Click on a topic below to see our archived questions

Cats

 

Behavior - Cat Licks Strange Things

Behavior - Plant Eater 

Behavior - Neutered Male Peeing 

Behavior - Cat Licking

Behavior - Sticky Tape - Cat Deterant

Behavior - Noisy Cat

Behavior - Cat Talk

Behavior - Dead Gifts 

Behavior - Spraying

Behavior - Sexual Behavior - Neutered

 

Breeding - Birth

Breeding - Esterus or Heat Behavior  

Breeding - Newborn Care 

Breeding - Gestational Period 

Breeding - Labor Signs

Breeding - In Heat?

Breeding - Soothe Cat in Heat

 

Breeds - Havana Brown 

 

Dental - Teeth Problems

 

Grooming - Nail Trimmings

    

Illnesses - Vomiting - Hairballs

Illnesses - Manx Syndrome

Illnesses - Colitis

Illnesses - Colitis II

Illnesses - Colitis III

Illnesses - Cough

Illnesses - Neutered Male Peeing

Illnesses - Heart Murmur

Illnesses - Heart Problems CHF

Illnesses - Throwing Up Blood

Illnesses - Blood in Stool

Illnesses - Kitten Poop Problem?

Illnesses - Kitten Cough

Illnesses - Excessive Appetite

Illnesses - Lethargic

Illnesses - Runny Eyes, Nose and Fever

Illnesses - Ear Mites

 

Introductions - Kitten/Dog

Introductions - Cat/Dog Friends?

Introductions - Pets

Introduction - Cat/Baby

Introductions -  Kitten/Cat 

 

Kittens - Newborn Care

Kittens - Kitten Info

Kitten - Kitten Away From Mother 

     

Litter Training - Kitten Poop Problem?

Litter Training - Cat Box Problem  

Litter Training - Neutered Male Peeing 

Litter Training - Spraying 

Litter Training - Inappropriate Elimination 

              

Misc. - Stray Kittens

Misc. - Fencing

 

 

Neutering - Post-Op

Neutering - Sexual Behavior

 

 

Pet Loss Support - Rainbow Bridge

 

Poisons - Pain Relievers                           

Poisons - Poisonous Plants  

 

  Senior - Aging Symptoms

                 

Skin - Shedding

 

 

Spaying - Spayed Cat in Heat     

Spaying Complications                       

          

Your veterinarian should be your first source of care and medical
information.  As with all medical cases, check with your veterinarian before
changing any medical treatments.  This information is meant as a resource,
not as a treatment, diagnosis or replacement of veterinary advice.

 

 

Nail Trimmings - Nail trimmings are a very important part of grooming and a good place to start with obedience training.  Many types of pets do not like to have their feet handled or touched.  This can make regular nail trimmings a hassle and a fearful time for your pet.  Some pets get so worked up that they scream and bite as if they are being tortured.  Nail trimmings (when done properly) are perfectly harmless and painless.  We never recommend sedating an animal to do a nail trimming.  We always recommend starting as soon as you get your pet with handling the feet and introducing the clipper so that they realize it will not harm them.  If you make nail trimming or any grooming process fun, they will look forward to the "chore".

Start by playing, touching, scratching the feet/paw area several times per day for a couple of weeks or until they become comfortable with having their feet/paws handled.  Be sure to use lots of positive reinforcement and treats! 

Next, introduce the clippers by laying the clippers next to your pet while playing, touching and scratching their feet/paws.  Do this for another week or so.

Finally, pet their feet/paws with the clippers, making sure not to use the clippers.  After a couple days of this, start trimming just the tips of the nail so they get used to the feel.  Be sure to use lots of treats.

Aging Pets - We have gotten a lot of emails lately about aging pets and decided to list common ailments and problems associated aging.  Any changes in behavior or appetite are often the first signs of illness.  If you notice any of the symptoms below, please take your pet to a vet immediately for a complete check-up.  This is not intended to cover everything, just the most common problems.

Cats - A cat's lifespan depends greatly on quality of life and genetics.  A typical cat will live between 12-15 years.  Cats are considered senior after age 10 and geriatric after age 12.  This means that you should consider making dietary changes and watch for health problems after age 10.  We recommend getting a geriatric screening from your vet at age 7, 10 and 12 (if no obvious problems) to rule out any hidden age related illnesses.  The most common health problems associated with feline aging includes but are not limited to: weight gain, dental problems, diabetes, kidney and liver problems, heart problems, and cognitive dysfunction.  Symptoms to watch for in an older cat:  changes in appetite, lethargy, drinking unusual amounts of water, vomiting yellow or foamy liquid (not hairballs),  hiding, distended stomach, confused and meowing at odd hours or long periods.

Spaying Complications - My cat was spayed two weeks ago and is suddenly listless, has no bowel movements and is vomiting.  

Spay Complications Response - Yes there are complications related to spaying included allergic reactions, infections, etc.  From your description that a couple of weeks have gone by...surgery complications usually show within several days to a week and would probably become dangerous after a month.  Symptoms might include fever, vomiting, lethargy, not eating, etc.  I am concerned that she is vomiting and has not had a bowel movement...this may indicate a bowel obstruction.  Usually foreign bodies have to be removed if they are not passed within a couple of days.  Her system could become poisoned if not able to clean out the toxins...is she urinating?  I am glad to hear that you have gotten a second opinion...some vets do not lite to admit they made a mistake.  Did your second opinion mention doing an exploratory go the suture area?  The could open her up again to make sure everything is ok.

What usually happens during a spay is that they pill out the uterus and tie it off at the bottom before removing it.  It is possible to accidentally block or tie-off the intestines if the uterus is not pulled out properly.  Below is a link to a website that shows the actual spay procedure:

http://www.lbah.com/Feline/Cat_Spay.html

Please take your cat back to the vet...you are the best judge of her health because you know what is "normal" for her...they should respect that you know something is wrong.

Ear Mites - 

Ear Mites Response - 

Runny Eyes, Nose, Fever - 

Runny Eyes Response - 

Sexual Behavior - 

Behavior Response - 

 

Cat in Heat - How do you soothe a cat that is in heat?

Heat Response - 

Inappropriate Elimination - I am writing in because I have a 2 yr. old Manx female , I keep finding her urinating on my leather couch. This is the only place I have found her doing this. I have used vinegar to see if the smell would deter her from doing so. I love my cats and I love my couch, any advice would be greatly appreciated .

Elimination Response - 

Lethargic - 

Lethargic Response - 

 

Colitis - My cat has colitis and the antibiotics the vet has prescribed don't seem to cure her. Do you have any suggestions?

Colitis Response - 

Heart Problems - our 14 year old calico is very listless, throwing up just foam.
also she looks as though she is gaining weight, although we have not weighed her..... biggest problem is fatigue.... she is a constant purring cat, and purring sounds congested.  Could this be a sign of feline chf?

Heart Response - 

Teeth Problems - I run a cat rescue shelter and at present I am looking after a couple of extremely tiny, eight week old kittens. I have had them since they were
four weeks old, and one has been eating by themself all that time, while the
other one refuses to eat solids, and is still being hand reared. The one
who is eating is a real little livewire.  I took the bottle fed kitten to the vet, and it was discovered that her top teeth are digging into her bottom gums and making them very sore and
infected. She has had two painkilling injections, and really perks up
afterwards, but is still not keen on eating on her own, although she is now
being fed with the a/d veterinary food in a syringe, and is getting
plenty to eat. She is not skinny. The vet is unable to repeat the injections on
a regular basis though. To me, the obvious solution would be to remove the offending teeth, once
she is big and strong enough to stand a general anesthetic. Does anyone have any suggestions as I really don't want to lose this kitten? Is there anywhere that specialises in dental problems for cats and kittens?

Teeth  Response - We are not veterinarians and cannot provide veterinary advice, care or
treatment.  Our information is provided as a resource.  Your first resource
should always be your veterinarian.

I can relate to your problem.  I adopted one of my cats from shelter and
noticed early on that he had double canines on both sides.  It was obviously
causing him pain because his gums were very red and inflamed.  However, my
vet recommended we wait before doing anything because he felt they would
eventually fall out when he got his permanent teeth (which came in the same
way).  However, this did not happen.  To this day, I regret not having them
taken out because he has chronic teeth problems.  So...from my vantage
point, once the permanent teeth are in and if they have the same problem, I
would have them filed down or removed.  I believe the permanent teeth are in
by around 3 -4 months of age.  Another issue with early gum and teeth
problems can be related to FIV or FeLV.  Please be sure to have the kittens
tested to rule it out as the cause.

http://www.vetdentistry.com/orthodontics.html (is the problem related to an
overbite or underbite?) this website recommends removing the teeth before
the permanent tooth come in.

