Reliable information for cat people
Clear, practical explanations about symptoms, diseases, examinations and treatment—written by Marieke Knies, DVM, European veterinary internal medicine specialist.
DUTCH CAT VET
Clear, reliable feline medicine information written by Marieke Knies, DVM, European Specialist in Small Animal Internal Medicine.
In brief A cat is generally considered senior from around 10 years and super senior from 15. Age is not a disease, and older cats are wonderful companions. Pain, muscle loss, reduced vision or hearing, and disease may nevertheless make everyday tasks harder. Small adaptations can support independence. A new limitation still warrants veterinary assessment. […]
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In brief A cat in pain does not have to vocalise. Small changes often appear first: jumping less high, hesitating on stairs, sleeping differently, grooming less, adopting a different posture or reducing social contact. One sign does not prove pain, but a new or progressive change deserves attention. Record short videos when possible and discuss […]
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In brief A healthy weight is not one fixed number for every cat of a particular breed. Assess three different things: scale weight, body fat and muscle mass. A cat may lose muscle without becoming much lighter, or remain overweight while muscles over the back decline. Follow trends. Unintended weight loss — particularly in an […]
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In brief Even a cat who appears healthy at home benefits from regular veterinary assessment. International feline guidelines recommend a complete health examination at least annually, increasing to at least every six months for senior cats from around ten years of age. This is a starting point, not an identical schedule for every cat. Age, […]
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In brief A kitten is not automatically the best choice, and an adult or older cat is not second best. The right match depends on time, energy, need for predictability, living space, other animals, children and financial resources. An adult cat’s personality is often easier to describe, while a kitten generally needs more guidance. Use […]
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In brief Do not choose a kitten with your heart alone — difficult though that is when faced with a tiny feline face. Look at origin, the mother cat, living environment, socialisation and available health information. Ask questions, request documentation and never allow yourself to be rushed. A kitten may look healthy while not every […]
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Anaemia means there are too few circulating red blood cells or too little haemoglobin. It is not a diagnosis by itself: blood loss, red-cell destruction and inadequate production require very different treatment.
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Coughing is not normal in cats and is rarely caused by a hairball. Asthma and chronic bronchitis are common possibilities, but lungworm, infection and other causes must also be considered.
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Pancreatitis often causes vague signs such as reduced appetite, nausea, lethargy, weight loss and sometimes vomiting. No single test confirms or excludes every case.
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High blood pressure often causes no obvious signs until organ damage has occurred, particularly in the eyes, kidneys, brain or heart. Measurement is quick and especially important in older and at-risk cats.
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Vomiting, diarrhoea or weight loss lasting more than three weeks is not simply a “sensitive stomach”. Chronic enteropathy has several causes, and no single test distinguishes them all.
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Night-time vocalisation, disorientation or changed social contact can occur with cognitive decline, but pain, hypertension, thyroid disease, kidney disease and sensory loss can look very similar.
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A carefully selected collection of practical guides and advice pages from International Cat Care.
Carrier choice, preparation, travel and returning home: a practical guide to making veterinary visits less stressful.
Open original — Visiting the veterinary clinicHow anti-inflammatory pain medication may be used safely, including monitoring and signs that require veterinary advice.
Open original — Treating chronic pain with NSAIDsCurrent caregiver information about FIP signs, diagnosis, antiviral treatment, monitoring and life during recovery.
Open original — Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)Tablets, capsules and liquids are not always easy to give. This practical page shows several lower-stress approaches.
Open original — How to give a cat medicationPractical changes to resting places, litter trays, food stations and routes can make life easier for cats with pain or limited mobility.
Open original — Home modificationsWhy loss of appetite in cats deserves prompt attention and how feeding can be supported with less pressure and stress.
Open original — When your cat will not eatPractical ideas for water bowls, drinking locations, fountains and food when increased water intake may be helpful.
Open original — Encouraging your cat to drinkWhat cat friendly veterinary care looks like and how a clinic can reduce fear during examination, treatment and hospitalisation.
Open original — Cat Friendly Veterinary CareA broad starter guide to feeding, preventive care, behaviour, play, litter trays, safety and introductions.
Open original — Caring for your new kittenDaily feeding-tube use and care, with warning signs that mean you should contact your veterinary team.
Open original — Managing a cat with a feeding tubeLearn to notice subtle changes in posture, movement, facial expression and behaviour that may indicate acute pain.
Open original — Recognising and managing acute painAn accessible explanation of blood groups, cross-matching, donor cats, the transfusion itself and possible reactions.
Open original — Blood transfusions in catsWhy cats may strain, urinate frequently or avoid the litter tray—and why being unable to urinate is always an emergency.
Open original — Lower urinary tract diseasesA practical guide to insulin, feeding, home monitoring, hypoglycaemia and establishing a manageable daily routine.
Open original — Managing the diabetic catTests, renal diets, hydration, medication and monitoring explained for caregivers of cats with chronic kidney disease.
Open original — Managing chronic kidney diseaseStep-by-step support for caregivers who have been instructed by their veterinary team to give fluids at home.
Open original — How to give subcutaneous fluidsA gradual training approach to help a cat accept a spacer and mask without turning every treatment into a struggle.
Open original — Inhaler trainingHow to introduce tooth brushing gradually and choose cat-safe products without forcing the process.
Open original — How to brush your cat’s teethA slow, structured food transition can improve acceptance and reduce digestive upset, especially in cautious eaters.
Open original — Changing your cat to a new dietPractical ways to make food more appealing while recognising when reduced appetite needs veterinary assessment.
Open original — How to encourage your cat to eatSimple preparation, carrier and travel measures that can reduce fear before the appointment even begins.
Open original — Taking your cat to the vetCreate a calm recovery space and understand eating, medication, activity and signs that warrant a call to the clinic.
Open original — Helping your cat recover at homeSize, shape, litter, location and cleaning all influence whether a cat feels comfortable using a litter tray.
Open original — Choosing a litter trayA careful, stepwise introduction gives cats time to feel safe and reduces the chance of long-term conflict.
Open original — Introducing catsHow resources, space and subtle social tension affect welfare when several cats share a home.
Open original — Multi-cat householdsResting, hiding, climbing, scratching, playing and feeding opportunities help a cat feel secure and in control.
Open original — Making your home cat friendlyPuzzle feeding can support natural foraging behaviour, slow eating and provide useful mental activity.
Open original — Puzzle feedersOlder cats benefit from accessible resources, close observation and healthcare adapted to changing physical and behavioural needs.
Open original — Special considerations for senior catsA structured way to consider comfort, behaviour and daily enjoyment when a cat is older or living with chronic disease.
Open original — Quality of life assessmentCommon household hazards, possible warning signs and why suspected exposure should be discussed promptly with a veterinarian.
Open original — Cats and poisonsEven small exposures to lilies can cause fatal kidney injury. This page explains the risk and the need for immediate care.
Open original — Lily poisoningSome dog flea products are extremely toxic to cats. Learn how exposure occurs and which signs require emergency care.
Open original — Permethrin poisoningParacetamol is dangerous to cats and should never be given unless specifically directed by a veterinarian.
Open original — Paracetamol poisoningA cat—especially a male cat—straining without producing urine needs immediate veterinary assessment.
Open original — Urethral obstructionA calm first room, predictable resources and gradual exploration can make the first days at home much easier.
Open original — Helping a new cat or kitten settle inPlanning before, during and after a move can reduce escape risk and help your cat settle into unfamiliar territory.
Open original — Moving house with your catSources checked September 2026