by Nomi Berger
 
Did you know that, like people, cats require proper oral care? If their teeth aren’t cleaned on a regular basis, they can develop gum diseases like gingivitis.
 
What then IS gingivitis? Simply put, it’s an inflammation of the gum or gingiva that surrounds the teeth. It typically ranges from moderate to severe, while, in extreme cases, cats with gingivitis may not only be in considerable pain, they may have difficulty eating. Again, as with people, plaque – the build-up of dead skin cells, debris, food, germs and mucus – is the culprit, accumulating on a cat’s teeth and contributing to the problem. The solution: a deep and intensive tooth cleaning under anesthesia in the vet’s office.
 
The most common signs of feline gingivitis are red or swollen gums, especially around the area of their inner cheeks, bad breath, drooling, difficulty picking up toys and/or food, difficulty eating or not eating at all, calculi/tartar and a build-up of plaque on the surface of their teeth.
 
The most common causes of this condition, besides poor dental hygiene, can include a diet of soft food, an autoimmune disease, crowded teeth, FeLV (Feline Leukemia virus) and old age.
 
Since cats are notoriously adept at hiding their pain, they may not display any outward signs of discomfort even if they’re truly suffering. Even those who are both eating normally and staying active can have significant gum and teeth issues. Taking them to the vet for their annual routine exam is, therefore, essential to the early detection of any existing dental disease.
 
The treatment of gingivitis focuses on eliminating all accumulated plaque and dental calculus as well as treating or extracting any loose and/or diseased teeth. Where inflammatory dental disease is concerned, this requires routine tooth cleanings and dental X-rays under an anesthetic.
 
In the case of your own favorite feline, the frequency of her dental checkups will be determined by the degree of periodontal disease she has. If your adult cat’s teeth are overcrowded or if she still has some of her baby teeth, your vet may recommend extracting some of the first and all of the latter. Mostly importantly, however, your vet or a veterinary technician will show you how to properly clean your cat’s teeth at home and then schedule a follow-up exam.
 
Begin your home-care program by buying a cat-specific toothbrush and toothpaste at a pet supply store. Brushing your cat’s teeth must be introduced gradually so that she can become accustomed to the process. Place some of her favorite snacks either on the bathroom or kitchen counter near the toothbrush and toothpaste to help her associate something positive with them. Put a dab of toothpaste on your finger and let her lick it off: a “taste” of good things to come, as it were.
 
Get her used to you touching her mouth by placing a dental treat she already enjoys on her canine teeth. Once she accepts it there, start placing it deeper and deeper into her mouth while keeping it on her teeth. Repeat this process as often as needed until she’s comfortable with you touching her mouth before introducing the toothbrush and toothpaste.
Brush gently along the bottom gum line for about 15 to 30 seconds, only on the outside of the teeth, then along the top gum line, and reward her with her favorite snack afterward.
 
Should you encounter any resistance from her and don’t know how to proceed, reach out to your vet or vet tech for guidance. And remember that practice makes purr-fect – for both you and your kitty.

by Nomi Berger
 
A tabby cat is NOT a specific breed. Rather, a tabby cat refers to that particular cat’s coat pattern. In fact, the tabby coat – the most common pattern of fur paws-ible -- is found on cats of any breed, mixed breed and on both male and female cats. And because of this, it’s extremely difficult to find cats who AREN’T tabbies.
 
Most tabby cats are easily recognizable due to the distinctive M-shaped marking on their foreheads. Tabby cats’ coats come in a fascinating variety of colors, including brown, calico, gray, orange and even tortoiseshell, and have spots, stripes or swirls on their bodies, legs, tails and/or faces. Since the tabby gene is a dominant gene, it only takes one parent with that particular tabby gene to pass the pattern on to a kitten.
 
There are five different types of tabby cat patterns:
· Mackerel: The most common tabby pattern, the mackerel features narrow, tiger-like stripes.
· Classic: Cats with a classic tabby pattern have a marble-like swirl on their sides much like a cinnamon roll.
· Spotted: True to its name, the spotted tabby pattern has spots instead of the more common narrow stripes.
· Patched: Patched tabbies are calico or tortoiseshell cats who not only have the tabby pattern but are known as caliby and torby cats, respectively.
· Ticked: The least common of the five tabby cat patterns, ticked coats are often more subtle than the other varieties. In this particular pattern, each individual hair, called agouti hairs, contains bands of different colors that create an iridescent or shimmering effect.
 
