Cats are susceptible to developing acne just as humans. Here is what you need to know if you start noticing stubborn pimples that won’t go away. Unfortunately, acne is not a problem reserved for humans. Cat acne also exists and can affect felines quite often. Although it’s still unclear why it develops, there are a few things a cat owner should know to help their pet get back to their normal self. Keep reading to find out how feline acne manifests and what cat acne treatment is most effective in alleviating the condition. What is cat acne? Cat acne, or follicular keratinization as it’s officially known, forms when the hair follicles are blocked due to excessive production of keratin, a protein found in the skin. In cats, acne mostly forms around the chin area, which is why it’s commonly referred to as cat chin acne. What does cat acne look like? Cat acne manifests itself as small bumps accompanied by blackheads or whiteheads, similar to humans. But on a cat’s skin it can often take an appearance that looks more like dirt than pimples, which is why many owners don’t even notice the skin condition. Severe cases can lead to hair loss, redness and even bleeding. What causes cat chin acne? The causes of cat acne are still largely a mystery. It is believed that plastic can encourage the breakout as it’s been mostly noticed in cats that use plastic bowls for food and water. Poor grooming, especially in older cats, can also lead to acne. But there are a series of underlying conditions that can have a contribution as well: • Poor immune system. • Stress. • Food allergies. • Hormone imbalances. • Hyperactive sebaceous glands.

Whether you’ve got a sniffle or something more serious, you may be worried about the potential risks for your four-legged friend. We’ve put together this guide to tell you everything you need to know about dog colds and flu to help you better understand your pet. When the trees start to lose their leaves and we have to defrost the car each morning, we know one thing for certain – cold and flu season is on the way. This has just become a natural fact for humans and we’re no stranger to stock piling tissues and tablets, but what about our four-legged friends? Can dogs get colds? No, dogs don’t get colds in the same way that humans do and they cannot catch the cold virus that causes symptoms in humans. However, dogs can get infections that create symptoms like a cold, such as sneezing and congestion. In general, these ‘dog colds’ are specific to that species, so you won’t be able to catch the same cold as your dog either. Can dogs catch a cold from humans? If you have a sniffle or cough, you may be worried that you may pass the illness onto your companion, but you’ll be glad to know that this isn’t possible. Dogs are not affected by the common cold virus that infects humans. Can dogs get the flu? Dogs also can’t get the same type of flu as humans, but they can get canine flu. The symptoms are relatively similar to flu in humans but have a different cause. Your dog may experience the following: sneezing, runny nose, coughing, lethargy, lack of appetite and fever. Dog flu is easily spread between other canines once they’ve been exposed to the illness, and according to Pets Web MD, if your dog is exposed to an infected dog, the chances of them getting it are very high. And while humans can’t get ill from dog flu, if you’ve been in contact with an infected dog, there is a possibility that you could pass it onto your dog too. Dog flu can live for a few minutes on your skin, but up to a day on your clothes. If you’re around an infected dog, make sure you change and wash your clothes before you see any other dogs. Other dog specific illnesses: Just like in humans, there’s a variety of conditions that might seem like dog colds and flu, a few of the most common are as follows: • Kennel cough: a respiratory infection characterised by a dry cough which will sound like a honking. If you think your dog has kennel cough, contact your vet right away. • Dog allergies: your four-legged friend can suffer from seasonal and environmental allergies, similar to how humans get hay-fever. • Canine distemper: Your dog should be vaccinated against this with their initial puppy vaccinations. Canine distemper can be life threatening, which is one of the many reasons it’s incredibly important for your dog to be vaccinated.

Pineapple is deliciously packed with nutrients, so it’s natural for owners to wonder if their dog should get a bite of it too. Find out if dogs can eat pineapple and how to feed it to our canine friends. This tropical fruit is a favourite in many households which means chances are our four-legged friends have already crossed paths with the pineapple fruit and its many different guises: fresh, dried, frozen and even grilled. But can dogs actually have pineapple? Is it safe to let our pet have a bite of this beloved fruit? Keep reading to find out. Can dogs eat pineapple? Dogs can eat pineapple, but in moderation. The fruit does not contain toxic or dangerous nutrients for dogs, but you should still monitor your pet for any unusual reactions, such as an upset stomach, especially the first time they eat pineapple. Keep in mind that fruits are high in sugar which might make existing health conditions worse. Always consult the vet before giving your dog new food. Is pineapple good for dogs? Pineapple is packed with various vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, magnesium and iron. However, dogs will get these nutrients and many more from their specially-formulated dog food. There is no nutritional need to add pineapple to your dog’s diet, but if you choose to do so keep in mind that this is a fruit that’s high in sugar, so only allow pineapple snacks for your dog in moderation. If you want to find out more about all the different nutrients your pet needs and how to feed your dog a balanced diet check out our in-depth article.

