What a cat WANTS and NEEDS???

Things at my clinic have finally slowed down enough, I've been able to sit down and write a little about cats.  I often find that our feline friends get kind of ignored when it comes to what they need in terms of environment.  This includes everything from; food, litter boxes and play.  I think people often realize that dogs need play and stimulus because they do things like chew furniture and bark at you when they need more attention.  But cats on the other hand, start peeing or pooping all over the house or something as subtle as overgrooming (pulling out or chewing hair) as signs of boredom or stress.  I recently read an article on dvm360.com that was really helpful to me when talking to clients and wanted to share the finer points with you.  This is based on suggestions from Dr. Llona Rodan a  feline expert.

All of the following suggestions are aimed at providing environmental enrichment for indoor cats.  We as a veterinary community have observed that our indoor cats that lack enrichment develop a whole host of problems.  These cats often become obese, stressed and then start doing things like house soiling, furniture scratching or destruction, fighting with other cats and overgrooming.  It is also tightly linking to development of feline idiopathic cystitis or inflammation of the bladder.  So here are some simple suggestions to help make the lives of our indoor cats better and prevent problems before they occur.

Incoming:  Since cats are hunters, a bowl of food placed in front of them takes away the chance to act on natural instincts.  "The problem is we put this high-calorie, dense food into a food dish, and there are often other cats eating nearby. That's not the way cats eat in the wild", says Rodan.  "They eat about 8 to 20 small meals each day.  Lots of exercise goes into the hunting and catching of these small prey."  To encourage more interactive feeding, Rodan recommends putting the food in food puzzles, providing frequent small meals around the house or tossing kibbles to mimic hunting behavior.

They sell treat dispensing toys at most pet stores or you could make your own using empty-clean seasoning containers with holes cut into them.

Outgoing:  Litter boxes should be placed in different spots throughout the house and on each floor in a multilevel house so that a cat sitting at the top of the steps doesn't block another cat from getting to the boxes in the basement.  "Three litter boxes all in one area are really just one litter box in the cat mind," says Rodan.  This is particularly important in multicat households so there is no competition for resources. Accidents may happen if a cat doesn't feel safe stepping into a box.

I personally find that non covered boxes work well in my house, that way the cat using the box can see all around and not worry about a surprise attack when they step out.

A place of my own:  Speaking of safe, owners can make sure there are areas for cats to hang out without worry -  safe spaces, says Rodan.  A safe place allows a cat to feel protected, such as a cardboard box on its side, a cat bed with high sides or even a cat carrier.  Also include places to perch, since cats like to be on high, looking down on us mere humans, so to speak.

If there are multiple cats there need to be multiple areas for cats to be in more than one room.

The play's the thing:  "As hunters, cats need play," says Rodan.  "Play is really important to teach them to hunt."  Cats can and should play on their own, but at least some of the play should also be interactive, she says.  But not with your hands!  Wand toys and feathers are great ways to engage cats safely and bring out their pouncing prowess.
I personally love a laser light!

Common scents:  Having familiar scents throughout the house can make cats more comfortable.  That can mean feline facial pheromones (Feliway- Ceva), which mimic their own scent.
I often use Feliway in the spray form to spray cat kennels when they arrive at the clinic or when putting them back in kennels to go home. Feliway Website 

Dog Philosophy

I just read this and wanted to pass it along.  I apply it to when I discuss euthanasia with clients that are struggling to decide 'if it's time'.  One thing I always tell owners when they are having a tough time is; 'To remember these are dogs, even if they are also our best friends, our companions, and our family members.  They ultimately want to be dogs and do dogs things.  Whether that be chasing squirrels or asking for that daily rub-down".   And when they can't do those 'dog things' anymore it's time to make one of the hardest decisions you will ever have to make.  Please remember to always feel comfortable talking to your veterinarian or vet staff about your questions or concerns about euthanasia.  We deal with this subject often and can help you make the best decision for you and your pet.  Don't worry about sounding too emotional or even the big 'C' (crazy), believe me we have heard and seen it all. So here it is the "Dog Philosophy":

This is for all the dogs.
It is for the Redbone Hound riding shotgun in a pickup truck,
ears blowing in the breeze like Fruehauf mudflaps.
It is for the Chihuahua with the soul of a Mexican Retriever.
It is for the mature dog, well-behaved out of respectfulness, not out of submission.
It is for the younger dog, still on a path to finding the The Way.
It is for the dogs who know the answer to the age-old riddle of why we chase our tails.
This is for all the dogs, who embrace the moment, and greet each day with the confident awareness,
"We. Are. Dogs."
Carpe Canem.

