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Guide to
CAT CARE Honouring
HEROIC PETS Coping with
BUNNY SNUFFLES PLUS: TV goes to the dogs • Beware Internet health “info”
Contents J U LY / A U G U S T 2 0 1 2
•
EXPLORING THE HUMAN-ANIMAL BOND SINCE 1983
VOL. 29 NO.4
FEATURES
DEPARTMENTS
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4 6 24 27 28 29 30
A CASE OF THE SNUFFLES A very common disease of rabbits, snuffles can be found in up to 10% of rabbits that appear normal.
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ANIMALS’ SIXTH SENSE SAVES LIVES Four intuitive pets inducted into the 2012 Purina Animal Hall of Fame.
Publisher’s Message Making Tracks PETS Marketplace Paws for Reflection The Healthy Bond Pet Projects The Last Word
Guide to CAT CARE 13
Page 12 18
Inflammatory Bowel Disease IBD is an immune condition that occurs in cats when inflammatory cells (white blood cells and plasma cells) are sent to different sites in the gastrointestinal tract. This may include the small intestine, large intestine and the stomach.
Cats get acne too Feline acne is usually fairly straightforward to diagnose, but a skin scraping or skin biopsy may be needed to rule out other more serious conditions, especially if the appearance is at all atypical.
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Season of the itch Easier to prevent fleas than to treat, experts say.
Pyometra...a good reason to spay your cat! Pyometra is a condition seen in unspayed female animals where the uterus fills with infection (pus) and it can become a lifethreatening situation.
15 Dinner is served Whether they smack on wet or nibble on kibble, proper nutrition will keep your feline feeling fine.
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Meet the real Mr. Whiskers A cat expert sheds some light on issues that can be frustrating — and even dangerous — for both cat and owner.
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22 It's a jungle in here Letting a cat roam free outside can be quite dangerous, but keeping your cat in the house could provide you with the pleasure of its company for many years to come.
23 The great indoors Common household pets have retained many instincts that served them well in the wild — and we need to understand these innate characteristics to avoid serious behavioural and health problems.
JULY/AUGUST 2012
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PUBLISHER’S MESSAGE
PETS M A G A Z I N E WWW.PETSMAGAZINE.CA J U LY / A U G U S T 2 0 1 2 VOL.29, NO.4
Here, Kitty Kitty… C
ats have a wonderfully unique set of characteristics and personality traits not often associated with most other companion animals. Felines are indeed mysterious, independent, self-confident creatures who can seem
aloof, remote and unemotional. Of course, they are also considered loving companions admired by their caregivers. Their traits, qualities and characteristics are reasons why over the centuries felines have been loved, feared, revered, worshipped and even despised. There is no shortage of descriptive words and phrases used in vain attempts to explain their personalities, temperament, quirks, beauty and intellect. I love the fact that cats are seldom referred to as pets, members of the family or even companion animals. The relationship with the family is often expressed with the phrase, “the cat and her people.” This provides further credence to my belief that cat lovers put these amazing creatures on a high pedestal.
SIMMONS PUBLISHING LTD. Publisher
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EDITORIAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE Dr. Mike Bondar, Westside Animal Hospital, Toronto, ON Kristina Cooper, RVT, Cooper Kennels, Ancaster, ON Dr. Dieter Kohlmaier, Westoak Animal Hospital, Oakville, ON Dr. Darren Low, Kennedy Animal Hospital, Sydney, NS Kerry Vinson, Animal Behavior Professional, Roseneath, ON Dr. Christina McRae, King Street Cat Hospital, Whitby, ON Dr. Cliff Redford, Wellington Vet Clinic, Markham, ON PETS Magazine is published six times a year by Simmons Publishing Ltd. ISSN: 0831-2621 To subscribe to PETS, contact Linda Simmons Toll Free: 877-738-7624 or visit us on the Web at:
www.petsmagazine.ca
For those who love cats, the reasons for their affections are often personal and private. The bond with kitty is deep, tender and loving. It is often a mutual admiration that grows stronger as the years pass. For Patricia Peters of Alberta, her personal bond with Monty, an affectionate yet
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shy Tabby, is very strong and anything but private. Monty is now one of the bestknown cats in Canada after his induction into the Purina Animal Hall of Fame this year in Toronto. Monty received national attention for saving Patricia’s life. I won’t share any more of that story here, but you can read about Monty’s heroism and the other inductees starting on page 10 of this issue. The remainder of this issue will focus your attention on information needed for those who love and admire animals, and in particular cats. The bond with our feline friends is deep, mysterious and precious. We at PETS Magazine want the bond to be a strong one that will last — and that’s why the issue will focus on proper care and nurturing. Enjoy!
John Simmons
Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: Simmons Publishing Ltd. 32 Foster Crescent Whitby, Ontario L1R 1W1 (905) 665-9669: Fax (905) 665-9249 E-mail: circulation@petsmagazine.ca Contents of PETS Magazine are copyrighted and may not be reproduced without the written consent of Simmons Publishing Ltd. The publisher shall not be liable for any of the views expressed by the authors of articles or letters published in PETS Magazine, nor shall these opinions necessarily reflect those of the publisher.
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T R A C K S
• Rodenticides sold to consumers will be packaged with a tamper-proof bait station; • All rodenticides used in areas that are accessible to small children, pets and wildlife must be placed in tamper-proof bait stations; • Certain high-toxicity rodenticides will only be sold to pest control professionals and farmers. Tamper-proof bait stations are designed to keep children and pets away from rodenticides, which can be mistaken for cereal or pet food. From 2007 to the end of 2010, Health Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency received almost 250 reports of accidental rodenticide poisonings, 20 of which involved humans (all nonfatal) and 226 involving domestic animals. Pest control manufacturers have until December 31, 2012 to get the new packaging in place. Until then, Health Canada advises us to purchase tamper-free bait stations for use with rodenticides. Consumers should read all label instructions carefully before using rodenticides or any other pesticide product. More tips on how to safely prevent and control rodents and other pests are available online at www.healthcanada.gc.ca/pmra. — www.newscanada.com
Cats are popular, so much so that more households in the United States contain cats than dogs. Yet this doesn’t mean cat owners don’t at times wonder about the mysterious and seemingly unpredictable elements of a cat’s personality. Carolyn Janik, author of The Smart Guide to Understanding Your Cat, says this mystery is part of the allure. In this comprehensive guide to understanding your cat, this well-known author helps readers “recognize and differentiate the traits and behaviours that are endemic in the species — in other words, part of cat-ness — and the activities and behaviours that are unique to your particular cat.” Lavishly illustrated with photographs and illustrations, including original artwork by the author, The Smart Guide to Understanding Your Cat covers everything from hair balls to the history of cats. Search for it on www.amazon.ca.
New campaign feeds the “Cattitude”
Purina Cat Chow recently launched Feed the Cattitude, a light-hearted, interactive campaign that includes a series of commercials as well as online tools that allow users to share their cat’s “cattitude.” The campaign features a Facebook page that allows visitors to tag their friends who exhibit cat-like characteristics, create captions for cat-centric photos and upload pictures of their cats. Also, visitors to the www.facebook.com/cattitude page can access an iPhone app that allows them to upload pictures of their cat and have them star in their own version of the new Purina Cat Chow. They can then share the videos on Facebook, or email them to their friends. “Anyone who has a cat knows that their cats have cattitude, and that’s why we love them as much as we do,” said Susan Molenda, vice president of cat marketing at Nestlé Purina PetCare. “We wanted to provide a place where people can experience and share their cat’s cattitude with the Purina Cat Chow cat-loving community. We feel that this campaign… captures these endearing cat moments.” For more information on the Purina Cat Chow Feed the Cattitude campaign, visit www.feedtheCATTITUDE.ca.
Got cats? Get the Fur Fetcher!
