Articles Index

H1N1 Swine Flu Virus and Cats

Ever since the WHO (World Health Organization) classified the H1N1 virus as a pandemic in June of 2009, fear compounded by misinformation have ensued. Even the name, "swine flu," is a misnomer, as the H1N1 virus, although similar, is not the same virus responsible for the swine flu in North America.

Cats Photo Submittal Guidelines

Guidelines for submitting cat pictures to the About Cats Guide for inclusion in the About Cats web site.

Bud Goes Herbal

Joel Kehler, in a guest article for Cats at About.com, writes of his remarkable results in treating his FIV+ cat, Bud, with alternative therapies.

Aggressive Treatment for an FIV+ Cat

Bud, an FIV+ cat, has been kept alive with a combination of drugs used to treat HIV and OTC supplements. The result has been total measurable viral suppression, to the extent that in his latest test, the viral load was so low that FIV was not detected. Read his remarkable story by Joel Kehler, Bud's human caregiver.

Hair Loss in Cats

Hair loss, aka 'Alopecia' is a common problem for cats. Hair loss in cats can stem from many causes, causing it to be sometimes difficult to diagnose and treat. This article by PetMD.com for About.com details the symptoms, causes, diagnosis and treatment of hair loss in cats.

Before You Volunteer to Foster Kittens and Cats

The decision to foster kittens is a serious one which will affect your entire household, and should not be undertaken unless you can answer the following questions to your satisfaction. You will likely be asked similar questions if you volunteer for a cat rescue group, so it will be a good rehearsal. This is lesson one of a Kitten Foster Primer.

Signs of a Healthy Cat: A head-to-toe examination of a healthy cat

Is your cat healthy? Know first what a healthy cat looks and feels like. If your cat meets all the criteria, then monitor him regularly, so you can spot any changes in his health right away. Part 1 covers a healthy cat's head

Epileptic Seizures in Cats

Epilepsy is a disease that is characterized by convulsions (seizures), and sometimes the two terms are confused. Learn about the types of epileptic seizures in cats, the diagnosis, treatment, and management of epilepsy in cats from this article from PetMD.com for About.com.

Heart Failure in Cats

Right-sided congestive heart failure occurs when the heart fails to pump blood at the rate required to meet the basic needs of the body. While it is not curable, there are treatment options that can improve the quality of life for your cat. Article by PetMD for About.com

Inflammation of the Pancreas in Cats

The pancreas is part of the endocrine and digestive system, which is integral for the digestion of foods, producing the enzymes that digest food, and producing insulin. When the pancreas becomes inflamed, the flow of enzymes into the digestive tract can become disrupted, forcing the enzymes out of the pancreas and into the abdominal area. Learn more about pancreatitis in this article from PetMD.com for About.com

Inter-Cat Aggression

Inter-cat aggression can be caused by a decrease in individual space, usually due to overcrowding, or because a new cat has been brought into the household. It can also be due an illness or a disruption in the household, such as moving or hospitalization of one of the cats. Learn more about aggression between cats sharing a household with this article by PetMD.com for About.com.

Cat Flea Control Products Warning

Cat owners should know the importance of reading the labels on flea control products. Some products contain permethrin, which can tremors, seizures, or death. Learn about permethrin toxicosis, and other ingredients hazardous to cats.

Human Pregnancy, Babies, and Your Cat

Forget the old wives' tales about cat litter being dangerous around pregnant women or cats sucking the breath from babies. You can keep your cat even through pregnancy, by following a few simple rules involving cat litter management.

Travel by Air for Cats

Travel by air for cats is often the best means for transporting them lengthy distances. Depending on the circumstances, a cat may or may not be accompanied by a human companion for the trip. Here are some options, including pros and cons of cat travel by air.

When a Cat Dies

No one likes to contemplate the thought of a family cat dying, let alone what to do with the remains of a deceased cat, but it is a subject we cannot avoid. Plan ahead for your chosen means of handling the remains of your cat when it leaves this life.

Vomiting, Acute in Cats

Cats will commonly vomit from time to time, often because they might have eaten something that upset their stomachs, or simply because they have sensitive digestive systems. However, the condition becomes acute when the vomiting does not stop and when there is nothing left in the cat's stomach to throw up except bile. It is important you take your pet to a veterinarian in these cases. While vomiting may have a simple, straightforward cause, it may be an indicator of something far more serious.

Artificial Respiration and CPR in Cats

Artificial respiration is an emergency procedure that is performed when a cat is not breathing. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), on the other hand, is performed when a cat is not breathing and does not have a heartbeat. Therefore, CPR requires the use of artificial respiration and heart massage. Learn when and how to perform artificial respiration or CPR on cats with this article from PetMD.com, reprinted with permission.

Allergic Shock in Cats

Anaphylaxis is an emergency condition that occurs when a cat is exposed to a certain allergen after having been exposed to it previously. In extreme situations, this reaction can be fatal. The condition is unpredictable, as almost any substance can potentially cause an allergic reaction. Learn the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and more about allergic shock in cats.

Before You Buy Cat Products Online

Why buy cat food and other supplies online, when you can see the actual merchandise in your local stores? This, of course, is a personal choice, but there are factors you should consider before choosing which way to go. You may end up using a combination of both shopping methods for cat products. Provided here are the pros, cons, cautions, and tips for shopping online for cat products.

Countering Counter-Surfing Cats

One of the more common discussions in the Cats Forum as well as my email box is on keeping cats off the kitchen counter. Indeed, some people are of the conviction that it's okay to let their cats counter-surf. However, I'm with the side that views counter-surfing as unsafe, because of potential hazards to the cats, such as jumping on a hot stove or ingesting cleaning products' residue.

The Wild Look

Ever since ancient days, humans and cats have had close relationships. Our fondness quite often extends to the big cats - the wild ones, so it it not surprising that some of the most popular domestic cats are those who resemble their wild brothers. Some of the 'wild' imitators, such as the Ocicat and the Egyptian Mau, came upon it naturally. Others, such as the Bengal and the Savannah, had more human intervention.

Profile of Mimi Ausland, Founder of freekibble.com

Mimi Ausland is a 13 year old kid who is obviously headed for great things. She has had a love affair with animals for most of her life, and eventually channeled that love into freekibble.com, a web site that is accomplishing miracles for animals in shelters across the U.S. Read my profile and interview with this most amazing youngster.

Cutest Cat Picture Contest

About.com Cats announces a new Cutest Cat Picture Contest for 2009.

All Cats Need an Identity

Losing a cat is heartbreaking, but with a microchip or tattoo along with a collar ID, your cat can be protected against loss or theft.

San Francisco SPCA

San Francisco SPCA is spotlighted as part of the About Cats observation of the June Adopt a Shelter Cat Month.