

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tuxedo domestic shorthair cat with large dilated pupils

As a pet owner, having your cat diagnosed with retinal detachment can be overwhelming. It can happen quickly, with few (if any) warning signs, and the consequences—looking after a potentially blind or visually impaired cat—can be drastic. Thankfully, if retinal detachment is caught early enough, vision can be restored, meaning your cat can see again, … Read more

Feline Leukemia Virus in Cats (Vet Answer): Signs, Causes & Care

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bengal cat and vet

Second only to trauma, feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is a leading cause of death in cats worldwide. In 2010, statistics suggested that it affected 2–3% of cats1, making it a crucial disease to consider for the health and well-being of the cat population. Fortunately, testing and vaccination programs have reduced the prevalence of the disease … Read more

Will a Cat Abscess Heal on Its Own? (Vet Answer)

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abscess on cat's neck

A cat abscess, defined as a painful collection of pus, is a common ailment, but it can often be difficult to detect because most cats dislike being examined when they are in pain1. Some abscesses look like lumps, and others may be open and weeping and appear obviously infected. Occasionally, your cat may seem to … Read more

5 Most Common Cancers in Cats (Vet Answer): Signs, Causes & Treatments

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sick cat

It’s an unfortunate reality that cats are susceptible to cancer, just like humans are. Advances in veterinary medicine and pet care are making it easier to detect cancer, though, and with the subsequent increase in lifespans, the rates of diagnoses are increasing. However, diagnosis can still be difficult, especially since older animals are often suffering … Read more

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