Due to the fact that any cat can inherit the tabby gene, the breeds that recognize a tabby pattern in their breed standard include: Abyssinian, American Bobtail, Bengal, British Shorthair, Cornish Rex, Devon Rex, Exotic Shorthair,
LaPerm, Maine Coon, Manx, Norwegian Forest Cat, Ocicat, Oriental Shorthair, Persian, Scottish Fold, Siberian,
Turkish Angora, and Turkish Van.
 
As to how long do tabby cats live? Because a cat’s lifespan varies by breed, tabby cats can live 10 – 15 years. But, blessed with the finest of care, some cats can live well into their 20’s.
 
If your own favorite feline is a tabby, a cat DNA test will tell you which breeds are in her DNA, thereby enabling you to “guess-timate” her lifespan.

by Nomi Berger
 
Does your favorite feline give her dry food a “paws up” one day and a “paws down” the next?
 
If so – particularly senior cats -- consider making mealtimes more consistently paw-leasurable by mixing wet and dry cat foods together. Different from adding a topper, which is often used to boost certain nutrients or to help cats gain weight, combining wet and dry foods both increases palatability and improves a cat’s appetite. 
 
Because most cats seldom drink enough water in a day, this can cause dehydration which, in turn, can lead to health problems, including urinary tract and/or kidney issues. Wet food can help correct this. Studies have shown that wet canned food is typically made up of 75 percent water and semi-moist canned food is made up of 35 percent water. By contrast, dry cat food is made up of a mere 10 – 12 percent water. Therefore, adding wet food to your cat’s current dry food greatly increases her daily water intake.
 
Highly palatable for most finicky felines, canned wet food features fabulously fragrant meat combined with temptingly tasty ingredients – much like canned tuna for humans from the grocery store. And given the abundance of water that wet food contains, cats will feel fuller ever so much faster. Not to mention how much this helps them manage their weight since they’re consuming fewer overall calories.
 
The only drawbacks: wet food is more expensive than dry food and is harder to store once the can has been opened.
 
On the other hand, dry cat food is similar to dry dog food in that various ingredients are combined, extruded, cooked and then subsequently dried into bite-size chunks or small pieces of kibble. One of dry food’s major advantages is the price: it’s typically less expensive per ounce than wet food – depending, however, on the brand that you buy.
 
Dry food, with its crunchy kibble, especially some vet-prescribed brands, are formulated specifically to support cats’ dental health by helping clean their teeth and reduce the build-up of tartar and plaque. That said, these specially formulated brands should never replace regular, professional tooth cleaning and dental checkups.
 
Dry food is also easy to store and lasts longer than wet food once it’s been opened, making it ideal to leave out during the day for cats who prefer to graze.
 
Combining wet and dry foods gives cat owners the best of both worlds: the hydration and tastiness of wet food coupled with the dental benefits and cost savings of dry food. The key to success, however, is finding the right ratio of wet to dry food for your own feline friend. 
 
The “rule of thumb:” Combine 70% dry food with 30% wet food, although very wet foods may call for a ratio of 75% dry and 25% wet. The ideal ratio may also depend on your own cat’s needs. Older cats, for example, may require extra wet food to keep them hydrated and entice them to eat. But, to err on the side of caution, it’s always best to follow the advice of your vet. Then, start making a slow transition to the dry/wet combination.
 
Begin by adding a smaller amount of wet food to your cat’s usual dry food and allow her several days to get used to the combination and prevent any possible stomach upset. Then, over the next week, gradually add more wet food to the dry food until you reach your targeted ratio.
 
And, paw-lease, always remember that patience pays off!

by Nomi Berger
 
Does your favorite feline favor you with copious licks throughout the day? Have you ever wondered if this form of grooming is normal?
 
According to various veterinary and behavioral experts, this cute and quirky behavior is, indeed, quite normal and have offered the following explanations for it.
 
Your cat is grooming you because she wants, quite literally, to clean you. When she grooms you, she’s expressing her affection for you and trust in you, and communicating that she considers you family. What could be more gratifying than feeling that soft, prickly tongue on your skin, secure in the knowledge that you’re the lucky recipient of your kitty’s loving attention?
 
Your cat is grooming you as a way of “claiming” you. It’s quite similar to her endearing habit of constantly rubbing up against you. Since all cats mark their territory through the scent glands located in their saliva, by grooming their pet parents with their tongues, they’re doing so to reinforce the special bond they have with them.
 
