Senior Cats     Hairballs     New Baby

   Pedigree vs. Non-Pedigree    Third Eyelid

 FeLV & FIV     Ear Mites 

Odor/Flea Control - Farnam Pet Products has introduced a new product called Fresh & Free that controls pet odors while, at the same time, controlling fleas.  Use this product on pet beds, carpets, and furniture.  This unique product contains Nylar which stops fleas from developing into egg laying adults.  Please be sure to read their product instructions and precautionary statements before using the product.  Ask for this product at your local pet store.  To receive a discount coupon and find out more information, please visit the Farnam's website below:

http://www.farnam.com/new_products/fresh&free.html

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!!

Litter Pearls Cat Litter - Have you discovered this new cat litter yet?  If you haven't we highly recommend litter pearls.  Most major brands are introducing their own version of litter pearls.  We have tested Harvest Ventures Litter Pearls and love it.  At the Super Zoo Pet Show we tested the product by spraying liquid on the pearls over and over and then handling the pearls.  They were completely dry to the touch.  After testing them on a two cat household, we found a definite reduction in odor.  The only thing we had to scoop out were the "poops".  Some people have said they did not like the pearls turning yellow from the urine, but remember, they are still dry to the touch and odorless.  Your cats will love it.  Try mixing  the new litter pearls with the old litter first and add more until the old is gone.  The litter pearls bag suggests completely replacing the pearls once per month.  You will need to judge this on how your cats use their litter box.   They are more costly, but we found them worth the expense.  Below is a link to the company for frequently asked questions:

Litter PearlsŪ technology is very unique.  It makes Litter PearlsŪ super absorbent, locks odors inside the pearl, and allows the liquid moisture to evaporate out so that it can absorb again over and over during the month.  There are special porous channels in side Litter PearlsŪ that grab the odor particles and lock them tightly inside its core. 

http://www.harvestventures.com/CatFaqs.asp

Plant Eater - Anyone who has a plant eater knows how frustrating a habit this is to break.  We suggest that you try a squirt or two of diluted lemon juice.   In a water spritzer that has only had water, put in half lemon juice and half water.  Spray your plants thouroughly.  The lemon juice will not hurt your plant or your pet and has a sour taste.  If it does not deter your plant eater, try making a stronger solution with more lemon juice.

- Persian? - Do you own a Persian cat?  Are you aware that your Persian may require a special shaped diet due to the "squished" features of their face?  Persians are specifically bred for their "squished" face features prized by owners.  Unfortunately, this can lead to  eating problems as well as breathing and sinus problems.  Help is on the way!!!  Cat food manufacturers are now selling food that is made specifically for Persians.  This food is almond shaped and has a texture that is easier for Persians to eat.   Royal Canin is one of these manufacturers.   Look for and request these special diets at your local pet store.

www.royalcanin.com

Abscesses - This is a common problem in unneutered males and outdoor cats.  Abscesses are basically an infection that is caused from another cat bite, or injury.  They are most commonly seen on the head and neck area.  They are characterized by a build-up of pus under the skin.  Your cat will also show signs of a fever, be lethargic and have loss of appetite.  This can develop into a life threatening infection if not treated by a Veterinarian.   If you suspect your cat has an abscess, take him immediately to the vet.  Common treatments include lancing the abscess and antibiotics.  

Dental Care - Tooth and gum disease is a major contributor to feline health as your cat ages.  Most cat owners are unaware that for their cats health, it is a good idea to get a yearly dental cleaning.  As your cat ages, they become susceptible to gum disease including swollen gums, bad breath, drooling, and loss of appetite.  Just like in humans, plaque builds up on the teeth and needs to be removed.  If left untreated, your cat may lose their teeth at an early age.  To prevent plaque build-up and gum disease, the first step is to feed a dry kibble that helps break-up the plaque and give weekly teeth cleanings with a cat toothbrush and cat toothpaste (human toothpaste can cause stomach upset).  Check with your veterinarian if you think your cat may suffer from a dental problem.

