If you’ve recently found yourself constantly refilling the water bowl or noticing much larger clumps in the litter tray, your cat isn’t just quirky—they may be giving you the most important clues about their health.

These changes are key signs of diabetes in cats, a condition that is becoming increasingly common.

Key Takeaways

The Top Feline Diabetes Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore

Many owners begin their search with simple phrases like “cat drinking a lot of water” or “cat peeing a lot” (medically known as polydipsia and polyuria, respectively). While these can be signs of other issues, they are classic indicators of feline diabetes.

Here are the critical behavioral and physical signs to watch for:

• Excessive Thirst (Polydipsia): Your cat is drinking significantly more water than usual.
• Increased Urination (Polyuria): You are scooping the litter box more frequently, or the clumps are noticeably larger.
• Increased Appetite (but losing weight): This is a red flag! Searching for “cat losing weight but eating” often leads to a diabetic cat diagnosis. The body can’t use glucose for energy, so it starts burning fat and muscle.
• Lethargy or “Flatness”: A general lack of energy or being less playful than usual.
• Poor Coat Condition: A dull, unkempt, or oily coat.

Why Early Detection and Treatment Matter

A diagnosis of cat diabetes can feel overwhelming, but the good news is that with early detection and the right approach, it is a very manageable condition.

Left untreated, high blood sugar levels can lead to severe health problems, including the life-threatening condition diabetic ketoacidosis in cats (DKA).

The Goal of Cat Diabetes Treatment

The ultimate goal of managing a diabetic cat is to normalize their blood glucose levels, eliminate those uncomfortable symptoms (like excessive thirst and urination), and, in many cases, aim for feline diabetes remission.

Treatment plans generally focus on two key areas that are heavily searched:

• Insulin Therapy: Most diabetic cats require regular insulin injections, like ProZinc or Glargine. Owners often look for guidance on “how to give cat insulin injection.”
• Diet Management: A crucial component is transitioning to the best low carb cat food for diabetes to help regulate blood sugar. A high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet is often recommended.

Is Your Kitty Showing Signs?

If you’re noticing any of these changes—from your cat constantly seeking out water to unexplained weight loss—don’t wait. Early intervention is the best chance for successful management and even remission.

Book a check-up with our Cat Friendly Gold Standard Accredited team today to get the clarity and expert care your cat deserves. Your Coombabah Vets are here to help you navigate the full spectrum of diabetic cat care, from initial diagnosis to long-term feline diabetes management.

Pet dental disease is one of the most common health issues seen in dogs and cats, often starting with bad breath, red gums, or plaque build-up, and progressing to painful infections or even tooth loss if left untreated.

What many pet owners don’t realise is that dental disease doesn’t just affect the mouth — it can also impact a pet’s overall health, including their heart, liver, and kidneys.

Understanding the signs, risks, and prevention of dental disease is key to keeping your furry friend healthy, comfortable, and happy.

Key Takeaways

What is Pet Dental Disease?

Pet dental disease is an infection of the teeth and gums that’s very common in dogs and cats. It usually starts with bad breath and a build-up of plaque, which can lead to sore, swollen gums and painful teeth. If left untreated, it can make eating uncomfortable and may even affect your pet’s overall health.

The good news is, with regular dental care and check-ups, most dental disease can be prevented.

Pet Dental Pain

1 year = 7 years in dog time. Skipping their dental check-up is like ignoring yours for 7 YEARS.⁠
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The tricky part? Most pets won’t show obvious signs of dental pain, even when it’s severe. Many still eat, play, and seem “fine” on the outside.⁠ But behind the scenes, infections can build, teeth may loosen, and ongoing pain can impact their mood, energy, and overall health.⁠
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We often hear owners say their pet seems like a whole new dog after dental treatment because they were in more discomfort than anyone realised.⁠
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Don’t wait for visible signs. Be proactive and book your dog’s dental check-up and catch issues before they become painful problems.⁠

It’s not just about stinky breath.

 By the age of 3 years, 80% of our pets have dental disease.

Left untreated, it can cause pain, tooth loss, or even lead to infections in vital organs.

And here’s the tricky part: your pet probably won’t show obvious signs.

Most pets will keep eating like nothing’s wrong

Even when teeth are loose, infected, or rotting, most pets will keep eating like nothing’s wrong.

They may still show interest in food, and chew, just more carefully. You might notice they favour one side, take longer to eat, or start preferring soft food. But often, the changes are so subtle, they go unnoticed.

 ⁠Dental pain is real. And just because they’re eating, doesn’t mean their mouth is healthy.