Please let me know how the kitten is doing.

 

Neutering - I have just neutred my 1 year old cat. He is still @ the vets but i would like to no wut to do when he gets home. r there ne websites you could send me?

Neutering Response - 

Spraying - My cat is a fourteen month old neutered male (no particular breed).  He
was neutered a little too late and was spraying for about two months before
the operation.  This, however, was six months ago.  He can still spray a
little bit, but mostly he now pees on everything (i.e. table, pillows, any new
object on the floor, even on people if near the object of his intent).  He
obviously knows that I do not like this, so he does it very quickly and is
sneaky about it.  I do not know what is wrong.  He used to be the sweetest cat.  There is a young female (too young for spaying in the house now too), but he seems to
like her.  I feed him, clean his litterbox, give him attention, or leave
him alone if he prefers.  Nothing seems to work.  When he does this (several
times a day) I often yell or push him away from the area, but most
frequently shoot him with a watergun if I see the behaviour about to
occur-this works for a brief time period ( meaning a few minutes).
I live in the city so he must be a strictly indoor cat and I want to be
able to keep him.  He does always use the litterbox to poop.

Spraying Response - Don't worry you are not alone...this is one of the biggest complaints of cat owners.  That is why they are called independent.  They seem to have their own set of rules.

When reading your email, the first thing the stuck out at me was the "young
female".  I assume from your description that she is a new addition.  Most
problem behaviors with cats can be attributed to a change in their
environment.  Even though he may seem to be happy with her, I would not
discount that this is part of the problem.  The solution for a multi-cat
household is usually two kitty boxes.  Have you tried adding his own kitty
box?  Some cats also require continual retraining methods.  Retraining
usually involves keeping him in a bathroom with food and water and his
kittybox, basically making him use it.  Remember that a cat's sense of smell
is very strong.  You did say that you kept your kittybox very clean
(great!), however, when adding a new box try and get the smell of his urine
in the box so he knows where to go.  Also try changing litters until you
find one he likes (although this doesn't sound like the problem it is worth
a try).  We recommend litter pearls.  They absorb all liquids and keep
smells to a minimum.

Neutering a male also does not guarantee that they will stop spraying.
Spraying is a way for a cat to mark his territory.  Neutering does not alter
that ability just reduces the need to mark territory for breeding.  This is
probably not any consolation to you, but it can take from 6 months to a year
for the spraying to stop after neutering.  The horomone levels take time to
disappear.  There is a product that can be purchased at your local pet store
or vet clinic that has a good reputation called Felaway.  It is a spray that
is supposed to calm nervous cats.

Neutered males are also susceptible to urinary tract infection and
blockages.  These can be fatal if left untreated.  Signs of a urinary
infection or blockage are inappropriate elimination, lethargy, loss of
appetite, fever, etc...

Check out the links below for more information:

http://westernmedicalsupply.com/wm_suppl_prod_smani_abb_fel.html

http://ny.essortment.com/malecatssprayi_rwos.htm

Our information is provided as a resource and is not intended to replace
veterinary care, advice or treatment.  Your first resource should always be
your veterinarian.

Good luck and I hope you discover what is causing this behavior. 

Excessive Appetite - Fred is a 4 year old male cat and has consistently eaten 1 to 2 cans of Fancy Feast & 1/3 cup of dry food his whole adult life.  However, about 2
to 3 weeks ago his food intake began to sharply rise.  Now he is eating 3 to
4 cans of food a day along with a cup or two of dry per day.  Now he is
always hungry and cries through-out the night for food.  Other than his massive
food consumption he seems normal, healthy, and active.

Excessive Appetite Response -  We are not veterinarians and cannot provide veterinary care, advice or treatment.  Our information is provided as a resource.  Your first resource should always be your veterinarian.

One of the first signs of illness is a change in behavior or appetite.
Since you have noticed a change in appetite, please take your cat to the vet
for a complete check-up.  An increase in food and water can be an indication
of feline diabetes.  Also, thyroid problems can cause a cat to eat
excessively but is mostly seen in older cats.  Below are some links with
additional information:

http://www.bestfriends.org/members/health/feldiabetes.htm

http://www.peteducation.com

We recommend that you take your cat to your vet for a complete check-up.

 

Dead Gifts - My Cat (Mogley) 3years old male fixed kills small animals and brings the home as gifts" i wonder if there is a way that we can let him know that the gifts are not appreciated and we want him to stop killing .

Dead Gifts Response - 

Cat/Baby Introductions - I have a Siamese cat that is very vindictive.  She does thing on purpose just to make me mad, i.e.  will knock a glass of milk off the counter, not
to drink it, but just to wait until I notice it and then run.  Well, the
thing she's doing now that I'm considering giving her away if she doesn't
stop is sleeping in the baby's crib.
I've tried sprays that keep pets away, squirting her with the water bottle
(though most of the time she does it I don't catch her), putting tin foil
down in there (supposedly they hate the feel under their feet), cardboard
with double sided tape, you name it.
Do you have any other suggestions?  I will not put the baby in there until
the cat learns not to go in there as I don't want her smothering the baby,
and I don't want the baby to have to sleep in a bed of cat hair.

Cat/Baby Introductions - What an important question!  Did you see our New Baby Introduction section under Pet Tip of the Week?  I will copy it below.  Also, it sounds like you have tried just about everything and have a very stubborn cat.  I also had a
similar problem when my babies were born.  My cats loved the confined space
of the crib, mostly the bassinet.  My solution was to fill the crib and the
bassinet completely with balloons (leave no room for the cat to squeeze in).
The very first time my cats jumped in and popped the balloons, the cats
never did it again.  I know some cats are more persistent.  However, I think
you will find this method helpful.   You may have to repeat the procedure
after a week of so or leave the balloons in the crib until the baby arrives.
Is your cat spayed?  If not, spaying may calm her down.  If the baby has not
arrived yet, it is important to start laying down the rules ie; no counter
sitting, no lap sitting (unless invited), no sleeping on your bed, etc.   Be
consistent so that cat knows you are the boss.

Preparing Pets For Your New Baby - Cat or Dog:  Obviously a new baby in the
family brings changes for everyone.   Sometimes we forget that it also means
changes in our pet's lives.  They have the same feelings of being left-out,
abandonment and confusion.  The best way to reduce the amount of stress on
your pet is to start socialization with other children and retraining  prior
to the new arrival.  The first step is socialization and involves
introducing, playing and handling by children.  If your pet is nervous, try
having the child give treats to your pet and praising your pet when he takes
the treats.   (Do not let a child handle a pet that is in any way
aggressive!).  Progress slowly always reinforcing good behavior with treats.
The second step is to retrain your pet as to who is the boss and retrain the
simplest commands.  By establishing dominance you set the rules on how your
pet should act around the new arrival.   Dominance training includes making
him sit prior to feeding, not letting him on the couch unless invited (this
is your territory not his), no lap sitting unless invited, not letting him
sleep in your bed (especially if you plan to have the baby sleep in your
bed), keeping him off the counters, and keeping toys in a box until time to
play (this is helpful when little hands start playing with dog toys).  Last
but not least, give them as much extra attention and love as you can!!

Kitten Poop Problem? - I have a couple of quick questions about kittens.  We just adopted a cat about a month ago, and 2 weeks ago she had a kitten, much to our surprise! (We got lucky that she only had one!) The mother cat is just over 1 and we were planning on taking her in to get her shots (we don't think she's had any), and my first questions is:  Now that she is nursing a kitten, should we wait to get her shots?  My second question is regarding the kitten directly.  Like I said before, she (I think she's a she) is 2 weeks old, and I swear she has not gone to the bathroom yet.  We have a cat bed in our bedroom, and the kitten and the mother spend a lot of time in there and under our bed.  I check constanly to see if the kitten has made any messes, and I have yet to find any.  Is this normal for a new kitten???

Kitten Poop Response - 

Blood in Stool - One of my cats has produced a soft stool with fresh blood. What causes this?

