LoveToKnow Cats:Custom Health and Illness Questions

From LoveToKnow Cats

Past Questions

Question: My cat is about 11, in generally good health, neutered, but slightly overweight. I just noticed a swelling on one cheek about 1/3 the size of a golf ball. It feels soft and puffy, not irritating to him. No immunizations for three years and I cannot remember when he was ever sick. During the past several days he seems a little lethargic but not irritable to us or our four-year old cat. He seems to appreciate attention more, as if he is grateful for the sympathy. They have free access to outdoors and are hunters, frequently bringing in "fast food" that was not apparently fast enough. I worry they will pick up a disease from eating them. Thank you! - Posted by: norm@kiassociates.com

Answer: Hi Norm,

There are several things that might cause this type of swelling. Since this is an older cat (although he isn't exactly elderly yet), it could possibly be an infected tooth or irritation in the gums. Since he is eating different animals, he may even have a bone or such stuck in his gum.

Another possibility is that he has an abscess. This is usually caused when an animal is bitten, scratched or poked with something outdoors. The abscess would be filled with puss and infection and need to be drained, which can be done in a vet's office. The vet would also likely want to give him a round of antibiotics.

Since the puffiness was unexpected and he seems otherwise healthy, my guess is that he has probably gotten into a fight with another cat and the scratch has caused an infection.

My advice is to take him to the vet and get treatment as soon as possible. Most vets will work out a payment plan if you are on a tight budget. Be sure to check back and let us know how he's doing. - posted by:LoriSoard

Question: My kitten had little black things in his ears. Now two weeks later he has them in his nose too... What is it? I clean it out but I can't tell what it is or how to get rid of it. Thanks - Posted by: odmsanchez1110@yahoo.com

Answer: Hi Donna,

The black things in your kitten's ears sound like ear mites. Ear mites are tiny little parasites that feed on your cat by digging into the skin and feeding on blood. If left untreated, the mites can cause coordination and balance problems in your cat or even deafness, so it is important to treat mites as quickly as possible. If you notice the black dots in both ears, it is most likely mites.

A cat's ears should be pink and clean looking on the inside. You may also notice that a cat will dig at his or her ears or shake his head from side to side. Mites cause a lot of itching. You might compare it to mosquito bites, for example.

However, fleas can also feed on the cat's ears and leave behind dry, crusty blood, which can look like a black crust. So, I wouldn't completely rule that out as a possibility.

Cats can get freckles on the nose, but some breeds are also prone to skin cancer, especially when exposed to sunlight. If the dots are inside his nose, then they are likely what I call "kitty boogers". However, cats are also very prone to upper respiratory infections, which can become quite serious, especially in a kitten.

With all that in mind, I would probably go ahead and take the kitten to the vet to be on the safe side. If the kitten is due for shots or a neuter, perhaps you can combine the reasons for the visit to safe on the cost of a trip? - posted by:LoriSoard

Question: My cat is very energetic and playful, however her eyes are looking weird. The inner lids are covering almost half of her eyes starting at the nose out. I wasn't sure if this should cause concern. - Posted by: bacqaf@hotmail.com

Answer: Hi Becky,

One of the most common things that happens with cats is conjunctivitis. This is known more commonly as pink eye. When this infection occurs, one of the results is the inner lid being lowered. I would go ahead and take your cat to the vet for some medication. He'll likely prescribe some eye drops. They won't be fun to administer, but are necessary to protect your cat's eye health. - posted by:LoriSoard

Question: Our five-year-old indoor/outdoor cat has become lethargic and stopped drinking water. What could her problem be? - Posted by: llmscarolina2@aol.com

Answer: Laura,

Please take her to the vet immediately. Just like humans, cats can't live long without water. That she is lethargic is also a sign of serious distress.

Lethargy and lack of thirst could indicate any number of infections, including:

Cat Flu
Distemper
Bladder Infections
Organ failure
Food poisoning
Minor disturbances

From your description, it's hard to pinpoint what the cause might be. If you can, try to see if she has any other symptoms before taking her to the vet, so that he can narrow down the likely causes. Otherwise, he will just be testing her for a lot of different potential illnesses to try to rule things out and this can grow costly.