 ⁠You won’t always see the symptoms of dental disease, but that doesn’t mean it’s not there. It’s up to us to look closer.

Pet Dental Disease Symptoms

Some more serious symptoms may include:

• Bad breath (it’s not “normal”)
• Excessive drooling or staining
• Struggling to chew or eat
• Pawing at their face or mouth
• Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
• Loose or missing teeth
• Changes in mood or energy

If you notice even one of these, it is likely your pet is in lots of pain and we recommended acting quickly.

What happens if dental disease symptoms are ignored?

Untreated dental disease doesn’t just stay in the mouth.

• Infections can spread to the heart, liver, and kidneys
• Ongoing pain can affect mood and behaviour
• It can affect their overall quality of life

Does my pet still need regular dental checks?

Yes, even with great at-home care, your pet still needs regular dental checks.

Brushing, dental chews and water additives help but they can’t remove hardened plaque or tartar once it builds up.

That’s where professional scale and polish treatments come in. They prevent more serious issues like infection, tooth loss, and pain.

•  Annual dental checks
•  Professional cleans
•  At-home prevention in between

Dental care isn’t a “nice to have”, it’s essential for your pet’s long-term health.

Clients regularly report back to us after their pet’s dental procedure saying things like ‘Fluffy is like a kitten/puppy again” and “I had no idea that dental disease was affecting them so much!’

Not sure where your pet’s dental health stands?

Happy Paws is here to help. We strongly believe in the benefits of preventive pet dentistry to keep your pet’s mouth and the rest of their health in tip-top shape.

Book a dental check at Happy Paws and we’ll walk you through everything – no judgment, just expert care.

When cats fight, they may use their needle-sharp teeth to puncture the skin of the other cat, which drives bacteria deep into the tissue, leading to a ‘cat bite abscess’. Left untreated, these pockets of infection can burst or spread. If you notice your cat has gotten into a punch-up, make an appointment with us, so we can treat the infection before it can become too severe.

Key Takeaways

When your kitty sustains wounds from a fight, it’s crucial to seek veterinary care immediately. Here’s why:

Risk of Infection

Cat fight wounds, especially bites, are highly prone to infection. Cats’ mouths are teeming with bacteria such as Pasteurella multocida, which can be injected deep into the tissue during a bite. This creates an ideal environment for bacterial growth, often leading to infections and abscesses. Without prompt veterinary treatment, these infections can spread, becoming serious and requiring more extensive and prolonged treatment.

Abscess Formation

Abscesses are localized collections of pus that form at the site of a bite wound. Initially, the wound may appear minor, but within days, swelling, redness, and pain can indicate an abscess is forming. Left untreated, abscesses can burst, causing more significant tissue damage and increasing the risk of systemic infection. Veterinarians can drain abscesses and provide the necessary antibiotics to ensure proper healing.

Pain and Discomfort

Cat fight wounds are painful. While cats are good at hiding their pain, signs such as limping, reluctance to move, or changes in behavior indicate discomfort. A veterinarian can assess the injury’s extent, manage pain with appropriate medications, and ensure your cat stays comfortable during recovery.

Internal Injuries

Beyond external wounds, internal injuries from fights can be severe and not immediately visible. Blunt trauma can cause internal bleeding or organ injury. Deep bite wounds might puncture muscles, tendons, or even bones. A thorough veterinary exam, including diagnostic imaging like X-rays or ultrasounds, is essential to detect and treat these hidden injuries.

Disease Transmission

Cat fights can transmit serious diseases, such as rabies, which is fatal and can be spread through bites from infected animals. Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukemia virus (FeLV) can also be spread through bites. Immediate veterinary evaluation ensures your cat gets the necessary testing and post-exposure treatment to prevent these diseases.

Professional Wound Care

Proper wound care is crucial to prevent infection and promote healing. Veterinarians have the expertise to clean and debride wounds, removing foreign material and dead tissue that can impede healing. They can suture larger wounds, apply dressings, and provide guidance on at-home care to ensure proper recovery.

Antibiotics and Pain Management

Your Vet can prescribe the right antibiotics to prevent or treat infections, addressing the specific bacteria involved. They can also prescribe pain relief medications safe for cats, ensuring effective pain management and improving your cat’s quality of life during recovery.

Preventing Complications

Untreated cat fight wounds can lead to severe complications, including septicemia (a life-threatening systemic infection), osteomyelitis (bone infection), and chronic pain. Prompt veterinary care helps prevent these complications, ensuring your cat recovers fully and quickly. Early intervention can also minimize the need for more extensive and costly treatments later.