Hairballs - What are they and how do I keep my cat from throwing them up?  Hairballs are one of the most common complaints for cat owners.  Hairballs are basically balled-up hair that your cat has ingested while cleaning itself.  The hair is not digestible and collects in your cats digestive tract.  There are two ways for your cat to get rid of the hair;  1.   Throw the hairball up along with food material, or 2.  Loosen and breakdown the hairball until it passes out in the feces.  Symptoms or hairballs are vomiting and gagging directly after eating, coughing and gagging until the hairball comes out (it may take several trys for it to come out).  To ease your cats symptoms and the mess it can make, there are several products and tips we recommend below:

• At your local pet store, you can purchase hairball remedies called Laxatone or Petromalt.  These are ointments that you can feed to your cat once per week.  The ingredients help to break-up the hairball so that it is easier to pass.    These ointments have a taste that most cats will like, however, the first try may not go well.  We suggest that you put a little dab on your cats paw or nose.   Your cat will immediately lick it off.  Eventually they will lick it off your finger.  Follow the instructions given with the product.

• If your cat has an constant problem with hairballs, we suggest you try the new hairball cat food and treats available that have ingredients to help alleviate hairballs.

• Keeping your cat well groomed is one of the best ways to prevent hairballs.  

• Did you know there are many new products on the market that help combat this problem?  Check out the new cat foods and treats that contain ingredients specifically formulated to help reduce the bouts of throwing up and coughing due to hairballs.  They can be found in your local grocery store and pet store.

If your cat is vomiting continuously for more than a day, this could be a sign of a serious illness.  Please take your cat to the vet if vomiting continues for more than a day. 

Third Eyelid - Have you noticed your cat has a strange skin flap that is covering the inside corner of his eye?  This is called the third eyelid and is used as a protective lid and to produce moisture for the eyes.   However, it is not normal for the third eyelid to be always showing or covering the eye.  This can be a sign of illness such as an upper respiratory infection or a foreign body in the eye.  If you notice the third eyelid suddenly showing, please contact your veterinarian for a thorough examination.

Ear Mites - Cats are notorious for getting ear mites.  These little mites are easily picked up when your cat is on an outside adventure.  They quickly multiply in the warm and humid recesses of your cats' ear.  They cause excessive itching and, in extreme cases, sores.  Most cats have an occasional itch in their ear.  However, there is a definite difference because with ear mites you will notice that if you rub your cats' ears, he will start scratching with his foot immediately and urging you to continue to rub his ear.  Your cat may also shake his head vigorously.   In extreme cases there is pain associated with the mites.  You may also notice a brownish/black wax build-up in the ear.  This is the excrement from the mites and blood.  Your local pet store has an over-the-counter medication to treat ear mites.  Follow the directions carefully and complete the medication to make sure all ear mites are gone. 

 Pedigree vs. Non-Pedigree Pedigree vs. Non-Pedigree - There are advantages and disadvantages to both sides of the fence.

 Senior Cats - When our pets get older it is important to maintain their health for their quality of life.  Here are some tips that we recommend to help your pet live longer, happier and healthier.

• Vet checks every six months to catch any hidden problems sooner.

• Keep vaccinations current.   Older cats are more susceptible to illnesses such as upper respiratory infections and distemper.

• Teeth should be brushed weekly and make regular dental visits to the vet to prevent tooth loss and malnutrition.

• Grooming is very important in older cats.  If you are brushing your cat daily, you will be more apt to notice unusual lumps.

• Obesity is the number one health problem in older cats.  Keep your cat on a regular exercise schedule. 

• When you cat reaches the age of 7, be sure to change their diet to one specially formulated for older cats.

• Get a cat condo for your cat to hide in when he's feeling cranky and not up to speed.

