Acute Renal (Kidney) Failure in Cats

By: Christian Yost

March 27, 2009

Acute kidney failure (acute renal failure or ARF) is characterized by an abrupt decline in kidney function that leads to changes in the chemistry of the body including alterations in fluid and mineral balance. The changes that arise as a result of ARF affect almost every body system.

The kidneys filter blood, remove the waste products of metabolism and eliminate them in the urine. The kidneys also regulate the volume and composition of body fluids (including mineral concentrations and acid base balance), and produce hormones that stimulate the production of red blood cells (erythropoietin) and regulate calcium balance (calcitriol).

Acute kidney failure can be caused by toxic injury to the kidneys, decreased blood flow and oxygen delivery to the kidneys, infections, obstruction of the kidneys and prevention of urine elimination caused by a ruptured bladder.

The recent recognition of kidney failure is not necessarily the same as acute renal failure, since some animals with chronic kidney failure tolerate it for some time before symptoms are apparent.

There is no specific breed predilection but older animals are thought to be at greater risk for acute kidney failure. Acute kidney failure is more common in the fall and winter due to pet exposure to anti-freeze which contains ethylene glycol. Cats that are allowed to roam outside without supervision potentially have increased exposure to ethylene glycol.

The symptoms of ARF, although often severe, are not specific. Even with intensive management, ARF is a very serious disorder and often is fatal.

What to Watch For

Disorientation

Incoordination

Decreased urine production

Straining to urinate

Loss of appetite

Lethargy

Vomiting

Weakness

Changes in water consumption and urination

Diagnosis

Your veterinarian will take a complete medical history specifically questioning exposure to ethylene glycol (anti-freeze), recent surgery or anesthesia (possibly causing decreased blood flow to the kidneys), exposure to drugs toxic to the kidneys (aminoglycoside group of antibiotics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and previous illnesses. The following diagnostic tests may also be necessary to recognize acute kidney failure and exclude other diseases. Tests may include:

Complete physical examination

Serum biochemistry tests

Urinalysis

Complete blood count

X-rays of the abdomen

Culture of the urine

Ultrasound examination

Kidney biopsy

Ethylene glycol test

Blood tests for certain infections

Treatment

ARF is a life-threatening serious condition that requires hospitalization and intensive treatment. Treatment consists of identification and correction of life-threatening problems while searching for the underlying cause of ARF. Treatment for ARF may include one or more of the following:

Induce vomiting

Intravenous fluids

Drugs that encourage urine production

Management of blood electrolyte abnormalities

Monitor urinary output

Control of vomiting

Management of anemia

Peritoneal dialysis or hemodialysis

Treatment with 4-methylpyrazole (Antizol®) or ethanol

Home Care

Acute renal failure is a life-threatening condition and there is no effective home treatment. If you suspect your pet has this condition, or if you even suspect your pet may have consumed even a small amount of anti-freeze, you should call your veterinarian immediately. Your veterinarian may instruct you to induce vomiting before bringing your pet to the hospital.

Administer any medications prescribed by your veterinarian. Follow-up examinations and laboratory tests are important to assess your pet’s response to treatment. Allow free access to fresh clean water.

Preventative Care

Avoid exposure to ethylene glycol (anti-freeze), and avoid exposure to drugs known to be toxic to the kidney (e.g. aminoglycoside antibiotics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). Don’t allow cats to roam outside unattended.

Acute renal failure (ARF) is a life-threatening disorder that can affect cats of any age.

Acute renal failure may be caused by decreased blood flow to the kidneys (called ischemia) or exposure to certain drugs or chemicals that are toxic to the kidneys.

Low blood flow to the kidneys may occur during anesthesia and surgery, and some drugs such as the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents like ibuprofen may also cause ARF by reducing blood flow to certain parts of the kidneys. Other causes of reduced blood flow to the kidneys include severe dehydration, shock, poor heart function, heat stroke and overwhelming infection (sepsis).

Many toxins can damage the kidneys and lead to ARF. Probably most important is ethylene glycol, which is the active ingredient of anti-freeze. Some antibiotics, especially a class of injectable antibiotics known as aminoglycosides, can cause damage to the tubules of the kidney and ARF.

High blood calcium concentration likewise can damage the kidneys. Heavy metals (e.g. lead, arsenic), contrast dyes used for certain X-ray procedures, and some anesthetics also can damage the kidneys. An important toxin that specifically affects the kidneys of cats is the Easter Lily. Cats should never be allowed access to this group of plants. Some older drugs used to treat heartworms (thiacetarsamide) and fungal infections (amphotericin B) also are toxic to the kidneys.

Acute bacterial infection of the kidneys (called pyelonephritis) also can produce ARF.

Rare causes of ARF include glomerulonephritis (acute inflammation of the microscopic filtering devices of the kidney called glomeruli), glomerular amyloidosis (deposition of an insoluble type of protein in the kidney), disseminated intravascular coagulation (a body-wide clotting disorder), obstruction by blood clots of the arteries going to the kidneys, and hemolytic-uremic syndrome (liver and kidney failure caused by a specific strain of the bacteria E. coli).

Urinary obstruction is a type of reversible ARF that is treated by relieving the obstruction.