Monitoring Healing

Veterinarians provide follow-up care to monitor the healing process, ensuring the wound is recovering as expected. They can detect any signs of complications early and adjust the treatment plan as necessary. This professional oversight is crucial for a successful recovery.

Does Your Kitty have a Cat Fight Wound?

If yes, seek immediate veterinary care by getting in touch with us. Wounds need to be treated as soon as possible to avoid serious infection and tissue damage. The risks of infection, abscess formation, internal injuries, and disease transmission, along with the need for professional wound care and pain management, means you should act quickly.

Book an Appointment with us as soon as possible to ensure your furbaby  gets the best care, preventing complications and promoting a swift recovery.

After all, they’re already perfect in our eyes, regardless of their size! But because we want our beloved companions to live their longest, happiest lives, it’s worth knowing how to spot those subtle signs of weight gain before they impact your pet’s health and mobility.
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The truth is that overweight pets are more prone to joint issues, heart strain, and reduced quality of life. And while the cuddly look might seem cute, the risks beneath the surface are anything but.⁠

How To Tell If My Cat or Dog Is Overweight?

We all love to spoil our furry family members, but sometimes those extra treats and cozy lounging sessions can add up around their middles! As pet parents, it can be tricky to tell when our cats and dogs have crossed the line from pleasantly plump to potentially unhealthy.

So if you’re wondering if your pet might be carrying a little extra love around the middle, then let’s check together!

Run your fingers gently through your pet’s fur—you should be able to feel their ribs with a light touch, like they’re hiding under a thin blanket. Take a peek at your buddy from above—do they have that cute little tuck at the waistline, or has their silhouette become more of a lovable oval?

Those adorable rolls and pouches might be more than just extra cuddle material! Don’t worry though—many pets (just like us humans!) find themselves carrying a few extra ounces of happiness, and spotting it early is the first step to helping them feel their bouncy best again!

Here are a few things to keep in mind as a Pet Parent

• ⁠Treats count! Your pet has a daily energy intake, so every snack adds up.⁠
• Pro tip: Use a portion of their meal as training treats to avoid overfeeding.⁠
• Quality nutrition matters. A well-balanced, high-quality diet makes all the difference.⁠

Possibly Already Overweight?

Before you panic or put Fluffy on a crash diet, have a chat with us! We can give you the real scoop on whether your pet needs a lifestyle tweak. We can rule out any sneaky health issues that might be behind the weight gain and help create a loving plan to get your buddy back to their bouncy best.

So if you’re unsure where to start, Happy Paws Vet is here to support you with tailored diet plans, weight checks, and advice specific to your pet’s needs.⁠ Because helping them live longer, healthier lives is the ultimate act of love.

Remember, helping your pet maintain a healthy weight is one of the sweetest ways to show your love—it means more energy for playtime, less strain on those precious joints, and more happy years together curled up on the couch. And when it comes to weight loss, slow and steady wins the race for our furry friends!

⁠Key Indicators That Your Kitty Is Unwell

There are several key indicators to watch for that might suggest your feline friend isn’t feeling their best. Knowing what to look for can help you catch problems early and keep your kitty as happy and healthy as possible.⁠

There are several key indicators to watch for that may suggest your cat is not feeling well or is in pain

Behavioural Signs

• Lethargy: If your cat is unusually tired, less playful, or hiding more than usual.
• Behavioural Shifts: Uncharacteristic aggression, withdrawal, or increased vocalisation.
• Excessive Grooming or Lack of Grooming: Over-grooming or neglecting grooming can suggest stress, pain, or health concerns.

Appetite and Weight Changes

• Changes in Appetite: A sudden loss of appetite or excessive eating can be a sign of an underlying issue.
• Weight Loss or Weight Gain: Either extreme can be a red flag for conditions like thyroid issues, diabetes, or other metabolic disorders.

Digestive and Litter Box Habits

• Changes in Litter Box Habits: Any changes in urination or defecation habits, such as straining, accidents outside the litter box, or unusually frequent trips.
• Vomiting or diarrhoea: Occasional hairballs are normal, but frequent vomiting or diarrhoea isn’t.

Physical Signs of Pain or Discomfort

• Visible Pain: If your cat is limping, vocalising when touched, or having difficulty moving, they may be in pain.
• Changes in Coat Condition: A dull, dry, or patchy coat could indicate nutritional deficiencies, a skin condition, or other health issues.

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Getting Professional Assistance

Since cats are masters of disguise, regular vet visits become even more important. Our team can often spot things your cat might be trying to hide and take a proactive approach to help nip any issues in the bud. Prevention is always the best medicine!⁠
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As a Gold Standard Accredited Cat Friendly Clinic, we specialise in feline care and keeping your kitty comfortable and stress-free during visits.