Blood in Stool Response - 

Kitten - How old dose a kitten need to be before it leaves it mother

Kitten Response - 

Kitten Cough - We adopted 2 kittens this
weekend, brother and sister littermates, 8 weeks old.  She is fine, but
he is coughing, about 4 or 5 times a day.  He's been to our vet twice
and we have been told that he does not appear to have any upper
respiratory infection.  He is not sneezing, nor does he have runny eyes
or nose.  He is eating voraciously and plays very hard.  He appears to
cough upon waking up from a nap and shortly after eating.  At first, I
hoped it was just that he was eating too fast and reacting to that.  But
when he wakes up and starts coughing, he coughs like he is trying to
cough up a hairball and nothing comes up.  He never coughs while playing
nor does he appear to be winded, so I don't think he would have
asthma.   One of his littermates was adopted by someone else and she did
develop upper respiratory problems over the weekend and stopped eating
for several days and has since been given IV fluids.  But again, our
Wolfgang has a hearty appetite.   Am I being neurotic?  Does it sound
like allergies?   What do you recommend.

Kitten Cough Response - I am glad that you took your new kitten to the vet.  We are not veterinarians and cannot provide veterinary advice, care or treatment.  Our
information is provided as a resource an is not intended to replace
veterinary care.

It may very well be that he will eventually develop a respiratory infection.
Respiratory infections also have symtoms of runny noses, runny eyes, runny
nose, etc.  Thankfully, they are easy to treat with antibiotics.  However,
has your vet considered worms.  I will assume that the vet took a fecal
exam.  Severe worm problems can cause a kitten to cough.  Other syptoms
include; bloated stomach, excessive appetite, runny stools, and lethargy.
Another type of worm is the heartworm which is very dangerous.  Did your vet
test the kittens for FIV, FIP and Felv?  It is important to find out if you
cat has been exposed to these diseases and if not, have them vaccinated
against them.  Below are links with more information on these topics:

http://www.peteducation.com

I hope all he has is a big gigantic hairball that is difficult to cough up.
Try giving him some mineral oil on a teaspoon or some laxatone from your
local pet store, just in case.

Noisy Cat - We just adopted a 3 year old cat who makes crying noises at 4:00 in the
morning.  Is there a way we can train the cat to start making noise later
in the day or is it that he is just nervous and needs time to get used to his
new environment and our schedule?

Noisy Cat Response - You don't say whether your cat is neutered or not (I assume you have a male in your reference to him).  If he is not neutered, neutering him will calm
his need to find a mate.  Unneutered males will call or return the calls of
females in the area that are in heat.  Late evening and early morning hours
are popular.  If he is newly neutered the calling may reduce over time.

If he is neutered, he may just be adjusting to his environment and looking
for some reassurance.  I have a male cat that we adopted as a kitten (thinks
I'm his mom) and when he is unable to locate me in the late evening around
11:00 (when I am upstairs) he calls for me.  He also calls for me when he
wants to go to the bathroom.  I guess he just has to let me know he has to
go.  Try reassuring your cat frequently and if allowed, let him sleep in
your room.  Try a clock radio alarm that can be set for music to go off
(preferably in another room) at 4:00 am to keep him company or distract him.
Be sure that he has food available before going to bed.  Cats do have a
different clock than ours.  Most sleep all day, are night owls and early
risers.

As with any pet, a change in behavior can be a sign of illness.  If this is
a sudden change in behavior, please take your cat to the vet for a complete
check-up.

Feline Colitis - Where can I find out information about Feline Colitis, my pet is under the care of an excellent veterinarian, however I would like to find out more.

Feline Colitis Response - Did you visit our Ask Us! - Cat Section?  There is a question from a previous visitor about feline colitis.  Here is the link just in case you
did not find it.  Click on the red paw next to Feline Colitis.  There are
several links that you can visit about colitis.  Below I have also included
several additional links I found regarding feline colitis.

http://www.petinfo4u.com/askcat.htm

http://www.vet.cornell.edu/Public/FHC/ibd.html

http://www.peteducation.com/cats_dogs/colitis.htm

http://www.vin.com/PetCare/Articles/VetHospital/M00491.htm

Cat Licks Strange Things - My cat likes to like bleach...I do not let my cat have any household chemicals. I definitely don't let her drink actual bleach or anything like it. I am a caregiver for a sick person and when he takes a detox bath with a little clorox in a bathtub of water suddenly Taffy gets crazy to lick his hands. It's awful and she is
not allowed to do it.  The other stuff is just established household environment, like dried, painted walls (twice Taffy was licking a spot of that)... I have a holistic
perspective on things and 1) please know I would not let my cat be poisoned by the
environment I create for her, 2) I also know that when animals do crave
these unhealthy things it indicates imbalance in their system. I'm hoping to
find some resources that can suggest what Taffy's problem might be and if
there's anything dietary or otherwise I can do to help her get build up a
healthier system and emotional environment... Taffy has no poisoning at the level
that would be recognized by a vet. She has a clean bill of health. But that's
not clean enough for me and I'm concerned about her long-term health when
she's showing these symptoms.  I'm sorry it seemed like I was coming from a less caring perspective.  If you have any ideas, now that you understand the situation a little better, please let me know.
Thanks a lot! Olivia

Cat Licking Response - I am glad to hear your clarification...you would not believe some to the
stuff I hear and I wanted to be sure your cat was safe.  I also am a little
relieved because I could not fathom how a cat would lick straight clorox or
other household products. Their smell is so sensitive that usually the first
wiff of an odor and they are gone.  Your cat sounds very similar to mine and
probably millions off others!!  My cat also has an affinity for freshly
washed skin, hair spray, cooked corn?, leather, plastic bags, wet hair? (she
actually will eat it), to name a few.  I would suggest that your cat may not
have an actual imbalance but rather is attracted to the smell and may like
some catnip grass to chew on and a toy with fresh catnip and catnip spray.
There is a new product on the market at local pet stores that you can spray
on anything for your cat to enjoy.  It works wonders!  It comes in a black
bottle and is made by the Kong people.  Before your client takes his bath,
spray some catnip somewhere in the house to distract her.  There are also
lots of different varieties of grass that you can buy at you local store
that can be grown indoors for your cat.  Try several to see which one she
likes best.

If you strongly think that she has an imbalance, I have copied an item from
our website you may not have seen about herbal supplements you can try as
well as websites specializing in herbal remedies and food products;

9/1/00 - Holistic Care - We have been hearing more and more about the
benefits of alternative medicines.  We thought the following list of
vitamins, mineral and herbs and their uses would be helpful (this list is
not meant to be a replacement of veterinary care, advice or traditional
medicine but as a resource) Human dosages of vitamins, herbs and minerals
are not proper dosages for pets.  Always consult your veterinarian before
giving any new treatments.  Your pet should have a thorough check-up by a
veterinarian before considering any new treatments.  This list is intended
as a compliment to veterinary treatment and should only be used under the
advice of a vet.:

Heart - Phosphorus, Potassium, Selenium

Blood - Folic Acid, Vitamin K, Copper, Iron, Sodium, Garlic, Echinacea,
Ginko Biloba, Fatty Acids

Immune - Echinacea, Goldenseal, Grapeseed

Nervous System - Potassium, Amino Acids, L-Tryptophan, Catnip

Body Tissues & Organs - Vitamin C, Magnesium, Sodium, Beta Carotene,
Feverfew, Yucca, Grapeseed

Digestive - Vitamin B, Folic Acid, Manganese, Acidophilus, Bran, Garlic,
Aloe Vera

Anti-Oxidant - Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Zinc, Bee Pollen, Rose Hips, Wheat Germ
Oil, Goldenseal, Grapeseed

Skin & Hair - Biotin, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Copper, Sulfur, Zinc, Beta
Carotene, Cod Liver Oil, Rose Hips, Aloe Vera, Fatty Acids, Grapeseed

Eyes - Vitamin A, Beta Carotene, Cod Liver Oil

Bones - Vitamin D, Calcium, Copper, Cod Liver Oil

Metabolism - Vitamin B, Folic Acid, Chromium, Brewers Yeast

Hormones & Glands - Vitamin A, Manganese, Zinc, Amino Acids, Iodine,
Echinacea

Energy - Vitamin B, Phosphorus, Bee Pollen, Brewers Yeast, Ginseng

Before using any of these vitamins, herbs or minerals as a home treatment,
you should first consult your veterinarian.  Your veterinarian should always
be your first resource in diagnosis, treatment and dosages.  Be sure to
check for toxicities with your veterinarian.

http://www.petmedicinechest.com/

http://www.healthypetnet.com/

http://www.holisticat.com/



You sound like a very caring person and your cat is very lucky to have such
a wonderful mom.  Please let me know what you discover, I am interested in
hearing what happens. 

