© 2010 - Site Design by JBraden Questions/Inquires?

 Why should I spay or neuter my cat?

To prevent unwanted pregnancies. Female and male cats are neutered at around six months of age, but the surgery can be done even sooner to guard against unexpected pregnancies. Another benefit in both sexes is that the operation reduces aggressive behavior, and the calling of both sexes when they are in heat. Also, castration in males reduces the cat's desire to spray urine indoors and outdoors. Although females can be spayed when they're pregnant, the associated surgery risks go up, so its best to do it before you and she gets to that point. back to top

 What are some common cat diseases and conditions?

Feline leukemia virus is a common contagious disease among cats and its spread via the saliva of an infected cat. Cats can be carries of the virus and spread it without exhibiting symptoms themselves. Signs to watch for include lack of appetite, constipation/diarrhea or occasional vomiting or frequent bouts of gingivitis or upper-respiratory ailments. Feline distemper is a widespread virus among cats that is one of the species leading killers. Primary symptoms include severe vomiting and diarrhea. Rabies is another communicable virus that can be fatal. Its usually contracted from a bite wound. Symptoms including drooling, and a change in behavior: your cat may become aggressive or friendlier. Feline urologic syndrome (FUS) accounts for 10% of all cat hospital admissions. Symptoms associated with the disease are bloody urine, frequent urination, blockage of the urinary tract, and straining to urinate. Your cat may also become depressed or refuse to eat, or start to eliminate in inappropriate places if the disease is not diagnosed. If your cat is exhibiting any of the above symptoms, it should be evaluated by a veterinarian. The disease can be managed, may recur frequently, but if left untreated, can lead to serious health problems or death. Talk to you vet about vaccines and tests for these and other related conditions. back to top

 How can I prevent hairballs?

You can't really prevent hairballs, but there are things you can do to curtail the frequency. Groom your cat on a regular basis, and use a commercial hairball prevention product available at pet stores or through your vet (such as laxatone). back to top

 How will I know if my cat has worms or other internal parasites?

Internal parasites can live inside your cat and multiply so watch out for the warning signs of various bugs. Roundworms: loss of appetite, or a spaghetti-length worm found in fecal matter or in a pets vomit. Other indicators include soft stools, mucus in the stool, vomiting or diarrhea. Tapeworms: very common in cats, can be contracted from a flea. Worms appear as rice-like segments on the pets anus, in its fecal matter, or around areas where the animal spends a lot of time. A vet can examine your pet's stool to verify the presence of the parasite, and the doctor can provide treatment. Ask your vet about other internal parasites. back to top

 How can I introduce a new cat to my older cat?

How long this process takes will depend upon the ages and personalities of the two cats. In some cases, the cats may have just a readily controlled tiff or two before they accept the inevitable. In other cases, it may take some time. If it looks like things are going to be problematic, take a gradual approach and pamper the resident cat so that its reassured of its importance in the house hierarchy. If necessary, put the new cat in a cage and introduce it to your cat in that manner until it appears that your cat is comfortable with its presence. Then you can try for a SUPERVISED face-to-face meeting, and take it from there.
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 What are some of the first signs of pregnancy in my cat?

The first possible signs may appear around your queens nipples. These may include change of color or possible hair loss around the nipples. These changes occur around the third or fourth week of pregnancy. The fetuses will also begin to take shape in the uterus, as round lumps, which can be felt. The queen doesn't begin to show a bigger belly until the sixth or seventh week of pregnancy back to top

 Should I get a cat?

Before you get your cat, be sure you can give him/her the home he needs and deserves. Here's a checklist of important questions you need to answer. Can you?:

1.Can you afford the cats weekly food bill?
2.Can you be at home at least part of the day every day?
3.Can you afford to spay/neuter your cat?
4.Can you afford your cats vaccinations and booster shots every year?
5.Can you afford to board your cat when away on holidays?
6.Can you afford vet bills if your cat becomes ill?
7.Can you give your time and affection for the rest of its life?

Being the owner of a cat means responsibility, whether you help at home in taking care of the cat or whether you are the sole owner. Although cats are independent, they rely on their owners as much as any other animal does. So the questions you have just read are important. If you can honestly answer yes to all the above questions contact your local animal shelter. back to top

 Can I give my cat milk?

Most people associate cats with milk. The fact is that the digestive system of most cats and particularly kittens is upset by cows milk. Vets recommend that you don't feed cows milk to your cat because it will cause diarrhea. If your cat is particularly fond of milk, a small amount, watered down is no harm. You can also try giving your cat goats milk, which is better for them. Always remember that milk is a food, not a drink. back to top

Can I have a cat if I live in an apartment?

While some cats live quite happily in apartments and prefer to stay indoors, other cats like to roam about outside. If your cat cannot gain access to the outside world you will have to be prepared to cater for all its needs. It will need more attention in a number of ways. For example you will have to spend more time with your cat, or it will get too lonely. And you will have to buy essentials such as a litter box, a scratching post, and cat toys. If you can't provide these things for your cat, and you live in an apartment, then you may want to reconsider bringing a cat into your home back to top

 What are soft paws?

