Spring 2010 Meows Letter

 

Some of the dangers your cat faces when going outside Part 1 of 3

Disease (FeLV & FIV): Rabies is a common threat to humans and pets. More

common however, are diseases that affect cats only and that are spread

through contact with other cats. Two diseases that kill large numbers of

cats each year are feline leukemia and feline immunodeficiency virus. Both

diseases are contagious from cat to cat.

Once contracted, they result in the eventual death of the animal due to

a compromised immune system. Keeping cats inside helps prevent the

transmission of these diseases. There is a FelV vaccine that is recommended

for protection, if you cat does go outside.

Fleas, Ticks, and other Parasites: Outdoor cats inevitably pick up fleas and

ticks and then bring these pests into the home with them. Fleas can cause

anemia, skin irritations, and allergies in cats. These parasites also pose

risks to humans since they can transmit disease through their bites. Ridding

the cat and home of fleas and ticks is difficult and can expose the pet to

harmful chemicals. Indoor cats aren't generally exposed to fleas, ticks, ear

mites, or other parasites. The only products we recommend to help keep

these pests at bay is Frontline or Revolution. Beware of knock off

products! They may not be safe!

Other cats: If your cat gets into a territorial fight with another cat and

gets bitten, it could result in the spread of disease or a painful abscess,

with a need for veterinary care. Always check your cat for painful lumps and

bumps.

Poisoning: Poisons exist on chemically treated lawns, in bait left out to

kill rats or mice, and in auto antifreeze drained from cars (a sweet

substance cats love to lick, but is deadly). Most cats love to chew on

greens, but their fondness can be safely satisfied with grass grown in an

indoor pot.

 

Does your cat need grooming??

We offer a wide variety of options

here for all your grooming needs:

  • Lion cut
  • Nail Trim
  • Matt Shave
  • Dandruff Treatments
  • Bathing
  • Brush Down
  • Butt Shave
  • Feet hair trimming
  • Face Cleaning
  • Chin Acne treatments
  • Ear Cleaning

Fun Facts!

  • The first breeding pair of Siamese cats arrived in England in 1884.
  • The first formal cat show was held in England in 1871; in America, in 1895.
  • The Maine Coon cat is America's only natural breed of domestic feline. It is 4 to 5 times larger than the Singapura, the smallest breed of cat.
  • There are approximately 100 breeds of cat.
  • The life expectancy of cats has nearly doubled since 1930 - from 8 to 16 years.

How to get a cat to drink more water

Did you know that your cat?s ancestors most likely were evolved from desert

dwellers? That might explain why many of them tend to not drink enough

water ? which can cause them health problems. So, we have some tips for you

to help you encourage your feline friend to get more water into his system.

1. If your cat will eat canned food, follow your veterinarian?s directions

as to what diet to feed but try to give at least � to � can per day. You

can add a little warm water to the food & stir it up to a thinner

consistency. Most cats will readily accept this method. Generally, offer

canned food 2 to 3 times daily.

2. Make sure your cat has unlimited access to fresh, cool water. Change the

water frequently (more than once a day) and wash the bowls daily. Some

different types of containers to consider are flat ceramic bowls, coffee

mugs, shallow, clear glass bowls, but try to stay away from plastic bowls

since they tend to hold odors. Stainless steel bowls can also be used.

Many cats don?t like anything touching their whiskers so keep bowls full

3. Since we know that water can have some funny smells & tastes, you may

want to try using some different methods to get rid of those ? you can use a

Brita filter & pitcher, refrigerate the water, or try distilled or bottled

water.

4. Some cats like to drink directly from the tap. If your cat is one of

those, try to leave a faucet dripping while you?re in the bathroom. Try to

turn the tap on frequently whenever you?re home.

5. Try adding a drop or two of tuna or clam juice to the kitty?s water.

Make sure there is a bowl of fresh water available, too. If kitty likes the

flavored water, you can make some ice cubes from water flavored with tuna,

clam or salmon juice or low sodium broth. Be sure to add just a couple of

drops of whatever you?re using to flavor the water.

6. Be sure to keep your cat?s food and water FAR from his litter area.

7. Consider purchasing a pet fountain. They continuously circulate the

water so it stays fresh. But, it still needs to be washed and thoroughly

rinsed regularly.

8. Remember never to give your cat regular cow?s milk like we would drink.

As silly as it sounds, many cats are lactose intolerant and milk will upset

their digestive systems.

Look for us on Facebook!!

 

WE ARE MOVING!

SPRING 2010

We are moving our clinic to a new location in Spring 2010.

Our location is just one exit up off of Appleton Road. Easy access to

Highway 441.

1201 Tuckaway Lane

Appleton, WI 54913

 

Cats that LIKE to swim??

Most cats loathe water and react to it with panic and distress. However,

there is one cat, the Turkish Van, that is fast becoming famous for its

swimming talents. Equipped with a fine, dense coat and neck ruffle that

thickens even more in the winter months, this breed will happily plunge into

water. Lake Van located in Turkey is where the breed originated. The breed

was officially recognized as the Turkish Van, with full pedigree status

being awarded by the GCCF in 1969. They found their way to the United

States in 1970.

* Note the picture on the top of the Meows Letter is not a Turkish Van.  He is Sugar Ray, one of our clients cats that also loves to swim in the water