Pet Loss Support - Do you have any information on how to handle a family that is having a
hard time grieving for the lost of a pet? Thank you, Andrew

Pet Loss Support Response - I am sorry to hear that someone has lost a beloved pet...this is referred to in the pet world as crossing the Rainbow Bridge.  Below are some links to
sites that have information on different ways of grieving for a lost pet:

http://www.petloss.com/poems/maingrp/rainbowb.htm  (rainbow bridge story)

http://www.petloss.com/ (candle ceremony worldwide)

http://rainbowsbridge.com/chat.htm (chat room/message board)

Other suggestions to help with grieving include; starting a online photo
album to share with friends, asking your vet for pet loss support groups in
your area, adopt a bench, tree, etc. in memory of the beloved pet, and as
hard as it may seem, adding a new member to the family can make the grieving
easier.  Visit a shelter and adopt a pet in memory of your beloved pet.

http://www.cvma.org/petdoc.asp?ID=216 (pet loss support groups California)

http://www.deltasociety.org/dsn700.htm (groups by state)

Please send us a picture of the pet that has crossed the Rainbow Bridge and
I will post it on our Pet Pictures Page. 

Heart Murmur - 

Heart Murmur Response - 

Kitten/Cat Introductions - We took in a friend's cat on the day her kittens were born.  We've set up
a cozy room in the basement for them--and other cats are upstairs.  Mom,
Hazel, will be joining the family and kittens will go to new homes when they're
ready--but before they go, it'd be nice to have the whole gang upstairs
together.  Any tips and timeline for socializing / introducing would be
appreciated.  THANKS!

Kitten/Cat Introductions Response - It will be much harder to have the introductions with newborn kittens.  I am glad you have them separated.  It is not common, but some males are known to
attack newborns.  The mother will be very protective of her babies and
nervous around new cats.  The kittens should not be introduced for about 4-6
weeks or at least until they are moving around and their eyes are open.

New pet introductions can take up to two weeks.  First the cats have to work
out their pecking order.  There can be a lot of hissing and swatting but
this is how they will decide who is boss.  Generally these squabbles are
harmless.  It will probably only take a couple of days to a week to work out
who is boss.  Then you may have accepted tolerance from some and getting
along by others.  It is hard to tell from cat to cat.  They are all so
different and unpredictable.

Introductions can be made initially by adding bedding material from each cat
and you to the new cats (mix litter boxes too).  This gives the new cats the
smell of the household.  Make first introductions through a door or a cat
carrier to prevent serious flareups.  Gradually allow more time and access
over a weeks period and at the end of 1 week, put them together with
supervision.  They should be full acclimated at about two weeks.  Be sure to
give your current cats lots of extra love and attention so they do not feel
displaced.  to avoid problems with litter box issues, be sure to provide
separate litter boxes so that territorial spraying (even with neutered cats)
and accidents do not happen.

As with any animal, their behavior can be unpredictable.  Use your judgement
and knowledge of your pets to keep them out of harmful situations.  This is
meant as a resource not as a replacement for seeking professional advice.

Send us some pictures of your new family for our Pet Pictures page! 

Havana Brown - We are looking for an inexpensive, preferably Havana Brown or solid black,
 Oriental Short-Hair.  My daughter's beloved Blue Point Siamese is left us
after 17 years.  My daughter is also 17.  We understand that in order to
afford the breed, the cat will most likely have birth defects that would
render it unable to be shown or bred.  She simply wants another cat to
love.  She gave her cat his  IV treatments and medicine with the help of
our local vet, but he suffered a stroke last week and died in her arms.
Can you help us?

Havana Brown Response - I am sorry to hear you lost a beloved family member.  It sounds like your
Siamese had a good life in a loving family!  I am sure she was happy.

If you are not looking to breed or show your new cat, I would recommend
looking at the shelters and rescues.  There are specific rescue
organizations for Havana Browns and Oriental Short-Hairs.  You don't say
where you live but check with your area cat rescues for information on
specific breeds available.  Below are some links to some organizations:

http://felinerescue.net/Purebred_Rescue_Links.htm

http://www.creatures.com/USBR1AJ.html#HavanaBrown

http://www.havanabrown.com/

http://www.pets4you.com/havbrown.html

I hope this helps you find information on the Havana Brown

Cat Dog Friends? - We have a 2 year old border terrier and just got a 4
year old cat. They seem to tolerate each other well
(no fighting, just some hissing once in awhile, but do
they have a chance of actually becoming friends? We've
been told by many people older cats introduced to new
dogs will ignore them. This cat has lived with 2 older
dogs. Is there anything we can do to encourage
friendship? Thanks!    PJ

Response Cat Dog Friends? - Your off to a great start if there is minimal hissing and reaction.
However, as with people, all pets have different personalities.  It is hard
to tell how they are going to react together long-term.  Their friendship
may also depend on how they interacted with other pets from previous
relationships.  If they had bad experiences, this can affect how they react
to each other now.  Here are a couple of suggestions to try and make them
life-long friends:

Status in the household is important.  All pets have a rank in the family.
If you can keep them on equal terms as far as the pecking order goes this
might help ( a lot like children!).  Feed them at the same times and let
them interact and play with the family together.   Sleeping arrangements may
help also.  If one is allowed to sleep on the bed, do not exclude the other
and vice versa.

Manx Syndrome - Recently we have added to our family of rescued stray cats. Morgan, the
"part" Manx I'm concerned about,  brings our cat family to 9 lives!!
Morgan is a 6 month old, sweet, well tempered, loving cat; he is also
victim of breeding errors and the subsequent elimination problems.
Although he uses the litter box faithfully he is unable, to put it
delicately, make a full deposit. Instead he often drags the dregs, shall
we say, all over the house. We have considered having his long stumpy
tail removed. It seems to us it is a trap for wayward feces. It also
appears he has weak anal sphincter muscles. The vet confirms he has a
poorly developed hind end.   Not a pretty picture, but these are the facts.
He has already been rejected by at least one family and we refuse to be
another. Despite his "handicap" we believe he has a much right to a
loving home as any cat.   Giving up is not an option,  we want to solve the problem for his sake
and ours. Any suggestions?  Thanks   Barb and Bruce

Response Manx Syndrome - I love to hear from families like you who despite all the odds are willing
to love and take care of animals in need!  Thank you for having such a kind
heart.  Did you see our page on manx cats?  Morgan is considered either a
stumpy or a longy manx cat which has a visible tail or a definite short
tail.  Manx cats are known for their genetic problems related to their
missing vertebrae.  The Manx gene that created this "no tail" breed, is also
responsible for a genetic defect of the spine known as Manx Syndrome.   It
is caused by missing vertebrae at the end of the spine.  It is usually fatal
and can show up in a kitten anywhere from 4 weeks to 4 months.  Be sure to
have your kitten checked carefully by your veterinarian.  Symptoms of this
disease are bowel problems and walking problems.  Manx' with tails are also
susceptible to arthritis in their tail as they age.  Their spine and tail
can become fused causing severe pain.  Because they are more susceptible to
arthritis, you may need to eventually treat him for his pain.   You don't
say whether he has loose stool or hard stool.  I will assume it is loose
stool...To prevent to the elimination problems, our suggestions would be to
add more fiber to his diet, add a diet designed for bowel problems such as a
Science Diet Prescription Diet (at your vet) (fiber diets can cause weight
loss and hard stool), and try a different type of cat litter that is more
absorbent such as clumping litter (try one until you find one that works).
If he has hard stool, try adding mineral oil once a week to his diet (give
on a spoon and let him lick it up).  The following sites have information on
treating arthritis in cats.  Check with your veterinarian before making any
changes to Morgan's treatment.

http://www.petinfo4u.com/manx.htm

http://www.valleypetnews.com/venerable_vet_i.htm (do not give your cat
aspirin)

http://www.fanciers.com/breed-faqs/manx-faq.html (suggests amputation to
relieve pain)

http://www.stewartpet.com/cattreat.htm (info on fiber diet)

Our information is provided as a resource and is not meant to replace
veterinary care, advice or treatment.  Your first resource should always be
your veterinarian.

Hairballs -  I h

Response Hairballs - You don't say what hairball remedy you are using.  Petromalt or Laxatone are
very good hairball remedies.  They should have the hairball cleared within
the week.  Sometimes hairballs can become a problem and cause blockages.
Does your cat seem to be having a problem throwing up hairballs. throws up
more than three times per day, everyday?  Is there actual hairball in the
throw-up?  If no hairball is coming up, it could be something else.  Does
the throw-up have any unusual smells, or is it yellow with mucus?  Because
you say your cat is elderly, if you have noticed any of these symptoms,
please take your cat to the vet immediately for a check-up.  Kidney problems
in older cats can produce vomiting, excessive drinking and urination.

