Puds may used up one of her nine lives when she was badly injured in a road accident but has since made a miraculous recovery, thanks to the care she received at our New Addington practice in Croydon.

Six-year-old Puds was rushed to our Salcot Crescent practice by her worried owner after she was found bleeding and with serious injuries to her face.

Sadly, after examining Puds, we could see she had fractured her jaw and her lips, and the skin on the lower part of her face had become detached from the bone due to the force of impact she suffered.

Puds underwent emergency surgery to stabilise the broken bone and repair the skin damage before she was transferred our sister practice, Stone Lion Veterinary Hospital in Wimbledon, for her jaw to be wired in place. While at Stone Lion, Puds was also fitted with a feeding tube, as her injuries were so severe she was unable to eat normally.

She returned to New Addington for check-ups to ensure her recovery was progressing well and to have the wire and feeding tube removed once the fracture had healed.

New Addington Vet Paolo Koch carried out the emergency surgery on Puds and said the cat was in a lot of pain and distress when she was brought into the practice.

Paolo said: “Puds had experienced a serious trauma and had significant injuries to her face. The team stabilised her quickly and gave her pain relief, then we carried out X-rays and blood tests to find out the full extent of her injuries.

“As well as the soft tissue injuries to her mouth, X-rays showed she had fractured her jaw, but luckily there were no internal injuries and her limbs were not broken, which was very positive. Some of her front teeth were damaged, and as a result we removed two of them.

“I carefully repaired the injuries to her lips and skin, and realigned Puds’ jaw so wire could be fitted when she was transferred to Stone Lion Veterinary Hospital.

“Puds has made a great recovery and I’m really pleased with how her injuries have healed. The wire and feeding tube have now been removed and she’s happy and eating well. Luckily her owner did the right thing by bringing her to us straight away, so she was able to have the correct treatment as soon as possible.

“Although we can’t be sure exactly what happened, Puds’ injuries do correspond to a collision with a car, and the claws on her back legs showed scuffing where she may have been dragged along on concrete or tarmac.”

Puds is now back at home in Forestdale with her owner Danielle Banfield, who said her beloved pet is back to her old self.

Danielle said: “I knew straight away something was wrong when Puds didn’t wake me up as usual, because she always comes upstairs in the morning and will jump on the bed and miaow or pat my face with her paw. I went downstairs and found her cowering in a corner of the living room, covered in blood. It looked horrific, like the lower part of her face was hanging off, and I took her to the vets straight away.

“Paolo and the team at New Addington were amazing and I can’t thank them enough for the care they gave to Puds. As well as repairing her injuries they were so kind and caring and even though she was badly hurt I knew she was in safe hands. They were also really accommodating when Puds managed to eat some food a few hours before our appointment to remove the wire, which meant she couldn’t have an anaesthetic, and we were able to go the next day instead.

“Puds also spent a couple of nights in Stone Lion Veterinary Hospital and they were brilliant, too. They kept me up to date and were so caring when I was there.

“Puds has helped me through some difficult times and means the world to me, and I’m so grateful to the veterinary teams at both practices for what they did for her. I can’t sing their praises enough.”

We’re so pleased Puds is on the mend after her traumatic experience and share our thanks to both our New Addington practice and Stone Lion Hospital teams for their quick intervention. 

We have 44 practices and three 24-hour hospitals in and around Greater London, for more information on our practices, visit our online practice finder.

Maintaining a Healthy Cat Weight

Ensuring your furry friend maintains a healthy cat weight is crucial for their overall health and happiness. Much like us humans, cats can suffer from health issues if they’re too thin or too plump. It can be a bit tricky to gauge a cat’s ideal weight due to its body size and shape, especially when its fur (which is abundant in most breeds) hides their physique.

Interestingly, there’s a noticeable gap between what owners perceive as a healthy cat weight and the reality of the situation. Some owners might think their cats are a tad skinny, when in fact, they might be carrying a few extra pounds. It’s an understandable oversight if you’re not sure what signs to look for.

Risks of Obesity in Cats

Being overweight isn’t just about aesthetics for cats; it’s a genuine health concern. Chubby cats face an increased risk of various health complications, from conditions like diabetes and pancreatitis, often linked to fatty diets, to arthritis and beyond. Excess weight can also pave the way for skin issues and even elevate the risk of skin cancer.

A cat carrying extra weight might show reduced mobility and a diminished zest for play. This can affect their overall quality of life and general contentment. Recognising these potential issues early is vital, as many of them can be avoided with the right care.

Monitoring Your Cat’s Weight

Keeping a regular check on your cat’s weight is undeniably essential for their health. It helps in spotting any significant weight fluctuations that might hint at health concerns or underlying illnesses. By being vigilant about their weight, you can ensure they stay within a healthy range, minimising the chances of weight-associated health issues.