Laundry Detergent Pods

Wanted to pass on some interesting info about those new laundry detergent pods.  They can be toxic to kids and pets.  The pods are attractive to kids and dogs because they are brightly colored and can look like candy.  I find it funny how similar little kids are to dogs...  They both put things in their mouth they shouldn't, they cry when upset, and both have to be potty trained! 

I guess laundry detergent has always been irritating if ingested, causing self-limiting stomach and intestinal upset but its the way the pod is designed that causes the problem.  The detergent is highly concentrated and under pressure in the pods.  When the dog bites into the pod the contents are forcefully expelled and are easily aspirated into the lungs and/or swallowed.  Dogs can have symptoms such as vomiting, coughing, lethargy to wheezing and trouble breathing.  

If exposure occurs the owner, please contact your veterinarian immediately for instructions for decontamination.

Allergy Maps and Testing

So sorry for my long absence, but I just had a baby(human not furry), and it happened a little earlier than planned.  So I am just now emerging from my home and new baby-sleep deprivation.  My little man is 8 weeks old, he's doing great and I'm starting my third week back at work!

I wanted to share an interesting website with everyone. It is Greer's allergy website and their allergy map.  It allows you to pick your location on a map and see what the most common environmental allergens are.  You can also go to Pollen.com from Greer's website and see what the pollen count is for the day and the predominant allergen(today it's Juniper!).

Greer came out with a blood test to help identify what your pet is allergic to.  Most dermatologists agree that the blood test is probably not the best way to diagnosis allergies, intradermal skin testing is the best.  But for some people going to a dermatologist is not an option.  Like in my parents case they don't live in an area that has a dermatologist.  Therefore making the blood test the only option.  My advice is if you live in an area with a dermatologist, go see the expert!  If you don't have one available then the Greer blood test maybe an option.


Intradermal Skin Test

Greer Interactive Allergy Map

Convenia- One of my favorite products

I just wanted to tell everyone about one of my favorite products.  Please don't think I'm getting any kind of kick back or sponsored trip to Mexico(sigh... I wish) for talking about Convenia.  I just truly love this product because it WORKS!!

~Here is a bacterial skin infection 8 days after a Convenia injection!  Wow!~

Convenia is a long acting INJECTABLE antibiotic.  Which means instead of giving your dog or cat pills by mouth for 10-14 days you can simply get an injection and just sit back and watch things clear up.  I love it for skin infections, urinary tract infections, respiratory infections, etc!!! LOVE IT!  I have had several skin infections that I've attempted several rounds of by mouth antibiotics and never got it completely cleared up but 1 injection of Convenia and bam! it's resolved.  And the owner isn't fighting with the dog/cat to get the pills down, and we have eliminated the "oops I forgot to give the pill' problem.  They have a great website with pictures and product info: Convenia

Everyone should ask their vet if they offer this injection, in my opinion it's worth every penny!

And I almost forgot if your dog gets a Convenia injection for a skin infection they are currently running a rebate promotion through the end of the year.  You can get $10-$30 back depending on the size of the dog.
Click on the link: "You Call The Shots"

Pets and Ebola

Living in the DFW metroplex I have seen nothing on TV except information on Ebola in the last few weeks.  I have had several clients ask me about the euthanasia of the dog in Spain and if it was necessary.  My answer is 'I don't know'...  The dog belonging to the Dallas nurse is currently being quarantined for 21 days, according to the Dallas Office of Emergency Management.  I want to pass on the website from the AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association) on animals and Ebola.  There are several links with further information on the page as well.  The information is limited but reliable.  The site from the AVMA is being constantly updated so check back for any new info.

AVMA on Ebola

Pregnant? Can your cat really give you Toxoplasmosis?