If you feel that it is a hairball problem, you can try the new cat foods and
treats that are specifically formulated to prevent hairballs (they have
hairball remedies as an additive).  You can try mineral oil.  Give a
teaspoon of mineral oil on a spoon and let your cat lick it up.  Most cats
will readily lick up the mineral oil.  Do this once a week during shedding
season.  Grass is also said to help aid the digestion of hairballs.  The
fiber that grass provides helps break up the hairballs in the digestive
tract.  Try the grown indoor varieties found at your local pet store.

Our information is provided as a resource and is not meant to replace
veterinary care, advice or treament.  Your first resource should always be
your veterinarian.

Gestational Period - I have both a male and female cat who are not fixed. We think the female
could possibly be pregnant. I am trying to find out what the length of
gestation is for her.

Response Gestational Period - The gestational period for cats is from 58 to 70 days with an average around 63 days.  It is hard to tell if a cat is pregnant until after one month.
After one month, mammory enlargement and abdominal enlargement start to be
noticable.  Be sure to have your cat on a nursing or lactating diet.  A
kitten diet is also acceptable.  These types of diets provide higher
calories, fat and proteins necessary for kitten development and keeping
weight on the mother.

As the due date nears, you may notice your cat hiding and searching for dark
places to have her kittens.  She may also be coming to you (back and forth
from birth spot) for reassurance several hours prior to birth.  This may
start up to a week to two weeks prior to birth.  Be sure to provide a topped
off box with blankets in a quite place (preferably a closet) for her to
choose from so that she does not wander off to have the kittens.  She does
not require assistance in the birthing process unless there is an unusual
discharge (greenish, foul smelling), the mother does not remove the
membranes from the kittens, there is an unusual amount of time between
kittens (more than 2 hours).  A normal litter consists of 4 to 5 kittens.

Neutered Male Peeing in House - Why does my neutered male cat go outside , then comes back in and pee in different parts of the house.  He has been trained to go outside now for
6 years , about a year now he's been coming inside to pee. It it
possible that he is jealous of the other cats?  Or is it just a bad
habit and is there anyway to make him stop peeing all over the house.

Response - Neutered Male Peeing in House - Your not alone...this is a common problem with male cats.  First, it is important to know that male neutered cats are susceptible to Urinary Tract
Blockages that can be life threatening.  Any change in bathroom habits can
be a symptom of a medical problem.  If he seems lethargic, has a loss of
appetite, has trouble urinating or has blood in his urine, take him to your
veterinarian immediately.

Since you said that he goes outside, I am assuming that he does not use a
litter box.  Have you tried litter boxes in the house?  Even male neutered
cats are capable of spraying.  Is it possible that he is spraying to mark
his territory?  If so this is a different problem altogether, probably
related to have a multi-cat household.  Below are some tips on how to
correct this behavior.

1. Get two or more cat boxes until retrained.  Place the litter boxes in
areas that he uses frequently.  Give him a course on litter box etiquette.
Try catching him in the act and sternly telling him no while showing him the
correct place to go potty.  Most cats will instinctively go in a litter box
with little or no training.

2. Be sure to completely remove any smells to prevent return visits.  You
can also try double sided sticky tape in popular spots to deter him.

3. Has anything changed in your household recently such as; a new addition,
a move, a loss, etc.?  Stress can cause behavioral changes.  Try giving him
as much attention as you can and reassuring him.

http://www.planeturine.com/catpethappy.html (lots of different info on
urination problems)

January 28, 2001 - Spayed Cat in Heat - 

Response - Spayed Cat in Heat - 

It is not uncommon to have a female cat go into a false heat after being spayed.  Frequently, there is small amount of uterus or ovary material leftover from the surgery causing the production of hormones to simulate a heat cycle.  However, the cat cannot get pregnant because the uterus and ovaries were removed.  Common treatment for this problem is to have an exploratory surgery to remove leftover pieces.   

With any sudden onset of estrus symptoms and behavioral changes in a spayed female you may want to consider a horomonal imbalance.    Any behavioral changes can be an indication of illness.  Our recommendation is to take your cat to the vet as soon as possible to have a complete check-up.  You would want to rule out any cancerous or tumor development causing a hormonal imbalance.  Below is a link that has basic information relevant to your question:

  http://www.vetinfo.com/catrepro.html

Your veterinarian should be your first source of care and medical information.  This information is meant as a resource, not as a treatment or diagnosis.

 

January 28, 2001 - Stray Cats - Hi I have a question about two stray kittens that I found. I just found a
couple of days ago. One of the kittens which is a female I have in my home
for about 4 days. The other kitten which is a male. I couldn't get until 4
days later of getting the female kitten. They are sister and brother. My
question is do they still recognize each other, after being separated for a
couple of days?

Response - Stray Cats - You don't say whether your having problems with them or not...Are they
getting along?  After four days, they should still be able to recognize each
others scent and not have any problems.  If you are experiencing problems,
it should only take a couple of days for them to work out their pecking
order again.  Hissing and growling is normal behavior for about 1 week with
new introductions.

December 31, 2000 - Throwing Up Blood - my cat has been throwing up thick,yellow stuff that smells really bad then all of a sudden it was mucus and blood then black thick stuff with
blood in it. what could make her do that?

Throwing Up Blood Response - Anytime your cat throws up blood you should be concerned!  Please take your cat to the vet as soon as possible for a complete check-up.

Cats do on occassion throw-up yellowish mucus from eating grass and from hairballs.  It can
contain some blood after throwing up several times and is of no real
concern. However, you state that your cat's smells bad and has thick black
stuff with blood (this is a sign of something serious).  Is it possible the
thick black stuff is dried and clotted blood?  If this is the case then she
may be seriously ill.  She may have ingested something that has cut her
intestinal lining and is causing her to bleed internally.  Is there any
possibility that she ingested a poison?  Anti-freeze is lethal to all pets
and is commonly ingested by cats.  There are lots of possibilities, all of
which require immediate veterinary attention.  Below are some links with
some additional information:

 http://www.petinfocenter.com/cats_dogs/diarrhea.htm (good information on
when to see a vet)

http://www.vetinfo.com/catvomit.html#Vomiting (articles on cats vomiting)

Let us know how she is doing.  Debra  Petinfo4u.com 

 

December 10, 2000 - In Heat - I have this cat that I really love, but every so often she goes into this
most irritating howling, meowing kind of activity.  It is not ordinary
meowing but almost gutteral and continuous.  I think she might be in heat,
but she was a stray that one of hte kids brought home, so we don't really
know.  Is this behavior characteristic of a cat in heat?

In Heat? Response - From your description, it does sound as if she is in heat.  Signs of heat
include continuous meowing, rubbing, arching back, tail flicking, rolling on
the ground, aggression, etc.  Signs of heat can last up to two weeks.  Cats
usually mature at around 6 months of age.  Is she an outside cat?  It is
always a good idea to get your cat spayed, even if she is an inside cat.
Spaying your female cat will reduce not only her chance of pregnancy but
helps prevent certains types of cancers.

Introductions of New Kitten - I just brought home a new kitten. I currently have an older male cat... probably about 1.5 yrs old. Buddy, the older cat seems quite pissed off and has been growling and hissing at Sam (the kitten). Should I be concerned?? Should I return the Kitten? What should I do? I've tried comforting Buddy but he still seems turned off...

October 25, 2000 - Introductions Response - 

 

More Introductions - 

Response - 

 

 

 

October 25, 2000 - Shedding - My cat is in our office and is continually shedding even though I bathe and groom her regularly.  Any suggestions?

October 25, 2000 - Shedding Response - 

 

 

 

October 25, 2000 - Labor Signs - what are the  first signs of kitten birth?

October 25, 2000 - Labor Signs Response - The average gestational period for a cat is around 63 days.  Most cats will seek out a quiet dark birthing place of their own.  You can try cutting the
top off a cardboard box and line it with towels, however, most cats will
choose their own place (closets are popular).  First you will notice her
hiding and then coming to check you and then returning to her hiding spot
about 48 hours prior.  Then you will notice that her mammary glands will
swell just prior to delivery.  You may also notice a mucus discharge from
her vulva just prior to delivery.  This is normal.  When the kittens are
delivered there may be as little as 5 minutes or as long as 45 minutes
between kittens.  A normal litter is around 3-5 kittens.

