FAQ: Health for cats

They are soft treats with a hollow into which a pill is pressed so the cat eats it without noticing. They work if the medicine may be given with food; to avoid suspicion, give one without a pill now and then.

Insert the tip into the corner of the mouth behind the canine teeth and slowly squeeze, letting the cat swallow. Do not tilt the head far back so the liquid does not go into the airways, and stick exactly to the prescribed amount.

No, a course prescribed by a vet, especially antibiotics, must be finished even if the cat looks well. Stopping too early can lead to a relapse; if giving the medicine is a problem, talk to the vet.

It is useful to have sterile dressings and gauze, adhesive tape, a pet-safe antiseptic, a tick remover, blunt scissors, a thermometer, saline solution, a towel, and the contacts of your vet and an emergency clinic.

The most accurate way is rectally with a digital thermometer, its tip coated with petroleum jelly and gently inserted a couple of centimetres. A cat’s normal temperature is roughly 38–39 °C; if it is far off, call a vet.

Pet ear thermometers are quicker and less unpleasant for a cat, but they are less accurate than a rectal reading. They are fine for tracking changes, but if in doubt, ask a vet.

Trim the hair around the wound, rinse it with saline or clean water and disinfect it with a pet-safe product. Deep, bleeding, bite or festering wounds must be seen by a vet.

A cat’s teeth leave small but deep wounds that close quickly while bacteria multiply inside and an abscess forms. If your cat has been in a fight and develops swelling, pain or a fever, see a vet.

Products with phenol and many essential oils are unsuitable for cats. Alcohol and iodine strongly irritate a wound. Use antiseptics made for pets and follow the label so the cat does not lick off too much.

A protective cone, often called an ‘Elizabethan’ collar, stops a cat licking or scratching a wound, stitches or an area treated with ointment. It is usually worn after surgery, such as spaying, until the wound heals.

The cone should reach slightly beyond the tip of the cat’s nose so it cannot get to the wound. The neck part should be snug but allow two fingers; measure the neck and the distance from the neck to the nose.

A plastic cone protects a wound most reliably but is stiff and noisy. A soft fabric cone is more comfortable for sleeping, and an inflatable one is like a pillow, though it does not always stop the cat reaching its tail or hind legs.

It is a stretchy body suit that protects a wound on the belly or side from licking. Many cats tolerate it better than a cone because they can eat and move freely, but it must be the right size and kept clean.

In the first days the cat may bump into things and refuse to eat. Raise the bowls or use wider ones, clear obstacles and stay nearby; do not remove the cone without the vet’s permission, even if the cat is upset.

The cone is usually worn until the wound heals and the stitches are removed, often about 10–14 days. The vet sets the exact time; removing it too early lets the cat lick the stitches, and the wound can open or become infected.

Call a vet or emergency clinic immediately and, if possible, take the product packaging with you. Do not induce vomiting or give milk or other home remedies without a vet’s instructions, as with some substances this causes more harm.

Lilies are especially dangerous to cats – even the pollen can damage the kidneys. Paracetamol, dog parasite products, antifreeze, many essential oils, onions, garlic and chocolate are also toxic.

Wrap the cat in a towel so it cannot scratch and carefully place it in a carrier, ideally one with a removable top. Lift an injured cat by supporting its whole body, and call the clinic ahead while on the way.

Seek help immediately if the cat is struggling to breathe, breathing with its mouth open, cannot urinate, is having seizures, is bleeding heavily, has been poisoned, has fallen from a height, has been hit by a car or suddenly cannot use its hind legs.

In older and less active cats claws wear down more slowly and can grow into the paw pad. Check them regularly and trim them with pet clippers, avoiding the pink part with the blood vessels.