What is the latest on Feline Urinary Problems?

By: Christian Yost

April 19, 2009

Urinary problems can be caused by a variety of disorders including bladder stones, infections, urethral obstructions as well as a condition called feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC). FIC literally means an inflammation of the urinary bladder

in cats of unknown origin.

FIC is also called feline idiopathic lower urinary tract disease (FiLUTD) or feline urologic syndrome (FUS). FIC has been estimated to affect up to 1% of the cat population.

Common signs are urinating outside of the litter box, straining to urinate or blood in the urine.

Despite many years of research, the cause of FIC remains unknown. Factors that may play a role in the development of FIC include viruses, type of diet fed (especially dry food diets with high mineral content), stress, confinement to a strictly indoor environment, and genetic factors (longhaired cats, for example, seem to be more commonly affected).
A lot of time and research has gone into studying this disease.

1. First – fine out the underlying cause. Allow your vet to perform some basic tests to determine if stones or an infection is present. If an underlying condition is found, it should be treated.

2. Second, accept that there is no cure. This is something some cats will often have to battle with their entire lives. But there are some things you can do to help.

3. Third, do things that can help. These things may include:

Treatment often involves a change in diet from a dry food to a canned food.

Minimize stress in the home – if you have a dog your cat doesn’t like- make sure he or she has a provide place to escape such as a special room or upstairs.

Make sure your cats’ environment is stimulating. Ensure you have plenty of scratching posts, beds , interesting windows to look out, bird feeders, and toys.

Stimulate your cat by playing at least 10 minutes at LEAST once a day.

Offer plenty of fresh clean water. Add more bowls in different locations around your home. Top off the water bowls and periodically add ice cubes to stimulate drinking. Also, some cats love automatic waterers.

Clean up urine messes on the carpet or furniture well. Use a good quality product such as Zero Odor, Anti-icky Poo, Urine Off, etc. and use according to package directions. For more information on urine odor eliminators and instructions

Please visit us at  www.siamese-cattailscattery.com

What is Cystitis?

By Christian Yost

March 28, 2009
What is Cystitis?

Cystitis is an inflammation of the urinary bladder. Cystitis can also be associated with diseases of the urinary tract such as urolithiasis (urinary stones). In veterinary practices, urinary disorders are a frequent owner complaint. Cystitis is reported in about 3% of the dogs seen by veterinarians.

What are Uroliths?
Uroliths are small stones (also called calculi) that form in the urinary tract (see illustrations below). Oddly enough, uroliths can be the result of an infection — or they can predispose to infection. There are four common types of uroliths, based on composition in dogs. The most commonly seen is struvite, although calcium oxalate, ammonium urate, and cystine calculi are also observed.

What are the Clinical Signs of Cystitis in Dogs?

The most common sign of cystitis is a change in urination habits — increased frequency, decreased amount, straining, or passing blood in the urine. Males, with long narrow urethras, are more likely to suffer obstruction of the urinary tract if uroliths form. Signs of obstruction are straining with little or no production of urine. Uroliths are usually seen in dogs between three and seven years old, but have been reported in young pups and older dogs.

What Causes Cystitis?

An infection that moves up through the lower urinary tract (the area from the urinary bladder to the end of the urethra) is the most frequent cause of cystitis. In male dogs, chronic prostate infection can be a source of bacterial bladder infections. Other conditions that can complicate the infection include urinary stasis (reduced or stopped urinary flow), trauma, abnormal urine composition, or calculi. Between 50 and 95% of struvite urolithiasis is associated with bacterial urinary tract infection, and the most common bacteria found in the urine of infected dogs is Staphylococcus. Until the stones are removed, it is virtually impossible to clear up the infection. Diet does not cause cystitis.

Simplified Illustration of a Male Dog’s Urinary Tract

How Should Cystitis Be Treated?

Before treating cystitis, a urine culture is normally taken to determine the type of infection involved. X-rays can also be used to identify uroliths present in the urinary tract. Any uroliths identified must be removed. Appropriate antibiotics are then administered. If a dog is prone to reinfection, long-term antibiotic therapy may be necessary.
Veterinary-exclusive products include statements such as, “This product is intended for intermittent feeding only” and “Use only as directed by your veterinarian.”

Why is an Acidic Urine Important in Treating Cystitis?

Struvite uroliths are more soluble in an acidic urine. If the proper urine pH level is maintained, the conditions for urolith formation are less likely to occur. The ideal pH level for dog urine is acidic, between 6.4 and 6.6. Because reinfection is a common problem in dogs prone to cystitis or urolith formation, oral urinary acidifiers are often prescribed.

Can Diet Help Correct Cystitis?

