Toy Story

By: Christian Yost

March 28, 2009
You don’t have to invest in fancy toys to get your cat in top condition. You’ll find plenty of safe, enticing playthings around our house. Here are some cat care tips on common items that will help:

• Open paper sacks
• Empty cardboard boxes
• Crumpled paper
• Ping-pong or golf ball
• Empty spool
• Flashlight (shine the light on the floor for your cat to chase)
• Children’s soap bubbles (blow in the air for your cat to �catch�)

When you’re done playing, pick up items so your cat doesn’t accidentally swallow them.

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Just Do It

By: Christian Yost

March 28, 2009
Regardless of the type of exercise you choose for your cat, make sure she enjoys it and benefits from it. Exercise can strengthen muscles, increase heart rate and rev the metabolism. Felines in top condition have fewer health problems. Conditioning also helps keep your cat mentally alert and reduces stress and destructive behavior� something that will benefit you both. The key is you! Choose an exercise routine that easily fits into your life. Finding extra time these days is hard, so couple your own activities with your cat’s conditioning.

Don’t set unrealistic goals. Often, putting a simple twist on your normal activities will be just right for your pet. �Tie a length of cord to the back loop of your jeans, then attach a scrap of fabric to the loose end, letting it drag on the floor, and do the housework that way. �Your kitty will have a ball!� The possibilities are endless. And, just like humans, take your cat to the doctor before starting any exercise or diet program. With regular conditioning, your sedentary pet will soon be �feline� fine!

Please visit us at  www.siamese-cattailscattery.com

The Buddy System

By: Christian Yost

March 28, 2009

Sometimes, the best exercise comes from a fellow cat. Cats who are left alone during the day can benefit greatly from a companion feline. Two cats will amuse themselves for hours playing games of their own invention. Older, more sedate cats can be jump-started into exercise with the addition of a kitten to the household. �Just be careful to keep the overweight adult cat out of the high-calorie kitten food.

Children also make wonderful playmates�with a few restrictions. Kids younger than 12 should be supervised. Teach them to play gently using cat toys, never their bare hands, and to stop playing when their pet becomes tired or over-stimulated.

Please visit us at  www.siamese-cattailscattery.com

Walk This Way

By: Christian Yost

March 28, 2009
Cats can, indeed, be trained to walk with a leash. Sometimes, walking outdoors is especially good for apartment-bound pets. It gives them room to stretch their legs. It’s also an excellent way for owners and their felines to spend time together.

Getting your cat used to walking on a leash will take time, patience and the right equipment. The process will be easier if you follow these tips:

• Be sure that your cat’s harness is secure and fits properly.
• Make sure she’s wearing an up-to-date identification tag.
• Before venturing outdoors, map out a route. Select an area for strolling that’s free from dogs, traffic, loud noises and other dangers.
• Please visit us at www.siamese-cattailscattery.com

A Neat Trick

By: Christian Yost

March 28, 2009

Although cats won’t necessarily perform tricks like a dog, they can play various games that will keep them on the move�and in shape. It doesn�t take much effort on your part. For example:

• Toss a small ball, a wad of paper or a piece of kibble across the floor for your cat to run after. (Don’t expect the kibble to come back, though!)
• Play tag! Romp with your cat across the floor or up the stairs.
• Many cats love to play �hide and stalk.� You can take turns being the �prey� and the �predator.� You can even play if you’re just lying on the couch.
• Consider adding a cat tree for jumping and climbing. Your pet will get exercise even when you’re gone.
• Just 15 to 30 minutes a day of play can keep your cat in shape, while strengthening the bond between you.
• Please visit us at  www.siamese-cattailscattey.com

Fun and Games

By: Christian Yost

March 28, 2009

If your pet is more like a couch potato than a curious cat on the go, it’s time to pump her up. Play. Experts agree on this cat care tip: some of us should do it more. It improves health, enhances appearance and adds a sense of mental well-being. And it only takes a few minutes a day. Exercise. You are your cat’s own personal trainer.

“Exercise benefits felines with increased overall health, including a longer lifespan. “It relieves stress, reduces aggression and keeps cats alert. Exercise just makes cats feel better.” A feline fitness plan may seem strange to you, but there are ways to get your cat in condition.

