FAQ: Health for cats

Vets often recommend deworming a cat before mating so fewer parasites pass to the kittens. Not all products are suitable during pregnancy, so use them only after talking to a vet.

A stool test shows whether the cat has parasites at that moment and lets some owners treat only when needed. However, a test does not always detect every worm, so discuss the approach with a vet.

The cat often shakes its head and scratches its ears, and dark deposits resembling coffee grounds are visible inside the ears. Ear mites spread easily between animals, so a vet should confirm the diagnosis and prescribe treatment.

Put the cleaner into the ear canal as the label directs, gently massage the base of the ear and let the cat shake its head. Wipe the visible outer part with a cotton pad; never push cotton buds deep into the canal.

Most healthy cats keep their own ears clean, so an occasional check is enough. Clean them if dirt builds up; if the ears turn red, smell bad or the cat scratches them, see a vet.

Better not: water left in the ear canal can encourage infection, and liquids for people, alcohol or hydrogen peroxide can irritate the sensitive skin. Use an ear cleaner made for pets as the label directs.

Yes, ear mites spread easily between cats, dogs and ferrets living together. If one animal has them, a vet often advises checking and treating all pets in the home at the same time.

A little wax is normal, but heavy dark deposits often point to ear mites or a fungal or bacterial infection. A cleaner can help keep the ears clean, but a vet should identify the cause.

Ringworm in cats often appears as round bald patches with scaling, sometimes on the head, ears or paws. It can infect people too, so take the cat to a vet if you suspect it.

Fleas can breed all year in a warm home, and the risk of worms hardly depends on the season. Tick activity drops in winter, so which products to keep using all year is worth discussing with a vet.

Keep them in the original packaging in a cool, dry place out of reach of children and pets. Do not take collars out of their sealed pack until use, and do not use products past their expiry date.

A cat eating a complete food suited to its age usually needs no extra vitamins. Excess vitamins, especially A and D, can be harmful, so give supplements only after talking to a vet.

Cat supplements are made for joints, skin and coat, the urinary tract, digestion, immunity, calming and pastes for hairballs. They come as tablets, pastes, powders, liquids or treats.

A supplement is meant to support health, not to treat disease, while a veterinary medicine has a proven therapeutic effect and is often prescribed only by a vet. A supplement cannot replace treatment a vet has prescribed.

No. Products for people can contain substances toxic to cats, such as paracetamol, xylitol or excessive amounts of vitamins. Give your cat only products made for animals, and only on a vet’s advice.

Powders are usually mixed into wet food, as they do not stick well to dry food. Start with a small amount so the cat gets used to the taste, and stick to the amount on the label.

Supplements work slowly: changes in the coat or joints are often seen only after several weeks of regular use. If there is no change after a few months, or the cat gets worse, talk to a vet.

Cats hide pain, so behaviour changes are more noticeable: the cat no longer jumps up high, struggles with stairs, plays less, grooms less or avoids a litter box with high sides. In such cases see a vet.

Joint supplements, often containing glucosamine, chondroitin or omega-3 fatty acids, are meant to support cartilage and joints, especially in older cats. They do not replace pain treatment, so arthritis should be assessed by a vet.

It is better to choose a supplement made for cats, as dog products may contain other ingredients, flavourings or different proportions. If in doubt, show the ingredient list to a vet.