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Arthritis
2007-05-17 16:04:00
What is the condition of arthritis? Arthritis is inflammation of the joint. It is a progressive disease that once started, doesn't stop. It is seen most often in older cats, but can develop at any age. Cats do not seem to develop arthritis as commonly as dogs or humans. The most common forms of arthritis in cats are: Traumatic Arthritis (sprain) - Caused by sudden injury to a joint, such as impact with a moving vehicle, involvement in a cat fight, or due to an awkward fall or landing. Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) - This condition that we associate in people also affects cats. It's a chronic disease of aging that occurs after wear and tear on a joint that slowly destroys the thin layer of protective cartilage protecting the joint surface, particularly of the elbow and shoulder. How can you determine if your cat has developed arthritis? Feline arthritis often isn't detected until the cat begins to show obvious signs, such as stiff, swollen, or painful joints. Stiffn...

Cat's Nap, but Do They Dream?
2007-05-17 16:01:00
If you?re a pet owner, you?ve probably already guessed that the answer to this is YES! But are they really dreaming ? and if so, what in the world do they dream about? Many scientists say there is evidence to support the notion that dogs, cats, and in fact, every mammal that?s been studied, does experience dreams. There are two main types of sleep: rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and slow wave sleep (SWS). SWS and REM sleep in pets are very similar to that of humans. During this time, the brain processes information learned during the day. Think of it as sorting new information into different mental file folders. At some point during these two kinds of sleep, dreams take over ? in humans as well as in pets. Thus, the twitching, tail wagging, yipping, and pawing your dog does in his sleep, or the tail whipping, chattering, yowling and swatting from your napping cat is likely a reliving of whatever experiences he?s had while awake. Of course, human dreams also get a lot of their mater...
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Your Indoor Cat CAN Get Fleas!
2007-05-17 15:59:00
Fleas can find their way into your home even if your cat never goes outside. If you keep windows open on the ground level, fleas can still jump onto your cat. Many cats enjoy sitting at the window to catch the gentle breeze and watch the birds, unaware that those determined little fleas are planning an attack. For indoor cats, fleas can also be a problem if another family pet is allowed outdoors. It's very common for the family dog to carry the fleas into the house, where the fleas discover the added bonus of another four-footed meal -- the indoor cat. If you have an indoor/outdoor cat, he is truly at risk for flea and tick infestation. Ask your veterinarian about the most appropriate flea-prevention product for your kitty and start using it early in the season. Just because you don't see fleas on your cat doesn't mean they aren't there. Cats are such fastidious groomers that they often ingest the fleas. If you part your cat's hair and take a good look, you may see o...
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Senate hearing examines safety, recall of pet food
2007-05-16 14:50:00
Testimony focuses on measures to prevent contaminationand limit exposure. The recent recall of cat and dog food has raised broad concerns about food safety, oversight of pet food, and manufacturing practices. At an April 12 Senate hearing, veterinarians and other witnesses offered their perspectives on the issues. The experts said no one could have foreseen that melamine, which has uses as a fertilizer in Asia and in the production of plastics, might contaminate the wheat gluten that is an ingredient in certain pet foods?or that melamine or an accompanying agent might contribute to kidney failure in cats and dogs. In hindsight, though, some legislators believe regulations and response still could have been better. "There are a lot of questions to ask, and we need answers," said Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois, who called for the hearing. "That's why we're here today?to learn who's inspecting pet food manufacturing plants, what goes into that food, and whether we need to update our f...
More About: Safety , Food , Pet Food , Recall

Royal Canin USA expands recall
2007-05-16 14:47:00
Royal Cani n USA has announced the nationwide recall of eight Sensible Choice dry dog food products and seven Kasco dry dog and cat food products. This announcement is based on the identification of trace amounts of a melamine derivative in a tainted Chinese ingredient labelled as rice protein concentrate, which was provided to the company by domestic ingredient supplier Cereal Byproducts, headquartered in Illinois. For more information see the FDA press release at http://www.fda.gov/oc/po/firmrecalls/roya lcanin05_07.html.
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Somali Cat
2007-05-15 16:22:00
Color: The CFA recognizes the Soma li in four colors; ruddy, red, blue and fawn.Coat: Despite its medium-length coat, it does not tolerate the cold.National Breed Club: Somali Cat Club of America Inc.; www.ladybear.com/Somalis class=bold>Personality: Light and quick on its paws, the Somali is swift as a fox and every bit as intelligent.