Her illness could be anything from a kidney stone to something else. The vet will take note of all her symptoms and make a proper diagnosis. - posted by:LoriSoard

Question: Hi, I just rescued a neglected kitten, that was nearly starved to death. The second day I had it, a open hole about the size of a dime appeared on her neck, and all of the hair around the hole is gone. It looks really strange, no blood, but rather a light greenish stringy substance in the hole. Could this be something fatal? - Posted by: thewhites@farmerstel.com

Answer: Hi Karen,

I wouldn't be as concerned about the hole as about the greenish, stringy substance. There are some worms that can bore a hole into a cat's neck. They are typically picked up outside. Your best bet is to go ahead and take him or her to the vet. The kitten likely needs its shots anyway. Hope everything is okay and the kitten gets healed soon. - posted by:Kelly

Question: I live in the country and yesterday this little black kitten appeared in my back yard. She came right to me and I would guess she is about four to six weeks old, although she does not eat solid foods yet. She had a terrible wound at the base of her tail. What I thought was puss turned out to be tiny little maggots. How disgusting. I washed her wound and used an antibiotic ointment. Lots of maggots fell off. I don't see any more on the surface so I don't know if there are anymore. She drinks well from a bowl and I have made kitten formula (which she loves). The tail looks awful and she appears to be in pain when she moves her tail. I need to give her something for pain, but I don't know what is safe. Can you help me out? - Posted by: songinmyheart54@msn.com

Answer: Hi Pat,

You are a wonderful person to take this little kitten on and try to help her get better. She sounds very sweet. Since she was so infested with maggots and since she still seems to be in pain, I would encourage you to take her to the vet. She likely has a serious infection and may need antibiotics. The vet will also be able to make sure that she doesn't have any other maggots and treat her for any parasites and vaccinate her.

If you are on a fixed income, call your local Humane Society or Animal Shelter. They will often help when it is a rescue situation.

I wouldn't advise any over-the-counter medications as many are toxic to cats. It is best to see what a vet prescribes, especially at her young age.

Please update us on how the kitten is doing. - posted by:LoriSoard

Question: Our seven-year-old male cat started throwing up a couple of times a week. We took him to the vet and they thought it was gastritis. He was okay for a couple of days and started throwing up again and not eating. We took him back and they x-rayed him. One kidney was larger than the other. They did a senior blood test and urea and creatinine was very high 103 and 7.0. Also cal, phos high. Took cat back after this blood work and he has been in hospital since Monday on IV. They did an ultra sound and confirmed he had a kidney stone. They are keeping him on IV and a low protein diet hoping he will pass the stone. We will find out Wednesday what the new blood test and ultra sound shows. Anyone ever had their cat go through surgery for this in case we have to look at this? Three days on IV I hope will move the stone. Our cat only peed once a day when he was getting sick and would not drink water, which caused him to also be constipated, dehydrated. Please let me know if anyone has had their cat operated on to remove kidney stone and what the outcome was. Thank you so much. - Posted by: rooverton@nc.rr.com

Answer: Hi Randy,

We had a male cat for years that struggled off and on with this issue. Keeping him on the Science Diet product specially formulated for male cats prone to this problem helped, but we had to always be very aware of his litter box habits.

If you do not catch a stone, it can eventually kill a male cat. They wind up with urea poisoning, which is fatal if left untreated.

My cat went through three surgeries in his life for stones. All three were successful. He was weak for a couple of days afterward and then recuperated fully. He lived to be about fifteen years old.

Good luck with your kitty. I hope the stone passes on its own, but if they have to operate, he'l likely come through it fine. - posted by:LoriSoard

Question: I am starting to get worried about my kitty "Arianna". She is about eight years old and I have been noticing really odd symptoms lately. She has been spitting up white saliva/spit lately and I don't have a clue how come. At first I thought it was her diet, so I changed her dry food. Since I know it's generally better than canned food for them. I will be calling about a check up for her but in the mean time could you please help me out. Please get back to me ASAP - Posted by: lunarknt@yahoo.com

Answer: Hi Benjamin,

I think a check-up is a good idea, so please go ahead with that. However, it sounds a bit like she may be having some hairball problems. This is very common in cats and is actually a combination of diet and grooming.

I would do a couple of things to try to cut back on the hair issues and see if that helps the problem. First, change her to the highest quality cat food you can afford. You should look for one high in omega-3s and without fillers or by products. Your local pet supply or health food store should stock this.

Next, start brushing her every day. This will cut back on the loose hair that she ingests and thus any hair balls and throwing up.

Because the spit up is white and more saliva than anything, I do think a visit to the vet is in order. She could have a stomach virus or some type of parasite, so it's best to have her checked just to be on the safe side.