The most common causes of death during treatment of ARF are high blood potassium concentration, acid-base disturbances, very high concentrations of waste products in the blood that do not improve with fluid therapy and excessive administration of fluids with fluid accumulation in the lungs.

Animals unable to produce urine despite medical treatment have little chance for survival without peritoneal dialysis (infusion and removal of fluid into the abdominal cavity to remove waste products from the body). Hemodialysis can be performed in animals but is only available at selected referral hospitals and is very costly.

The prognosis for recovery of kidney function in ARF depends on the severity of the kidney damage, the underlying cause of ARF and supportive treatment.

Other medical problems can lead to symptoms similar to those encountered in ARF. A thorough medical evaluation is needed to diagnose ARF including laboratory testing and diagnostic imaging (X-rays or ultrasound). Warning signs that owners may see in pets with ARF include complete loss of appetite, marked lethargy, and vomiting. Unfortunately, these symptoms are very non-specific and may be caused by many other disease conditions. If is important to consult your veterinarian promptly.

Veterniary care should include diagnostic tests of kidney function, including blood tests and urinalysis, and subsequent treatment recommendations.

Diagnosis

Diagnostic tests may be needed to recognize ARF and to exclude other diseases. Tests may include:

A complete medical history and physical examination

A complete blood count (CBC) to evaluate for signs of infection, inflammation, anemia or clotting abnormalities

Blood biochemistry tests to identify the presence of kidney failure. Commonly used tests to identify kidney failure include blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine, and serum phosphorus. These test results are abnormally high in patients with kidney failure but these tests alone do not identify whether the kidney failure is acute or chronic. The veterinarian must use other tests and diagnostic reasoning to determine if the kidney failure is acute or chronic.

Urinalysis. Protein, blood or glucose may be observed in the urine of patients with ARF. The presence of microscopic crystals (such as calcium oxalate) can support a diagnosis of ethylene glycol (anti-freeze) poisoning. Microscopic casts of the kidney tubules often are seen with acute injury of the kidney, and white blood cells or casts may be found when kidney infection is present.

Additional diagnostic tests may be recommended for individual pets, including:

Kidney ultrasonography to determine if the kidney failure is acute or chronic and to help identify some specific causes of ARF (e.g. anti-freeze poisoning). Kidneys of patients with ARF typically are normal-sized to large. The presence of small, irregularly-shaped kidneys more often suggests a chronic kidney disease. Cats that drink anti-freeze often have kidneys that have increased density on  within a few hours of consuming anti-freeze.

A urine culture to identify urinary tract infection

Blood gas analysis to identify acid-base disturbances

Arterial blood pressure should be monitored because high blood pressure can complicate ARF. Central venous pressure may be monitored with a catheter in the jugular vein, especially if an inadequate volume of urine is produced.

Ethylene glycol testing to diagnose this toxicity; a special test kit is required for this purpose.

Kidney biopsy may be necessary to determine the cause of ARF and to guide treatment and prognosis.

Therapy

Treatments for ARF may include one or more of the following:

Treatment of ARF must be individualized based on the cause and severity of the condition, as well as other conditions and complications identified by your veterinarian. Of great importance is the ability of the pet to produce urine. Low urine output or complete absence of urine production is a very serious finding.

Prognostic signs are poor if the pet does not respond to initial drug and fluid therapy. The ultimate goal of ARF management is to provide supportive care while allowing the kidneys time to recover. Your veterinarian should identify and correct the most life-threatening body chemistry problems while searching for the cause of ARF. Drugs that may be contributing to ARF should be discontinued. Dehydration is corrected by intravenous administration of fluids.

Vomiting may be induced if a kidney toxic agent has been ingested within the past few hours and the cat has not yet vomited. This is especially important in anti-freeze poisoning in which time is critical. Always call your veterinarian immediately if you believe your pet has consumed even the smallest quantity of anti-freeze.

Fluid therapy is important to increase kidney blood flow, correct and prevent dehydration and control abnormalities in serum electrolytes. Care must be taken to avoid overhydration, because the kidneys may not be able to produce sufficient urine to eliminate excess fluid. Overhydration can lead to fluid accumulation in the lungs (pulmonary edema) which may be life-threatening. Nevertheless, fluid therapy is extremely important initially, and drug therapy may be required to encourage urine production.

Fluid therapy may aid kidney function and encourage urine production. Diuretics may be used after rehydration. Mannitol and furosemide are diuretic agents that may be given, often in combination with dopamine. Dopamine is a chemical that causes dilation of the renal arteries and potentially can increase filtration in the kidneys when administered at low dosages.

Management of hyperkalemia (high blood potassium concentration) is important because potassium is toxic to the heart. Treatment may include sodium bicarbonate, glucose and insulin, calcium, or dialysis. An electrocardiogram should be monitored during treatment.

Acid base imbalance is corrected by administration of sodium bicarbonate.

Abnormally high blood phosphorus concentration may be treated with intestinal phosphorus binders such as aluminum hydroxide.

Cats with ARF may vomit frequently and several different drugs may be used to control this symptom.

Anemia due to blood loss can be treated with blood transfusion.