Invented by a vet and designed to keep cat and dog nails from destroying your home Soft paws are plastic nail caps that are simply glued over the nail. A great alternative to declawing! Check with your local vet for more information. back to top

 How do I stop my cat from eating my household plants?

Anyone who has a plant eater knows how frustrating a habit this is to break. We suggest that you try a squirt or two of diluted lemon juice. In a water spritzer that has only had water, put in half lemon juice and half water. Spray your plants thoroughly. The lemon juice will not hurt your plant or your pet and has a sour taste. If it does not deter your plant eater, try making a stronger solution with more lemon juice. See the emergency section for a list of plans that can be toxic to your pet. back to top

 Does my cat require teeth cleaning?

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

 I have noticed a strange skin flap that is covering the inside corner of my cats eyes?

This is called the third eyelid and is used as a protective lid and to produce moisture for the eyes. However, it is not normal for the third eyelid to be always showing or covering the eye. This can be sign of illness such as an upper respiratory infection or a foreign body in the eye. If you notice the third eyelid suddenly showing, please contact your veterinarian for thorough examination back to top

 I have an older cat are there special things that I should be aware of?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pools are dangers to older cats. back to top

 Can I give my cat a bath?

Cats don't like water; that is a well known fact. However, any cat can be trained to tolerate a bath. Use this method once a day, everyday, and at the end of the month, you should be able to give your kitty a full bath without too much trouble.

First water must be warm, because a cats normal body temperature is higher then humans. A warm bath for a human is a normal temperature for cats. If the cat shivers, the water is too cold; if he pants, the water is too hot.

Second, choose a location that has a flat surface, so the cat will feel secure that he can stand easily. Add a towel or rubber mat to the bath surface so the cat won't slip, creating more panic.

Third, start with just enough water to cover his feet. For the first week, just dunk his feet into the water an immediately pull him out and dry his feet. Then give him plenty of treats and special attention. Gradually increase the depth of the water, and the amount of time you dunk him. Always give him treats and special attention after the bath.

Finally, use only enough water to get him wet and rinse him; usually no deeper then his knees. This should be enough water to give him a bath, without creating the panic of trying to swim. Also, don't leave his feet in the water unless you have to. Allowing him to stand on dry land (like the back end of a bath tub) will decrease his discomfort and make him easier to control.

NOTE OF CAUTION: Don't use a sprayer, this will cause panic in the cat. Instead, use a plastic cup or glass to pour the water over his body. back to top

 My cat wont get into the pet carrier, what should I do?

Its time to travel to the vet to update shots, or you have to move, or oh no! an injury or illness. Now you have the daunting task of getting your cat or kitten into the cat carrier.

Place the carrier, with the door propped open, on the bed, or someplace where the cat feels comfortable. Hide the carrier under a blanket or towel. Now, turn him around backwards so he cant see the carrier and gently place him inside and close the door.

If you cat is too big to easily and gently put him inside the carrier, have someone hold him still while petting and talking to him. Then you slide the pet carrier up and around him from behind, while your friend keeps his head busy with love and affection. back to top

What should I do if my cat has dandruff?

While dandruff is usually nothing more than flaky skin, in some cases it can indicate serious problems. Warning signs to watch for besides the flakes including scabs, crusting or itching. If your cat suffers from one or more of these additional symptoms (or is also not eating or is extra lethargic), take him to your vet. Sometimes dandruff occurs when an animal isn't getting enough fat in their diet. Giving your pet fish oil supplements will help improve the metabolism of fats in skin tissue, possibly eliminating the dandruff problem. Some generic and supermarket brand foods do not provide the full range of vitamins and minerals your pet needs to maintain a healthy skin. Many pets have been taken off generic foods and put on a high quality food and cases of dandruff have disappeared. back to top

 How long does it take for a dog/cat to deliver after being bred?

The average is 63 days (60-65). Pregnant dogs should be checked for worms and be up-to-date on immunizations. It is recommended that you have the female examined be a veterinarian the morning after delivery. back to top

How long will my dog/cat stay in heat?

Dogs stay in heat an average of three weeks. They usually come in heat every six to nine months. Cats are very different then dogs. They will almost constantly stay in heat until they are bred. The act of breeding is necessary for ovulation to occur in the cat. back to top

 My pet is scratching its ears. Should I bring it in to be checked?

Yes. It could be a bacterial infection, ear mites, fungus, foreign body, or allergy causing the problem. A vet needs to examine the ear secretions under a microscope to determine the exact cause and proper medication back to top

 What are the chances of my pet dying during surgery?

Vets use similar anesthetics to those used on humans. Pets are constantly monitored just like in a human hospital. Of course, there is always some risk anytime a person or animal is anesthetized, but the risk is really very small. When you bring your pet in, the doctor will examine him/her to make sure he/she is healthy and possibly recommend some tests, if needed, to help ensure a safe procedure. back to top

 Will spaying/neutering make my pet get fat and lazy?