There is generally no need for help on your part.  She may seek you out and
want you there for comfort but try not to interfere unless you see a
problem.  Problems to be aware of are;  red or blackish discharge that is
foul smelling, showing labor signs for more than several hours with no
kittens delivered, and is mom removing the membranes (remove them for
kittens if not).  Contact your vet immediately if you notice any of these
problems.

This information is provided as a resource and is not intended to replace
veterinary advice, care or treatment.

Send us some pictures of kittens!  Debra   Petinfo4u.com

 

October 25, 2000 - Poisonous Plants - A

October 25, 2000 - Poisonous Plants Response - Here are some websites that list some of the dangerous plants to cats:

http://www.avma.org/pubhlth/poisgde.asp (more dangerous plants)

http://www.cfainc.org/articles/plants.html  (more inclusive)

Keep this handy in an emergency,

Debra   Petinfo4u.com

 

October 25, 2000 - Cat Talk - What are the different meanings or what do the motions from a cats tell
mean?

October 25, 2000 - Cat Talk Response - Did you check out our communication page at www.petinfo4u.com/haveyou.htm ?
If you haven't, visit this page to find other ways cats communicate.  There
are a wide variety of emotions and needs a cat can convey through body
language if the owner observes and listens.  As with people, each individual
cat has their own personality and their language can vary.

Tails are one way for your cat to communicate its feelings and needs.  Our
ideas are below:

Tail Swat Fast - Mad

Tail Swat Short and Jerky - Stalking, pounce

Tail Swat Slow - Happy and interested

Tail High Straight and Relaxed - Confident and hello

Tail High Straight and Shaking - Marking territory

Tail Low - Relaxed


We love to hear other ideas, let us know if you have any additions.  Thank
you for your participation in our website,
Debra

 

 

 

September 29, 2000 - Sticky Tape I am trying to find clear, double-sided tape to keep my kitties away
from a particular spot in the den. Can you please help me find it. I've
looked at every website I can find! Thanks,
Julianne

September 29, 2000 - Sticky Tape Response - Took some looking but finally found it.  Click on the link below:

http://doitbest.com/shop/product.asp?dept%5Fid=3641&sku=251267 (Scotch Clear
Mounting Tape)

If that doesn't work I found it at www.doitbest.com under their tape and
drop cloths.  I entered in the search word "rug tape".  You can also find
this type of tape at most local hardware stores and is called clear mounting
tape.  Debra  Petinfo4u.com

 

August 10, 2000 - Cat Licking - I have a new 3 year old persian former showcat.  He is extraordinarily
affectionate with me and strangers and has begun obsessive licking of me
under all circumstances.   He licks strangers also.  This licking began after
his declawing and I thought perhaps it was stress.  But it continues even
under the calmest circumstances.  He is very spoiled, very loved, does not interact
with other cats and is alone quite abit while I work.  I cannot seem to stop
this behavior and it is annoying.  He licking the skin off my wrist and I bled!  Help and thanks!

August 10, 2000 - Cat Licking Response - You are loved!  Unfortunately what you are describing is an all to common behavioral problem that can develop from a declawing or boredom.  I suspect
that this is behavioral problem that developed into a habit which started
around the time he was declawed.  These behaviorial habits usually start out
as a relief from frustration and pain associated with a declawing and easily
develop into a repetitive habit because it is soothing to your cat and makes
him feel good.   If it is a behavioral problem associated with boredom, it
probably started as a attention getter and is a learned response.

In both instances, we recommend you take your cat to the vet for a complete
check-up to rule out any medical problems.  Changes in behavior can be a
sign of illness.  You may also want to discuss a dietary imbalance with your
veterinarian.  Since behavioral problems are hard to change, your vet may
have some good ideas.  We recommend the following to change this behavior:

1.  First decide if there is a particular time or event that triggers the
licking.  If there is, try to eliminate this trigger.  Do not encourage this
behavior (it may have been cute at first).  Cats are quick learners, if he
starts to lick give a quick stern no and remove yourself or your cat from
the situation.  Never hit or yell at your cat.  Breaking a repetitive habit
can take some time, patience is the key.

2.  There are products on the market that can help deter your cat
temporarily from licking.  Try spraying Bitter Apple (bitter tasting liquid
found at local pet stores) on your wrist or, if you can stand it, put some
double sided sticky tape on your wrist.

3.  If the problem is related to boredom, be sure to supply your cat with
ample distractions when you are not home.  Try a paper bag on the floor for
hiding and playing, hide some treats (easy at first) for your cat to find,
cat sitting station at the window, etc.... Since most cats are getting their
beauty sleep when we are not home, be sure to give plenty of play time when
you return.  Try a game of fetch with crumpled up newspaper balls, hide and
seek treats, a walk on a harness, etc....

4.  Check with your vet about a new product made of metallic tape that you
may be able to put on your wrist to deter your cat's licking.  It gives of a
foul metallic taste.  You may also be able to use an E-Collar (elizabethan
collar) from your vet to temporarily deter the licking and hopefully break
the habit.  It is a collar designed to stop a pet from licking or biting at
wounds or hot spots.

Please let us know if your cat's behavior has improved.  Thank you for your
participation in our website,
Debra

Update Cat Licking - Just a quick note to let you know that if you and your vet think that the
licking is a sign of nervousness and an anxiety problem, you can ask your
vet about the possibility of medication that will help eleviate any anxiety
problems.  I don't necessarily agree with "kitty downers" because I think
most behavioral problems can be treated if you discover the problem, but in
severe cases and to calm you cat, you may want to discuss the issue with you
vet.

 

August 1, 2000 - Analgesics for Cat Pain - Is there an acceptable human analgesic I can give a cat for a sprained leg such as tylenol, motrin, etc?

August 1, 2000 - Analgesics Response - Stop...do not give your cat any aspirin or any other type of pain relievers.  Almost all pain relievers are poison to cats.  Do not give your cat any pain
reliever or any other medications without first consulting your
veterinarian.  My advice is to call you vet immediately if your cat is
experiencing pain.  A cat showing signs of pain is often in serious pain.
In the wild it is a sign of weakness to predators so cats will hide the pain
until they are very ill.

I hope this message has reached you before you medicated your cat.  Please
let us know how your cat is doing.  Debra  Petinfo4u.com

 

July 25, 2000 - Cat Cough - We have a 1 year old domestic short hair male nuetered cat.  For the last 2 days he has been coughing/sneezing.  He did vomit a couple of times at the beginning, but has not been vomiting since the first day, the vomit was yellowish, and he acted ill.   Now, he is very active and does not appear to be ill, but still coughs.  His shots are up-to-date.  Can you give me any idea what could cause the coughing?

We also have a 12 year old neutered male Shiz tzu.  His female companion died 2 years ago.  He was extremely protective toward her.  She was afraid of thunderstorms, he was not.  Since she has died, he has become afraid of thunderstorms.  (Follows us around panting very hard with tail between legs).  There are times, when there are no storms about,  and he displays the same type of behavior along with whining.  Is he still grieving?  Do you think he is afraid we will 'leave' him too?  Could it be his age? He does seem to be a little hard of hearing and his eyesight has diminished.  He has perodical checkups and is in good physical health.  I give him a vet prescribed acpromazone (2.5 mg) if storms are expected, and occasionally when he is acting nervous and afraid. 

I would really appreciate any advice/comments on the above pet matters.  Thank you very much.  Carol

July 25, 2000 Cough Response - Sorry I have not answered your important email sooner, I was at the WWPSA Pet Show in Long Beach.  I always try to answer questions at least by the next day.  As for you first question about your 1 year old male cat, he may be experiencing hair balls.  This is a common problem in cats during shedding season.  Symptoms can include vomiting, gagging and coughing.  Hair is not digested in the stomach and does not travel through the intestinal tract.  Therefore, the cat must throw-up the hairballs to get rid of them.  To combat this problem, there are new hairball preventer cat foods and hairball remedy treats.  You can also pick-up Laxatone ointment at your local pet store which will help break-up the hairball for easier passing.  Laxatone is a flavored ointment.  Put a small amount on your cat's paw to introduce them to the taste.  They will lick it off and eventually begin to lick it off your finger. 

I would be very concerned if your cat is continuing to throw-up and has not produced any hairballs.  If he is really "sneezing" this could also be a sign of a serious respiratory infection and he should have check-up by your veterinarian.  Symptoms usually include, lethargy, runny eyes, and sneezing.

As for your 12 year old dog, I am sure that he misses his favorite companion (as you all do).  However, I feel that the symptoms you have described are more related to the development of the worsening hearing and eyesight.  Tail between the legs and whining can be a way for your dog to communicate to you that he is in pain.  Please have a complete check-up with your veterinarian and mention the behavioral changes that you have noticed. 

