The common perception of cats as solitary and independent creatures can be misleading. Cats, like humans, possess complex emotional and social needs. Leaving them alone for extended periods can lead to significant emotional distress.

Recommended Limits

Experts generally advise against leaving cats alone for more than 24 hours. Prolonged periods of solitude can negatively impact their well-being.

Minimising Distress

When extended absences are unavoidable, proactive measures are crucial:

Regular Check-ins: Arrange for a trusted individual to check on your cat at least once daily. Twice-daily visits are preferable.

Consistent Care: Ideally, select a "consistent caretaker" familiar to your cat for optimal comfort.

Routine Maintenance: The caretaker should adhere to your cat's regular feeding schedule.

Social Interaction: Encourage the caretaker to provide gentle companionship, such as sitting quietly, speaking softly, or engaging in low-key activities while in the cat's presence.

Personalised Care: Consider overnight stays for cats who exhibit anxiety during prolonged separations. Individual cat personalities and breed characteristics may influence this decision.

Signs of Distress

Recognizing signs of emotional distress in cats is essential. These can include:

Behavioural Changes: Decreased activity levels, excessive or inadequate grooming, hiding, increased startle responses, and resource guarding.

Physical Manifestations: Vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhoea, and litter tray avoidance.

By implementing these strategies, you can ensure your cat's well-being and minimize the potential for emotional distress during your absence.

Osteoarthritis (OA), also known as degenerative joint disease, is a common condition in cats, often going unnoticed due to their remarkable ability to mask pain.
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What is Osteoarthritis?
OA is a chronic condition affecting the joints. Cartilage, the smooth cushion between bones, gradually wears down, leading to inflammation, pain, and stiffness.

Common Signs of OA in Cats:

Reduced Activity:
Less jumping: Difficulty reaching favourite perches, beds, or window sills.
Reluctance to play: Decreased interest in chasing toys or interacting with other pets.
Avoidance of stairs: Difficulty navigating steps or climbing onto furniture.

Gait Changes:
Stiffness: Slow to rise from lying down or after rest.
Limping: Occasional or persistent lameness in one or more legs.
Changes in posture: Hunched back or a stiff, stilted gait.

Grooming Difficulties:
Reduced grooming: Inability to reach certain areas due to stiffness.
Changes in grooming habits: May lick excessively in an attempt to alleviate discomfort.

Behavioural Changes:
Increased vocalization: May vocalize more frequently, especially when moving.
Aggression: May become irritable or aggressive when touched in certain areas.
Changes in litter box habits: Difficulty stepping in and out of the box.

Important Note:
Subtlety: Cats are masters at hiding pain. Subtle changes in behaviour or activity level may be the first signs of OA.

Risk Factors: Age, overweight/obesity, and certain breeds are at increased risk.

What to Do:
Observe your cat: Pay attention to any changes in behaviour, activity level, or grooming habits.

Consult your veterinarian: If you suspect your cat may have OA, schedule a check-up.

Maintain a healthy weight: Weight management is crucial for reducing stress on joints.

Early diagnosis and management can significantly improve your cat's quality of life.

Disclaimer: This information is for general knowledge and educational purposes only and does not constitute veterinary advice. Always consult with a qualified veterinarian for any concerns regarding your cat's health.

Many cat owners are surprised when their veterinarian tells them that their cat has dental disease because the concept of dental disease in cats is not common knowledge. By the age of 4, most domestic cats will have some level of gum disease, which is called gingivitis.

It's true that many cat owners are surprised to learn about their cat's dental health issues. By the age of four, most cats have some level of gum disease (gingivitis). This is often undetected because cats don't always show obvious signs of discomfort and may only visit the vet for vaccines or when sick.

Dental disease is a serious issue for cats. It's painful and can negatively impact their overall health. Here's what you can do:
Annual Checkups: Have your cat's teeth checked by a vet once a year.

Home Care: Establish a dental care routine at home.

Watch for Signs: Be aware of signs like bad breath, which could indicate dental problems.
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If you have concerns about your cat's dental health, consult your veterinarian.

Many people are surprised by the cost of veterinary care when their cat becomes unexpectedly sick or injured. Furthermore, when your cat gets sick or injured you are already worried, and unexpected veterinary costs can make a stressful situation worse.

Sometimes you can’t afford the care that your cat needs, which can lead to unnecessary suffering and in some situations, euthanasia.

This is also stressful for your veterinarian, who wants to practice good medicine and provide the best care but is under the constraints of a small cash business (which is what most veterinary hospitals are).

That is why planning for veterinary bills is important, even if you just adopted a healthy young cat or kitten.
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What You Can Do About It:
Start an emergency savings account that you only access for veterinary care, aim to save $2,000 to $5,000.
Get a credit card and only use it for veterinary bills.
Open a line of credit with Carecredit or Scratchpay so you have it if you ever need it.
Purchase pet insurance  BEFORE your cat gets sick or injured.