Your cat is grooming you because she wants attention. Far from subtle, when your cat insistently lick, lick, licks you, this is clearly her way of letting you know that your complete and undivided attention is needed -- or rather demanded -- at that very moment.
 
Your cat is grooming you because she likes the way you taste and/or smell. Renowned for their keen sense of smell and endless curiosity, cats may enjoy the salty taste of their owners’ skin or the scent of their perfume, shampoo or soap. If, however, your own kitty begins grooming you after you’ve applied such products as insect repellent, sunscreen or a topical medication, offer her a lickable cat treat instead. Why? These products are harmful if ingested, and the treat will distract her and satisfy her craving.
 
Your cat is grooming you as a way of relieving stress. Just like kneading and sucking on blankets, grooming can be an effective self-soothing mechanism for felines. Should your favorite feline feel especially anxious or stressed, she might engage in this practice to seek comfort and reassurance. If you suspect that she’s suffering from some form of stress, offer her extra cuddles, snuggles and pets and speak to her, softly and calmly, over and over and over again.
 
If, however, you would prefer NOT to be licked clean aka groomed by your kitty, these same experts offer the following suggestions:
 
Gently redirect her attention. Keep her otherwise entertained with several new and exciting toys or engage her in some intense interactive play sessions whenever she’s about to groom you.
Walk away from her briefly. Before you do, though, offer her an alternative to the affection she clearly craves by brushing, stroking or petting her.
Change your perfume, shampoo and/or soap. Through trial and error, find scented substitutes that please YOU – not her – or consider fragrance-free options instead.
Provide her with a quiet, stress-free space. Should her grooming be caused by anxiety or fear, set aside a small corner of your home complete with a natural sound machine, calming chews and anxiety-reducing plush toys.

by Nomi Berger
 
Have you recently noticed an increase in the amount of matted fur on your senior cat?
 
While some are more enthusiastic about self-grooming than others, most take particular pride in their appearance throughout their lives. Therefore, if your favorite feline has either stopped or reduced the amount of time she’s typically spent grooming herself in the past, an underlying health issue could be the culprit. Whether it’s a dental condition, degenerative joint disease, a urinary tract infection or some other problem, it’s essential to have her examined by your vet.
 
Once you’ve determined and addressed the physical (if any) cause of her fur matting, it’s then vital to address the quality of your cherished cat’s coat, i.e. through regular grooming sessions – courtesy of you! Why? If left unkempt, her once neat and self-groomed coat will continue to mat, resulting in tiny tangles that turn into small, tight knots. This is particularly painful for senior cats since they now lack excess body fat and muscle tone, leading to thinner skin, loss of elasticity, and making their skin all the more prone to bruising and tearing. Therefore, to reduce the amount of matted fur on her body, spend a few minutes each day on some form of “assisted” grooming.
 
Not only will this grooming routine be much easier on your cat, it’s a ritual that will, hopefully, be an enjoyable experience for you both. (If, however, you feel overwhelmed by the prospect of taking this on, enlist the help of a cat groomer who specializes in working with senior cats).
 
When choosing the ideal setting for these highly anticipated “beauty sessions,” your surroundings should be quiet and calm. Some cat experts suggest placing a rubber-backed, carpeted bath mat on top of the washing machine or dryer. These machines are the perfect height for people and felines will feel safe and secure on the soft, comfortable surface of the bath mat. Before you begin, though, keep a generous supply of your kitty’s favorite treats close by and “gift” her frequently to distract her and create a positive association with your new ritual.
 
Begin then, by petting your cat from head to tail, searching for specific problem areas. Slowly make your way through her entire coat, alternating between a rubber brush to sweep up any loose hair, a soft-pin slicker brush to work through any tangles and a stainless steel comb to gently target any mats. Pay extra attention to her hips, hind legs and underside where mats commonly form. Because these spots may be especially sensitive, go slowly, very slowly, and do so even more gently.
 
If parts of her coat are thickly matted, lightly rub a small amount of cornstarch into them with your fingers and then carefully brush through them. Some of the powder will stick to her coat, making it easier to grip. Failing that, use a bristle brush to work in the powder, thereby distributing natural oils through her coat. Oftentimes, simply pulling the knotted fur apart, slowly and carefully, with your fingers will free the mat. If that doesn’t work, though, contact a professional groomer. Mats that are close to the skin must be shaved off with cat-appropriate clippers used by someone familiar with the practice to prevent even the tiniest of nicks in her skin.
 
