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Dr. Marta

Vidal-Abarca

In-House Veterinarian, BVSc GPCert (Ophthal) MRCVS

Experience

More than 16 years of veterinary experience

Location

Graduated from the Cardenal Herrera-CEU University in Valencia, Spain

About

Dr. Marta has over 16 years of veterinary experience, working across the UK and Spain as a remote veterinary consultant and in the clinic. She graduated from Cardenal Herrera-CEU University in Valencia, Spain. She holds two Ophthalmology Certificates, GPCert Ophthal from ESVPS and UAB. She has wide experience in small animal internal medicine and surgery with a soft spot for cats. Marta is a member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, and her main fields of interest are ophthalmology and critical care medicine. Dr. Marta loves being able to share the most helpful information with pet parents across the world as one of Catster’s in-house veterinarians. She wants to provide details that can help in all aspects of pets’ lives with their beloved ones. She loves knowing that she can support our readers and communicate about any medical topic that might be relevant to their pet’s health and well-being.

Archive

11 Best Cat Brushes in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

Regardless of whether you own a fluffy Persian or a smooth Siamese, regular brushing is essential to remove any shedding hair before it makes its way into your home. For cats with longer coats, daily brushing will help prevent any...

fluffy orange cat lies on bed with Hepper Brush

Why Do Cats Have Slit Pupils? Feline Anatomy Explained (Vet-Verified)

Do you ever sit and watch your kitty at play, chasing after a bug or looking intently out the window, and wonder how they see the world? Feline eyes have some similarities to human eyes but also have differences; for...

tabby cat lying on cat tree

How to Get a Vet Prescription Online: 9 Steps & What to Expect

Your cat has been shaking their head nonstop, and it looks like they have an ear infection. You call the vet’s office to see when they can fit you in for an appointment. They say in five days. Frustrated, you...

Woman With Pet Cockapoo Dog Researching Insurance On Laptop At Home

Do Cats Protect Their Owners? Vet-Verified Facts & Signs

When we think of protective pets, we tend to think of dogs. However, cats may exhibit behaviors that appear protective when they perceive a threat to themselves or their family. While their small size typically means they rely more on...

Abyssinian cat on a man's shoulder

Cat Pupils: Eye Meaning Explained (Vet-Verified)

The proverb “The eye is the window to the soul,” is fitting when it comes to cats. They use it to communicate a broad spectrum of emotions. We can even tell when something is wrong by looking at our cat’s...

Chocolate point doll faced himalayan cat

My Cat Isn’t Affectionate Anymore: 7 Vet-Reviewed Possible Reasons

If your cat has suddenly stopped being affectionate, it can be unsettling. However, it likely isn’t because of anything you did. Cats can be sensitive creatures and may react negatively to things that we don’t even realize happened, changing their...

hand touching cat's paw

Why Does My Cat Cry When I Leave? Vet-Verified Reasons & Solutions

While cats are often considered not to be terribly interested in people, they’re actually sensitive, loving creatures that become deeply attached to those they share their lives with. Companion cats develop bonds with their people that resemble those formed between...

Cat meowing

Are Emotional Support Vests Necessary for Cats? Vet-Verified Recommendations & FAQ

Emotional support animals (ESAs) are one type of assistance animals, however, they are different from service animals and, therefore, are subject to their own requirements and considerations. They are any animal species with no specific training that provide comfort and...

a woman and her cat with harness and leash sitting on the bench at the park

Why Do Some Black Cats Have Orange Eyes? Vet Approved Facts & FAQ

Black cats are gorgeous with their stunning, inky, velvet coats and expressive eyes. Because of how dark their fur is, their eyes seem to stand out even more. Most black cats will have irises with one of three colors: yellow/gold,...

Scottish Fold black cat sitting on the grass

Why Do Cats Stick Their Tongue Out While Sleeping? 4 Vet-Reviewed Possible Reasons

Cats stick their tongues out often, usually to the delight of their owners. You may even notice your cat sleeping with their tongue out, which can be alarming. There are a few reasons for your cat to be sticking their...

ginger cat sleeping with tongue out

Why Does My Cat Bite My Ear? 10 Vet-Verified Reasons

Cats have long intrigued us with strange behaviors. One of the more unusual and often perplexing behaviors that some cats exhibit is the act of biting their owner’s ears. While cats are known for their enigmatic nature and instinctive habits,...

cat on woman's shoulder by head bite hair

Why Does My Cat Hate Other Cats? 6 Vet-Verified Possible Reasons

Cats thrive in various environments and as long as some requirements are met, they can live happily with others in stray cat colonies, with one or more companions at home, or on their own. However, domestic cats are, by nature,...

two ginger cat fighting

Are Cats Playful? Vet-Reviewed Feline Character Explained

Absolutely, most cats love to play! However, cats vary a lot in temperament depending on their breed, gender, and other factors. Some breeds are particularly known for being playful, like the Bombay, while others are known for not being playful....

Two cats are lying on the floor. Gray cats are playing with a laser pointer.

Can a Feral Cat Be Domesticated? Vet-Reviewed Facts & Considerations

It’s difficult for an animal lover to walk or drive down the street only to find homeless cats roaming around. In some neighborhoods, entire populations of cats are fending for themselves and have since they were born. These cats, who...

a feral cat lying under a car

Do Abyssinian Cats Shed a Lot? Vet-Reviewed Care Facts

Compared to other cat breeds, the Abyssinian cat does not shed much. They have a short, dense coat, and if you brush them out about once a week, you should be able to keep their coat in good condition and...

abyssinian cat lying on bed