Diet has been suggested as an alternative to surgical removal of stones. Surgical correction is rapid, while the dissolving process through diet therapy takes at least 3-6 weeks and is effective only for struvite uroliths. Even with struvite stones, the dietary “removal” process requires antibiotics, recheck visits to the veterinarian, and a 3-6 week period of continued presence of stones in the bladder. (Though dietary changes are also prescribed for cats with urinary problems, the compositions of dog and cat diets are quite different and foods designed for cats should not be used for dogs nor vice versa.)

Please visit us at www.siamese-cattailscattery.com

What Is FLUTD?

By: Christian Yost

March 28, 2009

FLUTD is a term that veterinarians use to describe a set of problems affecting the lower urinary tract in cats. It was formerly known as FUS (Feline Urologic Syndrome).

FLUTD is well-known to veterinarians, with approximately 10% of the cats seen by them having signs of urinary problems. However, FLUTD is not a common disorder in cats in general; it is estimated that FLUTD affects less than 1% of the overall cat population.

Causes and Associated Factors
In many cases of FLUTD, the cause is unknown. In those cases where there is a known reason, the most common cause is urolithiasis, or the formation of stones from accumulations of crystals in the urinary tract. This may be so severe that it completely obstructs the urinary tract and prevents urination.

Many other factors have been associated with this condition, such as gender, age, environmental conditions, and stress. Simply changing a cat�s routine or environment may trigger the onset of FLUTD. Owners may minimize their cat�s risk of developing FLUTD by

• Providing routine veterinary care

• Providing fresh, clean water at all times

• Minimizing stress and providing a comfortable living environment

Signs of FLUTD

Clinical signs vary with this condition. They may be a result of inflammation or irritation of the urinary tract or due to its complete blockage. Signs of FLUTD include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Frequent urination

• Difficult or painful urination (ie, cat may try to urinate but cannot or cries when straining to urinate)

• Inappropriate urination (ie, cat may urinate outside of the litterbox)

• Blood-tinged urine

• Excessive licking of genital area

A cat owner who notices any of these signs should contact their veterinarian, as FLUTD may be a life-threatening situation.

Diet Effects on FLUTD
Diet can affect the development of FLUTD because dietary factors have been associated with the formation of some types of urinary stones, or uroliths. This is particularly true for one of the most common types of stones seen in FLUTD, called struvite. Struvite stones are made up of minerals (magnesium, ammonium, phosphate) that form crystals in the urine. The most important diet-related factor in the formation of struvite stones is urine pH (amount of acidity or alkalinity).

• More alkaline urine (pH higher than 6.8) increases the likelihood of struvite crystal and stone formation

• Urine pH is naturally influenced by the protein source in the diet
  • Cat foods that contain large amounts of animal- and fish-based protein produce a more acidic urine
  • Cat foods that contain large amounts of plant protein, such as soybean meal, may promote a more alkaline urine

• Urine pH is also influenced by how often the cat is fed
  • Urine pH becomes alkaline after a meal
  • When food is always available and a cat nibbles throughout the day, urine pH does not become as alkaline

Another factor that affects the formation of struvite stone is the amount of magnesium consumed through the diet.

• When the cat�s diet contains more magnesium than needed for the body�s functions, the extra magnesium is excreted into the urine. That extra magnesium could contribute to the development of a struvite stone if other conditions are met.
  • If the urine pH is less alkaline (more acid, 6.8 or lower), large amounts of magnesium are required for the formation of struvite crystals.
  • If the urine pH is more alkaline (higher than 6.8), it takes lower amounts of magnesium to promote the formation of struvite crystals.

To minimize the likelihood of struvite stones and signs of FLUTD, a cat food should produce an acidic urine (pH less than 6.8) and contain low dietary levels of magnesium (less than 0.12% on a dry-matter basis).

Please visit us at  www.siamese-cattailscattery.com

Feline Housesoiling

By: Christian Yost

March 28, 2009
It can be frustrating to live with a wonderful cat that cannot seem to find the way to the litter box. There are many possible reasons for this. If you take a calm, rational approach to uncovering the cause and treating the problem, you will have great chances for success, which begins with the right kitten training.
Inappropriate Soiling

Inappropriate soiling involves the act of squatting to defecate or urinate outside the litter box. This often occurs when something about using the box becomes disagreeable. Pinning down the exact cause is very important and may take some careful thought. Consider any changes that occurred at the time the problem appeared which might have caused the problem.

Reasons Why a Cat May Potty Outside of the Litter Box

• Medical problems (bladder infection, intestinal upsets, constipation)
• The litter box is not cleaned often enough
• The type of litter (texture or odor) is disagreeable
• The litter box is located in an area with too much traffic
• The cat was teased or frightened in or near the box
• The litter box is too near the food bowl
• Anxiety (long absences by the owner, punishment, new pets, new baby)

Could This be a Medical Problem?

