Cat tail language A cat’s tail can tell us a lot about how the cat is feeling and is a valuable communication tool not only between cats but also to communicate emotions to humans. Paying attention to the cat’s tail is just one part of a larger picture. The position of the body, eyes and […]

January 2019 2nd January – Happy Mew Years Day 2nd January – National Pet Safety Travel Day (US) 22nd January – Answer Your Cat’s Question Day 24th January – Change a Pet’s Life Day Glaucoma Awareness Month Thyroid Awareness Month (US) February 2019 4th February – World Cancer Day 14th February – Pet Theft Awareness […]

Are all kittens born with blue eyes? Yes, all kittens are born with blue eyes. Most cat lovers know that kittens are born with their eyes fused shut until seven to ten days post-birth and when they do open, the irises are blue. The colour in a cat’s irises comes from melanin, the same pigment […]

Cat collars come in a vast array of styles from plain to fancy. They can serve multiple purposes depending on the type. This article will explain the different types of collars you can use on your cat. Safety (breakaway) collars Cats are at risk of strangulation if they become snagged on something (for example a […]

Sphynx cat. Brown cat Reviewed by Dr Sam Kovac – Southern Cross Veterinary Clinic How are some male cats calico or tortie? Calico and tortie cats are almost always female, which we have covered in our article on calico cats. To recap, cats have 19 chromosome pairs, 18 autosomes and the sex chromosome pair of […]

When do female cats reach sexual maturity? Female cats reach puberty as early as six months and when this occurs, she will have her first heat. At this stage, the female is fertile and receptive to mating. An entire female who is capable of sexually reproducing is known as a “queen“, and an entire male […]

Any cat lover can attest to the elegance, flexibility and range of motion cats possess. From curling up in a tight ball when they’re cold to long upright stretches, twists in mid-air, and their incredible ability to almost always land on their feet. Why are cats so flexible? Cats are ambush predators, and their success […]

What are whiskers? Also known as vibrissae, feline whiskers are specialised tactile hairs that are found on either side of the muzzle and are known as sinus hairs or mystacial whiskers. Vibrissae are also found above the eyes, on the muzzle and behind the wrists, however, mystacial vibrissae are the longest tactical hairs on the […]

Abscesses in cats are easy to recognize as swollen, painful lumps beneath the skin, often accompanied by redness and heat. If the abscess has ruptured it’s a bit more dramatic, with an open, weeping wound and potentially lots of pus. If you notice a lump on your cat, it’s natural to be concerned, especially if […]

Veterinary nurse This requires qualifications but can be an extremely rewarding job. It takes approximately four years of study to become a veterinary nurse, and you will also need to build up hands-on work experience within a veterinary practice. Your role as a vet nurse will be assisting the veterinarian in his role which may […]