Ethylene glycol poisoning may be treated with 4-methylpyrazole (Antizol) or 20 percent ethanol.

Close patient monitoring is vital. Monitoring may include serial body weight (to facilitate proper fluid therapy), measurement of urine output (often with a urinary catheter), packed cell volume (an indication of the percentage of the blood that consists of red blood cells), and total plasma proteins to monitor fluid volume. Serial determination of serum biochemistry tests is necessary to determine if the animal is responding to treatment.

Treatment for ARF may require several days or as long as two to three weeks depending on the underlying cause of ARF and the response of the individual animal to treatment. This prolonged hospitalization can be frustrating for all concerned, because it frequently is impossible to predict the outcome. If conservative medical treatment fails, peritoneal dialysis (or in exceptional circumstances hemodialysis) may be a treatment possibility. Referral to a specialist or 24-hour critical care facility is required for dialysis treatment.

Euthanasia must be considered for pets that do not respond to treatment.

Please visit us at www.siamese-cattailsattery.com

Drinking, Drinking – Your Cat and Diabetes

By: Christian Yost

March 27, 2009

Diabetes mellititus sugar diabetes or “sugar” – is one of the most frequent and important medical disorders of humans. Surprisingly, it is also a common illness of dogs and cats. Among the main symptoms of diabetes in both people and pets is thirst and increased water consumption.

Diabetes is a disease that leads to chronic elevation of the blood glucose or sugar. Blood sugar is maintained by a group of hormones, the most important of which is insulin which is manufactured by the pancreas, a small organ near the intestines. Insulin lowers the blood sugar after a meal, and deficiency of insulin, or an insensitivity of body cells to available insulin, leads to diabetes.

Two Types of Diabetes

There are two basic forms of diabetes: type I and type II. Absolute deficiency of insulin leads to type I diabetes This is due to an insufficient number of insulin-producing pancreas cells.

Type I diabetes, often called “juvenile-onset diabetes” in people, represents the most serious form of the disease. Effective treatment for type I diabetes requires a combination of controlled diet, regular exercise and insulin therapy . Cats are most often affected by type I diabetes but some may have type II. People and pets with type I diabetes require daily injections of insulin to maintain a regular blood-sugar level.

Adult onset or type II diabetes is the more common form of diabetes in people. This condition combines a relative lack of insulin production with a resistance of body cells to the effects of the hormone. Type II diabetes is treated with a combination of diet, weight control and medicine that makes cells more sensitive to insulin. This form of diabetes is observed more often in cats than in dogs. Keys to successful treatment are a high-fiber diet, weight control and occasionally, medicines designed for humans to control the glucose level.

Pets Drink Excessively

Left uncontrolled, diabetes can become life threatening. Among the notable symptoms of diabetes in both people and pets are increased thirst and urination. While there can be other explanations for these problems, diabetes should always be considered when these symptoms are observed. Most pet owners notice that their diabetic cat drinks excessively and has a need to use the litter box more often.

Diabetic pets, like people, need medical care. Uncontrolled elevation of glucose leads to dehydration and body chemistry disorders that can eventually cause coma and death.

The first step in treating the disease is getting a correct diagnosis. This requires a veterinary examination and appropriate tests, such as a urinalysis (to detect spilled “sugar”) and blood glucose determination. Additional tests often are needed to assess the overall medical situation. Once the diagnosis is made, however, the pet owner and veterinarian can work together to effectively control diabetes mellitus.

Please visit us at www.siamese-cattailscattery.com

Dangerous Viruses That Can Affect Your Cat

By: Christian Yost

March 26, 2009

The viruses that cause feline leukemia and feline AIDS are similar in that they cause immune suppression. Both viruses hold down an infected cat’s natural immunity to disease. Your cat’s mouth, nose, lungs, skin and intestines are normally covered with bacteria and viruses. However, the normal immune system keeps these bacteria in check and prevents disease. In feline AIDS or feline leukemia, that natural immunity is reduced to the level that allows any bacteria or virus to multiply and cause disease.

Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)

Overview

One of the most dangerous infectious diseases in cats today is caused by the feline leukemia virus (FeLV). FeLV is a retrovirus that is specific to cats only and is the most common cause of serious illness and death in domestic cats. It suppresses the immune system, impairing your cat’s ability to fight infections. It may also cause anemia, leukemia and some forms of cancer.

FeLV cannot be transmitted to humans (including children) or other species such as dogs.

FeLV is spread by contact through the saliva, tears and urine by way of bite wounds, shared dishes or litter pans, or close contact (grooming). Kittens can be born with FeLV or acquire the virus through their mother’s milk.

What To Look For

There are no specific symptoms that will tell you that your cat has FeLV. Your pet may develop a fever, poor appetite, lethargy, or suffer from recurring infections. He will most likely lose weight and suffer from a skin condition. Symptoms may include:

Pale gums

Weakness

Lethargy

Diarrhea

Weight loss

Anorexia

Breathing difficulties

Increased thirst and neurologic abnormalities

Diagnosis and Treatment

FeLV is easily diagnosed by a simple blood test, and you should test all new cats for this virus. Once your cat tests negative, a vaccine is available to help reduce the risk of infection with the virus. Although it is not 100 percent effective, the vaccine does offer immunity to most cats and has minimal side effects.