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Controlling rats or mice in and around the home is a problem most Canadians have to deal with at some point, and the way we do it is about to change. On January 1, 2013, new measures from Health Canada designed to reduce the exposure of children, pets and wildlife to rat and mouse pesticides (also known as rodenticides) will come into effect. The measures will mean that:
Cat expert offers keen insight to help you understand the cat(s) in your life
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New rules for rat and mouse pesticides safeguard your family
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M A K I N G
The Hartz Groomer’s Best Fur Fetcher is uniquely designed to remove loose hair and undercoat without damaging or cutting fur. The exclusive micro combs are designed to deliver twice the de-shedding action. Provides a safe and pleasant grooming experience for your pet leaving your pet’s coat shiny and healthy and your home fur free. www.hartz.com
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M A K I N G
T R A C K S
Calgary Humane Society and Kijiji team-up for animal welfare
Pet food recalled amid Salmonella fears
The Calgary Humane Society and Kijiji Canada have formed a new partnership to improve the safety of online pet adoptions and sales. Starting this month, the Calgary Humane Society will certify listings on Kijiji.ca with a “stamp of approval” through the new Breeder Inspection Program. Working with an experienced animal health technologist, the Calgary Humane Society and Kijiji have developed the Breeder Inspection Program to inspect and certify reputable Calgary and area breeders. As part of the program, breeders will undergo an inspection that will look at the health and environmental conditions of the animals, as well as the breeder’s business practices. The comprehensive certification process will also include a series of follow-up inspections to ensure the breeder’s practices remain in good standing. Consumers will be able to identify breeders who pass the rigorous inspection program by looking for a badge on Kijiji classified ads. The badge will indicate that the pet has been listed by a Calgary Humane Society approved breeder. For more information on the Breeder Inspection Program, breeders and consumers can email: kijijisupport@kijiji.ca
Several people in the United States and one person in Canada have become ill with a Salmonella infection as a result of contact with pets or pet food contaminated with Salmonella bacteria. A manufacturer in the United States, Diamond Pet Foods, recalled several batches of its dry pet food in early May due to possible contamination with Salmonella, including pet food that was shipped to Canada. The affected pet food was distributed to British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec and New Brunswick and may have been distributed to other provinces and territories. The single Canadian case of illness is from Quebec. Check if you have recalled pet food in your home on the manufacturer’s website: http://diamondpetrecall.com. The information is also available by calling 1-866-918-8756. If you have the affected product, do not feed it to your pet. Call the manufacturer’s hotline at 1-866-918-8756 to ask about a refund, or secure it in a plastic bag and throw it out and then wash your hands thoroughly in warm soapy water. Always wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after feeding, handling or cleaning up after pets. Clean surfaces that come into contact with pet food or ill pets. — Public Health Agency of Canada
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100,000 in U.S. pledge not to shop at stores, websites that sell puppies The ASPCA (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) recently announced that more than 100,000 consumers have taken its No Pet Store Puppies pledge to help fight puppy mill cruelty by refusing to shop at pet stores and on websites that sell puppies. The U.S. campaign, launched last July, raises awareness about the connection between pet stores and puppy mills and aims to reduce the demand for puppy mill puppies by urging consumers not to buy any items — including food, supplies or toys — if the store or website sells dogs.
The campaign reached the 100,000 mark just four days after the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) proposed a new rule calling for greater federal oversight of puppy mills and online dog sales. The rule would, for the first time, require large-scale commercial breeders who sell their puppies directly to the public, sight-unseen, including through websites, to be licensed and inspected by the USDA. The ASPCA will work to ensure that the rule is implemented as effectively as possible to improve conditions at sub-standard breeding facilities.
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NEO-PAWS International has introduced its Summer Reinforced Energy Orthopedic Shoe. Made with a mesh upper, protected with leather reinforcement above the soles and air pockets for extra breath ability and comfort, and all-new toe caps makes this shoe state-of-the-art in dog shoe design. The soles are made by an injection molding process similar to that of our own running shoes. The rubber is formed and molded to cover the entire paw area of the shoe and rises around the seams offering reinforced sides, heels and toe caps making these shoes like no other, lightweight, strong, durable, breathable, comfortable and they truly stay on. www.neopaws.com
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Put poochie’s best foot paw forward
In less than a year, the No Pet Store Puppies campaign has succeeded in eliminating a large platform for puppy mill dogs sold online. In response to concerns from the ASPCA, Facebook and Oodle, the company that powers Marketplace on Facebook, have instituted measures to restrict online classifieds listing puppy mill dogs for sale from the site. Through an ongoing removal process starting in March, tens of thousands of dog sale ads have already been eliminated. www.NoPetStorePuppies.com.
JULY/AUGUST 2012
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T R A C K S
Meet LitterLocker — a soiled litter disposal system that eases litter maintenance. As a cat owner, you know that soiled cat litter can smell really bad. You thought that you had no choice but do with litter odours — but now you can get rid of them for good. Just pick the soiled litter and dispose of it in the LitterLocker pail, and bad odors will be locked in. www.litterlocker.com
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Get a Lock on Litter Odour
Leaving a dog in a car even for a few minutes on a hot day could be fatal. Last year, the Ottawa Humane Society (OHS) received more than 250 calls about dogs left in vehicles on hot summer days. When the thermometer soars, a parked car can quickly become a furnace, endangering an animal’s life and making the owner liable to criminal charges. With only hot air to breathe, a dog’s normal cooling process — panting — doesn’t work. A dog can withstand internal body temperatures of 40°C for only a few minutes before brain damage or death can occur. Signs of canine heatstroke/heat exhaustion include rapid heartbeat, heavy panting, lethargy, lack of coordination, weakness or muscle tremors, unconsciousness, glazed eyes and convulsions. If you see an animal that may be suffering from heat exhaustion, and the owner can’t be quickly located, call the Ottawa Humane Society’s emergency phone line at 613-725-1532 (or contact your local Humane Society).
Scotiabank and BC SPCA Paws for a Cause
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Cat’s Pride Fresh & Light features a premium clumping, low-dust formula that reduces tracking and absorbs odour-causing enzymes on contact, stopping odour before it starts, which keeps litter boxes fresher, longer. And the big meow? Fresh & Light was designed to take 25% of the weight out of cat litter but keep the same number of litter pan uses. In fact, its innovative light-weight design means 5,300 fewer delivery trucks will be on the road over the course of a year, saving nearly 1.6 million gallons of fuel annually. Available in two distinct formulas: Multi-Cat and FragranceFree. Both varieties can be found in the pet care section of Walmart stores nationwide and will be coming soon to other retailers across the country. www.catspride.com
Ottawa Humane Society warns of dangers of leaving dogs in cars
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Changing litter for good
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M A K I N G
Helping animals is as easy as a walk in the park! The BC SPCA is inviting animal lovers to start registering for the annual Scotiabank & BC SPCA Paws for a Cause walk, being hosted in 35 communities across the province on September 9, 2012 (date may vary in some communities, check spca.bc.ca/walk for details). This year the BC SPCA hopes to raise $1 million for animals in need. “The Scotiabank & BC SPCA Paws for a Cause walk is a fun way to get involved and make a huge impact in the lives of animals in need,” says Farrah Rooney, manager of fundraising events at the BC SPCA. “As the BC SPCA’s biggest fundraising event of the year, the Scotiabank & BC SPCA Paws for a Cause supports life-saving work in branches across the province throughout the year.” There are some advantages to registering early for Paws for a Cause, including a 50% discount for those who sign-up within the month of May. In addition, the top fundraiser this month wins two roundtrip flights from Vancouver to Victoria, courtesy of Harbour Air, and a one-night hotel stay. “By signing up and collecting pledges, you’re not just helping thousands of injured, homeless and abused animals across the province,” says Rooney. “You’ll also enjoy an amazing day with activities for the whole family to enjoy, and you’ll be eligible for fabulous local and province-wide prizes.” Join as an individual, as a group or as a corporate team. Check out spca.bc.ca/walk for help getting started, with sponsorship opportunities, fundraising ideas, pledge kits, posters, merchandise and ways to volunteer. Event dates may vary in some communities, so visit spca.bc.ca/walk for local walk details.
