Cats Only BlogCats Only BlogA blog for cats and the people who love them. Articles
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. ... More About: Admin , Minister , Medication , Teri , Erin
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... More About: Cats , Great , Center , Enter
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... More About: Train , TRAI
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... More About: Springtime , Spray , Pray , To Do
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... More About: Should , That , Stra , Stray , Adopt
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,... More About: Profile , Reed , Breed
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... More About: Play , Melamine , Death , Acid , Mine
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... More About: Pet Food , Call
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... More About: Virus , Know , Should
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... More About: Travel , El Che
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... More About: Call , Perfect , Step , Eight
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 ... More About: Esse , Depressed
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... More About: Cats , Esse , Come , Depressed
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. More About: Scratching , Scratch
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... More About: First , Visi , Visit , Teri , Kitten
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 ... More About: Time , Play , Kittens , Develop
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... More About: Sati , Tough , Tongue , Tong
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... More About: Cats , Play
Hairballs
2007-04-29 16:21:00 What is the condition of hairballs? Hairball s result from accumulations of hair in the digestive tract. Cats are fastidious cleaners, spending a great deal of time grooming their hair. When a cat grooms, its rough tongue pulls loose, dead hair from the coat. This hair is then swallowed and can accumulate in the cat?s stomach and becomes a source of irritation. Some hair may be passed from the cat?s body in the feces or could be coughed up in the form of a hairball. What are the signs of hairballs? Some typical signs of hairballs in cats are: gagging dry coughing from deep inside (strange noises made through the nose and throat, almost like a muted cough) occasional vomiting eating small quantities of food at a time weight loss, or even a complete loss of appetite constipation regurgitation of undigested food right after it is eaten Adding high fiber levels (soluble & insoluble) to the diet helps to facilitate the transition of hair through the gastrointestinal tract. T... More About: Ball
Day-to-Day Care for Older Cats
2007-04-29 16:13:00 The way you care for your cat as he or she matures can help control some of the health problems associated with advancing years. Here are some tips to keep in mind in caring for your older cat. Make any changes in your cat's environment gradually. Your cat has habits and hangouts, and sudden changes can cause undue stress. Keep your cat comfortable. Your cat's bed should be in a dry, draft-free area. Since an older cat is more sensitive to temperatures, don't leave him or her outside for long periods of time in cold weather. Dry your cat thoroughly after exposure to rain or snow. In hot and humid weather, use air conditioning to help keep your cat cool. Provide regular grooming. Grooming helps remove dead hair and helps prevent hairballs that may cause vomiting or fecal impaction. Grooming also gives you a chance to inspect your cat for parasites, skin disorders and unusual lumps or lesions that call for a visit to your veterinarian. Encourage moderate exercise. Though older... More About: Cats , Care , Day Care
Kittens At Play ? A Time To Develop Their Potential
2007-04-28 14:47:00 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 ... More About: Time , Play , Kittens , Develop
Socialization Period
2007-04-28 14:47:00 The socialization period for a kitten lasts from week 3 through week 9 of development. The following timeline describes the development of an average kitten during this period. Week 3 Kittens start to stand and walk on wobbly legs. The sense of smell becomes fully developed. Kittens start to clumsily play with each other, follow Mom around, learn about the litterbox, and can now retract their claws. They start self-grooming and begin exploring their world. By the end of the 3rd week, they?ve developed visual depth perception, although sight continues to improve through week 16. Kittens handled a few minutes daily by people during their first month of life have an improved learning ability. Week 4 By now the kitten?s hearing is fully developed. The weight has doubled again. Kittens fully understand the concept of the litterbox. The needle-sharp canine teeth appear next to the incisors, and premolars grow behind the canines. The righting mechanism that allows cats to land on their fee... More About: Peri , Period
Introducing Your New Cat
2007-04-28 14:46:00 A cat's usual reaction to unwelcome changes in its living situation is to distance itself from the newcomer. Your existing cat will usually exhibit one of two kinds of behavior with the newcomer — he will hide out, even if it is for a few days refusing to acknowledge the newcomer's presence, or he may act aggressively towards the newcomer in an attempt to persuade it to retreat. It would be advisable not to try and force a relationship on either cat at the onset of an introduction.You should allow the cats to adapt at their own speed and keep in mind that cats are extremely territorial and become strongly attached to their familiar living area. Some cats will take days to adapt and others may take weeks, and in some cases months. The newcomer needs to be given an area where he can retreat if he becomes threatened or frightened, leaving him in a spare room with the door closed for the first few days so the resident cat can adjust to the scent of the newcomer is usually a good ide... More About: Intro