The Happy Paws Vet Clinic team in Coombabah are here to help. Get in touch to book a health check up for your kitty-cat.

Understanding the signs, like lumps, persistent wounds, and changes in appetite or activity, can make all the difference in your pet’s health journey, especially as they grow older.⁠

At Happy Paws, we are committed to providing quality, thorough consultations that give you and your pet the time, care, and attention needed to identify any concerns. Together, let’s ensure our furry companions have the best possible chance for treatment and a healthy, happy life.

Pet Cancer Awareness Early Detection Tips

We share our top tips to support owners in early detection.

Monitor Physical Changes

Lumps or Bumps: Regularly check your pet for any unusual lumps or growths. Pay attention to any changes in size, shape, or colour.

Wounds That Don’t Heal: Keep an eye on any persistent wounds or sores that don’t seem to improve over time. These could indicate underlying health issues.

Watch for Behavioural Shifts

An important sign to watch for in your pet is lethargy or a noticeable decrease in activity levels.

If you find that your furry friend seems more tired than usual, it could be a signal that something is amiss.

Changes in Appetite, Thirst, and Weight

A drop in appetite can be an indicator of underlying health problems, including dental issues, gastrointestinal distress, or even more serious conditions like cancer.

Increased thirst often accompanies changes in appetite and should not be overlooked.

If your pet is shedding pounds without any dietary changes, it’s essential to consult your veterinarian.

Changes in Bathroom Habits

Any unusual changes in urination or bowel movements, such as straining, blood in urine or stools or abnormal smells, can warrant immediate attention.

Sometimes our pets can have upset tummies (see Tell-Tail Signs Your Dog Has an Upset Stomach) but should unusual toileting persist, a call to your Vet is essential.

Be vigilant with regular vet checks

Regular veterinary visits are essential for ensuring your pet’s health and well-being. These check-ups provide your veterinarian with the opportunity to identify any underlying health issues before they escalate.

This is especially crucial for cats, as they are notorious for concealing signs of illness or injury. Cats often hide their discomfort until a condition has progressed, making it vital to maintain a routine schedule of veterinary care.

Like humans, cancer is prevalent in our cats and dogs and early detection greatly increases the chances of successful treatment and improved outcomes.

Book A Check Up For Your Furry Friend

At Happy Paws, we deeply care about your pet’s health and well-being. Our dedicated team is committed to providing quality, thorough, and compassionate consultations tailored to your pet’s unique needs.

If your furry friend is due for a health check, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our friendly team. Appointments can be made online or call the clinic on (07) 5577 5084

We know cats can get anxious when it’s time for the vet. Being placed in carriers and taken out of their familiar home environment can be overwhelming. But we’re here to help make the experience as smooth as possible for your feline friends.⁠

⁠ 4 Tips To Keep Your Kitty Calm

Here are our top tips for keeping your kitty calm before and during their appointment.

1. Use a Cat Carrier

Place your cat carrier in a common area of your home the night before your appointment.

This will give your kitty an opportunity to explore, smell and get familiar with the carrier ahead of leaving the home the following day.

2. Use Feliway Spray

We’d suggest using Feliway Spray on your carrier and any blankets ahead of your visit.

Feliway Spray helps to soothe your cat during travel and during vet visits. It’s a synthetic version of the feline pheromone naturally left by cats when they rub against objects in their environment. Feliway is available for purchase at Happy Paws. Ask our friendly team ahead of your next visit.

3. Cover the Cat Carrier

Cover the carrier with a towel before leaving the home to minimise stress.

Limiting your kitty’s view during the trip from home to the car can significantly reduce stress and create a calmer experience.

4. Bonus – Choose a Stress-Free, Cat Friendly Vet

Choosing a Vet that promotes a calm, safe and secure environment for cats makes a big difference.

Happy Paws is a Gold-accredited Cat Friendly Clinic and has the facilities and space to ensure your kitty has a stress-free experience.

Stress-Free Cat Vet Visits At Happy Paws

If you have a kitty cat and are planning a visit to our clinic, be sure to use the cat friendly entrance on the left hand side and enjoy the cat friendly Gold Accredited environment.

Unsure of the best cat carrier to use? See our tips for Choosing the Right Carrier To Bring Your Kitty To Happy Paws

Saturday Trading at Happy Paws

September 2024

• Business as usual (open every Saturday 8am to 12midday)

October 2024

• Closed Saturday 12th
• Closed Saturday 19th

November 2024

• Closed Saturday 2nd for standard clinic operations (OPEN FOR SANTA PAWS 🎅🐾)
• Closed Saturday 16th
• Closed Saturday 23rd

December 2024 – onwards

• Closed Saturday 7th
• Closed Saturday 21st
• Regretfully, we will be closed every second Saturday until further notice.