Let’s Play!
It may sound like work, but to cats, exercise is just plain fun. One of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to keep your kitty fit is to play with her. Just 15 to 30 minutes a day of play can help keep your cat in shape and strengthen the bond between the two of you. Here are some cat care tips to get you and your cat in the habit of regular exercise:

• Start slowly! Build up to 30 minutes of exercise a day, depending on your individual cat.
• Break play sessions into 5- to 10-minute segments throughout the day.
• Choose safe cat toys. Avoid string or other items she can swallow.
• Never force a cat to do an activity. Let her decide.
• If you feel like your cat is getting too wound up, stop playing.
• Play with your cat before meals, not immediately after.
• Have water available at all times.
• Use praise and petting instead of treats to keep her interested.

There are hundreds of cat toys on the market today as well as lots of low- and no-cost toys you can make yourself. “Cats get bored,”. “Have a good variety of toys, but alternate which ones you leave out.”

However, even the best toy won’t get your cat active without you. Cats like interaction. Although the toy is part of that, having a playmate will double her interest and the time she spends exercising.

Please visit us at www.siamese-cattailscattery.com

Geriatric Cat Care

By: Christian Yost

March 25, 2009

Old age happens to the best of us – even our cats. And as our cats enter into the golden age, they may have specific needs or problems that must be addressed. The aging process brings about a gradual decline in a cat’s physical and sometimes mental abilities. Becoming aware of these issues allows an owner to provide the best possible care.

Not all cats age at the same rate. A cat’s biological age depends upon genetic background, the quality of his diet, his general state of health and the quality of his living conditions. Research estimates that old age for cats begins somewhere between the 8th and 9th birthday.

Ideally, caring for the geriatric cat should focus on preventative measures. Whenever possible, it is better to prevent a problem from occurring, rather than to wait for a problem to develop. Detecting diseases in the early stages greatly improves the outcome.

Different cats have specific risk factors that influence the diagnostic approach to geriatric medicine. Risk factors are characteristics of the breed, genetics, environment and life-style of your cat that may put him or her at greater risk of developing a particular disease or other age related changes.

Veterinary Care

Within the last few decades, advancements invetinary medicine have caused a dramatic increase in the longevity of our pets. Today, cats are living longer and healthier lives. If there is a problem with your older cat, don’t assume it is just because of old age, and that nothing can be done. With appropriate treatment, many conditions can improve. Your veterinarian may do the following to assess your cat’s health and to maintain a healthy condition.

A thorough and complete medical history. Your veterinarian will note changes in behavior and physical abilities.

A complete physical examination

Complete blood count (CBC)

Biochemical profile

Urinalysis

Thyroid level

Fecal exam for parasites

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) and Feline Leukemia Virus(FELV) testing

Treatment

All cats should receive routine vaccinations as required by law (rabies) and vaccines that are appropriate for individual needs. Specific vaccines and frequency of administration may vary, and should be discussed with your veterinarian. Treating an older cat depends on the individual requirements or problems of your pet. The most common problems of geriatric cats are:

Nutritional issues – managing obesity or special needs

Dental disease

Kidney disease

Hyperthyroidism

Diabetes

Hypertension

Cardiac disease

Inflammatory bowel disease

Skin tumors

Cancer

Home Care and Prevention

A periodic inspection of your pet, at home, may uncover potential problems. Make sure that your pet has clean, warm and protected living conditions, and provide easy access to clean fresh water.

Feed a good quality cat food that is appropriate for your cat’s specific needs, and do not allow your pet to gain excessive weight. Discuss unexpected wight gain with your veterinarian. Based on a complete geriatric work-up, a prescription cat food might be advised. Groom your pet and, if possible, brush your cat’s teeth regularly. Finally, follow your veterinarian’s recommendations as to exercise, nutrition and any medications that may be needed.

Pets today are living longer and better quality lives than ever before. Many factors are responsible for this increase including improved nutrition, veterinary care and educated owners. This increased longevity means that there are more cats reaching an older age, and that owner’s will be faced with the special demands and problems that become apparent with age.

Understanding the aging process and the most common problems that face the geriatric cat is the first step in providing the best possible care to your older animal. The main focus of geriatric health care is owner education and the early detection and prevention of disease.

It is important to realize that aging itself is not a disease; it is simply a stage of life. Increasing age causes a gradual decline in the body’s ability to repair itself, maintain normal body functions, and adapt to the stresses and changes in the environment.

Many changes occur in cats as they age.

Changes in metabolism occur so they require less food. Cats, in general, have a more sedentary lifestyle, and older cats, specifically, are usually less active. weight gain and obesity are common problems.

The lack of exercise contributes to reduced muscle tone and strength, further adding to the potential of obesity.

