How can I protect my dog or cat from tick paralysis? The paralysis tick, Ixodes holocyclus, causes tick paralysis. Tick paralysis is a serious and potentially fatal condition requiring urgent veterinary attention....
How can I reduce the health risks for children interacting with companion animals? Interacting with companion animals can have many physical and mental health benefits for children and young people[1, 2]. However, there...
What are Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) and Feline Leukaemia Virus (FeLV)? Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) are retroviruses that attack the immune system, the same group of...
What is ringworm and how do I know if my companion animal has it? Ringworm is a fungal infection of the skin and hair. Ringworm spreads rapidly, and is zoonotic which means that it...
What are the animal welfare problems associated with Scottish Fold cats? The Scottish Fold breed of cat has a very distinctive appearance and is a popular companion cat in some countries....
What is cat flu and how is it managed? Cat flu is a general term for a highly contagious upper airway disease that affects cats and kittens. This disease...
What is toxoplasmosis? Toxoplasmosis is a disease that can be transmitted from animals to humans (zoonosis). It is caused by the parasite Toxoplasma...
What are the risks to my cat or dog from rat bait? Rat baits are dangerous and potentially deadly to animals and people that consume them. The baits used are normally flavoured to...
How should I take care of my cat or dog’s teeth? Our pets need regular and consistent dental care to make sure their teeth stay healthy and functional for as long...
What are the health and welfare issues associated with exaggerated physical features in cats? There is increasing evidence showing that cats who have been bred to have exaggerated physical features (such as flat faces)...
I think my cat has arthritis, what should I do? Arthritis (also known as osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease) is a common and serious animal health and welfare problem in...
How can I minimise the impact of bushfire smoke on my animals? Bushfires can lead to persistent smoke and related air pollution and this can cause serious negative effects and health problems...
What do I need to know about gum and mouth inflammation (gingivostomatitis) in cats? Gingivitis and stomatitis both involve inflammation of the mouth tissues and can be painful and affect your cat’s health. Gingivitis...
What is animal hoarding and why is it harmful to animals? Animal hoarding, although recognised by human and animal services, is generally poorly understood in terms of its prevalence, causes, influencing...
What are my legal rights if I buy a sick or injured pet? Adopting or purchasing a new pet is a very exciting time for both owner and pet alike as it marks...
How can pain be recognised and monitored in cats? Due to the unique nature of and often subtle changes in feline body language, recognising pain in cats can be...