WWW.PETSMAGAZINE.CA
A Case of
THE SNUFFLES
and fat. A grass hay diet will ensure normal tooth wear and good gut health. Also, remember to regulate their temperature, because if they get too hot or too cold they will become stressed.” Snuffles is extremely contagious among rabbits, and infected rabbits should never be allowed to come into contact with healthy rabbits. Any cage or bedding that has been in contact with infected rabbits should be thoroughly disinfected with a mild bleach solution before using for healthy rabbits. Humans that handle infected rabbits should wash their hands and clothes before handling healthy rabbits. “Pasteurella multocida, as with most bacteria, is contagious to man, but usually requires a skin break, such as a bite or a wound, to enter the system,” says Heatley. “This bacterium can cause diseases to other animals, such as chickens and pigs. So, if your bunny has snuffles, it should not play with other animals until it is well or at least until it starts an antibiotic treatment program.” “With adequate care and treatment, most cases of snuffles can be resolved and have a good prognosis,” Heatley adds. “However, some cases of snuffles can have multiple bacteria or may involve a tooth problem or bone infection in the rabbit’s nose. These bunny patients may require months of treatment and require much patience on the part of the owner.” To ensure a healthy pet rabbit at home, begin with a healthy rabbit and then maintain that good health by avoiding any contact that could infect your rabbit. When in doubt, hop down to your veterinarian for a complete checkup. Photo: Shutterstock.com
I
f your Peter Rabbit has a runny nose, he may have more than a case of the sniffles. He could have “snuffles,” a common upper respiratory infection in rabbits. “Snuffles is a disease which affects the eyes and nose and sometimes the lungs, skin, or even the middle ear of rabbits,” says Dr. Jill Heatley, associate professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (CVM). “Also referred to as paranasal sinusitis, snuffles is most often caused by a certain bacteria known as Pasteurella multocida, but sometimes other bacteria can also be involved.” Heatley adds, “Snuffles is a very common disease of rabbits and can be found in up to 10% of rabbits which appear normal. It is found in almost all rabbits that show clinical signs, such as a runny nose, skin infections or a head tilt.” Symptoms for snuffles vary among rabbits. According to Heatley, the most common signs to look for relating to snuffles are nasal discharge, head tilting, and skin sores. “Many times a veterinarian will make a presumptive diagnosis of snuffles based solely on a physical examination,” explains Heatley. “However, radiographs (X-rays) and blood work are also often used to determine a diagnosis. This disease can progress to a serious infection like septicemia and pneumonia, which rabbits are very good at hiding.” “The treatment plan for snuffles varies based on the clinical signs, but antibiotics are often prescribed because it is a bacterial disease,” Heatley says. “However one must be very careful with antibiotic use in rabbits as improper types or routes of antibiotic administration can cause problems within the rabbit’s stomach and intestines that could lead to death. Please make sure the veterinarian you visit is familiar with antibiotics that are safe for use in rabbits.” Heatley also recommends using probiotics in rabbits, because they help replace the good normal bacteria in the rabbit’s gut which it needs to live. If you are looking into purchasing a new
rabbit for your household, it is best to talk with your breeder or pet store representative about a particular animal’s health history and breeding conditions. Very few facilities can guarantee a completely disease-free environment. If any rabbit in the facility shows even the slightest symptom of snuffles, such as wet facial fur or paws due to a runny nose, it would be better to look elsewhere for your new pet. Sub-clinical snuffles (infected rabbits that show no symptoms) can be diagnosed through a physical examination administered by your veterinarian. Physical examinations should be a routine part of your pre-purchase or initial ‘well pet’ health exam. To try to avoid snuffles in your current pet, keep its environment stress free. “Most, if not all, rabbits have this bacteria and can have a bout with snuffles if they become stressed,” Heatley says. “So for your rabbit we recommend a healthy diet, stressfree environment, and plenty of enrichment and exercise. Their diet should consist primarily of grass hay, such as oat or timothy, but not alfalfa, which has too much protein
— College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University
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Animals’ Sixth Sense
SAVES LIVES FOUR INTUITIVE PETS INDUCTED INTO THE 2012 PURINA ANIMAL HALL OF FAME
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earless, devoted and intuitive — words typically associated with heroic figures can also be used to describe the 2012 Purina Animal Hall of Fame Inductees — Nanook, Monty, Bree and Titan. Honoured May 7th at PawsWay Pet Education Centre in Toronto, the permanent home of the Purina Animal Hall of Fame, these extraordinary animals have gone above and beyond to protect the lives of those around them, proving just how powerful the bond between animals and humans can be. As one of the longest running pet recognition programs in Canada, the Purina Animal Hall of Fame has recognized the life-saving heroics of pets and service animals for more than four decades. Since its inception in 1968, 155 animals
have been inducted — 128 dogs, 26 cats and one horse. Canadians across the country can visit www.purinahalloffame.ca to read past honoured stories, and learn how to nominate a heroic pet or service animal. The 2012 honourees were carefully selected from numerous nominations based on their intelligence, loyalty and intuition. “This year’s inductees prove that big heroics can often come in the smallest packages,” said Mary Siemiesz, executive director of the Purina PetCare Legacy. “They remind us of the important roles that animals play in our lives, and how far they will go to protect the people around them.” The 2012 Purina Animal Hall of Fame Inductees:
NANOOK (ST. CATHARINES, ON) Early one morning last May, at around 3 a.m., Nanook, a SiberianHusky cross began causing a commotion to wake her owner Coleen Kilby and her husband, Gord. Nanook was circling their bed, howling, licking her owners’ faces and barking loudly, which was very uncharacteristic of Nanook. When the sleeping pair woke, they couldn’t understand what was prompting Nanook’s erratic behaviour. Coleen suddenly began feeling pressure in her chest as well as a gnawing pain in her arm and realized she was having a heart attack. Her husband called the paramedics and Coleen was immediately taken to the hospital for treatment. By 11 a.m. that morning, Coleen had undergone surgery to insert three stents in her heart. If it wasn’t for Nanook’s keen intuition and persistence that night, Coleen would have had the heart attack in her sleep and would not be here today.
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MONTY (CAMROSE, AB) In the middle of the night last March, Patricia Peter’s lovable, ginger Tabby cat Monty woke her up by repeatedly biting the fingers of her left hand — the only hand she uses to test her blood sugar levels to monitor her newly diagnosed diabetes. Although this was unusual behaviour for Monty, Patricia tried to ignore it and “shoo” him away so she could go back to sleep. When he persisted, Patricia sat up to push him to the foot of the bed and suddenly felt incredibly dizzy. She got up to go to the washroom and felt weak in the legs, couldn’t focus and felt sick to her stomach. With Monty meowing and rubbing up against her
leg, Patricia slowly made her way to the kitchen to check her blood sugar. As she got closer, Monty intuitively ran ahead and sat beside her diabetic testing kit. Sure enough, after testing her blood, Patricia discovered her blood sugar was down to a low of 2.7. Even after she treated the low blood sugar with sugar tablets, Monty was persistent in keeping her awake until she retested at normal sugar levels 15 minutes later. Patricia later told this story to her doctor who insisted that if Monty hadn’t woken her up and prompted her to test and treat her low blood sugar levels, she would have fallen into a diabetic coma or had a diabetic seizure. Patricia always thought Monty was a smart cat, but she now also sees him as her lifesaver, “little hero” and guardian angel.
BREE (BLISSFIELD, NB) Last September, three days before owner Michele Gilks’ 50th birthday, Bree, her two-year-old Dachshund, tried to wake Michele up in the middle of the night by putting her snout in Michele’s mouth, licking her face and frantically digging next to her. When Michele finally awoke, she felt an overwhelming “drowning” feeling and began gasping desperately for air. Bree’s antics also woke Michele’s husband who called an ambulance at once. When the paramedics arrived, Michele was put on oxygen and rushed to the hospital due to her dangerously high blood pressure.