You should vaccinate all cats 10 weeks or older who are likely to be at increased risk of becoming infected. This includes cats that spend any time outdoors, in multiple-cat households, or at catteries and cat shows. If your cat is strictly indoors, you may want to discuss the need for FeLV vaccine with your veterinarian. FeLV and rabies vaccinations have been implicated in the very rare injection-site sarcoma syndrome.

Feline AIDS (FIV)

Overview

Feline immunodeficiency virus, or FIV, is a widespread viral infection that attacks the immune system of cats. It is caused by the same family of viruses that trigger AIDS in humans and has much the same devastating impact on infected cats. It is often referred to as “feline AIDS.” The virus ravages a cat’s immune system, stopping it from effectively combating other diseases and infections. Infected cats eventually fall prey to a wide variety of secondary illnesses that overwhelmingly prove fatal. FIV is not transmissible to people or dogs.

The disease is transmitted from cat to cat by blood and saliva. Cats can transmit FIV to other cats only through biting, not through urine or casual contact, so outdoor and male cats that fight with other cats are at greatest risk. FIV has also been found in mother’s milk and can be transmitted from mother to kitten. The virus itself is easily disinfected and dies within minutes upon exposure to dry surfaces.

What To Look For

Signs that your cat is infected are primarily related to the effects of diseases contracted when the body defenses fail. Ultimately, widespread organ failure occurs, and the cat dies.

Severe infection affecting the gums

Abscesses from fight wounds that don’t heal

Respiratory infections

Weight loss

Poor appetite

Unkempt coat

Diarrhea

Diagnosis and Treatment

A blood test can identify infection. This test is usually performed when your cat is tested for FeLV. A positive test means the cat has been exposed to the virus and will likely be infected for the remainder of his life.

Unfortunately, no vaccine against FIV is available at this time and there is no cure for the disease, but cats can live for up to 10 years – much of it in seemingly good health – before succumbing. However, the virus will still be in the cat and may become active at a later date. Therefore, the long term prognosis is not good.

The best protection from FIV is prevention. Keep your cat indoors and have him or her neutered, because neutered cats tend to fight less. Most importantly, have all new cats or kittens tested for the virus before introducing them to your cats at home.

Please visit us at www.siamese-cattailscattery.com

How to Tell if Your Cat is Ill

By: Christian Yost

March 26, 2009

Your cat cannot explain his symptoms, so it’s the responsibility of you and your veterinarian to keep him healthy. Cats are very good at hiding their illness so it is up to you to observe your cat for abnormalities.  indications of a “sick pet” include: lethargy, disorientation, weakness,weight loss, seizure, lack of appetite,vomiting, diarrhea, unproductive retching, straining to urinate, bloody urine, difficulty or inability to walk, bleeding, pale mucous membranes, difficulty breathing and persistent cough. You know your pet best and can often notice subtle early warning signs that someone else may not detect. If you observe any of the mentioned symptoms or other signs that concern you, call your veterinary hospital. The safest approach would be to have your pet examined.

Once your pet is at the hospital, your veternarian may ask additional questions to help localize or diagnose the problem. It may help to be prepared to answer some of the following questions:

How long have you owned your cat?

What is the age of your cat?

Has your cat experienced any previous illnesses?

Is your cat currently under treatment for an illness or disease?

Has your cat ever been tested for Feline Leukemia  or Feline AIDS

Where did you get your cat (adoption center, breeder, previous stray, etc.)?

What preventative medications is your cat currently taking?

Does your cat receive any consistent flea treatment?

Has your cat been vaccinated? When? For what?

What other type of pets do you have?

Are any other pets ill?

Have there been any recent acquisitions?

Have there been any recent activities such as boarding, grooming, etc.?

Is the majority of your cat’s time spent indoors or outdoors?

Have there been any recent changes in diet or eating habits?

What brand of food does your cat eat? How much? How often?

Do you offer your pet table scraps?

How frequently and what type of treats are offered?

How much water does your cat typically drink per day?

Have there been any recent changes in water consumption?

What type of litter do you use and how frequently is the litter box cleaned?

Have you noticed any coughing or sneezing?

Have you noticed any lumps or bumps on your cat?

Is your cat urinating normally?

Is your cat having normal bowel movements?

When is the last time he/she had a bowel movement?

Have you noticed any recent weight loss or weight gain?After answering some general questions, more specific questions need to be answered. A brief cursory exam of your pet at home can help you determine the answers. These questions are also commonly asked when pet owners are seeking help over the phone. Be prepared to answer the following questions, depending on the problem with your pet:

Regarding the eyes

Have you noticed an increase or decrease in tear production?

Do the eyes appear cloudy or red?

Have you noticed any discharge?

Do the eyes appear bloodshot?

Are the pupils the same size in both eyes?

Have you noticed your pet rubbing or pawing at eyes?

Is your cat squinting his/her eyes?

Do the eyes appear to be sunken or excessively protruding?Regarding the ears

Do you notice any swelling or discharge from the ears?

Are the ears drooping when they normally stand erect?

Are the ears red and inflamed?

Do you notice any odor?

Is your cat rubbing or pawing at the ears?