I wouldn't worry overly much, since she doesn't have any other symptoms. It is likely to turn out to be something very minor. - posted by:LoriSoard

Question: My cat is 15 years old. She has had urinary tract infections (UTIs) in the past. The last one was almost one year ago. She just urinated on the wall right in front of me and was meowing constantly yesterday. From her history and knowing what a UTI does to me, can I safely assume that my cat is suffering from an UTI? She also vomits frequently (which the vet is aware of). - Posted by: heatherabono@sbcglobal.net

Answer: Hi Heather,

Since this is not her normal behavior and she was meowing so insistently, I would take her to the vet. Anytime a cat changes its litter box habits in this way, it can indicate an illness. Also, she already has a history of UTIs, so it's very likely there is an issue there. Because of her advanced age, I would not delay in taking her. Not only is she uncomfortable, but the vet will likely want to test her organ functions to make sure her kidneys and everything are working properly. Please check back and let us know if she's okay. - posted by:LoriSoard

Question: Hi Lori: I wrote last year about the allergy problems of my cat Lucky. She has had Depomedrol injections every 4-6 weeks for several years. After a lot of research on the Internet, I found information on feline antihistamine on www.veterinarypartner.com. Based on that information I decided to try the loratadine (generic for Claritin)for its non-drowsy properties (I buy it at Costco). I am happy to report that this provides Lucky with about 80 percent relief, enough to eliminate the steroid injections. The last injection was at the end of December 2007. I hope this information will be helpful to other pet owners. - Posted by: lucky_428@juno.com

Answer: Hi Anne-Marie,

This is wonderful news! I'm so glad that Lucky is now feeling better. Thanks for sharing what worked for your cat. I hope that it helps some of our other readers.

My only caution to our readers would be to always check with a veterinarian before giving a cat over-the-counter (OTC) medications. Many items are highly toxic to cats, so this is an important safety procedure. Also, if the item is okay to give your cat, the veterinarian can give you the recommended dosage based on your cat's weight.

I hope that Lucky has continued success on the allergy medication and a long and happy life. - posted by:LoriSoard

Question: My cat is scheduled for a spay appointment tomorrow morning, but I just found her kittens trying to nurse - she has a small amount of milk left. (Kittens have been eating kitten food for many weeks now.) Will it be safe for my cat to be spayed tomorrow? I am worried and the vet's is about 30 miles away, so it's not a short trip if they are going to turn me away. Your help is appreciated. - Posted by: morasse1@gmail.com

Answer: Hi Ann,

You don't mention how old the kittens are. Assuming they are around 12 weeks old, it should be fine to have her spayed. When I was a young girl, my cat had kittens. We kept one out of the litter. Even when he was almost a year old and bigger than his mother, he would knock her down and still try to nurse. Likely, this is just something that is of comfort to the kittens instead of something they need nutritionally.

You definitely should mention to the vet that they are still attempting to nurse, but as long as they are old enough, it shouldn't be a problem. Hope that helps :) - posted by:LoriSoard

Question: My cat has always defecates really watery and sometimes makes funny-farty noises while he's pooping. He's about five months old and is fed good quality dry and wet cat food. What is the reason behind his loose motions? - Posted by: junebiswas@gmail.com

Answer: Hi June,

There are many things that can cause a kitten to have loose stools. The next time you take him to the vet for a shot series or to be neutered, I would go ahead and mention this to the vet. In the meantime, you should watch for anything serious that would warrant a faster trip, such as:

Lethargy
Increased thirst
Decreased thirst
Yowling as though in pain
Blood in stool
Coughing or sneezing - posted by:LoriSoard

Question: My 20-year-old cat is now deaf and blind. He still has a good appetite, walks around house fine and has no bathroom problems. Is his condition overwhelming for him? Can he be happy without either of these faculties? I'm worried about his emotional well-being. - Posted by: pat@stithatkinson.com

Answer: Hi Pat,

Since the blindness and deafness likely came on gradually with age, he has probably adapted as his condition has worsened. Because he is familiar with your home, he is probably just fine. He knows where things are located and doesn't really need to see or hear. As long as he seems happy and eats well, etc., I wouldn't worry too much. Twenty is a ripe old age for a cat, so it sounds like he's doing well.

I would be cautious and not move any furniture or bring in anything new. He likely has the layout memorized. Even moving the couch a few feet could result in him trying to jump and injuring himself when he "misses". Good luck with him. He sounds like an amazing cat. - posted by:LoriSoard

Question: My ten-year-old cat has become lethargic and the pink color of her nose has become very bright and intense. She also has been either sneezing or coughing (I can't tell which). It appears that her nose is running (like she has a cold). Can you help me? She does go outside every now and then. - Posted by: pbyard1@verizon.net

Answer: Hi Peggy,

You need to take her to the vet immediately. There are many communicable feline diseases, although you may get lucky and this may just be a run of the mill sinus infection or allergies. Tell the vet that she does go outside sometimes, so he can determine which tests to run. The lethargy is something to be very concerned about. I would get her there quickly because of this. I hope she's okay. Please check back and let us know. - posted by:LoriSoard