SERVICE DOG OF THE YEAR:
TITAN (OAKVILLE, ON) One stormy evening last October, Police Service Dog Titan and his partner Constable Tara McLorn set out during severe weather conditions to locate a despondent and desperate woman who fled into a wooded area after attempting to overdose on medication. She had taken a large dose of pain medication, called 9-1-1 and told the operator that this would be her last night alive. Although her initial call for help allowed the team to narrow her whereabouts using cell phone triangula-
At the emergency room, Michele was diagnosed with a severe case of sleep apnea — a potentially life-threatening condition that causes a person to stop breathing during sleep. This wasn’t the first time Bree had woken Michele up from sleep in the middle of the night and now she understood why: Bree was helping Michele breathe whenever she stopped. If Bree hadn’t been watching over Michele that night, she would have died in her sleep from lack of oxygen. Today, Michele is receiving treatment for her sleep apnea and Bree no longer wakes her during the night. Michele feels like she’s been given another chance at life and she’s eternally grateful to Bree for that gift.
tion technology, it was Titan’s fearless dedication and intuition that led the unit to her location, ultimately saving her life. Defying hurricane-like winds, torrential rain and a race against the clock, Titan directed the team through the forest to the woman just as the drugs she had consumed were taking hold. The team remained with the woman until paramedics arrived to take her to the hospital where she was treated for hypothermia and a dangerous drug overdose. There is no doubt from his police team that Titan is a hero. At a time when every second counted, Titan helped his team defy the odds, rescue the missing woman and save her life.
For more information about the Purina Animal Hall of Fame please visit www.purinahalloffame.ca.
JULY/AUGUST 2012
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Guide to
CAT CARE
Guide to
Inflammatory
CAT CARE
BOWEL DISEASE HELPING YOUR KITTY COPE WITH IBD
By Kristina Cooper, RVT
WHAT IS IBD? Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an immune condition that occurs in cats when inflammatory cells (white blood cells and plasma cells) are sent to different sites in the gastrointestinal tract. This may include the small intestine, large intestine and the stomach. “Chloe”. Photo: Heather Armstrong, Victoria (BC)
WHO CAN GET IBD? Although any cat can get IBD, it is most commonly seen in middle-aged and older cats. WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF IBD? Cats with IBD may show signs like lack of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, weight loss and inappropriate elimination outside of the litter box. HOW IS IBD DIAGNOSED? Once symptoms are noted by an owner and the cat is taken to the veterinarian for an exam, the vet will likely recommend some blood work and x-rays to see what is going on internally with your cat. These tests not only look for evidence to support a diagnosis of IBD, but they also rule out other medical reasons for your cat’s symptoms. Although the test results may support a case of IBD, the only true way to diagnose the disease is to take a biopsy of the tissues that are affected. In some cases though, even a biopsy may show negative for IBD when in reality the disease exists. This is due to the fact that IBD functions on a microscopic level and may not be present in some but not all gastrointestinal tissue.
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• HOW IS IBD TREATED? Once your cat has been diagnosed with IBD it is likely that your veterinarian will recommend a few different things, including: • Diet change is a key option in the treatment of IBD. Hypoallergenic and selected protein diets are often chosen in the treatment
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of IBD. Protein sources found in common cat foods can contribute antigens, which can cause a reaction leading to gastrointestinal inflammation in some cats. It’s important to be aware that switching to a hypoallergenic or selected protein diet will not yield results right away, as it can take weeks before you see a difference. Oral or injectable steroids may also be given to help to decrease the inflammation in the gut as well as settle the immune system down. These may be needed long term to prevent an IBD relapse. Antibiotics may also be given to cats suffering from IBD to control any infection that may be present and contributing to IBD. Supplements, including the addition of probiotics to re-establish normal natural gut flora, as well as enzyme powders to help your cat digest its food properly, can also be of importance. Omega fatty acids can also be given to help control inflammation. In severe cases of IBD or relapse, your cat may need to be hospitalized to receive sup-
portive care, such as intravenous fluids and injectable medications should they be dehydrated and unable to keep anything down due to vomiting. WHAT IS THE PROGNOSIS OF IBD? Although IBD can’t be cured, it can certainly be managed. Following your veterinarian’s recommendations for treatment will help your cat live a healthier and more comfortable life with less chance of relapse. In some cases of IBD in cats, it can lead to intestinal cancers. If you suspect your cat may have IBD, consult your veterinarian for an examination and treatment options. Kristina Cooper is a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) and a member of the Ontario Association of Veterinary Technicians (OAVT). She works in a Municipal Animal Shelter and in her family’s dog and cat boarding facility, Cooper Kennels, in Ancaster, ON (www.cooperkennels.ca). She can be reached by e-mail at krizzteena@hotmail.com.
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Guide to CAT CARE
PYOMETRA... A GOOD REASON TO SPAY YOUR CAT! By Kristina Cooper, RVT
“Moka”. Photo: Mélanie Charbonneau, Ottawa (Ontario)
HOW IS PYOMETRA TREATED? To resolve pyometra, an emergency spay surgery is performed to remove both the uterus and ovaries. Due to the animal’s compromised state, surgery can be difficult as the animal may be weak and already have other organ dysfunction occurring, making going under anaesthesia more of a risk. It is also possible that the infected fragile uterus could rupture while being removed, which could lead to sepsis (bacterial blood infection that can overwhelm the body). Supportive care, including hospitalization, intravenous fluids and antibiotics, will also be required to treat pyometra. Blood screening will also be performed ahead of surgery to get a snapshot of what is occurring internally as well. Blood screening can show dehydration and other organ dysfunction, as well as infection being present.
WHAT IS PYOMETRA? Pyometra is a condition seen in unspayed female animals where the uterus fills with infection (pus) and it can become a life-threatening situation. Pyometra develops when, over time, cysts form on the lining of the uterus due to hormonal influences. These cysts are prime sites for infection to take hold. Bacteria found in the lower reproductive system (like the cervix or vagina), as well as the lower urinary tract, make their way up into the uterus when the cervix is open during a heat cycle, causing infection. WHAT CAT CAN GET PYOMETRA? Any unspayed cat may develop pyometra. It is most commonly seen in older females who may or may not have had a previous litter. It most often occurs within a month or two after a heat cycle.
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WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF PYOMETRA? Pyometra can be considered “open,” meaning the cervix is open, or “closed,” meaning the cervix is closed. During standing heat, when an animal is able to be bred and conceive, the cervix is open to allow passage of sperm to allow impregnation. Before standing heat and when standing heat is complete, the cervix usually remains closed. Signs of pyometra can include fever, increased thirst, increased urination, vomiting, distended abdomen, foul smelling discharge from the vulva, lethargy and disinterest in food. It is important to note that in cases of closed pyometra you may not see any discharge, as the cervix remains closed keeping everything within the uterus. In some cases, animals show very few signs of pyometra until the situation is very serious.
WILL MY CAT SURVIVE PYOMETRA? In many cases, pets will successfully survive pyometra when treated, but when left untreated it most certainly can cause death. HOW CAN PYOMETRA BE PREVENTED? Pyometra can be prevented by having your female pets spayed, ideally around six months of age. This is one of the major reasons to have your female pets altered before they go through a heat cycle. If you suspect your pet may have pyometra, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible. Kristina Cooper is a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) and a member of the Ontario Association of Veterinary Technicians (OAVT). She works in a Municipal Animal Shelter and in her family’s dog and cat boarding facility, Cooper Kennels, in Ancaster, ON (www.cooperkennels.ca). She can be reached by e-mail at krizzteena@hotmail.com.
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DINNER
IS SERVED
WHETHER THEY SMACK ON WET OR NIBBLE ON KIBBLE, PROPER NUTRITION WILL KEEP YOUR FELINE FEELING FINE
Photo: Dreamstime.com
WET OR DRY FOOD?
