Overview After a walk, we are all accustomed to seeing dogs puffing, huffing, and sticking their tongues out. It has a traditional "canine" appearance. It can be shocking, though, to see your cat doing the same thing—mouth open, chest heaving, tongue out. Cats are experts at maintaining composure, so it's usually a warning sign when they pant like a dog. In the world of cats, panting is often an indication that something is physically or emotionally overwhelming, though it ca

Overview On a lazy Sunday afternoon, you are spending time with your feline companion. You feel totally at ease, the kneading is steady, and the purring is loud. Then you see a shining drop hanging from your cat's chin or a tiny, damp patch on your shirt. We typically think of cats as clean, dry animals, but we expect a Saint Bernard to leave a trail of saliva. It may come as a bit of a shock to learn that your cat drools. In some situations, it is a subtle indication that so

Overview Everybody has been there. A tiny, fast-firing sound comes from the corner of the room as you are peacefully seated on the couch: pichu, pichu, pichu! Your cat just sneezed. A sneeze is usually just that a sneeze. Cats occasionally get tickles in their noses, just like people do. It might be time to take a closer look, though, if the sneezing starts to happen frequently or is accompanied by other symptoms. Maintaining the health of your feline companion requires knowi

Overview You hear that distinct, rhythmic "hacking" sound reverberating through the hallway at three in the morning. Every cat owner has experienced the sensation of jumping out of bed in the hopes of making it to the hardwood floor before their feline companion reaches the pricey rug. Many cat owners believe that vomiting is simply "part of having a cat" because it happens so frequently. Vomiting isn't always "normal," despite cats' well-known sensitive stomachs and grooming

Litter box behavior is one of the most telling signs of a cat’s health. Abrupt changes in this behavior, such as inactivity in the box, straining to go, or going in other places in the house, are usually a strong indication that there is a problem. Such behaviors may be an indication of health issues in the urinary or gastrointestinal tract. Ignoring these or punishing the cat just makes matters worse. Cats are not vindictive animals. They communicate by action. Litter box be