Health And Wellness

HEALTH AND WELL-BEING

• Does your cat urinate or defecate outside the litter box?

• Does your cat show signs of aggression, including hissing, biting or scratching people?

• Does your cat exhibit any fearful behaviors that concern you?

• Has there been any change in your cat's behavior or disposition?

Then it's time to see a vet!

The following is a Feline Health and Wellness guide only. Not every topic is covered. For best information and care for your cat/kitten, consult your veterinarian.

Remember, any change in a cat's behavior can be the first sign of illness or disease.

Changes in eating, grooming, elimination - when your cat stops using the litter box - or interaction - if your cat stops greeting you at the door - may be her way of telling you something is wrong.

Learn about Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy the most common heart disease in cats.

Helpful Hints:

Felines and other mammals are unable to metabolize anti-inflammatory drugs (Tylenol, ibuprofen and aspirin). They should never be given these unless specifically directed by a vet. Please check with your vet first before giving any medication.

Since cats tend to dehydrate themselves by not drinking enough water, try adding some to their wet/canned food. Many love to drink the juicy mix before they start to feast...or pick!
Elevating your cat's bowls makes eating and drinking easier

It is true for cats as well as for dogs, that a healthy animal will have a slightly cool nose. In both, the nose is a kind of external thermometer. If your cat's nose feels warm or hot, she may have a fever and that something is wrong internally. See your veterinarian.

Because inappropriate behaviors such as improper elimination and biting are the No. 1 reason cats are surrendered to animal shelters - and often euthanized - it's important that veterinarians have the opportunity to look for a physical cause.

All Kittens Are Not Equal

Not all kittens are born healthy. Some have a visible disease or problem while others do not show any signs or symptoms till it may be too late. For this reason, it is very important to have your new kitten or cat checked by a licensed veterinarian after you acquire her.

Taking a Cat's Pulse

It is fairly easy to take your cat's pulse. The best pulse can be found at the femoral artery. It is inside the thigh. The normal cat heart rate is anywhere from 120 to 240 beats per minute while at rest.

Grooming

Both long- and short-haired cats need to be groomed regularly.

For long-haired cats brushing will prevent mats that could eventually tear their skin. All cats benefit from being groomed because it removes excess hair that otherwise causes hairballs.

Some cats groom themselves excessively. Sometimes these cats are bored, perhaps because they receive little human or feline interaction. These cats suck obsessively at their fur, some even going so far as to mutilate themselves. Often too, the cause can be allergies. On the other hand, a sick cat may groom less frequently or stop grooming altogether. Consult your veterinarian with any concerns you may have.

Socialization

Kittens are part of a litter. Many think that the longer a kitten stays with her littermates, the more tolerant she will be of other cats. There are, of course, exceptions. Arrange for the kitten to meet plenty of people; this will socialize your cat and it will probably not hide when an adult.

Playtime

Playtime with your cat is important to the bond that you share with her. Some special time for petting and affection, along with time to play with special string toys or toy mice, will keep your special feline friend happy and healthy. Exercise is very important to maintaining a healthy weight.

Both male and female kittens can happily chase after a rolling object, however, males seem to engage more in "object play" than females do.

Food

The food that you feed your cat can affect her health as well. Read the labels on her food just like you should be doing with your own food.

If fillers like corn or wheat are close to the top of the ingredient list, your cat is not getting the nutrition she requires.

Cats need high-protein diets, so make sure that meat, poultry and fish are the first ingredients. Consider an all-natural or organic diet for your cat.

Specialty pet food stores and health food stores offer many varieties of these high-quality foods.

Vomiting

If a cat is vomiting then you will notice her body contracting. If she is regurgitating, there won't be any contracting, and the food will come up effortlessly.

Greens

To meet your cat's need for greenery, grow her a box of oats or wheat grass of her very own. This may prevent her from chewing on houseplants which isn't very good for the plants and it is a healthy alternative to eating grass outdoors which may be treated with pesticide or infested with parasite eggs.

(Please keep your cats indoors and away from harm - An indoor cat is a happy cat!)

see also Catnip

Mice

Many cats love to catch mice. It is NOT a good idea not to let them eat them because of disease. The same goes for birds. This behavior is considered a sport to cats.