Question: I found tiny, squirmy white/tanish-colored worms on my bed where the cat was. There was also black pieces of dirt or something like it next to them. Shat type of worm is this, and should I be alarmed? I have three kids and a dog too! - Posted by: skmartin@dignitypet.com

Answer: Hi Sandra,

Yuck! I can sense your disgust. This is likely tapeworm and is pretty common. The worms die fairly quickly outside of the host's body. What you need to do is to take a stool sample from both the cat and dog to the vet and get appropriate medication. The vet will be able to tell you if it is tapeworm or something else too. Then, you need to thoroughly wash all of the pets' bedding and your own as well as anywhere the pets have been, this includes carpets. It's going to be a job, but don't feel too bad. Almost every pet owner has been through it at some point. - posted by:LoriSoard

Question: Pepper, my ten-year-old Tortoise Shell cat, is behaving differently. The last two days she has defecated a foot or two from her litter box rather than use it, although she has urinated in the box. She was diagnosed in February with cardiomyopathy and takes a heart medication and lasix twice a day. She has been doing well medically. She lost six pounds, but is now eating small meals. I have recently returned from four months in Florida and my son has been caring for her, and very well; I have always left her with my son or daughter. They have always gotten along well. She's quite attached to him. Is she mad at me? Is this her way of telling me I should have been around more? How do I change this behavior? Thanks for any advice you can give me. - Posted by: maureen.leonhardt@gmail.com

Answer: Hi Maureen,

It is possible that her medication is impacting her behavior. I would lock her in a confined space with the litter box for about a week (just go in and give her attention), so she gets a clear idea of where the litter box is located. Make sure you keep the litter meticulously clean. It's possible that your son scoops more often or something along those lines. Also, make sure you are using the same cat litter with her.

I don't think she is angry with you. She likely is attached to your son, since he was her caregiver for an extended period of time, but I'm sure she still loves you.

Since she is urinating in the box, just keep an eye on her. Any change in litter box habits can signal a health problem, but in her case it is likely just the stress of moving around. Signs to watch for that would warrant a trip to the vet include:

Lethargy
Blood in stool or urine
Increased thirst
Increased or decreased appetite - posted by:LoriSoard

Question: Hi, I have a 16-year-old male cat which was diagnosed as being anemic with just 20 percent red blood count. He's had the all clear on liver/kidney/FIV tests, although he's had mouth ulcers for about three weeks now. After a month on iron tablets, his red blood count has still continued to go down and now we're in limbo as to what to do next. His ulcers seem to be clearing on his tongue and are gradually going away around his upper mouth; they no longer affect his eating patterns as they once did when they first took hold. He's as happy, healthy and as active as he has been for years so that's comforting to me, but I'd really like to get to the bottom of this and wonder if there's anything I can try naturally, or where I may be able to direct the vet as he also seems to be running out of ideas. Thank you! - Posted by: yorkypoop@hotmail.com

Answer: Hi Rob,

It is good that those tests came back positive. However, any time a cat is anemic, it can indicate blood loss somewhere. I would watch for a few things. First, I would keep a close eye on the litter box and makes sure there is not blood in the feces or urine of the cat.

It could be possible that he has internal bleeding elsewhere in his body. Keep him on the iron tablets as long as the vet recommends and put him on the highest quality food you can afford. If the loss continues, you may want to have the vet run some tests for cancer to make sure that isn't the issue.

I have a sixteen-year-old Siamese, so I understand your concern. I hope your cat feels better soon. - posted by:LoriSoard

Question: My cat just had five kittens today at 10:30 a.m. and it still feels like she has one in her. It is now 10:23 p.m. Will she survive? How do I help her, if possible? We cannot afford to get her to the vet. So, how should we go about this? Thanks so much. - Posted by: royal.star7@yahoo.com

Answer: Hi Connie,

Anytime a cat is in labor for more than five hours after the birth of that first kitten, it can be dangerous for the cat and the kitten. That doesn't apply to every case, but is a good rule of thumb to go by.

Are you certain it is a kitten and not the afterbirth? She should expel the placenta after she has the last kitten. It seems a little gross to us, but most cats will eat the placenta. The placenta gives her iron and also cats are very clean and feel the need to clean up the messy aftermath of birth. I would just leave her alone and let her do this.

If she does not have the last kitten within 24 hours, your only solution is to seek veterinary care. You can check with the local humane society to see if there is assistance available or low cost or free clinics.