The answer is yes, your cat can give you Toxoplasma, but please read below to get all the information.  I have had several pregnant clients recently and wanted to pass along this information from one of my veterinary journals, Veterinary Team Brief.  I find that human doctors just tell you not to change the litter boxes if your pregnant but don't explain why.  And I'm sure there are pregnant ladies out there who don't have anyone who can or will change the litter boxes.  So here is some good solid info on Toxoplasma.   BUT, no matter what you read here you need to follow the advice of your medical doctor.  They after all know you and your pregnancy, not me writing on my blog!

Toxoplasmosis

A common misconception is that pregnant women must give up their cats because of the risk of Toxoplasma gondii infection. First-time infection of women in early pregnancy can have significant effects on the fetus, potentially leading to abortion, neonatal death, or congenital effects. Similarly, infection in immunocompromised individuals (particularly AIDS patients) can cause encephalitis and other very serious complications. Children may ingest infectious oocysts from soil during play, but infection is not known to cause significant issues as long as they are immunocompetent. Although cats are the definitive hosts of this parasite, keep these points in mind:

1. Almost all cats are infected with T gondii at some point, but very few are shedding Toxoplasma oocysts at any one time. Most cats shed significant numbers of oocysts only for a couple of weeks after initial infection, typically at an early age. The likelihood of a healthy mature cat shedding T gondiioocysts is generally low.¹
2. The oocysts shed in cat feces generally become infective at least 24 hours after they are passed. Cleaning the litter box daily will greatly reduce the client’s risk of infection.
3. Depending on a woman’s location and lifestyle, she may also be exposed toT gondii from eating certain undercooked meats, or from contact with contaminated soil (see Common Toxoplasma gondii Exposure Routes). The parasite must be swallowed to cause infection—contact alone is not enough, but contamination and poor hygiene of the hands can lead to oral transmission.

The bottom line: Pregnant women can keep their cats, but should take precautions to reduce the risk of T gondii exposure, including avoiding adopting a cat younger than 1 year, having someone else clean the litter box (ideally daily), cooking meat properly (visit foodsafety.gov/index.html for information about proper temperatures), and washing hands thoroughly after working in soil or handling cat litter.

Common Toxoplasma gondii Exposure Routes2,3

Eating unwashed fruits & vegetables Eating undercooked meat from infected animals (eg, livestock, game) Using contaminated knives, cutting boards, or other utensils to handle food Drinking untreated water from a contaminated source Poor hand hygiene after working with contaminated soil (eg, in the garden) Contact with feces from a cat that is actively shedding T gondii. Read All About It Worms & Germs Blog: Promoting Safe Pet Ownership. University of Guelph & Centre for Public Health and Zoonoses; http://www.wormsandgermsblog.com Zoonotic Diseases. Center for Food Security and Public Health;http://www.cfsph.iastate.edu/Zoonoses/index.php References: 1. Parasitic diseases. Weese JS, Peregrine AS, Anderson MEC, Fulford MB. In Weese JS, Fulford MB (eds): Companion Animal Zoonoses—Ames, Iowa: Wiley-Blackwell, 2011. 2. Transmission and epidemiology of zoonotic protozoal diseases of companion animals. Esch KJ, Petersen CA. Clin Microbiol Rev 26:58-85, 2013. 3. Canine echinococcosis: Global epidemiology and genotypic diversity. Carmena D, Cardona GA. Acta Trop 128:441–460, 2013.

Worms, worms and more worms!!!

 I wanted to yet again stress the importance of monthly heartworm prevention and intestinal parasite control. It is a very simple thing to prevent, and can safeguard your pets and your human family.  Many of these parasites we treat monthly are passed from pets to people!!! I know gross!!!  They can literally spread to the eyes of humans and cause blindness.  I encourage you to ask your eye doctor about this during you next visit!

Heartworms are not passed to people but they can cause death in dogs and cats.  In cats since they are not the natural host it is often causes a sudden death, unlike dogs who often have coughing as one of the first symptoms.  Heartworms are easy to prevent in cats and dogs(ask your vet about options).  Heartworms are not treatable in cats, just preventable.  Heartworms are successfully treated in dogs but treatment is much more expensive than prevention.  Most of the heartworm preventions available today also contain a dewormer for the "pets to people" parasites as well!!