Experts also suggest keeping these items in your home: a cat flea comb, particularly if your cat goes outside or shares her space with a dog, a set of cat nail clippers, soft cotton gauze pads to clean around her ears, eyes and claws, and a detangling spray.

by Nomi Berger
 
What IS it about cats and their affinity for cardboard boxes?
 
If you’re curious, do paw-lease consider the following five reasons.
 
1. Cardboard boxes provide them with a sense of security: Despite being domesticated for some, today’s cats retain much of their original, natural instincts. One way for cats in the wild to remain vigilant and keep themselves safe from predators is by squeezing into small spaces that make them feel secure. Studies show that those cats given cardboard boxes as hiding places adapted more quickly to changes in their environment than those who weren’t. Many animal behaviorists, therefore, recommend that cat owners provide their feline friends with cardboard boxes in such paw-tentially stressful situations as bringing home a new pet, home renovation, moving and/or after visiting the vet.
 
2. Cardboard boxes are purr-fect for scratching and biting: Both are normal, instinctive behaviors and serve several purposes. Cats utilize the boxes to express their emotions, sharpen their claws and “mark” them with the scent glands located in their paws. The texture of the cardboard is ideal, allowing cats to sink their teeth and claws into it while rewarding them with a most satisfying sound. Not surprisingly, due to its popularity, many commercial cat scratchers today are constructed out of cardboard.
 
3. Cardboard boxes are warm: Famous for finding comfy, cozy places in which to nap, cats will typically curl up contentedly in the sunniest areas of their homes, next to heat-generating sources like radiators and on top of their owners’ beds. Since cardboard retains its heat so efficiently, it’s an especially effective insulator and allows cats to control their own body temperatures when they cram themselves into snugly fitting cardboard boxes.
 
4. Cardboard boxes are fun: Cats may be creatures of habit and comfort, but as natural-born predators, they must still exercise their hunting instincts through play. And because cats love hiding and stalking their prey before pouncing on them, they find that cardboard boxes will allow them the precise concealment they need from any and all unsuspecting targets. Although the “prey” for indoor cats is most often restricted to their owners, their feline and/or canine friends and their toys, a cardboard box affords them the concealment they crave while they wait to pounce, albeit playfully, on their next chosen “victim.”
 
5. Cardboard boxes satisfy their curiosity: As affectionate, active and entertaining as they are, our cherished cat companions are purr-haps best known for their endearing, enduring and boundless curiosity. Luckily for them, having a cardboard box in their midst is both enticing and exciting, definitely peaking their interest and sparking that oh-so-legendary curiosity. Wondering what this mysterious material is all about, they will gravitate towards the cardboard, and in the blink of a kitty-cat eye discover its various awesome uses. Whether it serves as their new, favorite napping spot, a secret space from which to view their indoor world, a multi-purpose makeshift toy or a surprisingly efficient scratching post, endless hours of self-entertainment are as limitless as their own imagination.

by Nomi Berger
 
Have you ever pondered the question: “Is my cat capable of dreaming?” Simply put, the answer is “yes.” Like most other mammals, cats do dream. Why? Research has shown that it’s an essential occurrence to help their brains organize and arrange images from the day.
 
Dreaming mainly occurs during REM (rapid eye movement) sleep when their brains, similar to our brains, exhibit activity akin to wakefulness. And while the specifics of cats’ dreams are, as yet, unknown, it’s likely that their brains are reviewing their days’ activities, consolidating these memories, and processing various other experiences.
 
Dreams also help cats reinforce learning, retain memories, and even serve as a form of enrichment, paw-tentially allowing them to imagine such splendiferous scenarios as catching mice as large as cars! Close observation of your own cat can provide you with clues both about her sleep behavior and when she may be dreaming. With time, patience and focused attention, you may even be able to guess what she’s dreaming about.
 
Overt signs that your cat is dreaming may include: twitching, particularly of her whiskers and paws, body movements, running-like motions, chirping and purring sounds, muffled meows and various facial expressions. Fortunately, however, the brain is equipped with a safety feature that prevents both cats and humans from physically acting out their dreams: the pons.
 
What, then, DO cats dream about? Do they dream about their pet parents? Do they dream about interacting with their housemates? Do they dream about hunting mice or chasing after birds? Do they have nightmares? While there may not be truly definitive answers to these questions yet, by closely observing cats while they dream, and considering what’s known about dreaming in other species, one can make some educated guesses as to what they do dream about.
 