Eight Sensible Choice Dry Dog Food Products, Seven Kasco Dry Dog And Cat Fo
2007-05-15 16:19:00
Contact:Erik Mueller 636-926-1089 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- St. Charles, Missouri -- May 11, 2007 -- Royal Canin USA is announcing today the voluntary nationwide recall of eight Sens ible Choi ce dry dog food products and seven Kasco dry dog and cat food products. This announcement is based on the company's ongoing extensive review of its manufacturing and quality assurance testing procedures, which identified trace amounts of a melamine derivative from tainted Chinese rice protein concentrate provided to the company by domestic ingredient supplier Cereal Byproducts, headquartered in Illinois. "We deeply regret the concern and anxiety this announcement today will cause our loyal customers and the entire pet community," Olivier Amice, President and CEO of Royal Canin USA, said. "While a very limited number of Sensible Choice and Kasco products in this recall tested positive for trace levels of a melamine derivative, Royal Canin USA is voluntarily withdrawing these products out of an ab...
More About: Products , Food

Activate Your Cat!
2007-05-12 15:26:00
Your cat needs activity to stimulate her mind and body. An indoor cat left home alone all day, with no one to play with and nothing to do, may become either sluggish or destructive. If you can provide some interesting, active playtime with your cat each day, you'll have a happy, energized cat. Bonus ? you'll probably notice that your affection for one another increases dramatically! So set aside 15 minutes a day for pure cat time. Here?s a whole week?s worth of fun activities as ideas for your play session. Make up your own, too. 1. Paper Bag Playground: Lay paper bags on the floor, with the openings facing each other. As your cat enters one bag, scratch your finger on the outside bottom of the bag. Once he?s scuffling inside that bag, scratch the bottom another bag. This should cause kitty to fly out of one bag and dive into the other. 2. Trapped Prey: Get a small lightweight ball, like a ping-pong ball or foil ball and a cardboard box, laundry basket or plastic storage tub. Let...
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Facts and Fallacies Concerning Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease
2007-05-12 15:25:00
Of great concern to cat owners is the problem of feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) in cats. Misinformation about urinary tract disease persists. Identifying what is fact and what is fallacy should provide cat owners a deeper understanding of FLUTD. A recent study indicates that five percent of cats presented to veterinary clinics were diagnosed with FLUTD.FALLACY: Feline Urologic Syndrome (FUS) describes lower urinary tract disease. FACT: This term is too limiting. Too often it becomes associated with a specific disease. The affected cat could be suffering from one of several urinary diseases that have common symptoms. Factors associated with lower urinary tract disease include stress, obesity, viral and bacterial infections, anatomic abnormalities, genetics or differences among breeds (Persians have a higher incidence and Siamese a lower incidence). Other forms of FLUTD involve the formation of struvite crystals or stones which can cause obstruction of the urinary tract. T...
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Bone Structure
2007-05-11 14:28:00
 cat?s bone structure is among its unique characteristics. Although man is more than 15 times the size of a cat, a cat has more bones in its body, about 244 compared with 206 in man. Many of the cat?s bones are in its tail, which is an indicator of a cat?s mood. A cat carrying its tail high is usually displaying pride and contentment. An extended tail generally tells you the cat is stalking. A tail being thrust from side to side may warn you that the cat is angry. A cat?s hind legs are longer and stronger than the front legs, enabling him to jump with skill. Observe a cat and you will notice it calculates distance before jumping. Another observation will show you that the cat walks or runs by moving the front and back legs on one side, and then the front and back legs on the other side. The camel and the giraffe are the only other animals that move in this way. Other four-legged animals move the left front leg at the same time as the right hind leg, and their right front leg...
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Administering Medication
2007-05-11 14:27:00
There will be times when you will need to give your cat medicine whether they like it or not. Some cats will be more agreeable than others, but the following tips should help: Giving Pills First, try deceiving your cat by hiding the pill in some baby food. If that doesn't work, try kneeling on the floor and putting the cat between your knees. Make sure your cat's front legs are tucked in between your knees so it can't claw you. Put the palm of your hand on top of its head, and thumb and index finger on either side of its mouth; your cat's mouth will fall open as you tilt the head back. If it doesn't, gently push down on the cat's lower front teeth with your middle finger of your other hand. Drop the pill in your cat's mouth as far back as you can. Keep its head tilted back until the pill is swallowed. Giving Liquids To administer liquid medication to your cat, use the same procedure as for pills using a needleless syringe that you can obtain from your vet or a pet store. ...
