Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is a retrovirus that attacks a cat’s immune system. Between 2.5 and 5% of all cats in North America are infected. FIV is spread between cats through deep bite wounds from an infected cat. If a cat with FIV becomes sick, it is usually from secondary infections, problems with the immune…
Though sometimes it seems like cats have a vendetta against soft furniture and carpets, scratching is normal – and necessary. When a cat stretches and scratches their cat tree, it’s a sign that they are feeling well. You can almost see the bliss they are experiencing while they are enjoying a good solid scratch session….
Last week, one of my cats, Harvey, had surgery to remove a hairball that had obstructed his small bowel. I know what you’re probably thinking! Aren’t hairballs normal for cats and, while unpleasant, harmless? Actually, no. Hairballs (trichobezoars) have been found in big cats, cattle, a chicken, and in people. In all species, they reflect…
One of the most enjoyable traits of cats is their curiosity. They love to explore and investigate, poking their cute little noses into things at every turn. And while the old saying “curiosity killed the cat” is usually used to warn people to mind their own business, a cat’s curiosity can be life-threatening. Naturally nosy…
Did you know that just one unspayed female and one unneutered male producing four kittens twice a year could be responsible for over two million cats over a ten-year period? That’s a lot of great-great-great-great grandkittens! Sadly, the majority of those cats won’t have the kind of home we want every cat to have. They…
The cool cat lover on your gift list this year will be practically purring with delight when they open the most thoughtful gift from you – something that shows the world how much they love cats! They are always buying treats for their cats, get them a gift that lets them know how much their…
As we explained in our article “The Truth About Cat Allergens”, cat allergens are caused by a protein in your cat’s saliva, called Fel d 1. This means that any cat, hairless or otherwise, produces allergens and can spread them throughout your home. So how do we minimize our exposure to cat allergens, while still…
Did you know that there are several official “cat days”? There’s National Cat Day in Canada on August 8, World Cat Day, also on August 8, Global Cat Day on October 16 and last but not least, National Cat Day in the United States on October 29. Since every day is Cat Day to us,…
If you are reading this, you probably love cats. Cats are beautiful and elegant and so tempting to cuddle. It can be hard to resist, even if that cuddle causes discomfort. It’s a common misconception that cat allergens arise from your cat’s fur. The truth is that the allergens actually come from the saliva of…
When it comes to DIY for your cat, the pawsibilities might seem endless. There are tutorials, recipes, and instructions for how to make just about anything you might want to make for your cat. But how can you narrow them down? We asked one of our feline specialists to take a look at our favourite…