Have you noticed a lot of head shaking?

Have you noticed any pain or crying when you rub or scratch your cat’s ears?Regarding the nose

Have you noticed any congestion,sneezing or coughing?

Have you noticed any blood coming from the nose?

Have you noticed any nasal discharge?Regarding the mouth

Have you noticed any swelling of the lips or tongue?

Have you noticed any bleeding from the mouth?

What color are the gums – tissue just above the teeth?

Is your cat able to open and close the mouth normally?

Is there any pain involved in opening or closing the mouth?

Have you noticed any excessive drooling or foaming at the mouth?

Is your cat able swallow food normally?

Are there any foreign objects such as bones or sticks stuck on the roof of the mouth or around the teeth?Regarding the chest

Is your pet experiencing any difficulty breathing?

Have you noticed panting?

Is there any pain when the chest area is petted?

Have you noticed any recent coughing?

What is the heart rate?

Is the heartbeat steady and consistent?

Place your hand or your ear on the left side of your cat’s chest, just behind the elbow. You should be able to feel or hear the heartbeat. Count how many beats the heart pumps in one minute.Regarding the abdomen/stomach area

Has your cat been having any diarrhea  or vomiting?

Is your cat able to eat and drink normally?

Does the abdomen/stomach area appear swollen or distended?

Does your cat have pain when the stomach area is petted?

Is your cat known to chew on non-food items such as clothing, towels, strings, etc.?Regarding the urinary and reproductive systems

Have you noticed any difference in urinating?

Does your cat seem to strain to urinate or cry in pain?

Does your cat repeatedly try to urinate with no urine produced?

Is there any blood in the urine?

How frequently does your cat urinate?

Is your female cat spayed? At what age? Did she ever have kittens?

If your cat was not spayed, when was her last heat cycle and was she bred?

Is your male cat neutered? At what age?

Do you notice any discharge from the vaginal area?

Do you notice any discharge from the penis?

If your cat is not neutered, do you notice any swelling of the testicles?

Have you noticed your cat excessively licking or grooming the genital area?Regarding the musculoskeletal system – bones and joints

Have you noticed any limping?

Are any legs or joints swollen?

Has your cat been excessively licking at one area of his/her legs?

Does your pet show signs of pain when walking?

Is your cat able to walk normally?

Does your cat walk on his/her knuckles?

Does your cat drag any legs when walking?

Have you noticed signs of pain when petting your pet?

By supplying the answers to these questions, your veterinarian will be in a much better position to help your pet. Additional tests  may be necessary to find out what the problem is but the answers to the above questions can greatly narrow the area of concern.

Please visit us at www.siamese-cattailscattery.com

Preventing Illness and Injury in Cats

When it comes to giving unconditional love, pet owners know their pets win hands down. In return, we offer them companionship along with food, shelter and safety. For their own good, we must also keep our pets free from illness or injury.

This article provides an overview of how to keep your pet happy and healthy. For more detailed information, use the search engine to find the appropriate articles on specific topics.

Contagious Diseases

The best and easiest way to prevent a variety of common and contagious diseases is to have your pet vaccinated within their first few months of life. Periodic boosters and regularly scheduled checkups will further reduce the chance of contracting many diseases.

Parasites

Regular checkups should include periodic fecal examinations to detect any intestinal . If any are found, your veterinarian will help deworm your pet and keep him worm-free.

Your veterinarian can also help prevent heartworm, which can affect both dogs and cats. Adult worms live in lung arteries and the chambers of the heart, which can damage the heart muscle and lungs, interfering with their function. Routine administration of preventative medication can prevent infection.

Fleas and ticks, the bane of animals since the beginning of time, can also be prevented with appropriate insecticides routinely administered to your pet.

Nutritional Disorders

Feeding a good quality pet food can prevent many nutritional  disorders. Table scraps should be avoided, no matter how cute your cat acts. Regular exercise and play will help reduce the chance of obesity and associated disorders. As your pet gets older, you should talk with your veterinarian about how to adjust his  diet

to match a slowing metabolism.

Reproductive Disorders

Almost all reproductive disorders, including some types of cancer, can be avoided with early spaying or neutering. This can also reduce the chance of your pet developing certain behavioral disorders. All uterine, ovarian and testicular diseases will be prevented if these organs are no longer present.

Toxicity

Preventing toxicities is easily done if you make certain that all potentially toxic items are safely and securely stored away from your pet. Do not allow your cat to roam outdoors. This will prevent ingestion of many different toxic substances found in the environment.

Trauma

Accidents do happen, so no matter how well you take care of your pet, you may still need a trip to the veterinarian. But you can greatly reduce the chances of an accident with one simple action.

Keeping your cat indoors can greatly impact her health and life span. Indoors, she has very little chance of being attacked by a stray animal (which can give her fatal diseases such as feline AIDS, in addition to injuries), or being hit by a car, eating something poisonous, etc.

Besides keeping them safe from physical hazards like other animals or vehicles, your pets will not be in danger of being picked up by a municipal animal officer. Thousands of pets are euthanized each year at shelters because they have gotten lost and had no identification showing they belonged to someone. Please visit us at www.siamese-cattailscattery.com

Castration

By: Christian Yost

March 24, 2009

Castration (orchiectomy) is a surgical procedure in which the testicles are removed from the body. It is performed most commonly to make pets unable to breed, thus helping to control pet overpopulation.