T
here are seemingly an infinite number of choices available when it comes to selecting an appropriate food formulation for your kitten or cat, not to mention a tidal wave of information (and misinformation) on the Internet that can often be confusing. Best bet? Ask your veterinarian for guidance, and he or she will help you select the best food for your cat based on its age, health status and your budget. In the kitten’s early growth stage, for instance, you need to provide a diet that offers the right amount of nutrients required for optimal growth. A growing cat might need as much as twice the energy of an adult pet. The following are essential requirements for your young cat’s food: • High energy • High protein • High biological value • High digestibility • High palatability • Appropriate fibre content • Adequate vitamin and mineral content Aside from these general requirements, remember that cats and dogs have different nutritional needs, so never feed food formulated for one to the other. Dogs, for instance, can thrive with a large percentage of vegetables in their diet. Cats are strictly carnivores, however, and must eat animal tissue because they are unable to synthesize a number of key vitamins
such as niacin and vitamin A. Your cat needs specific nutrients to remain healthy and active throughout its lifetime. Cats need large amounts of protein, which is essential for building and maintaining muscles, hormones, enzymes and their immune systems. Carbohydrates are needed for the production of energy, while fats are necessary for the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. Fats provide a concentrated source of energy and essential fatty acids and can help improve taste and digestion of food. In order for a cat’s regulatory body functions to perform properly, they need to consume minerals, such as calcium, phosphorous, potassium and magnesium, as well as iron, zinc, copper and others. Vitamins A and C, as well as thiamin, riboflavin and niacin in the right amounts are also important. Cats also require taurine in their diet, as they cannot produce it themselves (unlike dogs and humans). Taurine is an amino acid important for the heart, eyes and reproductive system. Remember that obesity contributes to significant health problems. You can prevent unhealthy weight gain by weighing your pet every week, checked against the target weight range provided by your veterinarian, and adjusting food intake accordingly. You should also avoid unhealthy snacks, and take healthy snacks into consideration when calculating how much regular food is given each day.
As obligate carnivores, cats are not designed to process carbohydrates in large quantities. So, which is the best food for your cat, wet or dry (the latter of which tends to contain more carbs)? Your veterinarian will be able to make a definitive recommendation, but both dry and wet foods have their advantages: • Wet food is lower carb and tends to have high protein and higher water content. This latter aspect is especially appealing, since cats aren’t great at hydration and often suffer from diseases (e.g., those of the urinary tract) that can benefit from proper water intake. • Canned food has fewer calories per cup of food than dry food, because the water takes up so much space in the food. • Some dry foods are designed to prevent tartar buildup on teeth (but most do not have dental cleaning properties, contrary to popular belief). • High-quality wet brands are well tolerated by most cats, and do not cause gastrointestinal issues if (like any food) they are introduced properly and given in the requisite amounts. • Some cats prefer the crunch of dry foods, and biting into it can exercise ligaments in the mouth that hold teeth in place. • Dry food can be more convenient for owners to manage. — From Dr. Christina McRae, King Street Cat Hospital, Whitby, ON
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Guide to
MEET THE REAL
MR. WHISKERS
Photos: Shutterstock.com
CAT CARE
A CAT EXPERT BUSTS COMMON MYTHS ABOUT FELINE HEALTH AND BEHAVIOUR
By Rosalyn J. MacDonald, DVM
A
s a feline veterinarian, I encounter cats and their people on a daily basis. Over the course of my career, I have gained many insights into these unique creatures, and have been able to shed some light on some issues that can be frustrating — and even dangerous — for both cat and owner. Here are nine common issues that I frequently come across. There are more, of course, but the point is to never assume you can tell everything that’s going on with your companion. Remember: regular veterinary care, and never being afraid to ask questions, is key to a healthy, lively cat!
MYTH: If a cat is purring, it means he is happy. FACT: All of us who have cats in our lives are familiar with the contented cat and his purr. What causes the purring sound is a bit of a mystery — we know that most cats purr when they are very happy (some will even drool at the same time), but it is not always a sign of happiness. Cats often purr when under extreme stress or when they are in pain. It is theorized that a cat’s purr is symbolic of comfort, and so purring may come when he needs it (as in the case of pain or illness), or when he has found it (e.g., sitting on your lap). MYTH: When a cat is meowing, he must be hungry. FACT: Cats meow for a wide variety of reasons, not simply because they want food. If indeed the cat actually is hungry, it is never a good idea to feed him “on-demand;” rather, it is better to provide a measured quantity of food that is allowable for the day. Giving food each time the cat meows will lead to overfeeding and obesity, and will train your cat to repeat the meowing behaviour. Consider the possibility that your cat is trying to interact with you for play or attention, and try a little distraction from the food bowls. Keep a toy and a grooming comb on hand. You will quickly find out whether your cat is hungry or simply bored.
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MYTH: My cat is really overweight, so it’s safe if she doesn’t eat for a few days. FACT: Any cat whose food intake is suddenly reduced is at risk for a life-threatening illness known as “fatty liver” (hepatic lipidosis). It is not normal for a cat to stop eating. The risk of developing fatty liver disease is particularly high in overweight and obese cats. Always discuss any changes in appetite or food intake with your veterinarian promptly. This problem can also occur when you try to put her on a diet and cut back the food too quickly. Your veterinarian can help you make a plan for safe weight loss for your kitty. MYTH: I would know if my cat were in pain. FACT: Cats are good at masking some types of pain for a long period of time. For her, it is a matter of survival. For example, in middle-aged and older cats, it is very common to see decaying teeth on physical examination. These decaying teeth have exposed nerves, and are very sensitive to the touch. However, these changes have occurred gradually, and she has had to learn to tolerate this discomfort and pain in order to survive and continue to eat. It is quite likely that no changes in her eating habits will be noticed despite the pain. Sometimes, cats will show signs consistent with pain that you may think are the result of old age. General indications that your cat may have pain are: change in attitude (less playful), change in sleeping habits (sleeping more or shifting positions frequently), change in litter box habits and change in appetite. An annual physical exam (or semi-annual in a geriatric cat) will help ensure that your cat does not live with chronic pain. MYTH: Cats experience loss of blood related to their “heat” cycle. FACT: Although vaginal bleeding is a normal part of a dog’s heat cycle, it is never normal to see blood from your cat. Potential causes of blood
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Guide to REMEMBER: REGULAR VETERINARY CARE, AND NEVER BEING AFRAID TO ASK QUESTIONS, IS KEY TO A HEALTHY, LIVELY CAT!
CAT CARE
at the hind end are anal sac infection or abscess, cat bite abscess, trauma, blood from the bowel or urinary tract and pyometra (a uterine infection) in unspayed cats. In a pregnant cat, blood may indicate loss of the pregnancy. It is important to have your cat examined by a veterinarian if you ever see evidence of bleeding.
1. It must be sturdy enough to catch the claws without toppling over on him when he scratches it; 2. It must be in an area socially relevant to the humans and other cats in the house; and 3. It must be tall enough to enable a good stretch.
MYTH: It is important for a cat to have at least one litter before being spayed. FACT: There are many downsides — and no upside — to your cat having a litter. If your cat becomes pregnant, it means she has been exposed to a number of serious health risks. Even a single heat cycle exposes her to a marked increase in the chances that she will get a serious cancer of the mammary tissue later in life. The second risk in getting pregnant is spread of the feline retroviruses, feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). They are serious and life-threatening infections typically spread through mating or biting activities. In addition to a direct negative impact on your cat’s health, the pregnancy will result in kittens, contributing to serious overpopulation issues.
Now think about the unused scratch post you have in your home — is it tucked away in a corner? Does it wobble a little from side-to-side? Is it tall enough for your cat to stand on his hind legs and reach up with his front ones? From the cat’s point of view, your sofa meets all the criteria perfectly and there is the added bonus of attention (eye contact, vocal acknowledgement) when caught scratching it. Irresistible! If you attempt to make the scratching post fit the criteria and reward your cat when he shows interest in it, he will quickly learn to use the post to meet his needs. If the post seems acceptable to you, but not to your cat, consider using plastic nail covers or frequent nail trims to avoid damage to your belongings. Rosalyn MacDonald, DVM, practices at the Bytown Cat Hospital in Ottawa, ON.
