Happy Pets

Ulcers are painful areas of inflammation affecting the skin, eye or membranes such as the gums and nose. The affected tissue becomes swollen, red and often moist and angry looking. Various things can trigger an ulcer: trauma, infection or allergy being the commonest. Corrosive chemicals can also be responsible and if swallowed these can ulcerate the throat, oesophagus and stomach, giving very unpleasant symptoms. Ulceration of the ear tips (see EAR PROBLEMS; SUNBURN) is common in white cats which sun bathe a lot. (more…)

Travel sickness is somewhat different from anxiety about traveling, although there is undoubtedly considerable overlap between the two problems. Acclimatization to travel is best started in young kittens, since they adapt better and learn quickly, and the acclimatization process can be as gradual as needed. This can work in older cats too, and is worth tackling if frequent travel becomes necessary (see below for a suitable programme). (more…)