Temporarily reducing our Saturday trade is always a difficult decision and we understand how disappointing this is, particularly for those who have limited availability.

We hope to return to being open every Saturday once we find our new PAWfect team members – be sure to send us PAWSitive vibes! 🐾🌞

If Saturday’s are your preferred day for appointments, please be sure to get in early as they fill up quickly and please be patient with our team in the event we are unable to squeeze you in.

Need a Vet When We’re Closed?

Emergencies

• If your pet needs urgent veterinary care on a Saturday we are closed, please contact Animal Emergency Services Carrara on (07) 5559 1599

🙏Thanks for your patience during this time and as always for your ongoing support and we’ll continue to bring you updates with how we’re getting on.

Following Happy Paws Veterinary Clinic’s expansion of its Coombabah location in 2023 and the introduction of the much anticipated cat only entrance and consult rooms, we are very happy to announce we have now secured our Gold level Cat Friendly Clinic accreditation.

If you have a kitty cat and are planning a visit to our clinic, be sure to use the cat friendly entrance on the left hand side and enjoy the cat friendly Gold Accredited environment.

Gold Cat Friendly Accreditation [as at August 2024]

Happy Paws Veterinary Clinic has a Gold level Cat Friendly Clinic accreditation. Read more about our accreditation or visit Cat Friendly Clinic for more information.

Clinic Expansion [now complete as at Feb 2024]

As many of our visitors to the Happy Paws Veterinary Clinic will know, we have expaned premises at our Coombabah location.

The most exciting part of the expansion is our cat friendly focus. We understand our feline friends requires special attention and we want to help reduce stress from them and their owner.

The expansion included a separate cat entrance and waiting room, two designated cat consultation rooms and a hospital ward away from dogs.

Other New Features

Other features are a dedicated dental suite, a large imaging room and a new and improved staff room.

Book A Visit

With additional peace of mind for kitty cat parents, book a visit to see your friendly neighbourhood vet today.

Pet osteoarthritis is a common degenerative joint disease that affects animals, particularly older pets like dogs and cats. It’s similar to osteoarthritis in humans and involves the progressive deterioration of the cartilage within the joints. Cartilage acts as a cushion between bones, allowing for smooth movement, but when it wears away, bones can rub against each other, causing pain, inflammation, and stiffness.

Also known as arthritis,  osteoarthritis in your kitty or doggo can be tricky to pick in its early stages. Changes in the joint aren’t yet visible and, with four legs, our dogs and cats can shift their weight and posture to cope with pain.

Several factors can contribute to the development of osteoarthritis in pets, including genetics, age, obesity, joint injuries, and certain medical conditions. Common symptoms of pet osteoarthritis include limping, stiffness, difficulty rising or lying down, reluctance to jump or climb stairs, and behavioural changes like irritability or withdrawal.

“Is my woofer just slowing down as he ages?”

Owner’s may think, “he’s just slowing down,” or “he’s just a bit stiff.” Many don’t notice that their pet is not as willing to move around and play as he once was, as the changes within the joint is so gradual. Unfortunately, by the time it becomes obvious, the arthritis is quite advanced and will be causing considerable pain.

Pet Osteoarthritis Symptoms – When to Contact A Vet

It is important to get in touch with us if you notice any of these symptoms:

• Stiffness when getting up after sleeping (yes, just like us humans!)
• Limping or stiffness after a walk or exercise
• Licking or gnawing at joints or paws
• Puffy joints
• Abnormal gait
• Reluctance to walk upstairs or jump
• Reluctance to play and run
• Change in behaviour such as aggression when picked up
• Difficulty grooming
• Postural change or muscle wastage
• Hesitant to jump from heights
• Spending less time playing and more time sleeping

Pet Osteoarthritis Treatments

Let’s start with a consultation to establish a treatment plan. It’s important to note that the pain of arthritis can be treated!

Treatment for pet osteoarthritis aims to manage pain, reduce inflammation and improve mobility. We may recommend things such as medications (eg nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs & joint supplements), weight management, physical therapy, exercise modification, and in severe cases, surgery.

Your Friendly Local Vet Can Help

Early detection and intervention can help improve the quality of life for your furry family member with osteoarthritis.

If you’re thinking this could be more than just slowing down with age, please contact you friendly Coombabah Vet team at Happy Paws Vet Clinic.

We always strive to provide you with exceptional service, value for money and to give your furry family the best veterinary care possible.🐾💙