MYTH: My cats won’t mate with each other — they are from the same litter. FACT: Cats have no preconceived notions about who they should and shouldn’t mate with. Their sexual behaviour is influenced by three main things: hormones, instinct and availability. Do not assume that your cats will not mate simply because they are related. MYTH: My cat is never outdoors, so she doesn’t need any vaccinations. FACT: Just like the common cold that affects people, some cat viruses are airborne or transmitted by fomites (for example, your shoes or clothing). The “core” vaccination that every cat should have is known as FVRCP, and the vaccination schedule will be determined by your veterinarian. Another virus of particular note is rabies. An indoor cat has a low risk of contact with rabies, but not a zero risk. It is not uncommon for a bat to enter a house or an apartment, and bring the risk right into your home. Vaccination against this virus is mandatory in many jurisdictions. MYTH: I need to have my cat declawed to protect my furniture. FACT: Cats love to scratch! There is no denying this basic fact. However, if you understand the reasons for the scratching behaviour, you can protect both your sanity and your furniture without declawing the cat. Cats will scratch for three main reasons: 1. As a dominance behaviour, to mark the object with a “scent” from their foot pads; 2. To remove the outer sheath from the claw; and 3. To have a good stretch. In order to accomplish these objectives, the object being scratched needs to meet certain criteria:
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Guide to
Fluke. Photo: Robert Houlden
Chewbacca. Photo: Eliane Larocque
CAT CARE
CATS
Archie. Photo: Vickie Laroche
GET ACNE TOO H
Farley. Photo: Carrie Austin
Annabelle. Photo: Monique Bakker
ave you ever noticed what looks like little clumps of dirt on your cat’s chin? You may be surprised to learn that those crusty black lesions are likely the same condition that plagues teenagers everywhere — acne, or more specifically, feline chin acne. The “dirt,” it turns out, is actually blackheads that clog pores and can lead to inflammation and mild hair loss. Some cats suffer from chronic chin acne, while others have only occasional outbreaks. It is not usually related to underlying allergies. Fortunately, feline acne is in most cases not a serious condition and can be managed quite easily. Dr. Katrine Voie, a veterinarian pursuing board certification in dermatology at the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Urbana, says, “Chin acne is a common occurrence in cats. In most cases it is a cosmetic disease and may not cause problems, unless the lesions become secondarily infected.” Feline acne is usually fairly straightforward to diagnose, but a skin scraping or skin biopsy may be needed to rule out other more serious conditions, especially if the appearance is at all atypical. Your veterinarian will advise you whether environmental changes alone may resolve the problem, or whether medication may be needed. What about food bowls? Dr. Voie challenges a common misconception that plastic food bowls are the culprit. While keeping food bowls clean is always a good idea, changing to a different type of bowl is unnecessary. If your cat has an outbreak of acne, regular shampooing of the affected area with a product containing 3% or less benzoyl peroxide is recommended. Salicyclic acid wipes can also be used, and other topical or oral medications can be used in severe cases if necessary. If a yeast or bacterial infection is present, your veterinarian may prescribe a different product and may also put the cat on antibiotics. A fatty acid supplement may also help; your veterinarian can advise you about incorporating this supplement into your cat’s diet. If you have any questions about your cat’s health, please contact your local veterinarian. From the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine: vetmed.illinois.edu/petcolumns.
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Guide to CAT CARE
SEASON
OF THE ITCH Photos: Shutterstock.com
EASIER TO PREVENT FLEAS THAN TO TREAT, EXPERTS SAY
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Guide to CAT CARE imals may enter to minimize wild animals from establishing residency in the first place,” Diesel said. If fleas become a problem inside the house, Diesel and Friedeck suggested vacuuming once a week. “Vacuuming is a very good way to get rid of fleas in the house, but the bag must be thrown away and removed from the house,” Friedeck said. She added that if there is a large flea presence, there are in-house treatments and exterminators. “There are some in-house treatments and bombs, but they should only be used in heavily burdened environments,” Friedeck said. Diesel suggested focusing on places where the pets spends most of their time inside the house when bombing because that will contain the most concentrated area of fleas. “Don’t forget under beds and furniture, behind curtains and along hallways connecting rooms when treating the house for fleas. “Vacuuming is a very good way Again, it may be best to contact to get rid of fleas in the house, a professional exterminator but the bag must be thrown when there is a large flea burden away and removed from present,” she said. In addition to treating animals and inthe house.” side of homes, it may be necessary to treat the outside environment. This can be done by “Using flea prevention every 30 days, or spraying areas of the yard that are high in flea more frequently in some situations, can population. “This includes shaded areas, under trees provide the best protection from fleas biting your pet, can kill adult fleas rapidly and and bushes, in dog houses, under porches and can prevent a flea infestation from being decks. As with indoor control, when the burestablished in your pet’s environment,” den is high, a professional exterminator may be the most help,” Diesel said. Diesel said. Diesel said the best strategy against fleas is Diesel and Friedeck agreed that it is important to minimize an animal’s exposure to to practice year-round prevention by treating fleas by avoiding infested areas and pets com- all pets with flea medicine as well as treating ing in contact with animals that have fleas, inside and outside the home if an infestation is suspected. such as wild animals. “It is much easier to prevent fleas than to “There are some things which can be done to minimize exposure to fleas: avoid known treat fleas,” she said. infested areas, do not allow your pet to come into contact with wild animals or burrows College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical and protect areas of the house where wild an- Sciences, Texas A&M University “Your pet’s veterinarian can help recommend the most appropriate product to help prevent fleas based on other factors (e.g., other skin conditions, food allergies, etc.) as well as discuss the appropriate way to administer the product (e.g., orally or topically),” Diesel said. Diesel suggested using a flea prevention that lasts the entire month and is still effective if the pet gets wet.
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Illustration: Dreamstime.com
O
ne of the worst things about this time of year is the increase of fleas on pets, outside and, possibly, in homes. Adult fleas cause the most problems for pets. In order to become adult fleas, the blood-sucking creatures need warm weather, between 70 degrees and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, and about 70% to 80% humidity, said Dr. Alison Diesel, lecturer in dermatology at Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (CVM). “Those ideal conditions are exactly what we are experiencing during this time of the year, which is why we generally see more fleas coming out in the spring,” Diesel said. Fleas can cause various problems for pets. Some animals, for example, are allergic to an allergen in the flea saliva causing the animal to have an allergic reaction. This causes the animal to scratch, which could lead to a secondary bacterial skin infection. If there is a large flea problem, anemia could be a potential problem, especially among small animals that do not have large amounts of blood. Fleas can also carry diseases, such as tapeworms or Bartonella, and infect both pets and humans. Amanda Friedeck, a veterinary technician at the CVM, said there is no way to completely prevent fleas, but a key factor to controlling fleas is breaking the lifecycle. “The best way to control fleas is to break the cycle. More fleas lay more eggs. … The best treatment either kills the adults or kills one of the juvenile stages,” Friedeck said. Diesel said the flea lifecycle has four phases: the adult fleas lay eggs, the eggs hatch into larvae, the larvae turns into pupae, which, eventually, turn into adults. “Ideally, targeting several phases of the flea lifecycle is best, particularly when dealing with an infestation. The easiest stage to target is the adult flea since these live on the pet. The other stages (eggs, larvae, pupae) are present in the environment,” Diesel said. Both Diesel and Friedeck said the best way to determine treatment of an animal’s flea problem is to take them to a veterinarian to discuss the best options and medications.