I hope your cat is okay. Please check back and let us know. - posted by:LoriSoard

Question: I recently switched litter boxes, from a clay type litter to the "Breeze" litter system. I gave her time to adjust to the new box and the new litter. I mixed some of the new litter into the old. I stopped cleaning the old box. I placed them side by side. It has been nearly a month and she will urinate in the new box, but will not poop in it. I removed the old box completely, because of the horrible smell. I assume she is going outside. Recently, I have found red spots of what I believe to be blood dabbled among the litter. She does not appear to be sick. She eats normally, cleans herself, sleeps and plays like usual. Also, very soon after switching litter boxes, we brought home a second cat. She used to live with this cat about a year ago. I do not believe he uses the litter box at all; I believe he goes outside entirely. (He had no problems using his litter box in old home). Yes, I only have the one box (for now). Thanks for your help! - Posted by: vandough07@yahoo.com

Answer: Hi Vanessa,

One of the problems with only having a single litter box for two cats is that it is impossible to tell if it is the female or the male who is bleeding. This means you probably need to go ahead and take both to the vet. Blood is something to be concerned over, particularly since you aren't sure if she is defecating or if the male is going at all. Male cats are highly prone to kidney stones and other urinary tract problems, so my main concern would be with the male cat. If you can only afford to take one cat to the vet, I would probably start with the male, as a blocked urinary tract can be deadly. Hope everything turns out okay! - posted by:LoriSoard

Question: Kalie, my eight-month-old calico female cat, acted very restless for a couple days at which time she got outside and did not return for three days. In her return, her attitude had not changed. Instead, her restlessness increased. Since she had no noticeable signs and attitude of being pregnant, I assumed that her heat cycle had just passed through. Entering into the fifth week after she got out, she has become tired, eating increased, wants to lay in our laps or if we are laying down she wants lay with her head next to ours, bowels/BMs overly active w/powerful oder. I checked her nipples and they are pink and pronounced. Her mid-section, right in-front of back hips, is swelled with a tight feeling. All signs are that she is pregnant. Questions? Should I vaccinate/worm her? She scooted her bottom on carpet a couple times, should I worry? Any special care I should perform due to her young age? - Posted by: smebear@att.net

Answer: Hi Shannon,

Kalie could certainly get pregnant at eight months, especially if she showed signs of being in heat. I would not give her any over the counter medications. Instead, you really need to get her some veterinary treatment. First of all, my concern would be distemper, since you say she has not been vaccinated. There are many diseases that could be passed on to the kittens, so the vet is going to want to check for those to protect both mother and the kittens. She likely does have worms, if she is scooting her bottom, but the vet can tell you when and what types of medication you can safely administer. Good luck! - posted by:LoriSoard

Question: I just noticed my cat's front paw shaking. Not the head or the rest of her body, just her front left paw. She had just been eating, and when she sat up I saw the shaking. She is about 19 pounds, so I was wondering if this is an issue caused by her massive weight. I saw this once before a few months ago, but I didn't think anything of it since she had been stretching out pretty far to eat from her bowl. Now I've seen it again and I'm worried, but can't take her to the vet since it's a Saturday night. I haven't seen her shaking again, but would appreciate any comments. - Posted by: dawn290620@yahoo.com

Answer: Hi Dawn,

I wouldn't worry too much about just the one paw shaking, but do keep an eye on her to see if she is having tremors in the rest of her body. Also, I would document each time you see this behavior, what she is doing when it occurs and specifics about the shaking. Just take this with you to your next regular vet checkup. The exception would be if the condition seems to worsen or if you notice symptoms such as:

Lethargy
Lack of thirst or hunger
Increased thirst or hunger
Trouble going to litter box

If any of those things occur, take her right to the vet. - posted by:LoriSoard

Question: I think there is something wrong with my pregnant cat. She has been showing all signs of having her kittens, but it's been nine weeks and a couple days. Instead of birth, she has really smelly diarrhea that is yellow and really watery. What do I do? - Posted by: shawnagirard@verizon.net

Answer: Hi Shawna,

Your cat is right at the correct time to give birth. You can estimate around 65 days gestation for a cat. If she is nine weeks pregnant, that would put her right at that number. The yellow diarrhea is troublesome. If she were my cat, I would probably go ahead and take her to the vet to make sure everything is okay and the kittens are doing well. It may just be a minor tummy upset, but it is always better to be safe than sorry.

The vet can also tell you the signs of labor (panting, trying to nest, etc.) and will tell you what to look for that will let you know mom or baby cats are in trouble.

Also, just before birth, cats often have a discharge from the vaginal area. You may want to make sure that this isn't what is going on, but it really shouldn't be that smelly, so I suspect it isn't.