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Some great playcenters for cats
2007-05-11 14:13:00
Town Palm Tree Climber Our Meow TownT Palm Tree Climber is calling all cats for a fabulous Spring Break! Four tiers of feline fun await the adventurous, along with two sisal-covered scratching posts, a dangling tropical fish toy and three caves to explore. Perfect for multiple-cat households. The Palm Tree Climber measures 31 1/2"L x 23 1/2"W x 65"H. Meow Town Beach House Hideaway Active cats need a safe place to climb and play, and our Beach House Hideaway provides everything kitty needs to have fun. Combines three climbing posts, five perches, a private beach house hideaway, a hammock for lazy lounging, and a fun mouse toy. Fully covered in soft plush for a feel cats will love. Some assembly required. Includes assembly instructions. The Beach House Hideaway measures 39"L x 15 1/2"W x 39 1/2"H. Meow Town Kitty Treehouse Hideaway Active cats need a safe place to climb and play, and this Kitty Treehouse Hideaway provides everything kitty needs to have fun. Combines two "tree" climbin...
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Can you train a cat?
2007-05-11 14:11:00
If you share your life with a cat, chances are good you?ve heard humorous comments regarding a cat?s ability to be trained. We?ve all heard the stale jokes about how a dog has a master and a cat has a staff. Well guess what? Cats can be trained. Cats are extremely intelligent and learn quickly. The problem is that we often teach them the wrong things and send mixed messages. When I work with clients, I often see three mistakes. The first is that many owners assume cats are low-maintenance, and as a result they don?t put enough effort into providing what their cats need beyond the basics. The second mistake I see involves people who view their cats as little dogs. They try to train them accordingly, and expect dog-like responses. And finally, a big mistake that I?ll bet you?ve seen yourself is the owner who is absolutely sure that the cat?s misbehavior is due to disobedience, spite, anger, or retaliation. These common errors will sabotage your attempt at tr...
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What to Do About Springtime Spraying
2007-05-10 14:36:00
Ahh, there's a gentle breeze in the air, the flowers are blooming, and, YIKES, your indoor cat has suddenly started spraying near the windows! What?s that all about? Well, it's springtime. For many of us, spring is a time when we can enjoy a little fresh air by opening the windows. Unfortunately, this can create a few problems for some cats. This is the time of year when male cats go in search of females for mating. Depending upon where you live, that can mean more cats roaming through your property. It could be a female cat in heat or an intact male following her scent. The sight of more cats in the yard can create stress for your indoor kitty. She may sit by the window, hissing and growling, or she may even spray against the wall where the window is located (by the way, both male and female cats can spray.) Even if your kitty doesn't resort to spraying, the sight of an unfamiliar outdoor cat could trigger some redirected aggression. This occurs when she can't access the prima...
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Fish on U.S. Fish Farms Fed Melamine-Contaminated Feed; FDA Discovers Conta
2007-05-10 14:17:00
FOR MORE INFORMATION Tom McPheronPhone: 847-285-6781e-mail: tmcpheron@avma.orgSCHAUMBURG, Ill. ? The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has determined that the contaminated wheat gluten and rice protein concentrate imported from China?associated with the deaths of at least 16 dogs and cats and the recall of hundreds of dog and cat food brands?was mislabeled and was really wheat flour contaminated with melamine and melamine-related products. David Acheson, M.D., assistant commissioner for food protection, Office of the Commissioner at the FDA, said that investigators believe that melamine, which is high in nitrogen, was added to the wheat flour. As a result, protein level test results on the flour were consistent with those of wheat gluten. This discovery does not change recent pet food recalls or livestock restrictions, but rather just expands the understanding of the ongoing pet food and livestock feed contamination and investigation. The FDA also announced today that a portion of...
More About: Fish , Melamine , Feed , Mine , Over

Should You Adopt That Stray?
