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Begin your search by clicking on your chosen letter from the alphabet below. Use the 'Back to top' link to return here. Please note: If you have any concerns about your cat’s health or behaviour always contact your veterinary surgeon. This glossary is designed to give you basic information and should not be seen as a replacement for vet [..]

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An infected swelling, often seen on the tail, head or back of a cat. Usually caused by a cat bite. Affected animals feel ill, go off their food and have high temperatures, so veterinary attention is usually required. The abscess may rupture and pus will leak out.

A skin problem affecting cats at any age. Spots, blackheads and crusting occur on the cat's chin. The condition may require antibiotics but mild cases may resolve without treatment.

Cats that are aggressive can be very dangerous and veterinary advice should be sought if a cat is persistently aggressive towards people. There are many different causes of aggressive behaviour ranging from fear, to over-exuberant play.

An 'over- reaction' to a normally harmless substance by the body. Individual animals may develop an allergy to a single 'allergen' or several different allergens. A variety of things are known to cause allergic signs in cats including foods, pollens or the saliva of a flea bite. Affected cats may develop skin problems, or experi [..]

Hair loss due to any cause. One of the most common causes of hair loss in cats is due to an allergy to flea bites.

Anaemia occurs when there is a decreased amount of red blood cells, or the amount of haemoglobin in the cells, in the circulatory system. There are many different causes of anaemia in cats including blood loss due to haemorrhage, the presence of blood parasites, or viruses such as feline leukaemia.

Lack or loss of appetite for food due to any cause. Sensitive cats may lose their appetite when first re-homed, or due to any emotional upset. Loss of appetite can also be one of the first signs of illness.