I hope everything is okay with mother cat and the new kittens! Please let us know if you have any other questions. - posted by:LoriSoard

Question: We have a small kitten that has meet with an accident recently. We took him to the the hospital and they took X-rays and found that he has a compression of the spine at fourth vertebrae. They have kept him for five days and now have released him back to us. He is at home with us now and he is moving around a bit, but he is very wobbly on his legs and falls over if his head falls to one side. We are so worried and really want to do the best for his recovery. Should we put a special collar on him? Should we keep him in his carry box through out the day so as to reduce his movements? He got caught up in the wires behind the stereo the other day and was in destress. I had to pick him up carefully as I cannot pick him up from his neck, he was not in a good way after that and went very quiet. Do you have any tips for his recovery? Thanks! Mark & Debra - Posted by: mark_wilz@hotmail.com

Answer: Hi Mark,

This poor cat. It sounds like he's really in some serious pain. Does the veterinarian have any suggestions for improving his back? Will time be the best healer or does he need surgery.

I would definitely recommend containing him in some way when you are not going to be around to keep an eye on him. His getting tangled up in wires could have serious consequences were you not there to help free him.

I'm not sure that a collar would help. It might make it even harder for him to balance. You may want to discuss that option a little more with his veterinarian.

I definitely would do my best to keep him from jumping up or down on things. This is going to be tough with a cat, because they love to jump, but it will probably help prevent further injury. - posted by:LoriSoard

Question: My seven-month-old cat isn't eating or drinking, she's lethargic, and weak. She can't walk straight and falls off of things like my bed, the toilet, the couch, etc. She has been rolling her eyes non-stop from left to right, or right to left. She isn't vomiting and doesn't have diarrhea. She doesn't poop or pee much either. I've taken her to the vet and they ruled out infections, poison, pancreatitus, blockage, and just about everything else. It was a night and day thing. Over a weekend, she went from a rambunctious kitten to an old, frail acting cat. My eighteen-year-old cat was more energetic. She is strictly an indoor cat and has never gotten outside. What can cause this? - Posted by: vwbuggy27@hotmail.com

Answer: Hi Annemarie,

It sounds like something is definitely going on with her. I would probably take her back to the vet or to another vet and ask what other tests are available and for further research. The eye movements almost sound like seizures of some sort. Did the vet test your cat for diabetes?

I would also take a look at possible food allergies. As I said, something is causing it and while the vet has ruled out the most common ailments that cause these symptoms, the cat is still ill, so it's important to look at other potential causes. That can only be done through further testing and possibly X-rays. Please let us know what you find out. I hope the cat is okay. - posted by:LoriSoard

Question: I notice my cat was limping today, and when I picked him up to see why, I saw that his entire claw was twisted sideways and lying on the underside of his paw. I don't know what to do, because the claw cannot retract and is lying sideways. Will the nail fall off or do I need it removed? - Posted by: prom_queen_usa@yahoo.com

Answer: Hi Erin,

Ouch! That sounds painful. No wonder your cat is limping. If the cat is able to retract all the claws but that one, it is possible he has a broken bone or even an infection on that toe. If this was my cat, I would go ahead and take him to the vet for a quick check to be on the safe side.

Hope he feels better soon. - posted by:LoriSoard

Question: Hi Lori, Last Easter, my two young boys arrived home to find a Siamese kitten wedged in our fence. Although our family is very much dog lovers, he has consumed our world and is the most dog-like cat we could have ever had. He swings off the sheets on the line,sleeps wherever he has to fall down, has fresh meat on demand and begs for it if it takes too long to prepare,including me peeling his prawns. My question is about his dirty ears, which seem to annoy him. Should I take him to a vet to check for infection or try to clean them? Thanks! We are new to the world of cats, but he is beautiful. - Posted by: susanshay@bigpond.com

Answer: Hi Susan,

He sounds gorgeous. I'm a bit partial to Siamese cats, having owned once since I was two. It sounds like he probably has ear mites. This is just a minor parasitic infection, but needs to be treated, because it can cause some problems if not taken care of. I would take him to the vet for a look in those ears. The vet will prescribe some drops, which you will likely put in his ears a couple of times a day and rub the ears gently. He won't like this, but it will help him. While you are at the vet, I'd get him updated on his other shots and just get a general physical on him. You'll have to pay for the office visit anyway, so you might as well get your money's worth.

You may also want to speak to the vet about the cat's diet and the best food for him to be on. Cats need a specific nutrient called taurine, so you'll want to make sure he is getting that, even if you choose a raw diet for him. Good luck and I hope you enjoy many wonderful years with this cat. - posted by:LoriSoard

Question: Three days ago I adopted a five-month-old kitten that was neutered about two weeks ago. I noticed he has something that looks like a protruding scab on one of his (former) testicles. Should I be concerned or is this a normal occurence after being neutered? - Posted by: plaiddayna@comcast.net

Answer: Hi Dayna,

Congratulations on your new cat. After two weeks, he should probably be healed from his surgery. I would go ahead and take him back to the vet and have the sore checked out just to be on the safe side. He may have a minor infection that needs antibiotics or it may just be some scar tissue. It's better to be safe than sorry, though. You don't want the infection to spread, if it's that, because he might have a harder time recovering. Please check back and let me know if he's okay. - posted by:LoriSoard