Kittens learn to kill and eat prey by practicing on live victims provided by their mother. Their habit of seemingly playing with their prey before administering the kill is related to the high level of arousal brought about by the thrill of the hunt. Because cats are attracted by motion, prey that tries to escape may motivate a cat to continue stalking and pouncing until it tires of the game or becomes stimulated enough to deliver the killer bite. When the prey is finally dead, the cat may be so excited it continues playing with its food.. But not all cats carry through the hunting behavior to its logical conclusion. Hunting and killing are learned abilities. A kitten who doesn't learn these skills from his mother will have no idea how to kill a mouse or bird. Instead, attracted by the sound and movement, she play with the animal as she would with a toy. Cats who do learn hunting skills may need the stimulation of stalking and pouncing to trigger the killer instinct. Prey that is inactive may not elicit the fatal bite.

Even if your pet is not a mom-trained mouser, when you see your kitten or cat pouncing on a ball or chasing her tail, you are seeing prey chasing and catching behaviors in action.

Please keep your cat indoors for its own safety and longevity and provide a catnip mouse for enjoyment.

Love

Most of all, make sure your cat knows you love her and have patience with her. She still needs a lot of love and attention, even though she may seem to be the easiest pet you've ever owned.

Handling

From kittenhood, accustom your cat to being handled. Look into its ears (clean, white and light pink), eyes (clear, no runniness, inner eyelids may blink but should remain open), nose (clean and pink, or its normal color) and mouth (clean, light pink gums) regularly. Hold it still and look at its anus; pick up its paws and look at the pads and claws. This will have the added benefit that you will notice any changes from normal quickly and be able to call up your vet if something is wrong.

Behavior Problems

If you cat is having behavior problems, keep your expectations reasonable and talk with your vet or a cat behaviorist to start a program to solve those problems.

Almost all behavior problems can be solved if you are patient and seek the right assistance. Early intervention is best, even at kittenhood.

Cat As Alarm Clock

Despite the fact that cats are such experienced sleepers, they are as good as alarm clocks and sometimes worse. If you don't want your waking you up every day at four am to feed him, never respond to his pleas, not even once.

Cats learn very quickly and once they realize they can get you out of bed by yowling or meowing, you're history. Teach your cat to let sleeping people lie!

Litter

Cats Who Miss The Litter Box vs. Cats Who Spray

Cats who miss their litter boxes and go on flat surfaces do this for many reasons, or combinations of reasons, including boxes not being scooped often enough, the possibility of a urinary tract infection, the location of litter boxes, the size of the boxes, the litter itself, or additional cat(s) in the home who are intimidating.

Spraying is more a territorial response. Spraying occurs most often, although not exclusively, among unaltered males. If he is truly spraying, he’s hitting vertical surfaces, such as the walls or sides of furniture.

See your veterinarian for either scenario.

To Clump or not to Clump

Clumping clay litter, which forms a hard ball when it gets wet, can be harmful or fatal to kittens, especially long-haired kittens.

Several brands use this
clay to make their litter easier to scoop.

What makes it clump? It's a
natural clay ingredient called sodium bentonite. When this clay gets
wet it expands and forms a hard mass. So when your cat or kitten digs
in the litter box it's stirring up clay dust and breathing it in. Once
it gets into their lungs, it expands from the moisture, and in time
builds up, causing all sorts of lung problems.

Once the clay litter is inside the cat or
kitten and expands, it not only could cause dehydration by absorbing
all the body's moisture, it could also form a hard mass in the
intestines over a period of time, which could be fatal.

Please ask your vet about this potential hazard.

Trips to Vet Must Be Done Regularly - Choosing a Veterinarian

Choosing a vet is a very personal and important decision

Choose a vet who you are comfortable with and who will answer your questions.
Check out the office:

Do animals seem just frightened or are they also out of control?
Is it bedlam, or reasonable for the number of different animals there?
Do you have local recommendations from friends?
Does the vet specialize in small animals as opposed to, say, livestock?

The best way to find a vet is word of mouth (from someone who takes good care of their pets, of course).

Ask your trusted former vet if she/he knows someone good in the new town. Often you'll get an excellent referral that way.

If there's a local humane society or shelter, see if there are vets who volunteer their time there. Many vets who care about animals are often trustees and/or volunteer their services.

Check with any local breed associations: see who their members go to.

Look for memberships in associations like the American Animal Hospital Association (which has a fairly stiff inspection), Feline Practitioners Association, American Assoc. of Vet Cardiology, Animal Behavior Association, etc. These are usually people who have kept up with new developments.

24 hour Emergency Care
A good vet will either be associated with a 24 emergency care plan or be able to give you the number of a good place in your area. Keep this number on your refrigerator and check with your vet when you visit that it's still up-to-date.