2007-05-08 16:17:00
While stray cats can make wonderful pets, not all strays adjust well to the domestic lifestyle. Before you start befriending that homeless feline meowing at your doorstep, it?s important to weigh the pluses and minuses. Here are five questions you should ask yourself, to help you decide whether or not a stray cat would make a good addition to your household: Is the cat really lacking an owner? Before you let yourself get attached to the cat, try to ascertain whether or not it belongs to someone. Look for an identification tag on the collar. If the cat isn?t wearing a collar, it may still be identified with a microchip under its skin. You can take the cat to a veterinarian and have it scanned to find out whether there?s a microchip. Talk to others in your neighborhood to see if they might know to whom the cat belongs. Call your local police department or animal shelter to see if someone has reported a lost cat. Does the cat have health problems? If you have other pets, isolate the ca...
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Breed Profile: Abyssinian
2007-05-08 16:15:00
Although the Abyss inian is one of the oldest known breeds, there continues to be speculation and controversy concerning its history. In appearance, Abyssinians resemble the paintings and sculptures of ancient Egyptian cats which portray an elegant feline with a muscular body, beautiful arched neck, large ears and almond shaped eyes. Abys today still retain the jungle look of felis lybica, the African wildcat ancestor of all domestic cats. The source of the name is not because Ethiopia, formerly Abyssinia, is thought to be the original home of these cats, but because the first "Abyssinians" exhibited in shows in England were reported to have been imported from that country. The first mention is in the Harper's Weekly (January 27, 1872 issue) where the 3rd prize in the December, 1871 Crystal Palace show was taken by the Abyssinian Cat ("captured in the late Abyssinian War"). This article is accompanied by an illustration of the Abyssinian Cat. In the British book, by Gordon Stables,...
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Melamine and Cyanuric Acid Interaction May Play Part in Illness and Death f
2007-05-07 13:58:00
FOR MORE INFORMATION Tom McPheronPhone: 847-285-6781e-mail: tmcpheron@avma.orgSCHAUMBURG, Ill. ? Tests conducted on contaminated pet food and necropsies from affected animals have resulted in a new theory to explain how animals are being adversely affected by contaminated pet foods. A chemical reaction between melamine and cyanuric acid is suspected of forming crystals and blocking kidney function. The investigation into contaminated pet food has focused on melamine contamination of ingredients imported from China, such as wheat gluten, rice protein concentrate and corn gluten (imported into South Africa). It is now believed that cyanuric acid, as well as melamine, has been found in urine samples from animals that died. Analysis of the crystals in the kidneys of affected animals have revealed that they are approximately 70 percent cyanuric acid and 30 percent melamine, and are extremely insoluble. Furthermore, tests mixing melamine and cyanuric acid in samples of cat urine resulted...
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Menu Foods Expands Its Pet Food Recalls
2007-05-07 13:57:00
FDA Reports 2.7 Million Chickens Fed Contaminated Feed Already in Food SystemFOR MORE INFORMATION Tom McPheronPhone: 847-285-6781e-mail: tmcpheron@avma.orgSCHAUMBURG, Ill. ? Menu Foods added 220 products to its existing recall list on May 2. The expanded list now includes additional "cuts and gravy" style pet foods and select other products that do not necessarily include contaminated wheat gluten but have been affected by cross-contamination. The products on the expanded list of recalled foods were manufactured in Menu Foods' plants during the same period that contaminated wheat gluten was used at those plants, and they are being recalled now due to the possibility of cross-contamination. Menu Foods has received both a report from a customer and study results that indicate cross-contamination. Menu Foods has previously recalled wet cat and dog food produced with adulterated wheat gluten supplied by ChemNutra Inc. For more information, see the Menu Foods Web site at http://www.men...
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What you should know about West Nile virus
2007-05-07 13:50:00
Q:  What is West Nile virus? A:  West Nile virus is an arbovirus (short for arthropod-borne virus) that causes encephalitis (inflammation of the brain). Arboviruses are transmitted by blood-feeding insects such as mosquitoes. Most infections with West Nile virus have been identified in wild birds, horses and humans, but the virus can also infect various other wild and domestic animals.Q:  Where did West Nile virus come from? A:  West Nile virus was first identified in the West Nile district of Uganda in 1937, and has since been found in other parts of Africa, Eastern Europe, West Asia, the Middle East, and the United States. The strain of virus found in the United States most closely resembles that found in the Mediterranean and Middle East. The virus has been reported in nearly all states. Q:  How is West Nile virus transmitted? A:   Mosquitoes draw the virus from infected birds and transmit it to other animals, including humans, through bites. We...
