Author: Dr. Joe Mallat DVM (Veterinarian)

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinary research. Learn more » Have you ever noticed your cat pulling a face as if they smelled the most disgusting thing ever? The eyes are closed, the mouth is open, the lips are pursed, the neck is stretched—this is an expression that definitely resembles rejection. This is actually a natural reflex known as the replied Flehmen (sometimes referred to as the Flehmen grinned o reaction too). And, interestingly, it has nothing to do with detecting foul odors. Rather, it is a technique that cats (and some other species)…

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinary research. Learn more » Cat behavior is a complex world. On the one hand, cats are highly intelligent animals that seem to empathize with us; they reflect our need for both social and private time, and this is one of the reasons we love them as part of the family. On the other hand, they sometimes exhibit strange behaviors that defy explanation. Some cats tend to chew, even when not eating. They may also spew while they do this. Below are four vet-verified reasons for cats “chewing on…

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinary research. Learn more » A mast cell tumor (sometimes referred to as a mastocytoma) is a fairly common type of cancer in cats. These tumors can arise in the skin, in the spleen, or in the intestine. While some mast cell tumors are relatively benign, tending to be cured, others can be malignant and have a greater risk of spreading throughout the body. Hearing the diagnosis of a mast cell tumor can be overwhelming. What caused this to happen? Where are we going from here? What though is…

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinary research. Learn more » Bobcat Fever is a serious and fatal disease that causes anemia in feline species. Although the name suggests that the wild bobcat is primarily affected, this is not the case. Bobcats appear to have good immunity and tend to be “carriers” of the parasite, without showing any signs of illness. Domestic cats, however, are not so lucky. Bobcat Fever is mostly found in the south central and south eastern areas of North America. The incidence of the disease is believed to be spreading due…