Changes in a cat’s environment or routine may actually contribute to behavioral changes or even illness. Trying to minimize severe or sudden changes in the geriatric animal is always a good practice.

With time, cats begin to have a gradual decline in their senses (hearing, smelling, vision, and taste). Decreased taste sensation can contribute to anorexia, especially if your cat becomes ill.

Your pet may not respond to stimuli as rapidly or in the same manner as when he or she was younger. It is not uncommon for older cats to spend more time sleeping and have more difficulty being roused.

The body’s ability to repair itself decreases, and the function of the immune system is compromised with increasing age. Metabolic and endocrine problems, organ dysfunction and cancer are all seen with increased frequency in the aging cat. Some of these problems may be difficult to help, however it is usually possible to improve the quality of your pet’s life significantly by educating yourself, and becoming aware of potential problems.

Most veterinarians recommend more frequent vetinary visits and additional diagnostic tests for geriatric animals in an effort to find the early stages of disease, before they become problems. Practicing prevention is always better than treating a disease already present. In the long run, preventive medicine improves quality of life, and is more cost effective than waiting for problems to appear. A well-educated and proactive owner is the first step in optimal senior cat care

Many of these tests are recommended on geriatric cats even when they are feeling totally normal. The routine geriatric exam and accompanying diagnostic tests are recommended to ensure that the early stages of disease is discovered, and appropriate preventive measures and treatment plans instituted.

The most common diagnostic tests performed by your veterinarian as part of a complete geriatric work-up include:

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The Effects of Aging on Cats

By: Christian Yost

March 25, 2009

Like us, cats don’t stay young forever – they age. While some aspects of getting old may not be much fun, getting old is not all bad. Each stage of life has its joys, pleasures and drawbacks. Middle age for a cat, which is between 8 and 10 years of age, is a kind of gray zone during which the cat is busily engaged in the process of life without any particular physical or mental deterioration to hamper him. But somewhere towards the end of middle age, cats start acting and feeling their age.

The effects of the aging process are both physical and mental. Physically, structural and functional changes occur in virtually all organ systems throughout the body, affecting vision, hearing, stamina, susceptibility to drugs and locomotor activity. Mental changes are secondary to decreasing brain size and a reduced number of brain cells. In some cases, feline Alzheimer-like changes hasten deterioration.

Aging does not affect all cats in precisely the same way. Some cat breeds, and some individuals, are more successful agers than others. Some cats, at the age of 14 years, may have no noticeable physical or mental incapacitation. Others of the same age, however, are already handicapped by age-related internal organ failure, failing senses or orthopedic problems.

Age-Related Physical Changes

The Kidneys. Kidney function is often impaired in old age. With advancing age, blood flow to the kidneys decreases, there is a loss of filtering cells (nephrons), and impairment in resorptive processes in the nephrons. The result of all this is a failure of the kidneys to concentrate urine, so that older cats with this type of deterioration will necessarily have to drink more and, consequently, produce a larger amounts of more dilute urine. It is extremely important to make sure that such cats have constant access to water so that they do not go into kidney failure. Some special kidneydiets that contain low quantities of high quality protein can help sustain cats in the borderline kidney failure.

The Liver. Although some tests of liver function show progressive deterioration with age, most cats survive to a ripe old age without this progressive loss affecting them in any noticeable way. However, in some cats, fat accumulation occurs in the liver (sometimes secondary to other diseases such as diabetes) and this can result in an increased size of the liver with increased levels of liver enzymes in the blood. Liver cirrhosis is also a disease of the older cat because of its chronic and progressive nature.

Thyroid Glands. Hyperthyroidism has been reported to be one of the most common endocrine disease in the cat. Hyperthyroidism will cause a dry lusterless coat, weight loss and an increased appetite, to name but a few of the clinical signs.

Adrenal Glands. The adrenal glands, that produce various hormones involved in the regulation of blood sugar, electrolytes, stress regulation, and many other functions, are affected in various ways by the aging process. Adrenal exhaustion has been described in elderly patients undergoing continued stress but the opposite, hyperadrenicorticism, can occur in middle aged and older cats. The latter causes signs such as muscle weakness, potbelly,hair loss, increased thirst, and increased urine production. If hyperadrenocorticism is diagnosed, it can be treated.

Pancreas. Diabetes mellitus (sugar diabetes

) is usually a disease of the older cat. Complications associated with this disease include increased thirst and urine output,muscle wasting, and liver disease. This type of diabetes can be controlled using dietary control and insulin.