A variety of medical problems can lead to housesoiling. None of your attempts to guide your cat back to the litter box will work if she has a medical problem that�s undiagnosed and uncorrected. Signs might include:

• An increase in frequency of urination
• Large volumes of urine
• Straining or discomfort when soiling
• Blood in the urine
• Diarrhea or constipation

If your cat is experiencing these signs, it is important to visit your veterinarian. The doctor may recommend tests for her urine, feces or blood.

Taking Care of Business

Pinpoint and address the cause of the problem. Treatment of housesoiling problems involves three major considerations:

• Remove the cause
• Re-establish the habit of litter box use
• Prevent the cat from returning to previously soiled areas

If the Problem Is Litter Box Related�

• Take immediate control of the problem!
• Clean the litter box more often.
• To help a timid cat, move it from a busy area to a quiet one.
• In multi-cat households, it may also help to provide one litter box per cat.
• Confine the cat to a small area, such as a bathroom, along with the litter box. Most cats prefer using the box rather than the floor. It is then a matter of confining her long enough for a consistent habit to become established.
• Only allow your cat out of the confined area when you can supervise at all times.
• Gradually allow more freedom once the litter box has been used in a confined area for one to four consecutive weeks. During this confinement period, remember to play frequently and interact socially with your cat. Let her out often, but only under close supervision.
• Offer different types of litter to find one your cat prefers. It is better to use another box entirely rather than go through a series of litter changes in one box.
• Occasionally, some cats prefer actual sand in the box mixed with a few handfuls of soil. If this is the case, gradually replace the sand mix with cat litter after several weeks.
• Removing the odor from the affected area is important. Use a good commercial product that is specifically made for use on feline stool and urine odors. Most products need to make contact with the urine or stool. Use as directed.
• To be effective on carpeting or other porous surfaces, you may need to clean more rather than less. If nothing else is available, a 50:50 mixture of white vinegar and warm water will do a good job.
• Safeguard previously soiled areas by placing motion-detector alarms, food bowls, bedding or toys on them. Plastic, foil or double-stick carpet tape can also be used.
• If your cat has developed a preference for the bathtub or sink, an inch of water in these locations will curb soiling there.
• Move furniture or close doors to deny the pet access to previously soiled areas. You may consider placing a litter box where the cat has been soiling.
• Please visit us at  www.siamese-cattailscattery.com

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

Pros and Cons of Spaying and Neutering in Cats

By: Christian Yost

March 24, 2009

It’s time to start thinking about spaying or neutering your cat. But, you are not quite sure if it is the right thing to do. If you’re wondering whether you should just leave your cat as nature intended, consider the positive and negative aspects of spaying and neutering before making your decision.

First, what does neutering mean? Neutering is a procedure used to “de-sex” an animal. This procedure has been used to control animal population growth, reduce unwanted sexual behavior in pets, and decrease or eliminate the possibility of certain disease conditions later in life, such as pyometra or infection in the uterus.

Castration is a term used to describe the removal of the gonads (testicles) in male animals. Spaying is a term used to describe the sterlazation procedure of females. The procedure of spaying most often consists of removal of both the ovaries and uterus, which is called an ovariohysterectomy.

Both procedures are performed under general anesthesia and both involve a surgical incision.

Neutering is done most commonly at or around six months of age. However, many veterinarians perform this procedure earlier – as early as 8 to 10 weeks in some situations. Early neutering can be done safely and has a number of advantages, especially in cases of pet adoption.

Spaying – The Positive Side

Spaying removes the risk of pregnancy.Pet overpopulation is a serious problem and by allowing your cat to have litters, you are adding to the problem. Finding homes for your new family additions is not as easy as you may think. Even if you choose to keep the kittens, you will have the additional cost of vaccines, parasite control, toys and food for several pets. In addition to costs, the health of the mother can be in jeopardy during delivery. Some new mothers can have serious complications delivering kittens and can even develop health problems during nursing. All these potential problems can be avoided by spaying your cat.

Spaying makes for a calmer cat.Without the drive to mate, your cat may be quieter and won’t be prone to cat calls and the incessant need to seek out a mate. The spayed pet no longer attracts males and their annoying advances and serenades. Spayed cats are also easier to get along with. They tend to be more gentle and affectionate.