Dreaming about their daily experiences: Since most mammals use dreams to process the events they’ve experienced, it’s reasonable to assume that cats re-live their daily experiences at night, perhaps with some imaginative additions. Whatever your own “meow-meow” may have been interested in during the day will, in all probability, play a featured role in her dreams that same night.
 
Dreaming about their pet parents: Cats, in all probability, will dream the most pleasant and pleasurable of dreams about their devoted and doting pet parents.
 
Dreaming about their preferred pastimes: Our feline friends are equally likely to dream about such exhilarating and satisfying activities as eating, playing games and “hunting” such indoor prey as laser beams, plastic balls and rolling cat springs, interactive wands and treat-dispensing toys.
 
Nightmares: If cats have had an especially frightening experience during the day, such as a fight with a housemate or something as seemingly mundane as the sound of the vacuum cleaner, the apartment buzzer or some unexpected visitors, they may indeed have what we would consider to be nightmares.
 
In conclusion: Sometimes when cats are sleeping, they may twitch, stretch, snore, purr or make unusual squeaking noises -- all associated with REM sleep. When your own cat twitches in her sleep, it’s generally due to signals being sent to her brain during the “dreaming” phase.

by Nomi Berger
 
Do you fret about black cats crossing your path and bringing misfortune your way whenever the page of a calendar turns to that fabled Friday the 13th?
 
Did you know that history has provided humans with 13 paws-itive reasons to refute this age-old superstition?
 
Skeptical? Curious? Read on, then, for reassurance …
 
The Ancient Egyptian goddess Bastet, who resembled a cat, was the goddess of love, joy, music, dance, protection, and last but not least, cats. And because cats were particularly popular in ancient Egypt, they were considered to be her sacred animal.
 
Freyja, the most renowned of the Norse goddesses, was the goddess of love, fertility, battle and death. She rode in a chariot that was drawn by cats, and farmers would leave offerings out for the cats to guarantee them a bountiful harvest.
 
The Ancrene Wisse, written in the 13th century, was a guide for devout recluses whose lives were dedicated to devotional reading, meditation and prayer. The anchoresses usually lived in enclosures attached to churches, and while they were permitted minimal to no contact with people, they were permitted to have cats.
 
A Chinese proverb states that having a cat assures its owner of having good luck. A more practical proverb states that  “Black cat or white cat: If it can catch mice, it’s a good cat.”
 
The prophet Muhammad had a favorite tabby called Muezza and, according to Hadith (a report of the prophet’s sayings and deeds), he prohibited the persecution and killing of cats.
 
In India, a cat is believed to be magical and the bearer of good luck. One belief states that if you kill a cat, you must offer a cat in gold to a priest.
 
In Yorkshire, England, keeping a black cat in your house not only brings you good luck, it ensures that your favorite fisherman will return safely from the sea.
 
It’s considered good luck on your wedding day if you see either a sneezing cat or a black cat.
 
An Italian superstition, on the other hand, believes that a sneezing cat is a good omen for everyone who hears it.
 
The Scots believe that finding a strange black cat on your porch brings you prosperity.
 
An American superstition believes that dreaming of a white cat means good luck.
 
Another American superstition believes that if you see a one-eyed cat, you should spit on your thumb and stamp it into the palm of your hand. If you then make a wish, that wish will come true.
 
In France, there’s a saying that dogs may be wonderful prose, but only the cat is poetry.

by Nomi Berger
 
Nothing is more contenting than the sight of relaxed and happy cats, “making biscuits,” purring, and often drooling while their loving owners pet, pet and pet them.
 
But sometimes their drooling, especially if it’s excessive, can be concerning. Below are some common causes for such heavy drooling.
 
Dental issues: Conditions such as gingivitis, tartar buildup and tooth abscesses can cause cats great discomfort, leading to drooling. These conditions may also be accompanied by bad breath, difficulty eating or visible plaque on their teeth.
 
Emotional stress: Cats experiencing emotional stress will often drool excessively. Stressful situations such as loud noises like fireworks and/or thunderstorms, the addition of a new family pet and moving into a new home are some of the most common triggers.
 
Illnesses and infections: Among the culprits responsible for excessive drooling are illnesses affecting their upper respiratory system, feline calicivirus, bacterial infections, rabies and gastrointestinal problems, including inflammatory bowel disease or liver disorders – all of which may be accompanied by other symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, lethargy or vomiting.
 
Nausea: Nausea, whether as the result of changes in diet, “dietary indiscretions” or motion sickness, can often cause cats to drool. Usually a reflex to the sensation of feeling sick, it’s often accompanied by decreased appetite, lethargy and/or lip licking.
 