Musculoskeletal System. While young cats appear strong, well-muscled and can run like the wind, older cats usually show muscle wasting and are often handicapped by arthritis or intervertebral disc disease. Analgesics and, if indicated, various surgical procedures can bring many cats relief

Cardio-respiratory System. As you might expect, both components of the heart and lung system are affected adversely with increasing age. A particularly common cardiac disease of older cats is one in which the heart walls thicken (cardiomyopathy). This condition leads to cardiac murmurs and, functionally, to cardiac insufficiency. Meanwhile, aging changes in the lungs, such as thickening of the walls of the small airways, leads to reduced efficiency of gaseous exchange.

Special Senses. Cats’ eyesight becomes poorer as they get older, due to age-related changes in the eye itself and in the processing of visual images centrally. The most common ocular aging change of all, lenticular sclerosis, in which the pupil of the eye appears grayish, does not significantly affect vision at all. Cataracts, however, which are also more common in elderly cats, do impair vision, particularly when the cat is in bright light and his pupils are constricted.

Cats’ hearing deteriorates progressively with age so that many older cats appear not to hear you and they do not respond to outside sounds that formerly would have aroused them. Loss of hearing can be either peripheral, due to changes in the ear itself or, as with failure of vision, related to changes in central processing.

Central Nervous System . Cats’ brain weight decreases with age primarily because of neuronal death in the cerebral hemispheres. Functionally, there is decreased production and increased destruction of central neurotransmitters.

Behavioral Changes. Because of general central nervous system changes mentioned above, cats progressively slow down mentally as they age. They become less interested in things around them, less reactive to things going on, spend more time sleeping, and tend to walk whereas before they might have run. “Normal” aging changes in cats are not usually incapacitating but merely produce a gradual decline in mental function, which can seem quite appropriate.

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How Cats Play

By: Christian Yost

March 25, 2009

Cats, like all mammals, engage in play as youngsters and continue to do so even after they have grown up. Play is a complex learning activity that helps kittens develop social relationships and helps them hone their physical and mental skills. But it is also fun, which is why adult cat continue to do it. You can spend many enjoyable hours just watching with amusement as your cat plays. Watching a cat play is one of the most entertaining pastimes afforded to the cat owner. A cat’s play takes three forms, though often it is sometimes difficult to separate them.

Social Play

Social play is how kittens learn to interact with their littermates, their mother, other cats, other household pets, and you. During social play, kittens test their world and learn their place in it. Kittens develop personality traits based on their playful interactions that accompany them into adulthood

As a kitten grows, social play with littermates gives way to social play with their human caregiver(s), assuming that the kitten is adopted into a family and is not simply fending for herself.

Object Play

Poking, batting, and tossing around small objects are ways that kittens learn about how to deal with prey. During such play sessions they develop the survival skills that they might need if they ever have to provide for themselves. You may see your kitten stomp on her toys, flip them over, and circle them once they land – acts that mimic overpowering and killing a prey animal for food. Object play teaches a cat how the world and things in it feel, what is animate and what is inanimate. She may jump up from her toys as if noxious, invisible rays emanate from them, and then dissolve into fits of sheer delight and discovery.

Locomotor Play

An active cat is a confident cat. The running and jumping of locomotor play helps a kitten increase strength, coordination, and flexibility. Locomotor play also stimulates a cat’s appetite while helping to keep her physically fit. In addition, locomotor play helps eliminate boredom. An active play session at night can help reduce a cat’s nocturnal perambulations, which otherwise may keep the cat’s owner awake.
In addition to the physical lessons play teaches kittens and cats, play also teaches emotional ones. Kittens learn that playing is just plain fun and that it feels good to run, jump and cavort with other cats and animals, including human ones.

A Lifetime of Play

During a kitten’s first 4 weeks of life, she will be too busy nursing, sleeping, and learning to see and hear to want to or be able to play. During that time, a crinkly or jingling ball will have no effect on her. She will not be able to focus her vision on a moving object and will not have the strength and coordination to chase a wiggling wand toy. She will be too small, too uncoordinated, and too fragile to engage in any games.

After 4 weeks of age, it’s safe for you to engage in play with your kitten. From 7 to 8 weeks, kittens are most active but they will continue to play actively until they are 12 to 14 weeks old. Play comes naturally to young kittens, but an adult that prefers to eat and sleep may need some encouragement from you. Playing with your cat increases the bond you share and is a good way to learn about her. Play also provides an outlet for her energy and wards off potential behavior problems caused by too much time and too few interests. Interactive play diverts your cat’s attention to a toy and helps keep her from attacking your ankles for attention.