Castration may also be indicated for:

Some behavior problems

Certain types of prostate disease

Tumorsin the testicles

Some metabolic disorders

Other types of tumors, such as those affected by testosteroneCastration is also recommended for pets in which one (or both) testicles failed to descend into the scrotum to minimize the chance for future problems (such as tumor development) associated with the tumors being in the abdomen, rather than in the scrotum.Veterinary Care

Most castrations are performed on young healthy animals, and extensive pre-operative work-up is not usually necessary. Pre-operative evaluation usually involves a thorough physical examination and may include blood tests.

Please visit us at www.siamese-cattailscattery.com

Garden & Lawn Hazards in Cats

Garden & Lawn Hazards in Cats

By: Christian Yost

March 24, 2009

In the summer, children love to spend time in the sandbox. Many adults enjoy the peace and tranquility of gardening. If your household includes a cat that also enjoys time outside, a sandbox or garden is often considered an attractive outdoor litterbox. Your cat’s natural preferences for elimination includes soft sand- or soil-type material so the attraction to these areas can be annoying or even hazardous to your health. Fortunately, there are methods that can be used to discourage this unwanted behavior.

Snail and slug baits are frequently used, and if ingested, cause serious and potentially fatal tremors and seizures.

Citronella candles are used to deter mosquitoes but may cause gastrointestinal inflammation in cats, resulting in vomiting and diarrhea.

Mulch. Most mulches are safe if ingested but there is one uncommon but potentially toxic type of mulch. Cacoa bean mulch is made from the hulls of cacoa beans and when fresh has a rich, chocolate aroma. Ingestion of large amounts of fresh mulch can result in chocolate toxicity. To keep your pet safe, keep him away from the mulch until the chocolate aroma has gone. A thorough watering or heavy rainfull often reduces the potential toxicity.

Many products are used to create beautiful lawns and productive gardens. With proper handling, use and storage of these products, illness and potential tragedy can be avoided. Keep lawn and garden products stored in an area that your pet cannot enter. During application of these products, keep your pet confined in a safe area. Should exposure to any of these products occur, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.

Please visit us at www.siamese-cattailscattery.com

Keeping Your Cat out of the Sandbox or Garden

Keeping Your Cat out of the Sandbox or Garden

By: Christian Yost

March 24, 2009

In the summer, children love to spend time in the sandbox. Many adults enjoy the peace and tranquility of gardening. If your household includes a cat that also enjoys time outside, a sandbox or garden is often considered an attractive outdoor litterbox. Your cat’s natural preferences for elimination includes soft sand- or soil-type material so the attraction to these areas can be annoying or even hazardous to your health. Fortunately, there are methods that can be used to discourage this unwanted behavior.

Sandbox Covers

The most effective way to discourage your cat from using your child’s sandbox is to prevent access to it by covering it when not in use. A hard plastic cover available a local hardware stores does an excellent job. It has the extra advantage of protecting the area from rain and keeping young children from playing while unsupervised. These covers can be secured and are easy to clean.

On the downside, they can require more space to store. An alternative is to use a tarp, which is flexible and requires little space but may need to be secured around the edges to keep it from accumulating rainwater or blowing away.

For the do-it-yourself homeowner, a custom top can be constructed using lengths of PVC pipe. Make a frame slightly larger than the perimeter of the box. Cut a length of hardware cloth and attach in to the pipe with wire or staples. Eliminate all sharp edges. Cover the top with canvas fabric so the wire is not exposed. If your play area is a shape other than rectangular, PVC pipe is a flexible version of PVC and can be bent into curves and circles. Using large whole hardware cloth or chicken wire is not recommended because of the danger of your pet and children becoming entangled.

Spray Repellants

For both sandboxes and gardens, there are a variety of commercial sprays designed as animal deterrents. They contain preparations that are offensive, but not harmful, to cats. Applying these sprays around the box or garden border when it is first installed in the spring is often helpful. Rain and sunlight will decrease their effectiveness so they have to be reapplied regularly on a calm day to discourage drifting. A homemade preparation of garlic and onion works too. In a blender, add 2 cloves of garlic and 1 small chopped onion to 2 cups of hot water. Blend thoroughly. Strain the pulp through a cheesecloth or strainer and discard or add to the compost pile. Use the liquid in a garden sprayer around the perimeter of the sandbox or garden. Let it dry before children and pets have access.

Other Ideas

Some people have tried placing a thin layer of decorative rocks or stones over the soil to make the garden unattractive to cats. Unfortunately, this method is limited to the type of plants in your garden.

Some gardeners have tried mixing mothballs into the soil. The odor of the mothballs is a deterrent to some cats. You must be careful when using mothballs since overexposure can cause illness in your cat.