Guide to CAT CARE
IT’S A
Photo: Shutterstock.com
JUNGLE IN HERE
INDOOR CATS NEED STIMULATION, EXERCISE TO THRIVE By Dieter Kohlmaier, DVM
D
omestication of the cat occurred between 8,000 and 10,000 years ago. Despite this history, these common household pets have retained many instincts that served them well in the wild — and we need to understand these innate characteristics to avoid serious behavioural and health problems. There has been a strong push in recent years to prevent cats from venturing outdoors. Cats that spend time outside are at risk of being hit by motor vehicles, straying, acquiring infectious diseases and being attacked by predators. But, while living an indoor lifestyle may be safer, it may also predispose cats to a variety of medical and behavioural problems. Obesity from lack of exercise and overfeeding, for instance, is much more likely to occur in the indoor cat, who has to spend far less energy hunting for its food. Researchers now believe that idiopathic cystitis — a condition prevalent in indoor cats marked by increased frequency, pain and urgency of urination of unknown origin — is related to stress. Our primary goal, then, is to enrich the environment of our indoor cats, and we first need to understand what is considered normal behaviour before we can make changes to suit their needs. Cats, for instance, have vastly different sleep patterns than humans, often
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sleeping for 90% of the day, divided into short periods. It is only because some of their most active moments occur when we are trying to sleep that we think they are nocturnal. To accommodate this, we can play with or stimulate our cats more during the day to minimize their nighttime energy bursts. Cats are predators and strict carnivores. So, no matter how cute your furry friend might be, her natural tendency is to hunt live prey and eat it. In the wild, their prey consists of mice, birds and insects, and we can cater to the hunting tendency by introducing toys that resemble these delights — you will quickly discover which one your cat prefers. It is a more realistic experience if the toys move, or if you can move them in some way. That being said, many cats will gladly chase a ball or a crunched up piece of paper. To stimulate cats’ predatory nature, you can hide kibble around the house and allow them to hunt for it. This will also increase the amount of exercise they get. Not seeing much interest in play time? Like dogs, cats can be trained to play. Training is best introduced at a young age, but all felines can learn to love their toys. For most it comes quite naturally. And play isn’t just for kittens — keep it up when they are full grown. Cats are solitary animals by nature, but can
live in groups of 20 or more in the wild; the majority of these will be females with one or two males. If there’s more than one cat in your household, ensure that each has a private place of their own — a pet carrier or even a box lined with a blanket should suffice. Dogs are the number-one natural predator of the cat, so don’t be surprised if your cat isn’t at all that impressed when you bring a new puppy home. While you shouldn’t expect your cat to have a warm and fuzzy relationship with the dog (though some do), you will often see a good relationship develop when a kitten is introduced to a home with a dog. Cats also enjoy scratching and climbing, and vertical scratching posts and cat trees are effective in catering to these urges. Finally, it is imperative that the litter box is cleaned out frequently, as cats in the wild will seldom urinate or defecate in the same place. Enriching your cat’s environment can be easy and fun for both of you, and it provides them with the stimulation they need to reduce stress, increase exercise and get the most they can out of their indoor life. Dr. Dieter Kohlmaier runs the Westoak Animal Hospital in Oakville, ON. He contributes his regular column, The Healthy Bond, on page 28.
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Guide to CAT CARE
THE GREAT
INDOORS
spaying or neutering should alleviate its desire to wander. Outdoor cats spend their days hunting and exercising, while indoor cats don’t, which means that obesity can be a problem. It’s important to ensure your indoor cat gets exercise. Provide scratching posts and cat trees for your cat. Schedule a few playtime sessions each day and try rotating your cat’s toys frequently she doesn’t get bored. “Feeding appropriate amounts of food and not overfeeding indoor cats is important to try to avoid health issues, such as diabetes mellitus, which can arise from obesity,” explains Dr. Nicole Gallant, a mixed animal practitioner at the Kensington Veterinary Clinic in Kensington, PEI. “Putting dry kibble in a dispensing ball or an empty plastic bottle with a hole in it means the cat will have to work for the food. This will occupy more of the cat’s time and make it exercise more.” Many cat owners believe they are depriving their beloved pet of its natural habitat by constantly keeping it indoors. Here are a few solutions: • Allow your cat outdoors while on a leash under your supervision. • Purchase a crate designed for a large dog put a few of your cat’s favourite toys inside and set it up in your backyard or on your balcony as your cat’s outdoor play area. • Consider building a special cat enclosure or run in your backyard, these structures can be as simple or sophisticated as you want them to be. • As always, your veterinarian is the best person to provide you with information and advice on caring for your cat. “Even when your cat remains inside, ensure all vaccinations are up-to-date; including the rabies shot,” Dr. O’Brien adds. “If your cat encounters an animal while outside on a leash or inside, from a bat, you know that she is properly vaccinated.” Visit www.careforcats.ca to learn more about how you can keep your cat happy and healthy.
Illustration: Dreamstime.com
D
id you know that keeping your cat indoors can allow it to live a longer, healthier life? It’s true! Letting a cat roam free outside can be quite dangerous, but keeping your cat in the house could provide you with the pleasure of its company for many years to come. The most obvious danger of allowing a cat to roam outdoors is the possibility of it being seriously injured or killed by a car. Parasite infestations like fleas, ear mites or ringworm can be passed along by other cats and animals outside. Free-roaming cats are often caught in unpleasant weather conditions, or worse yet, they go missing and are never found. “Free-roaming cats have an increased risk of being poisoned,” warns Dr. Elizabeth O’Brien, a board-certified feline practitioner from Hamilton, Ontario, as well as the spokesperson for an initiative called Care for Cats. “This can occur if the cat eats a poisonous plant, bait left out to kill rodents or a rodent that has been exposed to rat poison. Poisons may be present on chemically treated lawns, and in the auto antifreeze that leaks from cars, which has a sweet appealing taste and is deadly to cats.” Outdoor cats are at risk of being attacked by dogs, coyotes, raccoons, foxes and wolves. Your cat could attack other animals too, like birds or mice, and free-roaming cats often get into fights with other free-roaming cats. Several diseases can be passed through the resulting bite wounds including rabies, FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus) and FeLV (feline leukemia virus), all of which can be fatal. “The Pasteurella bacteria normally found in the oral cavity of cats commonly causes infection and painful abscesses at the site of a cat bite,” explains Dr. O’Brien. “These abscesses often require medical treatment and sometimes even surgery.” There may be a few unhappy neighbours knocking at your door if your cat decides to use their flowerbed as a litter box. If you decide make your cat an indoor cat,
CONTRIBUTED BY THE CANADIAN VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION.
FREE-ROAMING CATS The FVRCP vaccination helps protect your cat against three contagious diseases: feline viral rhinotracheitis, calcivirus, panleukopenia (also known as feline distemper). In addition to the FVRCP vaccination, there are other vaccines available that are highly recommended for free-roaming cats. These vaccines include rabies, feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV is a disease of cats that is quite similar to human HIV/AIDS) and feline leukemia virus (FeLV is a contagious, viral disease of cats). It is important for cat owners to be aware that vaccines are not always 100% effective in preventing disease. Monthly deworming is recommended for free-roaming cats, as they are more likely to be infected with intestinal parasites from hunting and exposure to other cats and their feces. Microchipping your cat with an ISO microchip and having a visible ID tag on a collar is recommended. Many districts enforce “leash laws” with cats. This strictly prohibits pet owners from having free-roaming cats, so know what the laws are in your area before you allow your cat to roam outdoors.
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!
WARNING
This area contains bacteria, tartar and plaque. Plus 30 very sharp teeth. Enter at your own risk.
®
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Our new C.E.T. HEXTRA Premium Chews for cats are specially made for this hostile working environment. Almost 7 out of 10 adult cats have some form of gum disease.1 It’s a warning sign cats need daily home dental care. New C.E.T. HEXTRA Premium Chews for cats are fish flavoured and kibble sized to appeal to finicky felines. Each tasty chew is ideally sized for cats and provides natural abrasive cleansing action to help prevent tartar and plaque buildup. Give them as a tasty treat or add to your cat’s food each day. It’s one of the easiest ways to help keep your cat’s mouth healthy. Not to mention your fingers.
Talk with your veterinarian about an oral health program for your cat with C.E.T. Home Dental Care. The #1 choice of veterinarians. 1. Banfield Pet Hospital. (2011). State of Pet Health 2011 Report (vol. 1). virbacpets.com ©2012 Virbac AH, Inc. All Rights Reserved. C.E.T. and HEXTRA are registered trademarks of Virbac Corporation or one of its affiliates in the U.S. and Canada.