No! This is an old wives tale which probably started many years ago when the only pets spayed were pets that got no exercise, laid around all the time, and ate too much. Spayed pets live longer and are less prone to develop cancer or reproductive infections. Proper exercise and diet are important to prevent obesity in ALL pets. back to top

Is my pet a senior citizen?

Believe it or not, your pet is aging. The good news is that today's dogs and cats are living longer than ever! In fact, while the average life expectancy for a cat just 20 years ago might have been 4 to 6 years, today it is not uncommon for cats to live 15 years or more. Life expectancy for dogs have also increased, and with proper care, many age-related changes in dogs and cats can be treated successfully or at least slowed.

As dogs and cats age, they, like people, have a greater risk for developing certain diseases and conditions. For example, we know that the incidence of problems such as heart disease, kidney disease, malignant and benign tumors, arthritis, loss of hearing, loss of vision, and oral/dental disease increases with advancing age. However, when such conditions are diagnosed in their early stages, treatment to cure such disorders or delay their progress can be given in most cases.

Consult your vet and find out the best way to care for your older pet to maximize both the length of their life and the quality of it. back to top

 What are those little rice like things in my pets poop?

Those little rice like structures are actually part of a longer worm in your pets intestinal tract, called a tapeworm. The worm breaks into little segments that you and I may see in the pet's stool or on the hairs around the anus. As the segments may be only intermittently passed, seeing the segments one day and not the next do not mean that the problem is gone. It simply means that at that time the worm is not breaking into small segments and being passed in the pets stool. Deworming medication and flea control should be administered to resolve the problem. back to top

Where do tapeworms come from?

Tapeworms are transmitted to dogs and cats through ingestion of a flea when the pet is licking and cleaning itself. Once inside the pet, the tapeworm egg, which is inside the flea, develops inside the pets intestinal tract. The worms may then reproduce and more tapeworms will be present. Intermittently segments of the tapeworm will be passed in the pets stool and that is usually when owners realize their pets have tapeworms. Special types of deworming medications that are not available over the counter are required to kill the intestinal tapeworms. In addition, placing and maintaining the pet on flea control will prevent tapeworm infestations in the future. back to top

 What are those long skinny worms that look like spaghetti in my pets stool called?

The internal parasites that you describe are roundworms. Roundworms are passed to the puppy either while it is in the uterus or after birth while the puppy is nursing. The worms then develop in the puppies intestinal tract and may be either vomited out or passed as worms or eggs in the stool. As the worms can be transmitted to people, it is extremely important to ensure that your puppy is checked for internal parasites and dewormed as necessary. Generally, the deworming process takes at least two treatments of deworming medication and the stool sample should be rechecked following the second deworming to ensure that the parasite has been cleared from the pets body. back to top

 Why should I microchip my pet?

Each day pets wander from home, escape trough and open gate, and one way or another, become lost. Collars fall off and many pets are never found again. If the pet is picked up and taken to an animal shelter or a veterinary hospital that does have a microchip reader, than once the pet is scanned, the pet can be returned back to you. So, even if you think your pet will not stray from home, accidents happen and this is a safe and inexpensive may to give your pet the best chance of getting back home to you. back to top

 Should my pet be on flea control?

Fleas are a pesky little parasite that lives on the skin of many warm blooded animals. Fleas bit the pet, walk around on the pets body and cause a lot of irritation and bother the pet. These days there are new flea products that make flea control much easier on the pet and easier on the owner to apply or administer. Most of these products are used only on a monthly basis. A once a month application is quite a change form years past when flea control involved baths, dips, and sometimes-daily application of topical insecticides. Depending on where you live your pet may or may not need year protection from fleas. Consult your veterinarian. back to top

 I recently noticed a growth on my pet. What should I do?

We recommend that anytime you find a growth on your pet that your pet has a physical examination with your veterinarian. Depending on the type of pet, the age of the pet, the way the tumor looks and feels and how fast it is growing, will determine whether the tumor should be removed or not. Generally speaking, tumors that are rapidly growing should be removed and biopsied. back to top

Does my pet need anything besides annual vaccinations if its healthy?

All pets benefit from a thorough physical exam, regardless of health. Many illnesses are very subtle in the early stages, and a physical exam by a veterinarian may reveal an illness that is not yet causing major problems. As in people, diseases are usually easier to treat and cure in the early stages than later. back to top

 Can I feed my cat dog food?

No! Cats are unique in that they need specific nutrients, which they cannot manufacture in their body, unlike dogs. These essential nutrients include taurine and arachidonic acid, which are not present in dog food. A deficiency a taurine will cause eye problems, including blindness, and a lack of arachidonic acid will result in dry, scaly skin. Cats also require a higher level of protein and fat in their diet than dogs and a lower level of carbohydrates. back to top

© 2010 - Site Design by JBraden Questions/Inquires?