Cats are intensely territorial animals. They fight to protect their territory and seek to expand it against neighbouring cats. The vast majority of wounds will come from fights with other cats, while wounds from dogs, rats or foxes are rarer however do occur. Wounds can frequently result in infection and become a source of illness, particularly if they are left untreated. 

Fights and wounds are more common in male cats than females, and are particularly prevalent in uncastrated Tom cats. Females and castrated males will fight others who enter the territory around their home. Tom cats are very territorial and will seek to expand the borders of their territory, bringing them into contact with more cats and more conflict. Neutering male cats is advisable and will reduce, though not eliminate, fighting. 

Cat bites leave a small puncture wound that will heal quickly, but bacteria transmitted from the aggressor's mouth can multiply and result in the formation of an abscess. Bites on areas of the body lacking loose skin may result in cellulitis, a more serious issue affecting deeper layers of the skin and underlying tissue. Abscesses may take several days to develop, and should be seen by a vet at the earliest opportunity so that they may be drained and antibiotics can be prescribed where necessary.

Bite wounds are considered the main route of transmission for several feline infections and viruses. While these cases represent a minority of the total it is important to have wounds looked at so that treament can be administered early when required.  

Urine spraying is part of the cat's normal scent-marking behaviour, used to claim territory, deter others from coming into their range and prevent neighbouring cats from coming into contact and fighting. Spraying can also help females in season attract males for breeding. The spray is a means of conveying their sex, age, hormonal state and general health. 

Cats spray when frustrated, upset or facing challenge or competition. It can be interpreted as a way of increasing a cat's sense of security by surrounding itself with signs of its own occupancy. A cat will feel the need for more familiar odours if it feels more threatened.

Most cats feel sufficiently relaxed at home and are content with imparting their scent through rubbing or scratching. New arrivals or environmental changes may change this, and new pets, people, furniture or other items can prompt a cat to spray indoors. 

Hyperthyroidism is the most common endocrine (hormonal) disorder seen in cats. It is due to excessive production and secretion of the thyroid hormone by the thyroid gland found in the neck. Hyperthyroidism can affect cats of any breed or sex, but is most common in older cats, rarely affecting cats under 8 years old.

Signs of hyperthyroidism include; weight loss, increased appetite, hyperactivity or restlessness, moderate elevation of body temperature, increased thirst and urination, occasional vomitting, panting, a matted and greasy coat, and an increased heartrate with a variety of cardiac rhythmic irregularities. 

Hyperthyroidism can be treated in three ways - surgery, anti-thyroid drug therapy or radioactive iodine therapy. If you have noticed any of the above signs please contact us to arrange a health check for your cat.