Checking the urine
Q: My veterinarian is suggesting my cat have a urinalysis. He has suggested it in the past, but I have opted not to go...
When a Cat Starts Losing Hair
You’ve noticed your cat has started losing hair, perhaps in one spot, perhaps in a number of areas on her body. It’s alarming because...
Hairball concerns
Q: How alarmed should I get when my cat throws up a hairball?
Chris Seeter
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Dear Ms. Seeter,
A: Not very. The momentary hacking, gagging,...
But What Does Lethargy Look Like?
It’s often said that if a cat is in a prolonged state of lethargy, he should be taken to the vet to see if...
Keeping Cats from Reproducing Without Having to Spay Them
There are an estimated 600 million cats in the world, and almost 500 million of them are free-roaming. Up to 100 million homeless cats...
A New Drug to Treat Itchy Feline Skin Condition
A cat allergy, whether to something in the environment, something in the diet, or insects such as fleas, often plays out on the skin....
Veterinarians Can Now Become Board-Certified in Shelter Medicine
As of this year, a veterinary specialty in shelter medicine is fully recognized by the American Veterinary Medical Association. A veterinarian who is board-certified...
Cataract, Or Just Lenticular Sclerosis?
One or both of your cat’s eyes has become bluish-gray in color and looks opaque. Is she suffering vision loss because of a cataract?...
The One Disease Pet Health Insurance May Not Cover
Ironically, probably the most common disease to affect cats is the one not necessarily covered by pet health insurance. We’re talking about dental disease....
Yes, But Why Are the Kidneys Enlarged?
The veterinarian palpates (feels) your cat’s abdomen during a clinical exam and finds that one or both of her kidneys are bigger than they’re...
How Often Does Your Cat Really Need Blood Work?
There is no dispute about how often a cat should have a physical exam. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the American Animal Hospital...
Regurgitation versus vomiting
Q: When a cat regurgitates, is that the same thing as vomiting? I often see the two terms used interchangeably.
Patsy Van der Meer
Huntsville, Alabama
Dear Ms....