Question: My 8-year-old cat vomits just about every other day, and one time he vomited red blood. The vet did blood work and X-rays, and ruled out kidney disease, diabetes and hyperthyroidism. All came back within normal limits. One X-ray showed a faint circle image in his stomach, and the vet said it may be scar tissue from an ulcer. He put my cat on an antibiotic, antacid (he found gas in his intestines) and Science Diet ID Prescription diet. Is there a better food out there or is this stuff okay? Is he on the right track? - Posted by: emayo@cox.net

Answer: Hi Ozzee,

It sounds like your vet is doing the typical treatment for this type of problem. The food is commonly prescribed for this type of problem and some cats do very well on it. However, each cat is individual and sometimes you have to experiment to find the food that works best for your feline. I would try the current food for a minimum of four to six weeks before you switch your cat. I have found that it takes that amount of time to see any change. If the food does not seem to help his condition, there are some high quality, organic foods on the market that he might do better on. I would check with the vet before switching his diet and do so gradually, in 25 percent increments. The would mean you would first give him 25 percent of the new food to 75 percent of the old food for a few days. Then, you would give him 50 percent to 50 percent. You would continue this until you hit 100 percent of the new food. Hope this helps and that your cat feels better soon. - posted by:LoriSoard

Question: I have a couple of questions about my orange tabby male that is three and a half years old. He has been itching severely for about the last year and a half. At the last visit, the vet said that he does not have fleas, and no evidence of dry skin either. He said to give 12.5 mg Benadryl as needed. I did this, and I believe that it caused my cat to have a little panic attack. He started foaming at the mouth and smacking his lips. After about 20 minutes, I was able to calm him down. Is there anything else I can do to help his itching? He does not have broken skin or bleed ever... Also, recently I have noticed a bad odor coming from his breath. Mostly when he wakes up from a nap. I used to brush his teeth, but not any longer. The odor is not like the urea smell ~ my last cat passed of kidney failure, so I will never forget that smell. This flat out just smells bad! He is due to see the vet in March. Should I take him sooner? Thanks for the advice. - Posted by: jmkamerick@yahoo.com

Answer: Hi Jackie,

Sometimes cats can have allergies. It is possible your cat might have an allergy to the type of food you are feeding him or any number of other things from grass to new carpet. I would first try switching him to a high quality diet formulated for cats with sensitive skin. Remember to switch slowly by giving him 25 percent of the new to 75 percent of the old for a few days. Then give him 50 percent of each. Continue n 25 percent increments until he is on the new cat food completely.

If that does not clear up the problem, your vet may want to give him a steroid shot or do further allergy testing. You may also want to invest in a humidifier to help with dry skin, especially during the colder, winter months.

Unless he loses his appetite or has other symptoms, this really is just making him uncomfortable. I probably would just keep my March appointment with the vet and mention your concerns then. - posted by:LoriSoard

Question: Hello, Our cat, Keebler, is only two years old. We found her at the Humane Society. At the Humane Society, she was given these treatments: FRCP, Pyrental, and FEL V Test. Were any of these for upper respiratory infection (URI)? We took her to a Vet two days after we got her for a free exam and she was given a Rabies shot and another shot called Carprofen/cc. She had Mastitis after having a Litter of kittens just before she came to the Humane Society. We gave her 10 days of antibiotics for that; now she is fine in that department. Yesterday, she started sneezing and today continues to sneeze mainly in the AM and PM. She has no discharge from the eyes or nose. Do you think she is just working on a cold? Was she given a shot for URI at the Humane Society? Or at the vet? Thanks! - Posted by: beachnuts@tds.net

Answer: Hi Harry,

Are you certain the vet gave her carprofen? That medication is usually for post-surgical pain.

Perhaps your vet gave her a Rabies and a 3-way vaccination, which covers feline rhinotracheitis-calici-panleukopenia viruses (FRCP). The other vaccine that she may have received would have been for Feline Leukemia. You will need to phone your veterinarian to confirm which vaccines she was given.

You should also phone your local Humane Society and find out if they gave her the Feline Leukemia vaccine or if they simply tested her for this virus. The Pyrental is a dewormer.

She may just have a minor cold or allergy. She could also have had a very minor reaction to the medication. It is a good sign that she is not having any discharge when she sneezes. I would keep a close eye on her and be on the lookout for any of the following:

Lethargy
Loss of appetite
Increase or decrease in thirst
Increase or decrease in urination
Fever
Stumbling when she walks
Tremors

Also, if the sneezing worsens, or does not clear up in a week, I would definitely take her to the vet and have her tested for some feline diseases. URIs can sometimes be cleared up.