Knowing the ideal cat weight for your specific cat also aids in feeding them just the right amount, avoiding overfeeding. Routine weight assessments, coupled with occasional vet visits, offer a comprehensive view of your cat’s health, ensuring that they enjoy a lengthy, healthy, and vibrant life. You can register your cat with us for check-ups if you are concerned about its weight, or have any other concerns to do with your cats health. We have plenty of practices in the London area if you need to bring your pet in for an examination.

Determining the Ideal Cat Weight for Your Cat

Variations in Weight by Breed

In order to ensure that your cat maintains a healthy cat weight, it’s crucial to grasp the factors that can influence their weight, such as breed, age, and gender. While weight ranges can offer a general guideline, it’s essential to seek tailored advice from professionals who cater to your cat’s unique needs.

For instance, a cat might typically weigh between 3-6kg, but this can differ between males and females, and breed. Mixed breed cats can be a tad more complex, as they might not align perfectly with standard weight categories. Hence, it’s vital to remember that these weight ranges serve as a guide, and it’s always best to get expert advice tailored to your specific feline.

Signs of an Overweight Cat

Identifying an overweight cat can sometimes be a bit of a puzzle, especially when their fur conceals their true physique. However, there are tell-tale signs to be on the lookout for. A cat carrying extra weight might lack a defined waist and have a more rounded belly. If, when they stand, there’s a noticeable layer of fat dangling from their belly, it’s a clear sign of them being overweight. Struggling to feel their ribs because of a fatty layer or spotting significant fat deposits along their spine are also indicators that your cat might be a bit on the heavier side.

Your vet will give your cat a “body condition score” out of 9. A score between 4-5 indicates a normal weight, while 6-9 is overweight to obese.

An underweight cat with a score of 1-3 can indicate an underlying illness, and your vet may recommend further investigations. Weight loss is not normal in older cats.

How to Assess Your Cat’s Weight at Home

While it’s paramount to have your cat’s weight evaluated by a vet, keeping tabs on it at home is equally vital for their well-being. The Body Conditioning System is a handy tool, that offers a visual guide to help you assess your cat’s physique. By examining aspects like the prominence and tactile feel of their ribs or spotting a discernible waist, you can deduce if they’re undernourished, a tad plump, or just about right.

Moreover, weighing your cat at home can shed light on any notable weight shifts. But, as any cat owner knows, getting them to stay put on scales can be a little challenging. Strategies like cradling your cat whilst on the scale or employing a carrier might aid in securing a more accurate weight check.

Steps to Achieve a Healthy Cat Weight

Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight for your cat requires a mixture of proper nutrition, regular exercise, and understanding their unique behaviours. While it might seem straightforward, ensuring your cat remains within a healthy cat weight range requires consistent effort. If you aren’t careful, your cat can easily gain weight or lose weight from being overfed or lose weight due to an undetected illness. Weight loss is not a normal sign of old age in cats but is associated with treatable conditions that are more common in our senior cats.

Dietary Adjustments for Weight Management

Effectively managing your cat’s weight often starts with their diet. If you spot a bit of weight gain in your feline friend, it’s a good idea to re-evaluate their food portions. You might think about slightly cutting back on their food or opting for a diet crafted especially for cats that are a tad less active or carrying a few extra pounds.

Such diets usually pack in fewer calories compared to regular adult cat foods, yet they don’t skimp on the essential nutrients. And don’t forget about those treats! It’s vital to monitor the number of treats you’re dishing out, as they can sneak in extra calories without the needed nutrition. If you’re ever in doubt, it’s always wise to have a chat with your vet to craft a diet that’s just right for your cat.

Cats should eat little and often to satisfy their hunger and their hunting instincts. Please see icatcare.org for more information on how we should feed our cats to reduce overeating and begging.

Importance of Exercising You Cat

Keeping your cat active plays a pivotal role in ensuring it stays at a healthy cat weight. An active cat isn’t just in better shape, but they’re also more content. Regular play sessions can help them shed those extra calories and tone their muscles.

Alongside this, sprucing up their environment with climbing setups and scratching posts can spur their natural behaviours, keeping them on the move. Always remember, a cat’s natural curiosity and zest for play can be channeled to boost physical activity, which in turn, helps in keeping their weight in check.

Understanding the Natural Behaviour of Cats

Cats, by their very nature, are inquisitive and lively beings. Their inherent behaviours, such as hunting, climbing, and exploring, play a pivotal role in their mental and physical health. By acknowledging and catering to these behaviours, we can effectively assist in their weight management.

One practical approach is the introduction of feeding puzzles. These gadgets tap into their hunting instincts, requiring them to exert effort for their meals. This approach not only mentally engages them but also ensures they expend calories in the process. By keenly observing our feline friends and grasping their likes and dislikes, we can introduce activities that resonate with their innate behaviours, ensuring they’re always active and happy.