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Travel Checklist
2007-05-04 16:09:00
Whether you are planning a family vacation or a quick holiday visit to the in-laws, traveling with your cat may be in the cards. Here are some tips to help make the trip enjoyable for your cat as well as for you: Although you will certainly miss her, consider leaving your cat behind with a caretaker. Cats tend to be most content in their own homes with familiar litter boxes, food bowls and napping spots. A trusted house-sitter can be hired to clean the litter boxes, refill food and water bowls daily, and attend to any special needs your pet may have. Whether traveling by car or by air, a cat carrier is an essential accessory for your pet. Now is the time to acclimate her; if forced at the last minute into a carrier, many cats will react with acute anxiety and distress. Leave it on the floor, open, and make it inviting with some soft bedding and a few surprise treats. Ask your veterinarian what paperwork might be required for interstate travel. A rabies certificate (or a copy) is i...
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Eight Steps to the Practically Perfect Kitten
2007-05-03 15:44:00
1. Interact with kittens as soon as possible. Studies show that a litter of kittens born in a location inaccessible to humans will, as early as two to three weeks, hiss at humans. A litter of kittens from the same mother, if handled daily, will not react fearfully. Some research suggests that handling kittens each day during the first month of their lives may improve their learning ability.Kitten s tend to react more readily to humans when the mother cat is present. The belief is that she does not send alarming signals to her kittens and her presence reassures them.The February 1993 Animal Health Newsletter published by the Cornell University School of Veterinary Medicine reports a study indicating that handling kittens very early in life accelerates their development. Siamese kittens handled 20 minutes a each day during their first 30 days of life opened their eyes earlier and emerged from their nesting box earlier than littermates not handled that way. 2. Recognize the importance o...
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How To Help A Depressed Cat
2007-05-03 15:40:00
Cats become depressed for many of the same reasons people do. Often it?s because of a major life change, such as the pet owners divorcing, the death of a family member or pet, the kids going off to college, or the addition of a new family member into the household ? anything that significantly disrupts the cat?s ability to predict and control its life.Pam Johnson Bennett, a feline behaviorist in Nashville, Tennessee, says the fact that kitty doesn?t have the ?inside story? can exacerbate the problem. For example, if the pet owners are separating or divorcing, the cat will not understand why the husband and wife are arguing with each other, or why certain people have suddenly disappeared from the house. That can make the cat feel unsettled or depressed. ?During a crisis such as a death in the family or divorce, the cat may approach its owner, expecting that person to act like he or she usually does. But the owner may be crying or act very withdrawn and not pay much attention to the ...
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Can Cats Become Depressed?
2007-05-03 15:39:00
It?s not unusual for a person to get ?the blahs? every now and then. We might have a bad day at the office, a disagreement with a family member or perhaps the weather has been too gloomy for too long. We may mope around the house, sleep more than normal, stare at the television or get out a half-gallon of double chocolate fudge ice cream and go at it with a spoon. Those are some typical things we humans might do when we?re depressed. But what about your pet cat ? is it possible that it can occasionally feel down-in-the-dumps? Do cats even have the emotional capacity to get depressed? If so, how do they behave when they?re feeling down? John Wright, Ph.D., a certified animal behaviorist and psychology professor at Mercer University, says depression in cats is a real phenomenon. ?It?s not terribly different from what we see in people,? he says. ?A depressed cat may stop eating or go on an eating binge, show less interest in activities such as playing and exploring, or it may just li...
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Scratching
2007-05-02 15:31:00
Scratching is a biological necessity for your cat. So you can't really punish her for clawing the furniture, unless you have provided her with an alternative like a scratching post. If your cat has already scratched something, cover it with plastic and she will likely turn to the post instead. When you catch your cat scratching furniture, try squirting her with a water pistol or squirt bottle and use a firm "no." When she scratches her scratching post, reward her with praise. For additional information see Claw Care.
