10 Frequently Questions Asked by New Cat Owners

1. What should I do When My Cat Meows at Me?

A cat’s vocalizations come in many forms, each with its meaning. Most often, cats meow to capture our attention. As kittens, they meow to their mothers for food or the comfort of warmth and closeness. In the wild, adult cats are typically silent, but those who live with humans often meow to request food, affection, or companionship.

Vomiting can be a symptom of various illnesses, or it may simply occur when a cat needs to expel excess ingested fur. Generally, the causes of vomiting can be categorized into two types: acute and chronic. Acute vomiting is sudden and intense, typically lasting no more than seven days. Common causes of acute vomiting include ingesting irritants (such as plants, foreign objects, toxins, or medications), infections from bacteria, viruses, or parasites, as well as liver or kidney failure and pancreatitis.

These factors can also cause chronic vomiting, which tends to persist over a longer period. In cases of chronic vomiting, a cat may appear relatively normal between episodes. Beyond the causes mentioned above, chronic vomiting can also result from food allergies, inflammatory bowel disease, hyperthyroidism, and even cancer.

2. Why Doesn't My Cat Use the Litter Box?

First, consider any potential health issues. If a neutered cat frequently urinates outside the litter box, it’s essential to check for lower urinary tract disease. Cats with this condition may experience pain during urination, increased frequency, incomplete emptying, and even blood in the urine. Stress is a common trigger for lower urinary tract issues in cats.

Second, evaluate the litter box itself. If a cat that previously used the litter box suddenly stops, it could be due to changes in the box setup or cleanliness.

Finally, not all cats instinctively know how to use a litter box. If your cat urinates outside of it, try placing some stool or a tissue with urine inside the box, and thoroughly clean the spot where they went. When you notice your cat showing signs of needing to go, gently place them in the litter box. With guidance, most cats can learn to use the litter box reliably.

3. What Should You do If Your Cat's Eyes Are Constantly Watering?

One of the most common issues in kittens, especially young cats, is respiratory diseases. These conditions are often caused by viruses such as herpesvirus and calicivirus. In particular, herpesvirus can irritate the eyes, resulting in excessive tearing. Typically, providing supportive care is enough, as cats can often rely on their immune systems to recover from these illnesses.

However, if your cat's eye discharge becomes yellow-green, this may indicate a bacterial infection or even corneal ulcers, and it's important to take your cat to a veterinarian as soon as possible.

Additionally, factors such as injuries or conditions like entropion (inward-turned eyelids) can lead to tearing. If your cat frequently has watery eyes, it’s advisable to visit a veterinary clinic for a thorough examination.

4. What to do If Your Cat Lumps? 

In free-roaming or multi-cat environments, cats often develop subcutaneous abscesses due to fights or bites. When a cat's sharp teeth pierce the skin, bacteria from its mouth can proliferate at the wound site, leading to infection. Pus accumulates under the skin, forming a warm, painful, and gooey abscess.

Abscesses require veterinary treatment, which includes incision and drainage of the pus, as well as providing pain relief and antibiotics. If left untreated, they can lead to more serious complications.

Additionally, if the lump on your cat is not an abscess but a mass, a more detailed diagnosis is necessary to determine if it is a foreign body or a tumor.

5. Why do Cats Knead?

When cats are very young, they knead their mother’s belly to stimulate milk flow. As they mature, this behavior remains a comforting instinct. Cats knead because it brings them a sense of contentment.

 

6. What to do If Your Cat Sneezes?

Sneezing is one of the most common symptoms of viral respiratory infections in cats. These infections are usually caused by herpesvirus or calicivirus, which are very common in multi-cat households.

Typically, a cat’s immune system can overcome these viruses on its own, but sometimes they may require supportive care to help them recover more quickly. Providing a humid environment can make them more comfortable, and if their sense of smell is diminished, slightly heating their food or offering more aromatic canned food can help.

 

7. How to Help Your Cat Lose Weight?

Helping your cat lose weight can be quite challenging, as they often prefer to lounge around, eating and sleeping with little interest in exercise. However, weight management is crucial since obesity increases the risk of various health issues, including diabetes.

Many commercial cat foods contain a high amount of grains, which can contribute to weight gain. Since cats are obligate carnivores, they require meat in their diet. Increasing the protein content of their food can help boost their metabolism and promote weight loss. Additionally, it’s important to enhance playtime and engage in activities with your cat to encourage exercise and facilitate weight reduction.

Avoid using strict diets for weight loss, as fasting can lead to hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease) in cats.

 

8. Why Does My Cat Keep Scratching Itself?

There could be many reasons for a cat to scratch itself. The first thing to consider is parasites, which is why it's essential to regularly deworm your cat. Monthly treatments can help prevent external parasite infections.

If parasites are ruled out, we should consider ringworm, a common fungal skin disease that can cause itching. Treatment for ringworm typically involves antifungal medications and sprays; I recommend using veterinary products like Vetriscience Vetri DMG.

If neither parasites nor fungal infections are the issue, the next potential cause of itching could be allergies. Different cats may be allergic to various foods, such as lamb or mackerel, or environmental allergens like pollen and dust. Managing allergies may involve changing their diet or using prescription medications and supplements like fish oil.

 

9. What Vaccinations do Kittens Need?

All kittens should receive core vaccinations, which include a combination vaccine for feline panleukopenia virus, herpesvirus, and calicivirus.

 

To ensure adequate protection, kittens require a series of three vaccinations spaced 3 to 4 weeks apart. Most veterinarians recommend starting this vaccination schedule at 8 weeks of age, followed by boosters at 12 and 16 weeks. If a kitten is already ill, the vaccination schedule may need to be adjusted, as vaccines may not effectively stimulate a sufficient immune response in sick animals.