Fecal Samples
If your vet asks you for a fecal sample, put a small, fingernail-sized sample into a plastic bag, or ask your vet for a supply of fecal samplers. The vet cannot always get a fecal sample from the cat, and this saves you extra trips to return the sample and then bring the cat in if the tests are positive. If you are afraid your cat will not cooperate and give you a fresh sample before you need to go in, within 18-12 hours a sample can be placed in the refrigerator. Samples over 18 hours hold, however, will probably not be of use.

Cat Reactions
Cats largely dislike being taken to the vet. They hate riding in the car most of all, and the smell of fear and other animals in the office often distresses them further. Get a pet carrier. A plain cardboard one will do for infrequent trips; get a stronger fiberglass one for more travel or destructive cats. If you plan on having your pet travel with you via airlines, you will need a soft-sided carrier to bring your pet aboard the aircraft with you. Carriers keep your cat under control at the vet's and prevent accidents in the car en route.

Vet bills
You should be prepared to handle routine costs from year to year incurred by yearly physical exams, occasional fecal samples (and worming medication), plus yearly vaccinations. However, accidents and major illnesses can happen. Sometimes, pet health care insurance is one way people use to control these costs. Other times you might try vet schools which may give you reduced rates for their students to have the opportunity to work with your cat, especially if the problem is rare or uncommon.
You might be able to negotiate a monthly payment toward a large bill, or a slightly reduced one in exchange for a bit of labor or other work (for example, one accountant prepared his vet's taxes in exchange for reducing the cost of surgery that his dog had had).

The humane society may know of lower-cost clinics or vets who are prepared to cut prices for people who are not particularly well off. It can't hurt to call around and ask.

Some Popular suggestions to reduce your cat's anxiety during vet visits:

Make sure to drive your cat around (WITHOUT going to the vet) to get it used to the car.

Find a "cats only" vet.

Find a vet who will make house calls.

Find a vet who manages the lobby efficiently to reduce waiting time.

Keep your cat away from dogs in the waiting room.

Keep your cat in a pillowcase rather than a carrier or box.

Feliway is also great, as it helps to calm your cat in stressful situations.

Why Regular Checkups

To start, most pet owners need to lose the notion that vaccines are equivalent to disease prevention and that obtaining vaccines will be all that is necessary in providing good health care to their pets. Vaccines are certainly important in preventing disease and have done their job well. I rarely see the diseases that pets are routinely vaccinated against, which means the incidence of these once-common diseases have decreased greatly.

Yet vaccination in itself is not without risk. There can be reactions, some serious and life threatening. In addition, some vaccines have been implicated in an increased risk of skin tumors called fibrosarcomas. In this respect, more is not better. Pets should be vaccinated based on their individual risk of being exposed to a certain disease. Pets should not receive vaccines that they may not need. Not surprisingly, immunity to vaccines has been shown to last longer than one year and that yearly vaccination may not be necessary for some diseases. Really, the focus on prevention of disease should be more so a factor of the type of animal, the age and the most common ailments that are likely to affect the individual pet, and not be just a series of vaccinations.

Many vets recommend examinations once or twice yearly because pets age at an accelerated rate. For each of their years, it is equivalent to about seven years for us.

Dental care is very difficult to promote and extremely important to the health of the pet. The health of the teeth and gums is one of the most neglected aspects of animal care. Diseases of the teeth and gums can deteriorate the immune system due to chronic inflammation and infection. Bacteria from the mouth can invade the blood and infect the liver and kidneys, and also lodge on the valves of the heart causing serious heart disease.

Diet recommendations are also an essential part of keeping a pet healthy.

Addressing behavior issues of a pet is another important aspect of health care.

Please note: Felines and other mammals are unable to metabolize an anti-inflammatory drug. They should never be given these unless specifically directed by a vet (Tylenol, ibuprofen and aspirin)...Please check with your vet first before giving any medication.

Vaccinations

This topic has recently become controversial. Get all the facts and guidance from your veterinarian before making a decision.

De-Clawing

This is an emotional and hot topic among cat owners. We take no stand regarding this issue except to say that is should be done as a last resort and to the front only.