Here are a few Parasite Maps from the Companion Animal Parasite Councils website.  Very eye opening!  This is a very interactive site that covers way more than the 2 maps below.  Click on the link above and check them all out.

First one is for Cats and Roundworms:  Roundworms are parasites that live in the intestines and are passed from pets to people.  Just a little interesting fact for all the indoor cat owners out there, "15% of all potting soil contains roundworm eggs"!!

http://www.capcvet.org/parasite-prevalence-maps/

This second map is for Dogs and Heartworms.  All I have to say is 1 in every 80 dogs tested ( I stress 'tested', what about non-tested dogs...) are positive for heartworms in the state of Texas!!! WOW!

http://www.capcvet.org/parasite-prevalence-maps/

Cats and Carriers, Friends not Foes

This is a wonderful video from the Catalyst Council about training your cat to be comfortable in it's carrier.  I find that there is a lot of cats that don't get the medical attention that they need because they are hard to get into their carriers or are extremely stressed while riding in the car.  This is a 5 step process to help a new cat or an already scared cat make the carrier a positive experience.
I will add that in this video the seat belt is wrapped around the covered carrier for car transport, but it is also helpful in an uncovered carrier to run the seat belt through the upper handle of the carrier to prevent sliding.  They also don't explain why a cat carrier should be in the back seat.  An airbag can be life threatening in pets. If any of you have been hit by an airbag, you know it hurts!  This forceful impact can easily break bones in an animal, soooo always the back seat for pets!!!

Jelly Fish Stings and Ingestion by Dogs

I recently had a client ask about Jelly Fish being toxic or harmful to dogs.  This is a question I had never been asked(being that there are no jelly fish where I practice) but did some research on Jelly fish to find out any side effects from stings or eating them.  Don't ask me why a dog would eat a jelly fish but they also eat their own poop.... Go figure...

Cabbagehead

What I found from consultants at the Animal Poison Control Center was that jelly fish in North America are usually not fatally toxic, except in the very rare case of severe allergic reaction.  They can cause some very irritated mouths and muzzles in the case where the dog gets stung in the mouth or some intestinal/tummy upset in the case of the dog actually eating the jelly fish.

Moon jellyfish

My advice is to rinse the dogs mouth with fresh water and monitor closely.  If the dogs starts to vomit, acts like the mouth is starting to swell or become irritated; I would take him/her immediately into a local veterinarian for some medications/injections.

And of course if your headed off to the beach with your dog make sure you take plenty of fresh clean water for the dog to prevent it from drinking a bunch of that salty water.  Which can lead to some pretty exciting vomiting in dogs not used to drinking salt water.  Be safe and have fun!!

Your Pet and the 4th of July

I hope everyone is having a wonderful and relaxing summer.  We have been super fortunate here in Texas to not have the extremely hot weather of the last 2 years (cross your fingers it stays that way)!  I just wanted to pass along some important information about pet safety for this 4th of July.  The first author is Justine Lee.  I have been to several of her lectures, she is a very knowledgeable and entertaining speaker.  She knows everything there is to know about pet toxicity's.  The second two articles address Food safety tips and loud noise tips, both equally great articles.

Hope everyone has a fun and safe 4th of July!!!

1.  Fireworks Safety

2.  Food Safety Tips

3.  Loud Noise Tips

Dogs trying to be Friends with Cats...

Dogs are always trying to be friends with their feline housemates and sometimes the feelings are not mutual.... The video below is hilarious, take a little time to watch it and laugh!!!

Dogs Annoying Cats With Friendship

Dr. Andy Roark on Facebook

I posted awhile back about 6 pages to like on facebook.  I'm not sure how many any of you all 'liked', but my favorite so far has been Dr. Andy Roark.  He posts often and it's a combo of information and comedy.  Sometimes it's just funny pictures or videos of him and his staff and other times its a more serious post.  I just wanna say 'I love him'!  He has a way of making veterinary medicine relevant to everyone, no matter your background.  So please check him out and become a follower, here is a link Dr. Andy Roark.

Urinary Blockage is an Emergency!

