Cats

Cats can develop food allergies at any time in their lives, even if they’ve been eating the same diet for years. Around 1% of all cats, and up to 15% of itchy cats, are affected. The most common signs are itchy skin, ear infections, vomiting, and diarrhoea.

Ringworm is a common skin infection in cats. It’s actually caused by a fungus, not a worm. It’s highly contagious between cats, but can also spread to dogs, other pets, and people. The disease usually causes patches of hair loss and scaly skin, though it can look very similar to other common skin conditions.

Mange is a skin disease caused by tiny mites that irritate the skin, causing itching, hair loss, crusts or sores. While mange is less common than fleas or ticks, it remains an important issue. Early detection and treatment usually lead to good recovery. There are several types of mange that can affect cats, each caused by a different species of mite.

Cat bite abscesses are one of the most common conditions vets treat in cats. Although any cat can be affected, cats that roam outdoors are particularly at risk. A cat bite abscess develops when bacteria from another cat’s teeth penetrate through the surface of the skin via a bite wound during a cat fight.

Pyoderma in cats is a skin infection caused by bacteria. It happens when the skin gets damaged or irritated, making it easier for bacteria to cause problems. It’s less common in cats than in dogs, but pyoderma may affect cats of any age, breed, or sex. Fortunately, the condition is usually easy to identify and treat, allowing most cats to make a full recovery.

As a cat owner, you may have noticed your feline friend occasionally coughing or vomiting a small, tubular mass of fur, commonly known as a hairball. While this is a normal part of a cat's grooming process, frequent hairballs can be a sign of underlying issues that require attention.

Limping (also known as lameness) is when a cat avoids putting weight on one or more legs. It’s usually a sign of pain, discomfort, or injury. Limping can be sudden or gradual and may come and go. Even if your cat seems otherwise fine, limping should never be ignored.

Sprains and strains are common soft tissue injuries that can affect cats of any age or breed. Most cats recover well from these injuries with prompt and appropriate care. In Dubai, extra precautions are important, such as securing balconies, supervising outdoor time, and being mindful of extreme temperatures.

Hot spots in cats are patches of painful skin infection that can appear suddenly and spread quickly. They look red, moist, and sore, and often cause your cat to lick or scratch excessively. While hot spots can seem alarming, they are usually easy to treat if identified early. Cats of any age can be affected.

Torn nails in cats aren’t as common as in dogs, but when they do occur, they can be very painful. A torn nail may not be life-threatening, but it often causes bleeding, limping, and discomfort that needs attention. Most cases heal quickly, though sometimes it takes a vet visit to remove the damaged nail or stop infection.

Wounds are one of the most common reasons cats are brought to the vet. They can range from minor scratches to deep lacerations or abscesses caused by bites. In Dubai, cats may be more likely to sustain injuries from territorial disputes, particularly if they have outdoor access, or from household hazards such as sharp furniture edges or balcony falls.

When you notice your cat squinting or pawing at their eye, it's natural to feel concerned. Eye ulcers, medically known as corneal ulcers, are among the most common yet serious eye conditions affecting cats in Dubai.