Kittens

Kittens which are born to friendly mothers will generally grow up to be friendly cats themselves but it is not always possible to meet the mother cat. Kittens are naturally curious, playful and trusting and unless frightened or tormented will grow up to be loving companions but it is best to avoid kittens which are shy or frightened. Children should be taught to handle the kitten gently and to allow it to rest when tired. Kittens require a series of vaccinations for protection against cat diseases. The first vaccinations are usually given at about 7 weeks old. If your kitten has not been vaccinated prior to purchase you should arrange with your local veterinarian to start the vaccinations series as soon as possible. The kitten should be kept inside until the vaccinations are completed.

Kittens need a different diet than adult cats and, having small stomachs and big appetites, need up to four or five meals per day. They should be fed nutritionally complete commercial kitten food which is available in both canned and dry forms. They should have access to fresh, clean water at all times. Food and water bowls should be shallow and clean. Cow's milk causes diarrhea in many kittens. Low lactose pets' milk is available. Kittens should be wormed with a kitten worming product, available from your veterinarian, pharmacy or pet shop, every two weeks from the age of three weeks.

Cats have a natural instinct to cover their waste so providing a litter tray in a quiet, easily accessible part of the house and showing the kitten its location is about all that is usually required to litter train your kitten. Most kittens will have been taught by their mother to scratch and cover their waste but placing the kitten in clean litter and scratching the litter will usually get the kitten copying you. For the first day take the kitten to the tray immediately it wakes up or after a feed. It will soon catch on. Cats do not like to eat in their bathroom so avoid placing food and water bowls close to the litter tray as this can be one of the common causes of cats not using a tray. Make sure the litter box is kept clean but do not clean it with disinfectants as cats dislike the strong smell of most cleaning products - hot soapy water is sufficient.

If the kitten has an 'accident' it will be likely to return to the previously soiled areas so you will need to remove the odor. Never use cleansers containing ammonia as this will attract the kitten to the spot. Enzyme products are available from pet stores and supermarkets which not only clean but also will help remove the odor. Scratching carpets and upright surfaces is a natural behavior for cats as they do this to remove the outer sheath of their claws. To prevent damage to furniture provide a sisal or carpet covered scratching pole. Praise and reward the cat when it uses the scratching post

PET HOLIDAY SAFETY

During the holiday season, celebrations and decorations can translate to
pet safety hazards and it's not uncommon to see accidents related to foreign
body ingestion, bone fractures and electric shock occur. This year VPI wants
to ensure that holiday festivities aren't spoiled for families and pets by an
emergency trip to the veterinarian. Dr. Peter Weinstein, VPI's medical
director, reveals hidden holiday dangers and provides invaluable tips on
holiday safety for pets:

COLD WEATHER DANGERS

     * Cats may seek warmth under the hood of a car. To avoid a surprise in
        cold weather, always check for sleeping cats.

     * Bringing outdoor animals inside creates its own risks due to drier air
        and lower humidity in the winter months. Brush pets more frequently
        and contact a veterinarian about introducing dietary supplements or
        prescribing a moisturizer.

    SAFE PROOFING A HOLIDAY HOME

     * Trees provide a great temptation for cats to climb and dogs to chew
        on, so holiday trees should be well secured to prevent accidents.
        Also, pets should not drink tree water, which may cause
        gastrointestinal upset.

     * Holiday ornaments should be hung out of pets' reach. Ingestion of
        ornaments or broken glass (not to mention ribbons and bows) can lead
        to serious medical emergencies. Pets, especially cats, can be tempted
        to eat tinsel, which can block the intestines.

     * Animals are attracted to bright, moving lights so candles should be
        kept on high shelves. Candles as well as fireplaces should be
        constantly supervised since embers, sparks and wax can injure pets.

     * Other holiday products that can harm pets include snow globes (many of
        which contain harmful antifreeze) and artificial snow, which can cause
        reactions if inhaled.

     * Holiday plants including ivy, holly, mistletoe, hibiscus, poinsettia,
        lilies and Christmas greens all have various levels of toxicity.
        Position these high off the ground to avoid dangerous ingestion
        mishaps.

    HOLIDAY TREATS

     * No table scraps for pets! Fatty meats, gravies and poultry skin can
        cause pancreatitis, gastritis, enteritis, colitis and other
        gastrointestinal problems. Bones put pets at risk for bowel
        obstruction or perforation and choking.

     * No chocolate for four-legged friends. It contains theobromine, which
        is highly toxic to dogs and cats when eaten in even small quantities.

     * Pets should celebrate with home-cooked dog and cat treats. Recipes
        are available on the Internet.

    PETS AND PARTIES

     * An influx of holiday guests may frighten or agitate animals, making
        them more prone to barking or even biting.