Given Their Own, They’ll Leave Yours Alone

If the above suggestion still aren’t deterring you determined feline, how about considering a space in the yard/garden that only your cat will enjoy? A small space with cat-attractive plants could be established in a quiet corner of the yard away from children’s activities. Common choices for plants would include catnip and catmint. Both are easy to grow, and provide attractive foliage for the yard. Take an extra litter pan and dig it into the soil so its surface is flush with the ground. Add a little sand and a handful of dirt. Since cats prefer privacy for their eliminations, a quiet hidden spot such as this may do the trick. It will, however, need to be cleaned like any other cat box. One word of caution, both catmint and catnip produce beautiful fragrant flowers that are attractive to bees. To prevent your cat from being stung, remove the flower stalks before they open with a gentle pinch. Don’t forget to dry some catnip for your cat as an extra treat!

If your cat does persist in soiling the sandbox or garden, it is a good idea to check for feces before children get into the sandbox or you start working in the garden. Cats can shed parasites in their feces that are harmful. The sand in the box may also need to be replaced on a regular basis, although replacing dirt is not practical. And all people playing in the sandbox or working in the garden should wash their hands when they are finished.

Please visit us at www.siamese-cattailscattery.com

Should You Let Your Cat Go Outside?

Should You Let Your Cat Go Outside?

By: Christian Yost

March 24, 2009

You’ve just adopted a cat who will be your companion for many years. One of the big decisions you must make about your cat’s care is whether to allow him access to the outside. You’ll find cat lovers on both sides of the indoor vs. outdoor fence.

This decision will have a serious effect on the quality of your cat’s life – and may well determine how long your cat lives. Those who live outdoors have a far shorter life expectancy and are at far greater risk of contracting serious illnesses.

The Outdoor Life

Long viewed as independent creatures, cats are still considered by many to need the freedom of the outdoors to stay happy. Outdoor living, or even visiting, offers natural stimuli that cats may find exciting and fun – trees to climb, mice and bugs to chase and sunlight for leisurely naps.

Cats allowed outside may choose to relieve themselves in the nearest garden thus eliminating the need for you to clean the litter box as often or buy as much litter. The outdoors is an appropriate environment for a cat to exhibit behaviors such as scratching and spraying to mark territory. If your cat exhibits the same behaviors indoors, they become problems that must be solved to maintain a happy and livable household.
If you adopted a stray or feral cat (one that has never lived with humans), he may be more insistent about continuing to go outside than a cat that has always lived indoors. A stray or feral cat  may be more likely to make your life miserable or cause you to reach new heights of creativity to keep him content indoors.

The Dangers of Outdoor Life

On the other hand, the health of outdoor cats is threatened by contagious diseases such as feline leukemia, feline immunodeficiency virus, feline infectious peritonitis and rabies.

Feline immunodeficiency virus, or feline AIDS, for example, is a fatal disease that is carried by up to 14 percent of the cat population. It is transmitted from cat to cat by blood and saliva. This happens primarily through biting so outdoor and male cats that fight with other cats are at greatest risk.

Parasites such as fleas, ticks and worms most commonly attack outdoor cats. If you allow your cat to go in and out at will, he will carry these parasites back into your home. Outdoor cats are more likely to contract diseases such as toxoplasmosis, ringworm and roundworms, all of which are zoonotic meaning they can be transmitted to people.

Outdoor cats may be attacked by wildlife or free-roaming domestic animals. As unpleasant as it is to think about, they may succumb to traffic accidents, pet-theft, poison, mutilations, traps and animal abuse. Cats living outside must deal with harsh weather and the physical problems that go with it such as frostbite or hyperthermia.

Neighbors may not appreciate your cat digging in their gardens or making deposits on their property. As a result, your outdoor cat may be the victim of neighbors who take matters into their own hands.

Cats are notorious hunters, and even if fed, may seek out wild prey to satisfy their instinctive urges. The American Bird Conservancy estimates that cats, along with other factors such as loss of habitat by land development, threaten many songbird species. The ABC has developed an initiative to encourage cat owners to keep their cats indoors. Other major animal organizations promote indoor living for cats as well.

Sexually intact cats allowed to roam freely contribute to pet overpopulation by reproducing indiscriminately.

The Indoor Life

Perhaps the biggest argument for keeping a cat indoors is his life expectancy, which is dramatically greater than that of a cat living outside or even one allowed out via a pet door or other access method. Cats who live solely outdoors live about three to five years on the average while the average life expectancy of indoor cats is 14 years or longer.

If you’ve adopted a cat from a shelter or purchased a pedigreed cat from a responsible breeder, you may have signed a contract requiring that the cat be kept indoors. Both may follow up with you after a few months to check on how the cat is doing and ask if you are keeping your new companion indoors.

Putting an indoor cat out is not the solution to a behavior problem, and letting your cat outdoors is no insurance that he will not develop a behavior problem when he comes inside.

Keeping a cat indoors is not completely without risks and is no insurance that the cat will not contract a contagious disease. By weighing all the factors, you will need to arrive at your own decision about the environment – outdoors or indoors – in which you want your cat companion to live.

Please visit us at www.siamese-cattailscattery.com

Outdoor Dangers

Outdoor Dangers

By: Christian Yost

March 24, 2009

So, you believe that cats with the fancy pedigrees are for someone else, thank you very much. You enjoy nature in its basic, pristine form, and the good old Heinz-57 All-American Cat is your companion of choice. Along with that choice, you are convinced that the basic cat, with his instincts fully intact because of natural rather than manmade selection, will be happiest if he is allowed to enjoy the great out-of-doors.