I just wanted to talk about a case I saw over the weekend.  I had a male cat present for small bloody urine drops and trouble defecating(pooping), for 4 days duration.  When I hear this history I always assume the cat is actually straining to urinate, 'He can't pee'!!!  It is pretty rare for a cat to have trouble defecating.  This cat had a very low temperature, wasn't moving much and crying out at random.  I felt so bad for the big guy, so he got some pain meds and immediate testing.

When a cat, especially a male is having trouble in the litter box it is an emergency.  Emergency means take the cat now, not tomorrow or in a few hours, now.  If it turns out they can not urinate, the bladder gets bigger and bigger and can eventually burst/rupture.  The reason the cat blocks is because mucus, crystals and even tiny bladder stones can clump together to form a plug in the narrow male cat urethra.  It also causes backup into the kidney's and cause dysfunction of the kidney's.  If caught early enough these cats can be 'unblocked' and treated very successfully.  If the blockage has persisted 3 to 6 days, the toxin build up will result in death.  

It is crucial to realize that the cat is at risk for re-blocking for a good week or two from the time of discharge.  This is because the irritation syndrome that led to blocking in the first place is still continuing and as long as the episode continues, blocking is a possibility.  Most cats recover uneventfully and most do not need continuing medication after they have recovered. Some cats, especially if they have blocked before, will require on-going treatment. Once the cat is no longer obstructed, management is the same as for any other cat with feline idiopathic cystitis that is not obstructed, which may include a special diet, water fountains, etc.

This case did not end very well.  The kitty had been blocked for too many days.  His kidney values were extremely elevated.  His electrolytes were very high, which can lead to fatal heart arrhythmia's.  And that is what happened when I attempted to un-block this kitty he went into cardiac arrest and we unable to save him....  Now please don't think this is what normally happens, I have seen many cases of urinary blockage and successfully treated these guys and they went on to enjoy the rest of their nine lives.  This poor kitty had simply been blocked too long.  I hope by writing about this it will make more people aware of the dangers and to seek immediate medical attention if they notice any straining or problems with urination or defecation.  

Signs of Illness in Your Older Dog

I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!  I had a wonderful holiday season but I'm glad to be back in the normal swing of things.  So I'm going to start with signs to watch for in your older dog or these even apply to cats.  If you notice any of these symptoms I would strongly recommend a visit to your veterinarian to get things checked out.  They will most likely want to do an exam and some diagnostics (blood work, x-rays, etc).

"Typically, once pets are 7 years or older, they're considered seniors."

Cold Weather Pet Safety

Article from the AVMA website.

You’re probably already aware of the risks posed by warm weather and leaving pets in hot cars, but did you know that cold weather also poses serious threats to your pets’ health?

Here are some tips to keep your pets safe during cold weather:

Winter wellness: Has your pet had his/her preventive care exam (wellness exam) yet?  Cold weather may worsen some medical conditions such as arthritis. Your pet should be examined by a veterinarian at least once a year, and it’s as good a time as any to get him/her checked out to make sure (s)he is ready and as healthy as possible for cold weather.

Know the limits:  Just like people, pets’ cold tolerance can vary from pet to pet based on their coat, body fat stores, activity level, and health. Be aware of your pet’s tolerance for cold weather, and adjust accordingly. You will probably need to shorten your dog’s walks in very cold weather to protect you both from weather-associated health risks. Arthritic and elderly pets may have more difficulty walking on snow and ice and may be more prone to slipping and falling. Long-haired or thick-coated dogs tend to be more cold-tolerant, but are still at risk in cold weather. Short-haired pets feel the cold faster because they have less protection, and short-legged pets may become cold faster because their bellies and bodies are more likely to come into contact with snow-covered ground. Pets with diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, or hormonal imbalances (such as Cushing’s disease) may have a harder time regulating their body temperature, and may be more susceptible to problems from temperature extremes. The same goes for very young and very old pets. If you need help determining your pet’s temperature limits, consult your veterinarian.

Provide choices: Just like you, pets prefer comfortable sleeping places and may change their location based on their need for more or less warmth. Give them some safe options to allow them to vary their sleeping place to adjust to their needs.