     * Find a quiet room away from the crowd that pets can have to
        themselves.

     * Pets can easily slip out through an open door as guests come and go --
        keep a steady eye on pets and be sure they are wearing current
        identification tags.

source: VPI Pet Insurance

BODY LANGUAGE

Just like humans, cats use body movements and facial expressions to let you and other cats know what's on his mind.

When your cat is relaxed and contented, he turns his ears forward, closes his eyes halfway and purrs.

When your cat is alert, his eyes open completely and his whiskers stand out.

When your cat is afraid, he draws his ears back and folds them down.

When your cat is feeling aggressive, he has flattened ears, taut facial muscles, bared teeth and dilated pupils. He also brings his whiskers forward.

When your cat feels threatened, he stares. In fact, when you look at your cat, it's a good idea to blink your eyes occasionally to let him know it is a friendly look.

When your cat feels threatened, he arches his back and puffs up his fur. This makes him appear larger to other cats.

If your cat trusts you, he may roll over and show you his belly. This is a very friendly sign. Don't try to rub his belly, though. He may not like that and may claw your hand.

The Tail End

Moving his tail is another way your cat "talks" to you.

Tail held erect for the full length – friendly greeting to another cat or human

Tail curves gently down, then up at the tip – cat relaxed and at peace with the world

Tail raised slightly and softly curved – cat becoming interested in something

Tail lowered and possibly tucked between the hind legs – sign of defeat or total submissiveness

Tail swishing from side to side – angry cat about to attack

Tail held still but with tip twitching – mild irritation

CAT TALK

Your cat may also use his voice to communicate. Cats make over 100 different vocal sounds, from meows to gurgles to purrs. The more you talk to your cat, the more he will talk back to you. Soon you will recognize his sounds and know what he wants.

Generally, the more rapid, intense and loud your cat's sounds are, the more panicked, scared and anxious your cat may be. And the slower and less intense the sounds, the more confident or potentially assertive your cat is.

Following Their Noses

You’ve probably noticed your cat nuzzling up to you. He takes his face and rubs it against your hand or your face or even your foot. He may also nuzzle up to other things like chairs or his scratching post. It feels like a hug, doesn't it. What your cat is doing is leaving his scent through a special substance called a pheromone (fer'-a-mon). This substance is secreted from glands found on your cat's cheek (he also has these glands on underside of the paws and under his tail).

Smells are one of the most important ways your cat learns about his environment and other cats in it. If your cat lived outside, he would use urine in addition to his pheromones to mark his territory. He would back up to some object, lift his tail and spray it with urine. This would leave a very strong odor that other cats would smell and know it was marked territory.

When your cat deposits his scent around the house, it makes him feel comfortable. The house seems familiar to him. If you have more than one cat, you will notice them butting heads and rubbing their cheeks on each other. Only cats comfortable with each other will engage in mutual rubbing.

I Love You

Does your cat say I love you? I'll bet she does. When she wants to let you know she loves you she might nuzzle your face and touch your nose with hers. Or she might bring you a "present" that she has killed. Or she might just try to be with you wherever you are in the house. Your cat may do something else to say I love you. No matter what it is, you will understand and know the joy of loving and being loved by a cat.

PURRING

Researchers have discovered that purring originates in the brain.

Purring is one of the most special elements of a cat, as far as humans are concerned. Caressing a purring pet has proven relaxing, and can lowers blood pressure, too. A purring cat or kitten is sure to bring a smile to the face of any person, and cats have made a real difference in the lives of those in nursing homes and other institutional settings, just by being cats.

But careful observers of the cat know that purring isn't just a sound of contentment. Cats also purr if they're injured, while giving birth, even when dying. Some researchers have observed that purring is "a sign of friendship" - either when the cat is contented with a friend or when it is in need of friendship, as with a cat in trouble.

Some liken a purr to the human smile. You smile when you're happy, to be sure, but you can also smile when you're nervous, or even when faced with a threat. In some situations, it's kind of a "Hi, I'm a nice person, don't hurt me" sign. And the same is true with purring.

Kittens start purring even before they open their eyes, rumbling while nursing in what must be a reassuring sound to their mother, who is likely purring herself.

Although the experts are clear on why cats purr, they're not yet certain as to how. There are many explanations sited for this behavior.

see also Feline Facts for more information

How Old is your cat?