Spaying keeps your cat healthier.A final positive aspect of spaying your cat is that spayed cats tend to have fewer health problems. Spaying is the removal of the ovaries and uterus. Without these organs, ovarian cysts, uterine infections and cancer of the reproductive tract are no longer a concern.Spaying – The Negative Side

Spaying means sterilization.Spaying will result in the sterilization of your cat, and she will no longer have the ability to become pregnant. In the era of pet overpopulation and the fact that thousands of unwanted pets are euthanized each year, this is really not so bad.

Spaying may cause weight gain.Some cats may gain weight after spaying and as they get older. Unspayed animals typically have a strong mating desire and can expend a lot of energy seeking a mate and reproducing. Without this energy burden, your cat may eat the same amount but not burn off as many calories. Cutting back on food intake or increasing your pets activity will help reduce weight gain.Neutering – The Positive Side

Neutering removes the risk of pregnancy.Pet overpopulation is a serious issue and by allowing your cat to breed, you are adding to the problem. Although you may not own the female cat, and you are not burdened with finding homes for those new kittens, someone else is. Even if you accept your responsibility and choose to keep the kittens, you will have the additional cost of vaccines, parasite control, toys and food for several pets.

Neutering makes for a cleaner, calmer pet.Another positive aspect of neutering your cat is that neutering can result in a calmer, and sometimes cleaner, home. Without the drive to mate, your cat may be quieter and not prone to cat calls and an incessant need to seek out a mate. The neutered cat no longer feels the need to seek out and serenade females. He no longer has the stress of needing to mark his territory

and urinate throughout the house and yard. Neutered cats are also easier to get along with. They tend to more gentle and affectionate. Neutered males tend to roam less and typically are not involved in as many fights with other animals.

Neutering keeps your pet healthier.A final positive aspect of neutering your cat is that neutered cats tend to have fewer health problems. Neutering is the removal of the testicles. Without these organs, testicular cancer is no longer a concern and the risk of prostate problems is reduced. For those people who would like to sterilize their cat but do not wish to alter his appearance, testicular implants are available.Neutering – The Negative Side

Neutering is sterilization.Neutering will result in the sterilization of your cat.

Neutering may cause weight gain.Some cats gain weight after neutering. Intact animals typically have a strong mating desire and can expend a lot of energy seeking a mate and reproducing. Without this energy burden, your cat may eat the same amount but not burn off as many calories. Cutting back on his food or increasing his activity can help reduce the weight gain.Last year about 18 million dogs and cats were turned over to animal shelters. Only one out of every 10 taken in to the shelters found a home. This means that over 13.5 million had to be destroyed. The tragedy is that this is unnecessary. Much of the problem could be eliminated by simple surgery: Spaying and neutering operations are performed under general anesthesia and are quite painless. By neutering pets, owners can help lower the numbers of unwanted and homeless creatures.

Please visit us at www.siamese-cattailscattery.com

What’s the Latest on Feline Urinary Problems?

What’s the Latest on Feline Urinary Problems?

By: Christian Yost

March 24, 2009

Urinary problems can be caused by a variety of disorders including bladder stones, infections, utheral obstructions as well as a condition called feline idiopathic cystits (FIC).  FIC literally means an inflammation of the urinary bladder in cats of unknown origin.

FIC is also called feline idiopathic lower urinary tract disease (FiLUTD) or feline urologic syndrome (FUS). FIC has been estimated to affect up to 1% of the cat population.

Common signs are urinating outside of the litter box, straining to urinate or blood in the urine.

Despite many years of research, the cause of FIC remains unknown. Factors that may play a role in the development of FIC include viruses, type of diet fed (especially dry food diets with high mineral content), stress, confinement to a strictly indoor environment, and genetic factors (longhaired cats, for example, seem to be more commonly affected).

A lot of time and research has gone into studying this disease.

1. First – fine out the underlying cause. Allow your vet to perform some basic tests to determine if stones or an infection is present. If an underlying condition is found, it should be treated.

2. Second, accept that there is no cure. This is something some cats will often have to battle with their entire lives. But there are some things you can do to help.

3. Third, do things that can help. These things may include:

Treatment often involves a change in diet from a dry food to a canned food

Minimize stress in the home – if you have a dog your cat doesn’t like- make sure he or she has a provide place to escape such as a special room or upstairs.

Make sure your cats’ environment is stimulating. Ensure you have plenty of scratching posts, beds, interesting windows to look out, bird feeders, and toys.

Stimulate your cat by playing at least 10 minutes at LEAST once a day.

Offer plenty of fresh clean water. Add more bowls in different locations around your home. Top off the water bowls and periodically add ice cubes to stimulate drinking. Also, some cats love automatic waterers.

Clean up urine messes on the carpet or furniture well. Use a good quality product such as Zero Odor, Anti-icky Poo, Urine Off, etc. and use according to package directions.

Please visit us at www.siamese-cattailscattery.com