Hope this helps. - posted by:LoriSoard

Question: My cat has leukemia, but it is '''not''' Feline Leukemia. She had the cancer that people get. Chemotherapy is not an option as I am on a tight budget to begin with, and the emergency vet call didn't help. The doctor had prescribed 5mg of Prednisolone at 12 hour intervals, but this is only until her body can no longer fight this disease. My question is can I give her a third dose of pred? She seems to do much better following her dosage. - Posted by: kasten7135@hotmail.com

Answer: Hi Angela,

Your veterinarian would be the best person to tell you the proper dosage or additional dosage requirements as he or she knows the cat's weight and medications. You should be able to find out with a phone call, since you've already been to see the vet. I wouldn't think there would be an additional charge.

Also, if your cat is young, you may want to contact some of the rescue centers in your area. They may be willing to help you get the treatment your cat needs or refer you to a veterinarian who may work on a sliding scale based on income. It would be worth a try anyway.

Hope this helps! - posted by:LoriSoard

Question: I have a cat that is 16 years old and is in kidney failure. I have heard that animals can tell when they are dying and will sometimes try to go to unfamiliar territory to die. Is this true? Thanks! - Posted by: carmenargo12@aol.com

Answer: Hi Carmen,

It is true that cats will often try to hide when they are ill. There are mixed beliefs as to why cats do this. More than likely, the animal simply wants to be left alone, just like we do when we aren't feeling well.

I would keep the cat close to home, so you can comfort her when her final hours eventually come. Try to keep everything as routine as possible.

Also, you may want to talk to your vet about a special diet that could possibly extend her life a bit.

If you notice that her urine output is severely reduce, you may want to go ahead and take her to the vet again. - posted by:LoriSoard

Question: Hi, My three-year-old cat has a very small pimple or mole on his neck. Is this normal? Can cats get skin moles? Please help. Thank you! - Posted by: reneeoliveira@netzero.com

Answer: Hi Renee,

Acne is actually very common in felines. However, chin acne can also by a symptom of ringworm. Just to be on the safe side, I would take a fecal sample to your vet and have it tested as soon as possible. If it is worms, the vet can prescribe a simple medication that will help.

Cats do get acne and have moles, but they are not usually very noticeable. Also, it is possible that it is a small growth, likely benign at her age. I would start by getting her stool tested. From there, you can move forward. If you notice that the "mole" is growing, go ahead and take her to the vet immediately. Also watch for any bleeding from the area or other unusual symptoms. Hope this helps. - posted by:LoriSoard

Question: Hey! My name is Rachel, and I'm very worried about my cat. This afternoon, my mom called me over to look at the cat. Cubbie was laying down, in one of his many sleeping positions. My mom kept trying to gently shake him awake. I thought he was dead. I lifted his paws and they would drop down life-less. Then, he slowly got up, walked a couple steps and lay down again. When I picked him up, he didn't struggle or move. Usually he will tolerate it for only a moment, but not this time (he didn't move at all). I even placed him in the middle of the sofa, and he just lay there in the exact position I put him in. Usually, at this time of day, he is chasing a ball. He is a little over a year old. He is neutered and has all his shots, even for cat HIV. He usually drinks about a cup of water or less a day. He did eat today, including treats. I give him both wet and dry food. I don't know what I should do. Should I see if he snaps out of it, or rush him to the vet? Thank you! - Posted by: Michelle311637557@hotmail.com

Answer: Hi Rachel,

Anytime a cat is an unresponsive as you are describing, it is best to get him to the veterinarian as quickly as possible.

It is hard to say what might be causing him to feel so ill. Male cats are prone to kidney stones and it can be fatal if not treated.

I would go ahead and take him, even if it means a trip to the emergency vet. Please check back and let us know if Cubbie is okay. - posted by:LoriSoard

Question: My cat has had a scratch on his cheek for quite some time. It is either tender or bleeding. I have put on the collar and antibiotics until the wound was better, and he grew hair. However, when I removed it, he hurt himself again a few days later. He is an indoor cat and very clean. He is 18 months old and healthy. Any help would be great. Thanks! - Posted by: aztec5811@yahoo.com

Answer: Hi Arturo,

Do you know how he is injuring his cheek? Is he perhaps digging at it with his claws? If so, then it is likely the area is bothering him for some reason. It could be an allergy, a flea, or a nervous habit.

It sounds like you're doing everything correct with the collar and antibiotics. Now, I would just try to isolate the cause of the scratch in the first place. Also, I would watch him carefully and make him stop the minute you see him dig at the area.

Hope this helps! - posted by:LoriSoard