Since there is some disagreement by many experts, this is a just a guide

1	15	11	60
2	24	12	64
3	28	13	68
4	32	14	72
5	36	15	76
6	40	16	80
7	44	17	84
8	48	18	88
9	52	19	92
10	56	20	96

When It Is Time

Most vets will tell you that older cats don't linger for years the way older dogs do. There are exceptions, of course, but generally when a cat's health starts to slide, she won't be around much longer. This is especially true of outside cats who seem to be able to sense that they are about to die and wander off to a secluded place to die with dignity.

Reporting Animal Cruelty and Abuse

cruelty link

The stories you may have heard about animal cruelty are heart-breaking-neighborhood kids setting a dog on fire, organized cock fighting, a roadside zoo at which animals are beaten into submission and kept in horrible conditions. There are instances of neglect, too, in which an owner is not providing proper shelter, food or veterinary care for a companion animal.

Many people who witness cruelty, neglect or animal abuse are not aware that legal action may be taken; some may be frightened to register a formal complaint for fear that the abuser will find out. But if it weren't for concerned citizens, humane organizations and police departments wouldn't know about many instances of animal cruelty. You can make a difference.

If you witness, or hear about, animal cruelty, abuse or neglect taking place, you can help stop the suffering by reporting it to your local SPCA, humane society or law enforcement agency. Acts of animal cruelty can also be reported to The ASPCA's legal department so that local officials can be advised about how to prosecute the case; District Attorneys, too, need to understand the seriousness of animal abuse. Without more vigorous prosecution, abusers may continue to feel impervious to the law. Our Legal Department also intervenes in animal cruelty cases throughout the country as a friend of the court in order to advocate for the punishment of abusers to the fullest extent permitted by law. The department can be reached at (212) 876-7700 X4451 or by e-mail at legal@aspca.org.

Talk to local teachers, veterinarians, and the clergy-the more who are aware of the animal abuse plaguing our society, the less chance for abusers to hide. It is becoming increasingly clear that people who abuse animals are also linked to domestic violence, spousal and child abuse. And make sure schools in your town include humane education in their lesson plans; children who learn to love and respect animals will grow up to be compassionate adults.

You can also help those who are working to stop animal cruelty by supporting your local animal rescue organization or shelter-you can donate money and supplies, or, better yet, your time. Volunteer at a local humane society, foster a shelter animal or adopt a companion animal. Promoting and practicing responsible pet ownership is another way to stop many abuses from starting.

Hi-Rise Syndrome

There is something called Hi-Rise Syndrome and even though it mostly occurs in the Spring and Summer, I just thought I'd mention it.

Any high fall or drop can cause hurt and pain and even worse

Here is some information given out by the ASPCA which I thought was very good:

"Why would pet owners allow their cats to tread on precarious fire escapes or balance on windowsills? The ASPCA says popular myths including the belief that cats can take care of themselves or that they have "nine lives" seems to have given pet owners the false idea that cats can save themselves from dangerous predicaments. The truth is that cats are as vulnerable to injury as other companion animals and pet owners need to understand how they can prevent their felines from plunging to possible death.

ASPCA Hi-Rise Facts About Cats and High-Rise Safety:

Cats have excellent survival instincts and they don't deliberately "jump" from high places that would be dangerous. Most cats fall accidentally from high-rise windows, terraces, or fire escapes.
Cats can slip through childproof window guards. To fully protect your cat, you should have screens installed in your windows.
Cats have an incredible ability to focus their attention on whatever interests them. A bird or other animal attraction can be distracting enough to cause them to lose their balance and fall.
Because cats seem to have little fear of heights and enjoy perching in high places, pet owners assume they can take care of themselves. Although they can cling to the bark of trees with their claws, other surfaces are much more difficult such as window ledges, concrete or brick surfaces.
When cats fall from high places they don't land squarely on their feet. Instead, they land with their feet slightly splayed apart which can cause severe head and pelvis injuries.
It is a misconception that cats won't be injured if they fall from one or two story buildings. They may actually be at greater risk for injury when falling shorter distances than by falling from mid-range or higher altitudes. Shorter distances do not give them enough time to adjust their body posture to fall correctly.
Remember that when cats fall from high-rise buildings they may end up on sidewalks or streets that are dangerous and unfamiliar to them. Never assume that the animal has not survived the fall; immediately rush the animal to the nearest animal hospital or to your veterinarian.
There is a 90% survival rate for cats that are high-rise victims if they receive immediate and appropriate medical attention.
Cat owners should also make sure they keep their cats indoors to protect them from additional dangers such as cars, other animals, disease or getting lost. People that want to give their cats outdoor stimulation can look into full screen enclosures for backyards and terraces."

