Fungi (or funguses—both are correct!) are a group of organisms that include spores, yeasts, molds, and mushrooms. Like bacteria, they exist all around us, but they are often too small to see. They are found most commonly in soil. Many types of fungi are harmless, but there are a few that can cause infections in both people and animals. Like...
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Polycystic kidney disease (PKD), or to give it its full name, autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (AD-PKD), is an inherited disease in cats that causes abnormal cysts (fluid filled sacs) to form in a cat's kidneys. These cysts are present from birth in affected cats, but initially they are so small that they don’t cause an issue. However, over time (usually several...
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Bacteria are everywhere! Most bacteria are harmless to both us and our cats, and many are actually beneficial. However, some types of bacteria (called pathogenic bacteria) can make our cats unwell if their immune systems are unable to fight them off. Bacterial infections are a common cause of illness in cats, but luckily most bacterial infections can be treated. What...
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Kidney cancer is one of the less common types of cancer that can affect cats. Nearly all types of cancer are more common in older cats, but renal lymphoma can affect younger cats as well, particularly if they are infected with feline leukemia virus (FeLV). Unfortunately, kidney cancer in cats is very serious, and the prognosis is often poor even with...
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“Leaky gut syndrome” is a term used to describe a condition where the wall of the intestine is more permeable than it should be. The lining of the intestinal wall is an important barrier. In healthy cats, this barrier allows nutrients and healthy bacteria to be absorbed from food, but prevents substances like "bad" bacteria, toxins and allergens from passing through...
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We’re used to our cats doing all sorts of things that make us laugh, but have you ever noticed your cat sticking their tongue out? The chances are they’re not just pulling a funny face! There are lots of reasons why cats stick their tongue out, but don’t worry, most of the time it is a completely normal cat behavior and nothing to be concerned about. In...
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Laryngitis in cats occurs when your cat’s larynx—their voice box or vocal cords—becomes inflamed and sore. Often, the first thing you notice is a change in your cat’s meow (they may even lose their voice!), as well as other signs of a sore throat, such as a dry cough. Laryngitis can occur on its own, but it is also often a part of an underlying condition, such as an upper respiratory infection. The...
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