As humans, we eat a lot of bread on a daily basis, but can our dogs eat bread too? Find out all you need to know on whether bread is good for dogs and the types to avoid with our guide. Bread is a staple to the human diet, with most of us consuming it in some regard on a daily basis. Whether it’s toast for breakfast, sandwiches for lunch or a big slice of crusty bread to go alongside a stew or soup for dinner, it’s safe to say as a species we eat a lot of bread! As a nation of dog lovers, we love to share everything with our dogs and when they’re giving us their best puppy dog eyes as we tuck into our food, it begs the question: can dogs eat bread? We’ve put together this guide to tell you everything you need to know from is bread good for dogs to the types to avoid. Can dogs eat bread? Yes and no. Dogs can eat small amounts of plain white or brown bread, but it should be only given as the very occasional treat. There are some types which may be toxic to your pup and will contain added extras such as nuts – macadamia nuts are toxic and all nuts are high in fat, which isn’t good for dogs. Plus, breads with chocolate chips, raisins, onions, garlic and some dessert bread may also contain xylitol, so always be sure to double-check the ingredients first.

Your cat’s poop is a great indicator to let you know how their body is functioning and to ensure that everything’s normal. Normally, your cat’s poop will appear firm and brown in appearance, but if you start noticing light to dark red flecks in their faeces it can be a sign of a larger problem. Blood in cat poo can have many different causes, including everything from stress to a more life-threatening health issue. We’ve created this handy guide to tell you all you need to know about blood in cat poo, from the possible causes to the treatment options available. Blood in cat poo Bright or light red blood Blood in your cat’s faeces will usually appear as flecks, and the colour and amount of these flecks will depend on how much they’re bleeding and where it’s coming from. According to Dr. Justin Molnar DVM, if the blood appears as bright or light red it usually means that it’s coming from the lower intestinal tract and could be due to an inflammation of the GI tract, which could be caused by dietary issues, stress, parasites or constipation.

If your feline friend is suffering from bad cat breath, often called halitosis, we firstly recommend you take them to visit the local vet. Your vet will be able to examine your cat’s teeth and mouth to check if there isn’t a serious issue causing your cat’s bad breath. Keep reading to find out about the possible causes of feline halitosis. Causes of bad breath in cats There are several possible causes of bad breath in cats. These are some of the most common: 1. Diet The food your cat consumes can often be a cause of bad breath. If you’re asking yourself why your cat’s breath smells, it might be a good idea to look at what they’re eating. If you have taken your cat to the vet and ruled out any oral health issues, then their diet may well be the cause. Occasionally wet and soft cat food can cause bad cat breath as it can stick to a cat’s teeth, which tends not to happen with dry food. 2. Gingivitis Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums. It occurs when an accumulation of plaque and bacteria builds up in your cat’s mouth over time. Gingivitis can be uncomfortable for your cat and may cause bad breath in cats. 3. Periodontal disease Periodontal disease can also develop when a cat is suffering gingivitis for a prolonged period of time. If the gingivitis is left untreated it can cause tartar (hardened plaque) to build up underneath a cat’s gums which creates little pockets of space. These pockets are the perfect breeding ground for bacterial growth and this can lead to periodontal disease, another common cause of bad breath in cats. 4. Coprophagia and pica Coprophagia is the term for a cat who is eating their own or other animals’ faeces. Pica is a medical issue in cats where it regularly eats non-food items. Both of these issues can cause bad cat breath. If you suspect your cat has been eating something they shouldn’t, it’s best to take them to the vets. 5. Stomatitis Feline stomatitis occurs when the whole of a cat’s oral cavity becomes severely inflamed. One common symptom of stomatitis is very bad cat breath. It’s important to book a consultation with your vet if you notice your cat’s breath has a strong, foul smell to it. Read our guide to stomatitis in cats for more symptoms and advice. 6. Kidney disease On very rare occasions, kidney disease can cause bad breath. There are two different types of kidney diseases that your cat could suffer from. The first is acute kidney failure and the second is chronic kidney failure. There are a few different symptoms that could be a sign of kidney failure, such as vomiting, weight loss and bad cat breath. Read our guide to kidney disease in cats for more information. 7. Diabetes Diabetes could also be behind a cat’s bad breath. If your cat is diagnosed with diabetes you may notice their breath have a fruity smell to it. This rare smell could be the sign of a metabolic problem with diabetes and you should take your cat to a vet straight away. Other signs that your cat may have diabetes are a significant increase in urinating and drinking along with an increase in appetite – if you notice this and your cat hasn’t been diagnosed you should book them in to see the vet as soon as possible. Read our guide to cat diabetes for more information.

