Ask the Vet Archives - Page 4 of 12

Can a Cat Recover From Kidney Failure? (Vet Answer)

January 19, 2023October 12, 2022 by Kim Podlecki

Kidney, or renal failure, in cats is a very common condition. Most cats will suffer from chronic kidney failure, which means that, over time, the kidney degenerates and loses the ability to function properly. With chronic kidney failure, there is very little that can be done to help a cat recover. However, there are things that … Read more

Kim Podlecki

A graduate of The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Podlecki has more than 12 years of experience working with small animals in the United States. Dr. Podlecki worked almost exclusively in emergency and specialty medicine for more than 10 years before transitioning to relief in both general practice and ER. Dr. Podlecki also owns her own consulting company (renewvetconsulting.com) with the focus of helping veterinary hospitals prioritize their staff to promote a healthier internal culture.

Can Cats Recover From Hind Leg Paralysis? (Vet Answer)

January 20, 2023October 10, 2022 by Leigh Wilder

If you have a cat with hindlimb paralysis, you would do anything to help them get better. But in the face of this devastating condition, the uncertainties may seem overwhelming and you might wonder—will my cat be able to walk again? In general, the prognosis for felines suffering from hind leg paralysis is, unfortunately, poor. … Read more

Leigh Wilder

Leigh is a veterinarian with almost 10 years of experience in the US. She has loved animals since she was a child, and grew up caring for hamsters, guinea pigs, rats, fish, and dogs. Leigh received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Minnesota and has worked in both small animal clinical practice and shelter medicine since graduation. Leigh enjoys small animal preventative medicine and surgery and loves helping pet owners by sharing her knowledge. Outside of work Leigh enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and traveling.

Can a Cat Give a Dog Parvo Virus? (Vet Answer)

January 19, 2023October 10, 2022 by Kim Podlecki

The short answer is, no. A cat cannot give a dog parvovirus. Both species can become infected with parvovirus, but the virus that affects your cat is slightly different from the canine version, which can cause different problems. In this article we will discuss feline and canine parvovirus, and the key differences between the two. … Read more

Kim Podlecki

Distemper Vaccine for Cats: A Complete Guide (Vet Answer)

January 21, 2023October 7, 2022 by Christian Adams

Veterinarian at vet clinic giving injection to cat

Distemper in cats is also known as feline infectious enteritis, feline parvovirus, and feline panleukopenia, and is caused by a virus of the same name. Distemper most commonly impacts cats that haven’t had their full vaccine series. This often means kittens less than six months of age, though adult cats or senior cats with a … Read more

Christian Adams

Christian is the Editor-in-Chief of Excited Cats and one of its original and primary contributors. A lifelong cat lover, now based in South East Asia, Christian and his wife are the proud parents of an 11-year-old son and four rescue cats: Trixie, Chloe, Sparky, and Chopper.

Lymph Node Enlargement (Lymphadenopathy) in Cats – Causes and Care Guide (Vet Approved)

March 22, 2023October 6, 2022 by Christian Adams

Lymph nodes are found throughout your cat’s body, and are an important part of their immune system. Peripheral lymph nodes are located on the outside of the body, which means your veterinarian is able to check them during your cat’s physical exam. Internal lymph nodes are not as easy to assess. Your cat may require … Read more

Christian Adams

Anisocoria in Cats – Causes & Care Guide (Vet Answer)

January 20, 2023October 6, 2022 by Christian Adams

Cats are known for their beautiful eyes. They even have special pupils that change shape! When fully open (dilated), their pupils are round, but when constricted, they have a vertical ellipse shape. Pupils change size to regulate how much light enters the eyes. This process is not under conscious control; it occurs in response to … Read more

Christian Adams

Hemangiosarcoma in Cats: Causes, Symptoms & Care (Vet Answer)

January 20, 2023October 6, 2022 by Christian Adams

Hemangiosarcoma is a fancy term for a type of cancer that invades and arises from the blood vessels in cats. It can occur in any part of the body, and it can also spread throughout the body, involving multiple organ systems. While it is a rare form of cancer in cats, it can often be … Read more

Christian Adams

How to Care for an Abused Cat (7 Ways to Help)

January 21, 2023October 4, 2022 by Dr. Joanna Woodnutt, MRCVS (Vet)

It can be difficult to know for sure if a cat was abused. Certain signs, such as fear of strangers (or of a certain gender), excessive hiding, misdirected aggression, or extreme aggression, along with a variety of other signs, might indicate that a cat has had a difficult background. Since it is often tough to … Read more

Dr. Joanna Woodnutt, MRCVS (Vet)

Joanna is an experienced veterinarian working in the UK. She has written about pets and pet health for many websites, blogs, and pet magazines and loves to help owners understand their pets through her writing.

9 Most Common Illnesses and Diseases in Cats (Vet Answer)

February 24, 2023October 3, 2022 by Dr. Joanna Woodnutt, MRCVS (Vet)

Cats are masters at hiding signs of illness, no matter what age they are. So, it is important to have an understanding of the common illnesses and diseases these wonderful creatures may face—as a little knowledge goes a long way in potentially helping to recognize a disease or illness, before it becomes too much of … Read more

Dr. Joanna Woodnutt, MRCVS (Vet)

How Common is Heartworm in Cats? Are Cats Likely to Get it? (Vet Answer)

March 6, 2023September 27, 2022 by Dr. Lauren Demos (Vet)

Heartworm is a disease that we generally think of in dogs. And our experience with heartwork in this species is often all about routine testing, prevention, and rarely, serious illness. However, much less is discussed about heartworm in cats. In fact, most people don’t know that cats can even get heartworm! Thankfully, heartworm in cats … Read more

Dr. Lauren Demos (Vet)

Dr. Lauren has worked in all aspects of the veterinary field throughout her career and therefore she has a deep understanding of animals. Since graduating from veterinary school, Lauren has worked in multiple countries, fostered many animals, and volunteered her time to help pets and vets alike.