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Your Kitten's First Veterinary Visit
2007-05-02 15:30:00
After selecting a veterinarian, one of the first things you will need to do is take your kitten for his initial checkup and vaccinations (if he is old enough). No matter where your kitten came from ? breeder, pet shop, friend, or humane society ? you should take him to the veterinarian as soon as possible. Give your veterinarian as much information about your kitten as possible, including birth date and any vaccinations he may have had. Newborn kittens receive antibodies when they nurse from their mothers. Initial vaccination series begin sometime after the kitten reaches six weeks of age, and additional vaccinations will be needed later. Your veterinarian is the best judge of when the kitten should receive his various shots and will set up an immunization schedule. During this first visit, the veterinarian will check your kitten over carefully and report on his general health. It is recommended that you take a stool sample so your kitten can be tested for internal parasites. Rememb...
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Kittens At Play ? A Time To Develop Their Potential
2007-05-02 15:28:00
The fun begins when kittens are about three weeks of age and begin to play. Other than taking time out to eat, kittens spend most of their waking hours playing.Kitten -play is more than fun to watch. It is a learning time for kittens as they learn eye and paw coordination. It is also a time when a kitten learns and practices activities needed for survival fighting, hunting and territorial defense. Although household cats no longer need to perfect these activities, the genetic program remains. Establishing Behavior PatternsA kitten?s behavior patterns are formed at a very early age. The influence of its mother and littermates and its interaction with humans help determine what these patterns will be. In establishing behavior patterns, avoid playing with hands when interacting with a kitten. A moving hand becomes a play object and the kitten can inadvertently inflict damage as it matures. Encouraging kittens to play with toys stimulates their sense of play. This interaction helps them ...
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The Whiskers
2007-05-01 14:59:00
A cat?s keen sense of touch manifests itself in many areas including its long sensory whiskers (technically called vibrissae). They are coarse and more than twice as thick as a cat?s outer haircoat. They grow from special follicles that are embedded in the tissue of the cat?s upper lip to a depth three times that of other hairs and are supplied with a mass of nerve endings. The slightest whisker movement stimulates these nerve endings and provides information about the cat?s immediate surroundings. Whiskers serve as wind detectors, which, combined with the cat?s sense of smell, contribute to its swift perception of the source of any odor. This can be observed as an inquisitive cat twitches its whiskers as it sniffs while investigating. Whiskers also help protect the cat?s eyes. A springing twig or a sharp blade of grass will touch the whiskers before catching the eye and trigger a protective eye blink. Whiskers fall out periodically to be replaced by new ones. The loss of whiskers...

A Cat's Tongue – Rough, Tough And Versatile
2007-05-01 14:58:00
A feeling of rough sandpaper as you are licked by your cat is a reminder that its long, muscular tongue serves many functions, including grooming. A Grooming Tool and MoreA cat?s ability to groom itself is the result of numerous knobs called papillae on the surface of a cat?s tongue. Located at the tongue?s center, the papillae form backward-facing hooks containing large amounts of keratin, the same material found in human fingernails. These hooks provide the abrasiveness a cat needs for self-grooming. The strength of these hooks also helps a cat hold food or struggle with prey. Your Help is NeededAlthough the abrasiveness of a cat?s tongue helps it to clean itself and untangle its hair, your help is needed through regular grooming. As you groom your cat, you are removing loose and dead hair. Otherwise a cat may ingest this hair and hair balls can form, which can cause vomiting and may cause impaction in the gastrointestinal tract. Longhaired cats need daily grooming; shorthaired...
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Cats and Play
2007-05-01 14:54:00
It is difficult to think about cats, so graceful and lithe, without also thinking about their playfulness. The sight of a small kitten leaping and pouncing sideways onto a ball, her eyes round and surprised, makes us laugh. A quiet reverie of book reading is disturbed by a feline pet batting a paper clip across the room. Feline play behavior is adorable and endearing - and of course, as cat owners can attest, quite frustrating at times. As common as it is, the reasons for play behavior are not entirely understood. As with most mammalian species, play is seen most frequently in the young. Among other things, it is believed to serve as ?practice? for social and predatory behaviors that will be critical later in life. Researchers have found that kittens begin to play at approximately four weeks, spending most of their time playing with each other at this young age. Wrestling with other kittens helps shape the skills needed to establish social systems with other mature cats later. By t...
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