Injuries or trauma: Injuries to the mouth or facial area in general, whether from a fall, a fight with another cat or an accident, can also cause drooling. Because these kinds of injuries may not always be visible immediately, it’s important to watch for other signs of distress and/or pain.
 
Unpleasant tastes or ingested toxins: Cats may drool in response to ingesting something either distasteful or toxic such as certain plants like lilies, household cleaners or medications – their way of trying NOT to swallow these harmful substances.
 
If any of the above sound frighteningly familiar, an immediate visit to the vet with your kitty is vital – both for an accurate diagnosis and the appropriate treatment. Your vet will give your cat a thorough physical examination and check her mouth for any dental issues, signs of injury and/or any foreign objects. Depending on these initial findings, diagnostic tests may be required, among them, blood tests to check for an infection, x-rays or an ultrasound for a closer look at her internal organs, and specific tests for infectious diseases. A detailed dental examination may also be needed, usually requiring sedation to allow for a complete evaluation of her teeth and gums.
 
Treatment options: If dental problems are “at the root” of your cat’s drooling, her treatment will, in all likelihood, involve a deep dental cleaning, tooth extractions if required, and/or medication for infections and/or pain relief.
 
For stress-induced drooling, environmental modifications may need to be addressed, and if that doesn’t work, your cat may be prescribed pheromone therapy, mild sedatives and/or anti-anxiety medications.
 
For systemic illnesses or infections, her treatment may include antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medications and/or therapies targeting the direct source of the problem.
 
If nausea is the underlying cause of her drooling, dietary changes, anti-nausea medication and/or other supportive care may be recommended.
 
In cases of trauma or injury, treatment can range from pain management to surgery, depending on the source and severity of either one.
 
If the cause is due to having ingested toxins, treatment will focus on removing them from her body, which might involve inducing vomiting, administering activated charcoal or providing supportive care like IV fluids.
 
To ensure that your cherished feline companion is returned as quickly as possible to her normal self, ongoing contact with your vet, adhering meticulously to a post-treatment plan and regular follow-ups are absolutely essential.

by Nomi Berger
 
Anisocoria is a condition in which a cat’s pupils are different sizes. In some instances, the abnormal pupil may be the smaller one and in other instances, the abnormal pupil may be the larger one.
 
This condition is typically caused by one of the following:
• Congenital defect of the iris, when the tissue fails to develop properly.
• Corneal injury such as an ulcer.
• Brain injury or injury to the nerves running to the affected eye, such as Horner’s syndrome.
• Glaucoma, a disease marked by increased pressure within the eye, resulting in a dilated pupil.
• Uveitis, an inflammation of the eye’s interior, causing that eye’s pupil to be constricted.
• Scar tissue formation between the iris and lens that may develop following uveitis.
• Retinal disease.
• Iris atrophy, a decrease in the tissue within the iris, usually associated with aging.
• Cancer within the affected eye.
• Spastic pupil syndrome that may be associated with FeLV (feline leukemia virus).
• Other infectious diseases such as FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus) or toxoplasmosis.
 
Besides a discrepancy in pupil size, and depending on the reason for it, the white part (sclera) of the affected eye may be red, the cornea (the outer surface of the eye) may be cloudy or bluish, there may be a discharge from the eye, the eyelid on the affected eye may droop, the cat may be squinting or rubbing her eye, the third eyelid may be raised, or she may be less active than usual.
 
Should you notice any of the above in YOUR kitty, seek veterinary care immediately to reduce the risk of her vision being permanently affected. Your vet will perform a thorough physical examination of your cat, including a detailed examination of the structures of the eye in question. Depending on these findings, your vet may then measure the tear production and intraocular pressure for both eyes; stain the cornea of the affected eye with fluorescein dye to look for underlying corneal injuries or ulcers and obtain conjunctival scrapings or biopsies to be sent to a diagnostic lab for specialized testing. Blood tests may also be performed to determine if your kitty has a systemic condition such as FeLV or FIV. In some cases, your vet may refer you to a veterinary ophthalmologist for even further diagnostic testing.
 
Because treating anisocoria depends entirely on the condition causing it, your vet will discuss the options most appropriate for your cat, with the prognosis for a full recovery also dependent upon the condition causing it. In some cases, your cat may require long-term medication to control that condition. Sadly, however, if your cat should go blind as a result of her condition, it’s unlikely that her blindness can be reversed.