Traveling By Car With Your Cat
2007-04-27 14:12:00 If you are traveling by car, a carrier is a must. It should be strong, well-ventilated and one the cat cannot escape from. Before traveling, place the carrier where the cat can become acquainted with it. Placing a favorite toy or blanket in the carrier may help accustom the cat to the carrier. Take the cat for several rides around town in the carrier before attempting a longer trip. While you are driving, always keep the cat confined in the carrier. This ensures safe, comfortable driving for you and your cat. Place a soft mat or cushion on the carrier floor. During hot weather never put the carrier on the sunny side of the car where it will become overheated. One of the greatest dangers to a cat is leaving it in a closed car, even for a few minutes during hot weather. Cars heat quickly and leaving windows open a few inches does not always provide sufficient circulating air to keep you cat cool and comfortable. Insufficient air can lead to heat stress, suffocation and death. If it... More About: Traveling , With You
Nutrition For Your Cat
2007-04-27 14:11:00 Cats are strict meat-eaters, or carnivores, which require relatively higher amounts of dietary protein and fat than do omnivores such as dogs and humans. However, carnivores still have complex nutritional needs, and cats must be fed a diet specifically formulated and balanced to meet those needs. While the nutritional content of different brands may vary, cat foods formulated to meet the Association of American Feed Control Officials' (AAFCO) nutrient profile should contain adequate amounts of the following components. ProteinsUnlike dogs, which convert primarily carbohydrates and fat for energy, cats meet most of their energy needs through protein. Cats therefore require significantly more protein in their diets than do dogs. Kitten in turn, require even more protein than do adult cats. The building blocks of proteins are called amino acids, about twenty of which are required by all animals. Although some can be synthesized by the body, as long as there is adequate dietary nitrog... More About: Nutrition
A Cat's Teeth
2007-04-27 14:03:00 During its lifetime, a cat has two sets of teeth, a deciduous set and a permanent set. Kittens have 26 deciduous teeth (molars are absent); adult cats have a total of 30 teeth. Deciduous or ?milk teeth? begin to appear when the kitten is about four weeks of age. At six weeks of age, all 26 deciduous teeth are present. From 11 to 30 weeks of age, kittens lose their deciduous teeth. During this time they may eat less because of sore gums. When the deciduous teeth fall out, they are replaced by 30 permanent teeth. The permanent teeth should be in place by about six months of age. A cat?s teeth are well-suited to rip and cut. Twelve tiny teeth in the front of the mouth (incisors): six in the upper jaw, six in the lower jaw do some scraping. They are flanked by two upper and lower canines, sometimes described as ?fangs," designed to hold prey and to tear flesh. Ten sharp premolars and four molars act together to cut food. A cat occasionally retains a deciduous tooth after the permane... More About: Teeth
What to Do With Recalled Pet Food
2007-04-26 21:45:00 Do NOT feed the recalled pet food to your animals. Return the pet food to the store where you purchased it and ask for a refund. If you cannot return the pet food immediately, store it in a secure place where pets and children cannot get to it. Signs to Look For in Your Pet Pet owners should be alert to signs of kidney illness, such as: loss of appetite weakness or lack of energy vomiting If your pet shows any of these signs, call your veterinarian. How to Report a Reaction to a Pet Food Call the FDA consumer complaint coordinator for your geographic area. To find your coordinator, visit: www.fda.gov/opacom/backgrounders/complain .html. Try to have the following information available before calling: Brand name, lot numbers, and UPC code for the pet food fed to your dog or cat when it was ill. A lot number is typically stamped on the bag/pouch or on the can lid. Lot numbers usually consist of a series of letters and numbers. If your pet received treatment by a veterinarian, hi... More About: Pet Food , Calle , Recalled
FDA's Ongoing Pet Food Investigation
More articles from this author:2007-04-26 21:44:00 Pet food manufacturers have voluntarily recalled more than 100 brands of dog and cat food across the nation since March 16, 2007. The recall was prompted by reported cases of cats and dogs in the United States that developed kidney failure after eating the affected products. If you're a pet owner wondering what to feed your pets, keep in mind the following: Although many different types of pet food are affected by the recall, the recalled products represent only about one percent of the total pet food available for purchase, according to the Pet Food Institute, the trade association for pet food manufacturers. "There remains an ample supply of safe cat and dog food available at stores throughout the United States," says Stephen F. Sundlof, D.V.M., Ph.D., Director of the Food and Drug Administration's Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM). "We encourage the public to continue to use pet food that is not subject to the recall." FDA, through CVM, regulates the manufacture and distribu... More About: Pet Food , Vest , Investigation , Invest 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 |