Whether pedigreed or random-bred, the vast majority of cats can be perfectly happy indoors, calmly watching nature from the safety of their home, as long as a stimulating environment is provided.

In fact, most United States cat experts – the Cat Fanciers Association, humane organizations and others – are continually trying to reach the public with the message that keeping a cat indoors protects him from disease and all manner and means of danger.

These include the threat of contagious diseases such as feline leukemia, feline immunodeficiency virus, feline infectious peritonitis and rabies, besides the ever-present dangers from cars and larger predators.

However, some cat behaviorists in Great Britain believe that keeping cats indoors may contribute to behavior problems, such as house soiling. They claim that cats are not allowed to vent their natural expression indoors.

Safety Issues

The dangers that a cat can face when allowed out unsupervised depend a great deal on where the cat lives – urban, rural, or suburban area. In general, an outdoor cat faces the following risks:

Disease. Feline leukemia and feline immunodeficiency syndromes are two diseases that cats spread from one another. Unaltered male cats are at particular risk because they tend to fight, and both diseases are spread by contact through the saliva.

Unwanted pregnancy. Your unaltered female cat may return to you “in a family way.”

Parasites. Ticks, fleas and worms usually attack outdoor cats and can be brought into your home, where they can spread to both you and your other pets. Fleas and ticks cause allergies, skin irritation and anemia. In addition, trying to rid your home of these insects can get complicated.

Accidents. Outdoor cats face the risk of being killed by motor vehicles. Naturally, this is more common in urban areas. They could also get caught in traps meant for other animals or consume poisonous substances. Far from home, they may not be able to get back.

Predators. In rural areas, cats can fall victim to larger predators. This can include dog fights, cat fights and wildlife as well as humans. Outdoor cats can suffer torn ears, cut eyes and abscesses and have a much greater risk of gunshot injury than indoor cats.

Laws. If caught in someone’s yard, your cat could be taken to an animal shelter. Without identification, the shelter may put the cat to sleep after a period of time. In fact, euthanasia kills more cats than all other dangers combined.

Dusk and dawn are the most dangerous times for a cat to be out. In rural areas, these are the primary hunting times for many larger predators; in cities and towns, they are the times that visibility for drivers is particularly low. The safest time for a cat to be outdoors is during the daytime hours.

Keeping Your Outdoor Cat Safe

There is a compromise: Free-standing chain-link enclosure designed as a dog run can be adapted to a cat by adding a top. These enclosures are available from fencing companies and some hardware stores.

Another possibility is to train your cat to accept a harness and leash for supervised outdoor walks. The training process does require some patience, but is not nearly as difficult as generally portrayed, and both of you can enjoy the outdoors safely.

If you believe your cat should be outside, you can take steps to reduce the risks:

Vaccinations, It is particularly important to protect your cat against rabies (which is the law and just plain good sense). It is important to know that feline vaccinations are neither complete nor 100 percent effective against the spectrum of fatal feline viral diseases such as feline leukemia.

Make sure that your cat has access to an environment that is clean and safe. Do not leave antifreeze, lawn chemicals, rat poisons, or other harmful substances in the garage or shed where your cat can find them. You would not think that your pet would have any reason to consume these products but sadly they do, either intentionally or inadvertently, and these types of poisonings are all too common.

Before applying any product to your lawn, vegetables, or ornamental plants, remember to read the label and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Many of these products are designed to endure in the environment days to weeks after application, so a pet can have an exposure days to weeks after initial application.

Curiosity often leads pets to consume the flowers and foliage of ornamental plants, which can produce irritating and sometimes life-threatening side effects. When planning a cat-safe garden select plants that are non-toxic if touched or consumed.

Provide shelter for your outdoor cat. Consider letting your pet in during extreme temperatures – hot or cold – and during severe weather. Otherwise, provide a porch, cat box, umbrella or some other type of protection.

Neuter or Spay outdoor cats. This is important for the health of your cat (and your own sanity) even if she doesn’t go outside. It is also important in controlling unwanted cat populations. In addition, without the powerful reproductive urge, your cat is less likely to wander from her property. Male cats are much less likely to fight (which can lead to injuries and infection).

Identify your pet.

Safety collars. A collar with your name and phone number will reduce the risk of your pet being euthanized as a stray. Without some form of identification, the cat is likely to become a victim of the system.

Microchip technology is permanent and relatively inexpensive. Microchipping is also a good way to identify your pet if he/she would appear at a local veterinary hospital, emergency clinic or humane society. Check to make sure that shelters in your area do scan for microchips on incoming animals, and that their reader is one that will at least detect the presence of a chip, even if the chip is a competitor’s brand.

Keeping your cat safe is not the only issue. Keeping birds safe from outdoor cats is also a concern. Thousands of birds are killed each year by prowling cats. In some areas, the populations of certain songbirds has been drastically diminished by cat attacks. To help keep birds safe, consider adding a bell to your cat’s collar or provide your cat an escape-proof area so he can safely enjoy the outdoors without destroying it.

Please visit us at www.siamese-cattailscattery.com