Stay inside. Cats and dogs should be kept inside during cold weather. It’s a common belief that dogs and cats are resistant than people to cold weather because of their fur, but it’s untrue. Like people, cats and dogs are susceptible to frostbite and hypothermia and should be kept inside. Longer-haired and thick-coated dog breeds, such as huskies and other dogs bred for colder climates, are more tolerant of cold weather; but no pet should be left outside for long periods of time in below-freezing weather.

Make some noise: A warm vehicle engine can be an appealing heat source for outdoor and feral cats, but it’s deadly. Check underneath your car, bang on the hood, and honk the horn before starting the engine to encourage feline hitchhikers to abandon their roost under the hood.

Check the paws: Check your dog’s paws frequently for signs of cold-weather injury or damage, such as cracked paw pads or bleeding. During a walk, a sudden lameness may be due to an injury or may be due to ice accumulation between his/her toes. You may be able to reduce the chance of iceball accumulation by clipping the hair between your dog’s toes.

Play dress-up: If your dog has a short coat or seems bothered by the cold weather, consider a sweater or dog coat. Have several on hand, so you can use a dry sweater or coat each time your dog goes outside. Wet sweaters or coats can actually make your dog colder. Some pet owners also use booties to protect their dog’s feet; if you choose to use them, make sure they fit properly.

Wipe down: During walks, your dog’s feet, legs and belly may pick up deicers, antifreeze, or other chemicals that could be toxic. When you get back inside, wipe down (or wash) your pet’s feet, legs and belly to remove these chemicals and reduce the risk that your dog will be poisoned after (s)he licks them off of his/her feet or fur. Consider using pet-safe deicers on your property to protect your pets and the others in your neighborhood.

Collar and chip: Many pets become lost in winter because snow and ice can hide recognizable scents that might normally help your pet find his/her way back home. Make sure your pet has a well-fitting collar with up-to-date identification and contact information. A microchip is a more permanent means of identification, but it’s critical that you keep the registration up to date.

Stay home: Hot cars are a known threat to pets, but cold cars also pose significant risk to your pet’s health. You’re already familiar with how a car can rapidly cool down in cold weather; it becomes like a refrigerator, and can rapidly chill your pet. Pets that are young, old, ill, or thin are particularly susceptible to cold environments and should never be left in cold cars. Limit car travel to only that which is necessary, and don’t leave your pet unattended in the vehicle.

Prevent poisoning: Clean up any antifreeze spills quickly, as even small amounts of antifreeze can be deadly. Make sure your pets don’t have access to medication bottles, household chemicals, potentially toxic foods such as onions, xylitol (a sugar substitute) and chocolate.

Protect family: Odds are your pet will be spending more time inside during the winter, so it’s a good time to make sure your house is properly pet-proofed. Use space heaters with caution around pets, because they can burn or they can be knocked over, potentially starting a fire. Check your furnace before the cold weather sets in to make sure it’s working efficiently, and install carbon monoxide detectors to keep your entire family safe from harm. If you have a pet bird, make sure its cage is away from drafts.

Avoid ice: When walking your dog, stay away from frozen ponds, lakes and other water. You don’t know if the ice will support your dog’s weight, and if your dog breaks through the ice it could be deadly. And if this happens and you instinctively try to save your dog, both of your lives could be in jeopardy.

Provide shelter: We don’t recommend keeping any pet outside for long periods of time, but if you are unable to keep your dog inside during cold weather, provide him/her with a warm, solid shelter against wind. Make sure that they have unlimited access to fresh, non-frozen water (by changing the water frequently or using a pet-safe, heated water bowl). The floor of the shelter should be off of the ground (to minimize heat loss into the ground) and the bedding should be thick, dry and changed regularly to provide a warm, dry environment. The door to the shelter should be positioned away from prevailing winds. Space heaters and heat lamps should be avoided because of the risk of burns or fire. Heated pet mats should also be used with caution because they are still capable of causing burns.

Recognize problems: If your pet is whining, shivering, seems anxious, slows down or stops moving, seems weak, or starts looking for warm places to burrow, get them back inside quickly because they are showing signs of hypothermia. Frostbite is harder to detect, and may not be fully recognized until a few days after the damage is done. If you suspect your pet has hypothermia or frostbite, consult your veterinarian immediately.

