The Cat Vet Nurse - Cape Town

02/03/2026

🐾🐱 Playtime Makes Your Cat Happier & Healthier! 🐱 🐾

Keeping your cat active and engaged isn’t just fun, it’s great for their physical and mental well‑being! According to Dr. Mikel Delgado, incorporating regular play into your cat’s day can strengthen your bond and reduce stress. 🧠🩷

Here are some simple ways to play with your cat:

✨ Use interactive toys:
Toys like feather wands, laser pointers, or crinkly balls encourage natural hunting instincts.

✨ Let them chase and pounce:
Short, exciting bursts of play mimic real prey behavior.

✨ Keep sessions short & fun:
About 5–10 minutes at a time works best, cats love frequent, playful breaks!

✨ Rotate toys regularly:
Switching toys keeps things fresh and interesting.

✨ Always end on a positive note:
Finish with praise or a tiny treat so playtime feels rewarding.

🐾 Let’s make every day a purr‑fect play day! 🐈‍⬛

📌 Tips inspired by Dr. Mikel Delgado

26/02/2026

Have you played with your cat today? 🐱🐾

Poster credit: Dr Mikel Delgado

20/02/2026

🩷 Senior Cats & Hyperthyroidism 🩷

Hyperthyroidism is one of the most common endocrine disorders seen in older cats, typically affecting those over 8 years of age.

The condition occurs when the thyroid glands produce excessive thyroid hormones (T4 and T3), leading to an increased metabolic rate.

🔎 Common Signs in Senior Cats:
• Weight loss despite a good or increased appetite
• Increased thirst and urination.
• Hyperactivity or restlessness.
• Vomiting or diarrhoea.
• Unkempt or poor coat quality.
• Increased heart rate.

Because many of these signs can overlap with other geriatric conditions, proper diagnostic testing is essential.

🩺 Diagnosis
Diagnosis is usually confirmed with:
• Elevated total T4 on bloodwork.
• Clinical examination findings.
• Sometimes additional thyroid testing if levels are borderline.

💊 Treatment Options
Management depends on the individual patient and may include:
• Daily antithyroid medication.
• Prescription thyroid diets.
• Surgical thyroidectomy.
• Radioactive iodine therapy.

Untreated hyperthyroidism can lead to serious complications including heart disease and hypertension, which may also affect kidney function.

Early detection and regular senior health screening play a vital role in maintaining quality of life for our ageing feline companions.

If your senior cat is losing weight but eating well, it’s worth having their thyroid levels checked.

13/02/2026

29/01/2026

🚨 Important Warning for Cat Lovers 🚨

Paracetamol (acetaminophen) is extremely toxic to cats.
Even a very small amount can cause serious illness or be fatal.

❌ Never give paracetamol to a cat
❌ Keep all human medications out of reach

If you suspect your cat has ingested paracetamol, seek veterinary care immediately, every minute counts.

🐾 When in doubt, always check with your vet before giving any medication.