RABIES Q & A

From the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Rabies is an infectious viral disease that affects the nervous system of humans and other mammals. People get rabies from the bite of an animal with rabies. Any wild mammal, like a raccoon, skunk, fox, coyote, or bat, can have rabies and transmit it to people. It is also possible, but quite rare, that people may get rabies if infectious material from a rabid animal, such as saliva, gets directly into their eyes, nose, mouth, or a wound.

Because rabies is a fatal disease, the goal of public health is, first, to prevent human exposure to rabies by education and, second, to prevent the disease by anti-rabies treatment if exposure occurs.

Tens of thousands of people are successfully treated each year after being bitten by an animal that may have rabies. A few people die of rabies each year in the United States, usually because they do not recognize the risk of rabies from the bite of a wild animal and do not seek medical advice.

Most of the recent human rabies cases in the United States have been caused by the rabies virus from bats.

Why should I learn about bats and rabies?

Most of the recent human rabies cases in the United States have been caused by rabies virus from bats. Awareness of the facts about bats and rabies can help people protect themselves, their families, and their pets. This information may also help clear up misunderstandings about bats.

When people think about bats, they often imagine things that are not true. Bats are not blind. They are neither rodents nor birds. They will not suck your blood -- and most do not have rabies. Bats play key roles in ecosystems around the globe, from rain forests to deserts, especially by eating insects, including agricultural pests. The best protection we can offer these unique mammals is to learn more about their habits and recognize the value of living safely with them.

How can I tell if a bat has rabies?

Rabies can be confirmed only in a laboratory. However, any bat that is active by day, is found in a place where bats are not usually seen (for example, in a room in your home or on the lawn), or is unable to fly, is far more likely than others to be rabid. Such bats are often the most easily approached. Therefore, it is best never to handle any bat.

What should I do if I come in contact with a bat?

If you are bitten by a bat -- or if infectious material (such as saliva) from a bat gets into your eyes, nose, mouth, or a wound -- wash the affected area thoroughly and get medical advice immediately. Whenever possible, the bat should be captured and sent to a laboratory for rabies testing.

People usually know when they have been bitten by a bat. However, because bats have small teeth which may leave marks that are not easily seen, there are situations in which you should seek medical advice even in the absence of an obvious bite wound. For example, if you awaken and find a bat in your room, see a bat in the room of an unattended child, or see a bat near a mentally impaired or intoxicated person, seek medical advice and have the bat tested.

People cannot get rabies just from seeing a bat in an attic, in a cave, or at a distance. In addition, people cannot get rabies from having contact with bat guano (feces), blood, or urine, or from touching a bat on its fur (even though bats should never be handled).

How can rabies be prevented?

Teach children never to handle unfamiliar animals, wild or domestic, even if they appear friendly. "Love your own, leave other animals alone" is a good principle for children to learn. Wash any wound from an animal thoroughly with soap and water and seek medical attention immediately.

Have all dead, sick, or easily captured bats tested for rabies if exposure to people or pets occurs.

Prevent bats from entering living quarters or occupied spaces in homes, churches, schools, and other similar areas where they might contact people and pets.

Be a responsible pet owner by keeping vaccinations current for all dogs, cats, and ferrets, keeping your cats and ferrets inside and your dogs under direct supervision, calling animal control to remove stray animals from your neighborhood, and consider having your pets spayed or neutered.

RINGWORM

When you hear the term "ringworm," do you imagine microscopic worms dancing in a circle under the skin, creating the characteristic ring of redness and irritation? If so, you are not alone in this vision.

The name of this disease is often confusing since ringworm is not caused by worms and, in pets, often doesn't show up as a circular skin lesion. Ringworm can be a persistent skin infection, costly to treat, difficult to clear from your pet's living quarters and contagious to other pets and humans.

• What is ringworm?

Ringworm, or dermatophytosis, is a fungal infection of the hair and skin. Many animals, including dogs and cats, can become infected with one of three different species of fungi when they are exposed to contaminated soil or when the fungus is spread from pet to pet, rodent to pet, pet to human, human to pet or from infected bedding and grooming items.

• What are the signs that my pet may have ringworm?

Early signs of ringworm include dry, flaky skin, broken or brittle hair, bald patches of skin where the hair seems to readily fall out and redness to the skin. The infection may or may not be itchy. Young pets, those going through a debilitating disease or those with immune system deficiencies or taking drugs that suppress the immune system are the most susceptible to this disease.