Toys for Cats

Playing with your kitten will help her establish a closer relationship with you, but make sure you provide her with safe toys. Know what objects are safe as toys. Consult your veternarian if you have any doubt. Like toys for a human toddler,pet toys shouldn’t be too heavy for your pet to handle but they should be large enough so they can’t be swallowed. Also, make sure they’re not made of a toxic substance. Cats may consume small toy parts as well, so be cautious of very small attachments, strings, buttons and bells. Cats are individuals with different energy levels. A toy that appeals to one may not appeal to another. Many cats enjoy chasing a small fabric

swatch attached to the end of a fishing pole toy that mimics a moth in flight. Pole toys with larger stuffed animals at the end are difficult to chase and may even frighten some cats. Roll a ping-pong ball in the bathtub

to see if a game of bat-the-ball interests your cat. You may find your cat bringing a crumpled piece of paper back to you in her own version of “fetch.” If you have more than one cat, play with all of them to prevent squabbles.

You may find her chasing imaginary playmates in her own world of make-believe. Try giving her a paper sack or a box with holes cut into it so that she can invent games for herself. But interactive play is best. How the two of you play together is only limited by your imagination.

Imagination is Key

A pet’s imagination is boundless. All animal play is spontaneous and whimsical. Animal games are without many rules and mainly just for pleasure, although much of animal play is meaningful, allowing the cat to rehearse and learn life’s lessons. Play has been noted in animals in the wild as well as in pets, and enjoyment seems to be the common theme.

Use your imagination as well. For example, cats respond primarily to movement. Therefore, any lightweight, small object may be a toy to chase and pounce on. Make up a game for your pet, follow her natural antics and build on the “variations on a theme” concept.

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Exercising Your Cat

Exercising Your Cat

By: Christian Yost

March 24, 2009

Have you ever watched your cat exercise? Perhaps your kitty’s exercise regimen consists of a mad dash around the house – a furry bullet dashing from room to room. Or possibly it’s jumping up on horizontal (and even vertical) surfaces, tearing up the carpets and furniture, or attacking your feet in the middle of the night. Or maybe it’s stalking or pawing at some moving critter, like a fly or a lizard.

Exercise is as important to your cat as it is to you. Young cat’s as well as healthy adult cats need periods of exercise. Even our senior pets  need regular exercise to maintain their health and well-being.
We all know that exercise affects us both physically and mentally. The same is true for your cat. Your kitty can become depressed if not sufficiently stimulated. He may keep you awake at night if he does not receive enough stimulation during the day. Cats are wonderful athletes, but they generally like to exercise for brief periods only.

A vigorous playtime at night may help you both get some sleep.

Organized Play

Organized play is important and one of the best ways to spend quality time with your pet. Play stimulates your cat mentally. When kittens play together they pick up social skills and self-sufficiency. They refine their stalking and pouncing, as well as coordination and timing required to make a kill. They learn about their environment by exploring and climbing, and they find the best spots to hide in and lie in wait for their victims.

Adult cats, too, enjoy toys that allow them to simulate natural stalking and hunting activity. Commercially available toys are often inviting, but your kitty would probably be happy with anything that he can chase or pounce on. Here are a few things you can try:

Roll a table-tennis ball across the floor. Sit back and watch as your kitty chases, stalks and swats the ball.

Wad up a piece of paper, attach an old tie around it so that you can drag the paper around the floor. Soon your cat will launch an attack.

Get a tall scratching post, preferably one with “branches,” that your cat can run up and down. Scratching posts assist your cat to flex his muscles and to shed old claw sheaths.

Provide a large paper bag or cardboard box for your cat to explore.

You can also buy elaborate gymnasiums for cats, which your cat might climb and explore.

Precautions

Never use string or yarn as a toy. Although your cat may enjoy them, these items can be deadly if swallowed and a portion becomes stuck around the tongue or in the intestinal tract.

Putting your cat outside is not a particularly good way to encourage exercise. In general, the most important thing you can do to prolong the life of your cat (in addition to kitten vaccinations) is to keep your cat indoors or confined within a controlled out-of-doors area. This keeps your kitty safe from injury, animals attacks, and the spread of deadly infectious diseases from stray cats.

Daily exercise or playtime is recommended unless there is a medical problem and your veternarian has instructed you to limit your cat’s activity.

Please visit us at www.siamese-cattailscattery.com