It also sounds as if he may be very unsure of his surroundings not being able to see and hear properly and, of course, the storms only make it worse.  He may be very dependent on you for reassurance.  The tail between the legs an indication that he is unsure of himself or his surroundings.  It sounds as if you have regular vet checks to keep tabs on his health.  My recommendations would be to first get a vet check to rule out any medical problems, give him extra reassurance, move dangerous items that he may be unfamiliar with, and try not to make new additions to the household without first acquainting him with their locations and smells.

I hope this gives you some ideas to run by your vet,   Debra   Petinfo4u.com

 

 

 

July 25, 2000 - Plant Eating - Hi, I've noticed recently that my cat and dog have both taken to eating the
leaves of certain plants in our back garden.  I very much doubt they are
doing this out of hunger, and I suspect that maybe they may be using the
leaves to aid the digestion process or maybe they may have a deficiency in
a certain vitamin?  Do you have any ideas??  I'd love to hear them.  Thank
you very much for your time. Kind regards, Sean

July 25, 2000 - Plant Eating   Response- As background on plant eating, it is very normal for cats and dogs to eat grass and even develop a taste for some plants.  In the wild as they eat
their kill, dogs and cats will accidentally eat grass and may even seek it
out as part of their diet.  As for a reason for this behavior, there are two
reasons we think dogs and cats like to eat grass or plants.

1.  It may be an aide in digestion and may help calm an upset stomach.
2.  Some even consider grass and plants to be an essential part of an
animals diet because in the wild they are known to eat grass and plants.

Generally, it is not a concern if your dog or cat are the occasional grass
or plant eater.  If you are feeding a high quality pet food, then vitamins
should not be a concern.  You may however want to supplement their diet with
a vitamin at least once per week.

You do want to be careful because there are many common household plants
that are poisonous to pets (such as:jasmine, azaleas, some forms of ivy, and
many more).  Below is a link to a site that has a listing of many plants.
This may not be a complete list, check with your vet for further help on
poisonous plants.

http://health.ucsd.edu/poison/plants.htm

Tip:  Make sure that they do not have access to the grass for several days
after the lawn has been fertilized as this can induce vomiting and poisoning
too.  You should take your pet to the vet if the grass or plant eating
involves vomiting, vomiting continues for more than once or twice and if you
notice any blood.

If there are any changes in behavior or diet with your pets this can be a
sign of illness, your veterinarian should always be your first resource for
medical care and advice.  This information is meant as a resource.

Thank you for your great question and participation in our website
Debra   Petinfo4u.com

July 10, 2000 - New Kitten Introductions - We just got a new kitten today. (We already have 2 cats- a boy and a girl, and 2 dogs- both girls). Well, our kitten is 5 1/2 weeks old, and when we brought him home, the cats hissed and hit him (the girl more than the boy-
the boy seems to be a bit protective of him). And one of the dogs is very
curious about him. But she once killed our hampster- so we're not sure if
we're ready to show her the kitten???? Do you understand????? Please help!
Any tips or suggestions?!?!?!? PLEASE write back asap!
Thanks, The Johnsons and our new addition- Tigger!

Julu 10 - 2000 - New Kitten Introduction Response - Most important Tigger is too young to be introduced to your dogs.   We recommend that you wait before introducing Tigger to the dogs until he is older than 8 weeks.  You don't say whether your dog killed your
hamster while playing accidentally or whether it was an attack.  Either way
Tigger should always be supervised with the dogs until he is at least 6
months old.  When introducing Tigger, try letting him sleep or play in the
dogs bed or sleeping area (when they are not around) prior to bringing them
together.  Another good idea is to let Tigger play or sleep on some of your
dirty clothes to make him smell like you.  This will help the dogs
understand he is part of the family.  Dogs are pack animals and if you are
the leader and make it clear that the dog is not to harm the cat, they will
understand and respect your rules.  This means when introducing them, you
hold the cat and set the rules about when the dog can come over to visit and
for how long.  Try making them sit and stay far enough away to see and smell
the kitten and then ask them to come when you are ready.  Be in control of
their play by making them backoff when play becomes rough or excited.

The cats will work out their pecking order and, generally, older cats won't
attack young kittens.  There can be a lot of hissing and swatting but this
is how they will decide who is boss.  It will probably only take a couple of
days to a week to work out who is boss.

As with any animal, their behavior can be unpredictable.  Use your judgement
and knowledge of your pets to keep them out of harmful situations.  This is
meant as a resource not as a replacement for seeking professional advice.

Good Luck and let us know how it turns out,
Debra

 

June 30, 2000 - Cat Birth - Hi.   I'm wondering if it is possible for a cat to take more than 1/2 an hour between kittens during the birthing process.  I have a 6 1/2 year old cat who
was pregnant once before about two years ago.  She had only one kitten that
time.  This time she has given birth to one again and there haven't been any
more in the last hour to hour and a half but she was much bigger with this
pregnancy so I expected more kittens.  So, could she still be in the process
of delivering?  She comes out of the other room to see me about every 15
minutes or so and cries but then goes back to her one kitten and nothing
happens.  I appreciate any info you can give me.  Thank you.
Dawn Wacek, River Falls Wisconsin

June 30, 2000 - Cat Birth Response - I am hoping everything has gone smoothly with the birth of your kittens.
The normal period between kittens is anywhere from 5 minutes to 1 hour.
Some cats do experience difficult labors and a vet should be contacted if
there is more than three hours between kittens.  However, it is not unusual
for a cat to only have one kitten.

It is best to have your cat checked by your veterinarian after all the
kittens are born to make sure there are no infections or in, extreme cases,
a kitten did not come out.  Signs of distress or infection in a mother
include: rejection of the kittens, greenish, black or red foul-smelling
discharge, lethargy, fever, loss of appetite.  If your cat is displaying any
of these symptoms, take her to your vet immediately.

Our information is to be used as a resource and is not intended to replace
the advice or treatment by your veterinarian.

Please let us know how mother and kittens are doing.  We would love to have
a picture for our Pet Picture page.  Debra, Petinfo4u.com

 

June 24, 2000 - Feline Estrus Behavior - I have a ten year old female cat. She is a  domestic medium hair. Not purebred.  She has begun to talk( meow ) constantly and always rubbing up against us and forever lifting her tail. She has not stopped talking for about a week now. She was spayed back when she was young.
My neighbor suggests she might be in heat again. Is this possible? Is there any info you can share with me? I was under the impression that once spayed, cats will not go into heat again.  If not that , any chance of an age hormone kinda thing?

Just grasping at straws but any info you could give me would be helpful. Thank you,  Tracy

June 24, 2000 - Feline Estrus Behavior - After doing some research on the subject, it is common to have a female cat go into heat after being spayed.  Frequently, there is small uterus or ovary material leftover from the surgery causing the production of hormones to simulate a heat cycle.  However, the cat cannot get pregnant because the uterus and ovaries were removed.  Common treatment for this problem is to have an exploratory surgery to remove leftover pieces.   

In your case,  you have an older cat that is spayed and has exhibited no signs of a heat cycle for years but has a sudden onset of estrus symptoms.  Behavioral changes can be a sign of illness.  In this case of behavior change, it may well be a hormonal imbalance as you suggested. 

Our recommendation is to take your cat to the vet as soon as possible to have a complete check-up.  Because of her age, you would want to rule out any cancerous or tumor development causing a hormonal imbalance. Below is a link that has basic information relevant to your question:

  http://www.vetinfo.com/catrepro.html

Your veterinarian should be your first source of care and medical
information.  This information is meant as a resource,
not as a treatment or diagnosis.

Please send me a follow-up email to let me know what your veterinarian's diagnosis is and how your kitty is doing.   Debra, Petinfo4u.com

 

June 23, 2000 - Feline Colitis - My 11 year old female feline was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis in 1997.  Other than prescribing sulfasalazine and prednisone when needed, I have been given no other advice on diet or how to cope with this disease. I decided to
increase her medication from 250 mg of sulfasalazine to 375 mg per day and
that has helped but she still looks scruffy and lacks enery. When she is in
a flare she leaves runny bowel movements all over the house. This does not
endear her to the rest of the family. Can you find any resources for me?
Thank you, Diane

June 23, 2000 - Feline Colitis Response - From the email you sent stating not much information was given to you by your vet, we have the following information and recommendations about
chronic colitis.