The vagueness of these symptoms makes dermatophytosis one of the most misdiagnosed skin diseases in pets. I can still remember the dermatologist at veterinary school saying, "If it looks like ringworm, it probably ain't." To make things even worse, many cats are what is termed "asymptomatic carriers" of the fungus, suggesting that these normal-appearing cats could be carrying the fungus and spreading it to other pets or us.

• If you can't tell by looking at it, how is this disease diagnosed?

Ringworm usually cannot be diagnosed by just looking at the skin and saying "Yep, it's ringworm." Some form of testing is required. One easy method of diagnosing ringworm takes advantage of the fact that 40 percent of one of the species of fungi will glow under UV light.

Using a Wood's lamp, your pet's doctor may see the fluorescence of the organism in the hair shaft. However, since this test may only be effective in a few cases, another test, a fungal culture or DTM, is often necessary. Using a special medium designed to grow fungi, the DTM is the gold standard for making a definitive diagnosis of ringworm. This test is painless and involves placing a few hairs or scales and crust on the test medium. The only drawback is that it may take up to 21 days for the fungus to grow enough to determine if it is a fungus that can cause ringworm.

• How can I treat it?

Treatment in pets is generally more involved and includes clipping of the hair, systemic therapy and environmental control of fungal contamination. Topical therapy, such as creams, lotions or sprays, are palliative at best and ineffective on their own. Many veterinary shampoos have anti-fungal properties and can be helpful if used two times a week. Lime sulfur dips, used once a week for eight weeks, can also be effective; however, the strong "rotten egg" odor limits its use to veterinary hospitals. The primary mode of treatment is the use of an anti-fungal product, such as itraconazole.

A ringworm vaccine is available but many dermatologists say that the vaccine may only reduce the size of the lesion and reduce the recurrence but does not cure the disease.

Treatment of the environment involves vacuuming carpets and furniture, washing or disposing of all of the pet's bedding and disposing of brushes, combs, or any grooming tool.

Author: Dr. Dennis Selig is a veterinarian at Northwood Hills Animal Hospital in Gulfport, Miss. He can be contacted at South Mississippi Veterinary Medical Association, 20005 Pineville Road, Long Beach, MS 39560.

FIP

Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) kills cats of all species, from house pets to cheetahs. It mostly affects young (under age 1) or very old domestic cats and experts estimate that up to 90 percent of pet cats are exposed to coronavirus during their lives.

Most commonly, cats catch coronavirus from contact with the infected stool from another cat. They may not get sick at all, or suffer only short-term diarrhea, then develop immunity, and recover. Immunity doesn't last very long, though, and cats continuously infect and re-infect each other particularly in multiple cat environments. For that reason, cats from shelters, catteries, feral colonies and the like are at highest risk.

According to FIP researcher Dr. Diane Addie, a senior lecturer in Veterinary Virology at the University of Glasgow, Scotland, about 10 percent of kittens and cats infected with coronavirus ultimately come down with FIP. Cats almost never get FIP from another FIP-infected cat. Instead, the harmless form of a coronavirus - the "good twin" - mutates into the "evil twin," the FIP form. While it sounds like bad science fiction, each FIP virus is unique to individual cats.

FIP virus targets and makes its home inside macrophages - specialized cells of the immune system. Once FIP virus passes through the intestinal wall into the bloodstream, these infected white blood cells turn into virus factories and carry their lethal cargo everywhere. That results in the cat's body attacking its own infected cells and tissues. A variety of symptoms develop, depending on which organ(s) become infected.

The effusive or "wet" form of FIP causes leakage of fluid into the abdomen so affected cats look like they have a beer belly. The "dry" form of the disease offers no specific outward sign. In either form of the disease, owners report the cats just don't "act right."

Not all cats develop every symptom but some of the more common ones include a fever that comes and goes; swollen belly and/or trouble breathing (wet FIP); loss of appetite; weight loss; eye problems (color changes, cloudiness, or spots); depression or loss of energy; seizures or balance problems. FIP has been called the purring disease, because these kitties seem to crave more attention and purr more, perhaps to help themselves feel better.

Micro Chipping and Tattooing

You can also have your cat micro chipped or tattooed. With micro chipping, a small number-assigned chip about the size of a grain of rice is implanted between the shoulder blades of the pet. Animal shelters and veterinary offices have scanners to detect these chips. However, not all use the same type of scan so you may be out of luck!

Remember, an indoor cat is a happy and healthy cat!