• If your pet is an outside cat, consider bringing him in during cold winter months and summer heat months.   Older cats are not able to control their body heat as well as younger cats.

• Pools are dangers to older cats.

  Tooth brushing – The first experience for your cat with tooth brushing should be gentle and short.  Start by using a fingertip brush (a short plastic finger cover with soft bristles) with a flavored toothpaste.  You can find cat toothbrushes and toothpaste in several flavors at your vet’s office or pet store.  Let you cat smell and taste the toothpaste from your fingers first.  Then gently raise the lips and rub with the fingertip brush in a circular motion.  Eventually, your cat will enjoy this little tasty treat.  To keep your cat’s teeth healthy, you should brush their teeth at least once per week.  It is also helpful to have your cat on a diet with some dry food that helps to clean the teeth.  It is wise to keep your pet’s teeth healthy to reduce veterinary bills as they age.

  Feline Leukemia (FeLV) and Feline Immunodeficiency Viruses (FIV) - These are serious diseases in cats and are transmitted by contact with other infected cats.  Outdoor cats are the most susceptible because of their contact with other cats.  A mother cat can transmit the virus to her kittens.  If you have a new cat, it is important to have a blood test done to determine if it has either of these viruses to prevent it spreading to other cats.  If your new cat is going to be an outside cat or come into contact with any other cats, it should be vaccinated against FeLV.  FeLV is a treatable virus with a series of three vaccinations.  However, there are no vaccinations available to prevent the FIV virus.  Because both of these viruses attack the immune system, there can be a variety of different symptoms.  The most common symptoms are a constant runny nose, sneezing and runny eyes.  They can also make your cat more susceptible to other problems such as anemia, upper respiratory diseases and even cancer.  If you suspect your cat has these viruses, please contact your veterinarian immediately.

Urinary Tract Health – Neutered male cats can get life threatening blocked urinary tracts.  It was thought that a diet low in ash would help urinary tract problems in males.  It is now considered better to have a diet that is low in pH and low in sodium magnesium.  If your cat is prone to this problem, there are cat foods on the market that are specifically designed to help alleviate urinary tract blockages.  These blockages are caused by a build-up of crystals that eventually can totally block the urine path and can be fatal if not treated.  Signs of a urinary tract blockage can include; lethargy, not eating, urinating frequently but nothing coming out, and blood in the urine.  If this is happening, take your cat immediately to your veterinarian.

 Declawing – If you are contemplating getting a cat and considering declawing, a cat is not for you!  Declawing is a very controversial topic among cat owners some seeing it as very cruel while others seeing it as a last resort solution. While we do not promote or believe in declawing, we do feel it can be performed as a last resort if all other alternatives have failed.  Other alternatives include behavior modification, nail caps, pheramone sprays, and sticky tapes.  Many cats are dumped at shelters to be euthanized because their owner couldn't control their scratching.  We feel declawing can be an alternative to abandoned or euthanized cats.   Below are some alternatives and our thoughts on declawing:

• Is your cat indoors or outdoors?  Declawing should not be an option for outdoor cats.  Outdoor cats need their claws for defense purposes and climbing to get away from danger.  Declawing should only be an option for indoor cats if all other altneratives fail such as plastic caps, behavior modification, sprays, etc (see below). 

•  Hind claws should never be removed because your cat will be completely defenseless.

•  Declawing can cause behavioral changes such as; biting, nervousness, sacredness, and depression.

• Declawing is actually removing a piece of bone from the tip of the cat's toe causing severe pain and balance problems.

•  Declawing can be easier on a kitten than an adult cat, however, kittens are very easy to train and should be given the chance with behavior modification and other training aides.

If you are having a problem with your cat scratching the furniture, there are now products on the market which are great alternatives to declawing:

www.stickypaws.com is a double-sided tape that can be applied to furniture to repel your cat.

www.softpaws.com nail caps

http://www.catscratching.com/ behavior modification