From digestion to immunity, your cat’s gut health plays a major role in their overall health and happiness. Below are 5 simple and effective tips to help you care for the health of your cat’s intestine. 1. A balanced diet An appropriate well-balanced diet for your cat’s metabolism is a great way to improve your cats’ gut health. Therefore, choosing a diet adapted to your cat’s needs is a key factor: choosing a cat food specially formulated to help support your cat’s natural defences can help. Consumption of heat-treated lactobacilli has been proven to help support natural antibody production in your cat’s intestinal tract, while Omega-6 acids, and other selected nutrients, help support healthy skin and a radiant coat. On the contrary an unbalanced diet can be harmful for your cat’s gut health. Avoid all food that could be toxic (such as garlic, chocolate or avocado), food that could cause wind (e.g. cabbage beans) or food that could lead to weight gain (human food tidbits). 2. Grooming Our cats love being pampered!! Make the most of it and groom them regularly: not only will you love hearing them purr, but by grooming them you will also help prevent them from ingesting large quantities of hair, which can cause constipation and affect your cats gut health. 3. On your marks…Ready? Play! Exercising holds many benefits: not only does it stimulate your cats intestine, which is useful for regular bowel movements, but it also helps you to keep your cat‘s weight and stress levels under control. 20 minutes of exercise daily, split into two different sessions, will boost your pet’s energy level and strengthen your relationship. 4. Take it easy She who goes slowly, goes healthily: cats are particularly sensitive to diet changes and modifications. Should you change your pet’s food it is recommended to proceed step by step.

When adopting a cat, don't automatically count out older cats. There are numerous benefits to adopting an older kitty, they're much better suited to those with a busy lifestyle, among other things! Keep reading to learn more reasons why you should consider adopting an older cat. If you're thinking of rehoming a cat, don't automatically opt for the usual cute, fluffy kitten. Although we all love these tiny bundles of fun, there are so many benefits to adopting an older cat that many have never considered. A more senior cat may very well be a better fit for a busy lifestyle and will come home with an established, unique personality already fully formed. In shelters, black cats take around 13% longer to find a new home than other cats. It isn't fully understood why this is the case, but the statistics speak for themselves: cats that are black in colour are less likely to find their forever home. Here's just some of the exclusive benefits that come with adopting an older cat, and why and whywelcoming a senior feline into your home could be so much more rewarding for owners looking to rehome a pet. Why adopt an older cat? Just like humans, cats take some time to establish their personality: their likes and dislikes, particular behaviours, preferred routine and adorable character quirks. When adopting a kitten, it will take over a year for the full strength of their personality to shine through. After all, they need to get through those troublesome teenage 'years' too! On the other hand, ashelter will be able to tell you all about the personality of their senior residents. Finding the right fit for your own family and lifestyle will become so much easier when adopting an older cat, as both parties already know what they want out of the relationship. So,if you’re still debating whether to look forsenior cats for adoption, here are some of the reasons why cats in their golden age might make the perfect pet:

Find the perfect name for your ball of fur. We put together the finest selection of white cat names for you to choose from. Who can resist the soft, snowy coat of a pure white kitty? If you've already fallen for the pristine beauty of a white cat and getting ready to bring home the new ball of fur, you're probably seeking inspiration for someone to give you a name worthy of such a stunning addition to the family. Snowy and Snowball might be obvious choices, but there are tonnes of more unusual choices out there. That's why we've compiled a list of the top 10 white cat names, each name ready to spark that 'aha' moment once you finally find the perfect match. 1. Casper: the friendliest white cat name If your cat is the cuddly, loving kind, here is a white cat name with a friendly ring to it. And if they like to go exploring on their own, making themselves 'invisible' for hours, what other white cat name even comes close to this brilliant choice? Casper the friendly ghost has warmed hearts across generations and his name is only suitable for a cat ready to do just that all over again. 2. Frosty: is it the colour or the personality For those veritable feline ice queens that take a little time to warm to new people, Frosty is the white cat name you've been looking for. You can't go wrong with a name matching both the colour and the personality of your new companion at the same time. 3. Elsa: royal inspiration for an elegant kitten There are some white kitties that exude royalty vibes. If yours is the one to effortlessly move around and truly own the house and everything in it, you need some royal inspiration from Frozen. Elsa the Disney princess of ice and snow is right up your cat's alley.

If you've always wanted to have your very own mini-tiger to snuggle with, the cat kingdom has plenty of friendly alternatives ready to purr the day away in their owner's lap. Here are some of the most popular tiger-like cats. Although they parted ways with their larger feline cousins millions of years ago, cats haven't completely forgotten their wild side. Whether it's little "gifts" in the form of mice casually left on our doorsteps or witnessing their expert-level stalking routine during playtime, every so often we get a reminder of the skilled predator hiding behind all that cuteness. Thanks to distant relatives such as tigers, the hardwired hunting instincts are present across all cat breeds. But if you want a pet that also comes with looks to match, these cats that look like tigers differ from their undomesticated siblings in one big way. They will love nothing more than to move into your home and be part of the family. Cats that look like tigers, leopards and other wild cats Bengal With a name derived from its wild ancestor and a beautiful coat that mirrors the leopard's spotted look, the Bengal cat might as well have come straight from a grassland savanna. Their coat has distinctive brown rosettes, but can also have stripes, turning the Bengal into a stunning tiger-like cat. Created by crossing an Asian Leopard Cat with a domestic cat, the Bengal is an agile, energetic and quite vocal companion. It's a great match for owners who love exotic-looking cats and have the energy required to keep up with this miniature leopard.