Be prepared: Cold weather also brings the risks of severe winter weather, blizzards and power outages. Prepare a disaster/emergency kit, and include your pet in your plans. Have enough food, water and medicine (including any prescription medications as well as heartworm and flea/tick preventives) on hand to get through at least 5 days.

Feed well: Keep your pet at a healthy weight throughout the winter. Some pet owners feel that a little extra weight gives their pet some extra protection from cold, but the health risks associated with that extra weight don’t make it worth doing. Watch your pet’s body condition and keep them in the healthy range. Outdoor pets will require more calories in the winter to generate enough body heat and energy to keep them warm – talk to your veterinarian about your pet’s nutritional needs during cold weather.

Top 5 Signs Your Cat May Need to Visit the Vet

Article from Animal Planet

Sometimes it's obvious when your cat needs medical attention. If, for example, a passing vehicle or stray dog causes trauma to your cat, you wouldn't hesitate to rush her to the veterinarian. The same goes for a seizure, eye injury or severe allergic reaction.

Sometimes, however, the need for medical attention isn't as apparent -- but it may be just as important. If your cat just doesn't seem to be herself, it could signal a more serious problem. This is why being tuned in to subtle changes in your cat's body or behavior is crucial -- such knowledge could save your cat's life.

1: Losing Fur

Cats are fastidious groomers and some fur loss is normal, but if yours grooms to excess or begins to lose fur in patches, it's time to see the veterinarian. Loss of fur in circular patches that reveal scaly skin could be a symptom of ringworm, a fungal skin infection that can be passed to humans but is easily treated with antifungal cream. If your cat has been exposed to fleas, the fur loss could be an allergic reaction -- after an application of flea-preventative medication, your cat should stop scratching and the hair should grow back. Sometimes hair loss signals an internal problem, such as thyroid disease or Cushing's disease, so if you don't see an obvious external cause for your cat's hair loss, consult your veterinarian.

2: Missing the Mark

If an otherwise compliant cat refuses to use a litter box, it may be in protest to its (lack of) cleanliness. If you provide scoopable litter, remove waste as soon as possible after its occurrence. If you use another type of litter, such as clay or recycled newspaper, change it daily. Whatever the type of litter you use, wash the litter box at least once a week. Make sure you have one litter box for each cat, plus one extra, and place them in quiet, low-traffic areas.

If your cat still misses the mark, it's probably a medical issue that needs veterinary attention. Your cat could have a virus, bacterial infection or parasite that is causing him pain (which your cat may associate with the box itself and thus avoid it) or hampering his ability to get to the facilities on time. If your cat has other symptoms, such as drinking excess water or straining to urinate, contact your veterinarian immediately.

3: Skipping Meals or Snoozing 24/7

Cats sleep about 16 hours a day. But if your cat would rather sleep than eat, drink or play, it's cause for alarm. All this snoozing is a response to illness. And even if this illness is a temporary condition (like the common cold), failure to eat and drink can have disastrous effects.

4: Catching a Cold

If your cat has a runny nose, frequently sneezes or coughs or has crust-rimmed eyes, it could be a cold -- or something much more serious. Make sure your cat receives routine immunizations because they help prevent feline viruses. However, this protection isn't infallible; your cat could still contract feline herpes or feline calicivirus -- the symptoms of both mimic the common cold.

5: Upping the Decibels

If your cat isn't normally much of a talker, excessive vocalizations could signal pain or a medical problem. Get to the root of the issue by making sure all of her needs are met, especially those for food and attention. If your cat is female and unspayed, she may be going through a fertile heat cycle and calling for male companionship.

Tips to help make your house Cat Friendly

I got most of this article from Animal Planet but I have added some of my own suggestions in as well. 
Ideal-home-environment-animal planet

By nature, cats are predators and explorers, they love high places, climbing and balancing. They are self-reliant but can be social as well. We bring them in our home to give them a better life but often, we repress some of these natural instincts -- keeping them indoors full-time rather than allowing them to roam the yard, hunting for small prey; ignoring them as they lie on the living room rug, instead of engaging them in play. According to Tony Buffington, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and professor at Ohio State University, this can make for unhappy and unhealthy cats. But, with a little knowledge, you can make your indoor environment as healthy and natural for a cat as the great outdoors.