Our knowledge of colitis is that it is generally a symptom of an underlying
problem such as a food allergy, intestinal parasites (coccidia), feline
leukemia, tumors or polyps, and even a cat that is stressed (meaning overly
worried, easily scared and uptight).  The definition of Colitis is a recurring inflammation of
the intestinal lining causing loose stool (diarrhea) with blood and mucus.  Did your
vet run lots of tests to determine what the underlying problem is?  It
sounds as though your vet may just be treating the symptoms and not the
underlying cause of the colitis.  Tests to determine the actual cause of the
colitis can be prohibitive and often times come up with no answer at all.
The easiest and least expensive tests include a stool examination for
coccidia, x-rays for tumors or polyps, and a feline leukemia test.  More
expensive measures are biopsies and exploratory surgery.

Control of colitis usually includes antibiotics to eliminate bacteria,
anti-inflammatory steroids to help alleviate inflammation of the intestinal
lining, and dietary changes to eliminate any allergies.  It looks as though
you are treating with the steroid and antibiotic.  We recommend that you
also try to eliminate any food allergies.  As with all allergies,
eliminating the allergy can be difficult.  We recommend trying specific
allergy formulated diets you can find at your vet's office.  However, these
foods have a tendency to be bland and unappetizing.  Another way and a
little more involved, is to make her food by hand.  Chicken, tofu, eggs, and
rice are all good for allergies and stomach problems.  Cook the food well
and then blend them in a blender.  Below is a link that has a recipe for a
hypoallergenic diet:

http://www.allcreatures.com/recipefe.htm#Feline Hypoallergenic Diet

Suggestions for clean-up of flare-ups can be hard because usually your cat
does not have control of her bowel movements during these flare-ups.  Try
adding more cat boxes, especially next to her sleeping and hang-out areas.
Baby wipes can be very handy for instant clean-ups and make stain removal
easier.

Below is a link I was able to find that has information on all kinds of
medical problems related to cats.  However, I did not find a specific topic
on colitis.  It does have a colitis section under dogs (at bottom of page).
This information should be similar to cats.  I have also included a link to
a veterinary home guide that you may want to read at your local book store
or online.  Bookstores contain many veterinary guides that are great
resources.

http://www.vetinfo.com/catindex.html

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0070501793/qid=961780285/sr=1-3/104-6
635056-2106310

Your veterinarian should be your first source of care and medical
information.  As with all medical cases, check with your veterinarian before
changing any medical treatments.  This information is meant as a resource,
not as a treatment or diagnosis.

Please let us know how your kitty is doing.  It sounds like she (and you)
have been through alot.  I will continue to research for more resources and
email you.  Debra, Petinfo4u.com

Update 6/24/2000 - Colitis - I am still reading on the subject and came across some more info on the vet site I am sending you.  It seems that adding a little fiber to her diet may
also be helpful.  I have been reading about Metamucil.  Check out the link
to find further information.  It is on Inflammatory Bowel Disease which has
the same symptoms and covers a variety of intestinal problems, but may not be as severe.

http://www.vetinfo.com/cibd.html  read the whole page

Check with your vet and then try using Metamucil - 1/4 teaspoon every day
mixing into wet food.

Let us know how Tabby is doing...Debra, Petinfo4u.com

 

June 21, 2000 - Cat Box Problem - Our 9 year old male tabby cat "Tabby", has decided that his litter box is o.k. for #1 but that #2 should be done in the bathtub.  He has shared the same large litter box with a female cat "Emily" for the past 7 years and there have been no problems.  We keep it very clean and change the litter every 2-3 days.  This has been happening for at least 6 weeks.   We moved here 4 months ago and thought that he had adjusted well.  We have thought of putting water in the bathtub to keep him out but are worried that he will find another place.  At least the bathtub is easy to clean.  Any suggestions?  Thank you!  Landj

June 21, 2000 Cat Box Problem Response - Your not alone...this is a common problem with male cats.  First, it is important to know that male neutered cats are susceptible to Urinary Tract Blockages that can be life threatening.  Any change in bathroom habits can be a symptom of a medical problem.  If Tabby seems lethargic, has a loss of appetite, has trouble urinating or has blood in his urine, take him to your veterinarian immediately. 

There are many other triggers that can suddenly make a cat decide not to use the cat box.  Changes in cat behavior is usually their way of trying to communicate to you that something is wrong.  His age can be a factor, he may have decided the cat box is too crowded, and more than likely, it is the move that has changed his behavior.  It sounds like you are meticulous in how you keep your cat box clean and should be commended for that.  The following are some ideas that you can try to help retrain him:

1. Get two cat boxes.  Throw out the old one and get two new ones.  Thus, eliminating any old undesirable smells.  Place one in the  bathroom near the tub and one in another room.

2. Be sure to completely remove the smell from the bathtub to prevent return visits.  Try 1 gallon of water to 1 capful of bleach.  Do try the water in the tub but be sure it is only about 1/2 inch of water (just enough to deter him).  You can also try double sided sticky tape or tin foil sheets in the tub.

3. Try a new brand of cat litter.  The new pearl litter works great but is costly.  

4. Because of his age, you may need to give him a refresher course on cat box etiquette.  Try catching him in the act and sternly  telling him no while showing him the correct place to go potty.

5. The move may have disturbed him more than you think.  Try giving him as much attention as you can and reassuring him.  He also may be unsure of the new room where his cat box is located.  Try a different room. 

Moving may have changed your cat's territory in relation to the other cat and may have mixed things up.  They may just need time to reestablish their routines. 

I hope this information is useful.  Please let us know how Tabby is doing.  Debra, Petinfo4u.com

 

 

 

June 21, 2000 - Newborn Kitten Care - I am caring for my girlfriend's cats and subsequently the newborn
kittens born today. The mother is rather humanized. I am wondering how
concerned I should be about her neglecting the kittens. Also, should I
keep the adult (1 year old) male away from the nest?

June 21, 2000 - Newborn Kitten Response - Definetly keep the male away from the kittens!  Some male cats can be aggressive and kill kittens.  The male should be kept away from the kittens
until they are at least a month old.

Most female cats instinctively make great mothers and know exactly what to
do.  You can help her by switching her diet to a kitten or growth formula
food which has high protein and fat for better milk production.  Make sure
that she always has access to food and water because of the extra demands on
her body required for milk production.

If she is refusing to clean, refusing to feed, and/or leaving the kittens
for long periods of time, you may need to step in.  Call your veterinarian
if you have any concerns about the health of the kittens.  If the kittens
are mewing and frantic constantly (never satisfied), this can be a sign of
neglect by the mother.  Normal, healthy kittens will feed and sleep on a
regular routine.  It is ok for the mother to leave the kittens for short
periods to eat and go to the bathroom.

She will appreciate it if you can provide a quite out of the way area
(closet) and/or box with an old t-shirt.  She may move and hide them if she
feels insecure.

An exciting time is when the kittens' eyes open in about 10-14 days.  Then
they really start to explore.  Please let us know if you have any other
questions or problems.  We'd love to have their pictures sent to us for our
Pet Picture page!  Debra, Petinfo4u.com

 

 

 

May 21, 2000 - Cat Fencing - We have a two year old spayed female cat (de-clawed) and are trying to be very responsible and not let her wander.  Unfortunately she does not take kindly to a harness and peg and we are wondering if there are any plans available that would make a fence cat proof (keep her in). Have you heard of anything??

May 21, 2000 - Cat Fence Response - Hi!  What a great question.  I was stumped until I investigated a little further and found that they do actually have a product available called Cat Fence-In.  Below is the link to their site.  I do have to tell you that I have never heard of the product or do not know anyone that has used the product and do not indorse this product.  Please investigate the product thoroughly for safety, cost and ease of use.  If you have success with this product, please email me and let me know so that I can forward this information to other people. 

http://www.catfencein.com/

It is great that you are being so responsible with your cat.  Have you tried letting your cat roam freely in the yard?  Most cats who are spayed and/or neutered have no need or desire to wander from the yard if only outside for short visits.  To train an indoor cat to stay in the yard for short periods, start by letting your cat have short ventures outside with you as their guide.  Have plenty of treats available to encourage you cat to stay near you.  Take your cat inside on your terms not theirs so they learn that you are in control of the outside time.  Take the cat inside the moment they misbehave or leave your side.  Slowly increase the time allowed outside.  If left on their own for a long period of time, they will wander and get into trouble.   Good Luck!  Debra

Disclaimer:  Petinfo4u.com is provided as a free pet care resource and is not intended to replace veterinary care, advice or treatment.  Your first resource should always be your veterinarian. 

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