What affects us affects cats
It’s obvious that if a cat is pawing at her ear or ears it is because the ear flap (pinnae) or ear canal is irritating or hurting her. The question is what is the cause of that irritation or hurt? Here are some possibilities. If you decide there’s something genuinely wrong don’t hesitate to …
Domestic cat scratch themselves for the same reason that we scratch ourselves: to relieve an itch. Before I explain some reasons for itchiness in domestic cats there are two aspects which are noteworthy, (1) cats sometime scratch themselves far too much because they don’t rationalise the fact that they are hurting themselves with their …
Yes, cats can be allergic to dogs and dogs can be allergic to cats although it is not something you hear much about probably because veterinarians are sometimes unsure which allergen causes an allergic reaction in a cat or dog. However, theoretically it is possible. The problem is that cat allergies appear to be …
By Anonymous: My cat’s lips are swollen. It happened suddenly. I am concerned. She was okay yesterday and as far as I can tell nothing has happened since then. She is allowed outside into the backyard which is enclosed. What do you think caused it? Response from Michael: This may be an allergic reaction …
Can domestic cats be allergic to feather pillows and duvets? I ask because a recent newspaper story tells us that humans can be allergic to feathers in bedding. A guy called Martin Taylor developed ‘feather duvet lung’ and was signed off work with fatigue and breathlessness. He could barely stand. It is a condition …
Yes, cats can get hay fever. Hay fever is also called allergic rhinitis (nasal allergies). Feline hay fever is caused by contact with environmental irritants and allergens. Pollen, dust and cigarette smoke are possible causes. Sometimes it might be a new carpet cleaner, deodorant powders or perhaps a new detergent for your laundry that …
In the UK, leading doctors have called for clean indoor air quality to be covered by the law. Going through Parliament at the moment is a bill and the Royal College of Physicians and Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health have urged Michael Gove, the environment secretary, to include indoor air quality in …
There is a recent story of a domestic cat in the UK who is allergic to grass (The Northern Echo). Ironically, his name is Ronaldo after the great Portuguese footballer who of course plays on grass. His veterinarian diagnosed an allergy to grass after he developed a rash over his body when he had …