Get Creative with Food and Water
Unlike humans, cats should be encouraged to play with their food. A great way to do this is to take yogurt containers (the kind with a reusable lid) and cut out small holes. Put pellets of dry food in the covered container and let the cat play with it, rattling and batting it until he's finally able to make the food drop out.
Back in the day, cats foraged for food anywhere from five to six hours a day. A cat might have eaten 10 mice a day, so he worked hard to capture those meals. Hunting kept the cat active and his predatory instincts sharp. Portion sizes stayed small and the cat ate several times a day.
Here is the link for an old blog that has some creative food toys for cats. Fun and games with your kitty

Give Them "Me" Time
On any given day, I wish I could retreat for a bit of "me" time, be it curled up with a book, taking a little nap, or just zoning out from the stress of the day. Well, I should have been a cat. Unlike dogs who can spend most of their day playing or basking in their human's gaze, cats need to get away -- from their humans, noise and other cats and household pets. A cat refuge is anywhere the cat is comfortable or surrounded by "his" things, food or water, a litter box, toys, a scratching post or rest area. So, a household rule of thumb -- if the cat retreats, let him.
Cats like high resting places(think vertical space), like window sills, backs of couches, or store bought cat trees.


Give Them Something to Do
Pets are often like children -- if you don't give them something to do, they will find something on their own, and you may not be pleased with the outcome. Not to say you need to be with your cat 24 hours a day, but they need stimulation to keep them happy and healthy.

Toys are important. Cats like predatory games, so feathers attached to a stick, furry mice or any game where he gets to find, pounce on or retrieve items is usually a big hit. This keeps your cat active and his instincts keen. And while cats will play by themselves, it's great if you can be involved in playtime with kitty; most cats do enjoy time with their humans, and playtime is one of the most enjoyable It's a good idea to put a majority of the toys away after play so that they'll remain interesting to your cat.

Give Them Rest
This is where being a cat gets really appealing. Cats typically sleep two-thirds of the day, so even if you are providing stimulation and exciting activities, the time will come when your cat needs to slip away for some shut-eye. Let them, because there's a very good chance that your cat was up at dawn, instinctively awake and moving around during what would be hunting time for an outdoor cat. Additionally, cats tend to be very active at dusk, another typical hunting window.


Cats need multiple resting places throughout the home, so if you're someone who likes to be able to nap on the couch, your easy chair, or in your bedroom, you understand. As a cat owner, make sure that your cat has comfortable areas to sleep. Pet stores boast lovely, expensive cat beds, but often all your cat wants is the arm of the sofa, a pillow or the top of your stairs. As long as it works, let them enjoy it; often spending the money on the fancy cat bed is a waste.

7 Adorable Wet Dogs Who Are So Over Bath Time

Photographer Sophie Gamand says she's always loved dogs but didn't know they would become her main subject. "It started by accident," she tells Yahoo Shine. "I had just moved to Brooklyn from Europe and was looking to shoot something in the neighborhood, when I walked into a vet clinic and this little dog peeked around the counter. His eyes were so expressive and worried." Now, three years later, obsessed with exploring the intense bond between humans and dogs, Gamand says that "dogs provide an endless supply of stories."  Her latest series, "Wet Dog," is her most popular so far. While some projects take more than a year, she snapped these photos of dogs being washed over one very long, very wet day in September, collaborating with Bronx-based groomer Ruben Santana, and posted them on her website earlier this month. "I was giggling the whole time behind the camera," she says.
Sarah B. Weir, Yahoo Shine Senior Writer

How to Give Your Cat a Pill

I have many clients that struggle with pilling/medicating their cat.  Below is a video that shows several ways to medicate your furry feline.  Keep in mind the cat in the video is a super-star, and that it maybe a little harder at home.  But it provides good technique and ideas to make pilling easier.  One thing they don't stress, is putting the cat up on a counter or table is also helpful.  At the end they talk about compounded liquids and ointment that are rubbed in the ear.  These are great options; don't be afraid to ask your veterinarian, these options are often very affordable.