PAW S F O R R E F L ECT I O N
With Darren Low, DVM
STORIES THAT REMIND US OF HOW MUCH WE LOVE THE FOUR-FOOTED MEMBERS OF OUR FAMILIES
WEIGHTY MESSAGES need to strike home… BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE I
felt kind of guilty. I should have been more persistent with Chester’s weight problem, especially after his close call last summer. Chester, a cute and robust Chinese Pug, had trouble breathing on the best of days. But when he went out for a sunny summer day at the park with his people, Sharon and Albert, along with his two Pug sisters, he got into trouble. Chester made more and more noise breathing on the warm walk, and even with the walk cut short, he was in severe respiratory distress by the time Sharon and Albert got the pups back to the car. It turned out to be a close call. Chester had a bad case of heat stroke, and nearly didn’t make it. By the time I saw him for the mid-afternoon emergency call, he was nearly comatose. His arrival at the clinic began an aggressive few hours of cooling baths, intravenous fluids, steroids for his closed airways and oxygen therapy, but he made it. I told his folks that although his breed is prone to heat stroke due to the inability to cool themselves efficiently through panting, it was Chester’s weight problem that really made him susceptible. That’s where my guilt comes in. I used the wrong “O” word. I told them Chester was overweight, not obese, and the message didn’t really hit home. I wasn’t assertive enough with my concern. Now, at just age seven, Chester carries quite a few extra pounds on his small frame and he’s developing new problems. At first, Sharon and Albert thought nothing of filling up the communal water bowl more often, but they knew something had to be wrong when Chester started having accidents in the house. They collected a fresh urine specimen from the kitchen floor and brought it and Chester in to see me. That’s when we discovered Chester has diabetes mellitus. Diabetes was first described as a disease about 3,500 years ago by both Egyptian and Indian physicians, but it was 1,300 years after that when early Greek physicians first used the actual term diabetes.
Photo: Dreamtimes.com
Darren Low, DVM practices companion animal medicine and surgery in Sydney, Nova Scotia, where he lives with his wife, son and 10 four-footed family members. He writes a weekly column for the Cape Breton Post.
The suffix mellitus or “from honey” was added in the late 1700s to separate it from diabetes insipidus, and refers to the sweet taste of sufferers’ urine. With the pancreas no longer producing insulin, one can no longer metabolize sugar, and the elevated blood sugar, or glucose, spills into the urine to be eliminated from the body. Well, I certainly didn’t dip my finger in the sample and taste Chester’s urine, but I did dip the small chemistry strip into the little jam jar holding his specimen and watched the rapid colour change that indicated Chester had high levels of glucose in his urine. With his further tests confirming a blood glucose measurement of more than four times normal, Chester’s diabetes mellitus was definite. I know I should have taken earlier opportunities to stress Chester’s weight risks, but some clients are very sensitive to the issue and I don’t like to offend. The problem is that heart disease, joint disease, breathing troubles and diabetes can result from excess weight — it’s not about appearances — so people need to be aware. I’ve now learned that lesson. Not that I’ve forgotten my bedside manner, but I can’t let possible hurt feelings risk my patients’ lives. So with my guilty conscience cleared, and Chester doing great on his strict diet and daily insulin injections, a new path is set for Sharon and Albert’s boy. Hopefully this path is long and winding... and not too hot.
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T H E H E A LT H Y B O N D
With Dieter Kohlmaier, DVM
On the Internet and Overthe-Counter Medications: Be careful what you swallow Dieter Kohlmaier, DVM, owns and operates Westoak Animal Hospital in Oakville, ON. He can be reached at westoakanimalhospital @gmail.com
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he Internet is one of the most powerful and influential tools of the last two decades. While it keeps information on pet health just a click away, it can be difficult to discern the good from the bad. Therefore, we need to exercise our best judgement when interpreting this material — playing doctor for your pet can prove detrimental, if not fatal. One of my greatest pleasures is sharing my knowledge with my clients. I want them to learn something new with each visit. In my experience, a well-informed client makes the right decisions for their pet’s health. Once a diagnosis is made, I may even direct them to a website for information on the subject, if they wish to become better informed. Many clients come into my clinic with a selfmade “Internet diagnosis” for their pet’s ailments, and while they are only acting out of a desire to help their pet, they are often misled. The truth is many illnesses in pets are difficult to diagnose. Vomiting and diarrhea, for example, are clinical signs of a wide variety of illnesses. The pet, like a human infant, cannot speak or tell you where they hurt, what they ate that they shouldn’t have or what activity they engaged in to make them feel the way they feel. Veterinarians must take a very good history and perform a thorough physical examination to make a proper diagnosis, and sometimes that isn’t enough and we must rely on diagnostic testing to give us answers or rule out the more serious problems. To publish a paper in a scientific journal, the information has to be reviewed by a panel of experts familiar with the specific topic in question. Their job is to ensure that the researcher has used proper material and methodology and has properly tested their hypothesis and come up with appropriate and substantiated conclusions. Only then can the information be published. Unfortunately, very little of the information on the Internet is regulated. I’m not suggesting that everything you read is false, but certainly this is a danger; a lot of what I have seen online is at best not wholly accurate and incomplete. There is no way to prevent people from
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formulating their own opinions or theories and posting them on the Internet for the general public to read. Because of the relative ease with which websites, blogs and other online communications can be used to propagate poor information and opinion, it can be extremely difficult to navigate your way to sound advice. I once received an email alert from a client that discussed how a pet that walked across a floor recently washed with a new brand of floor cleaner died of liver failure after licking his paws. The person stated that the cleaner contained a substance related to ethylene glycol (the active ingredient in antifreeze) that was responsible for the pet’s demise. It was a falsehood — I researched it and found (i) that the product that was closely related to the ethylene glycol was propylene glycol, which is not toxic when used according to the label directions and (ii) ethylene glycol when ingested is toxic to the kidneys, and not the liver. But my clients believed it, so much so that they forwarded it to all their pet-loving friends and encouraged them to avoid the product. The take-home message is that you cannot believe everything you read on the Internet, and it helps to be a little skeptical sometimes. While I am on the topic of self-guided help, please avoid using over-the-counter (OTC) medications in your pets (without consulting your veterinarian). Many readily available OTC medications can be dangerous, including acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol), which is extremely toxic to cats to the extent that a single tablet could kill them. Many of the OTC anti-inflammatory medications are potentially quite harmful to dogs as well, and can result in gastrointestinal ulcers and both kidney and liver toxicity. Many OTC flea products for dogs are quite toxic to cats, especially if your cat ingests it, but even cats living with a treated dog can be poisoned. Always consult your veterinarian regarding the health of your pet and any potential treatments. For a reliable website written and approved by veterinarians, please check out www.veterinarypartner.com.
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P E T S
P R O J E C T S
CARE FOR CATS: Promoting
preventive healthcare for felines C are for Cats is a national initiative created in collaboration with veterinarians, municipal animal services, animal welfare and the pet industry. Its campaign message this year focuses on preventive healthcare for cats. According to Dr. Liz O’Brien (pictured, right), a board-certified feline practitioner and spokesperson for Care for Cats, pet caregivers should know that cats, just like dogs, need yearly preventive healthcare. O’Brien points out that there is the pervasive myth of the indoor cat, which even the best-intentioned and caring pet owners can fall for. “A person who has a cat indoors may feel they do not need to worry about health concerns or preventive healthcare because their cats are safe at their side,” says Dr. O’Brien. “This is not the case. Our feline friends are very good at hiding health problems, so routine checkups are key.” Dr. O’Brien also notes that the statistics show 58% of people who know their cat needs yearly professional care still do not bring the cat to the vet because of difficulty getting in the animal there or, once there, a poor experience during the visit. Veterinarians are now trying to help these clients by educating on proper use of comfortable cat carriers for transport and training to transport safely with minimal stress. Veterinarians increasingly are respecting the adage, “Cats are not small dogs,” in the way their clinics are designed and in how their cat care is implemented to help make your cat’s visit less stressful. Care for Cats has posters and other resources available for download through www.careforcats.ca to help deliver the 2012 campaign message, as well as highlight the
initiative’s other two messages: spay/neuter and identification and registration of felines. “We know that the changes we want to see happen will not occur overnight,” says Dr. O’Brien. “However, with the support Care for Cats has received within a short period of time, I am more than hopeful that we will see a positive change in the near future.”
THE CARE FOR CATS TALE Dr. Liz O’Brien presented a successful campaign by the Hamilton-Burlington (Ontario) Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (H-BSPCA) called “Year of the Cat” at the 4th Annual International Summit for Urban Animal Strategies (www.tsuas.com) in 2009. Enthused by the support she received, the Care for Cats committee was formed and the 2011 campaign, also called “Year of the Cat,” was born. The first Canada-wide Care for Cats campaign focused awareness on three messages: spay/neuter, routine veterinary care and identification and registration of felines. That year,
it saw 16,995 cats registered and 22,489 cat recoveries. Care for Cats bases its vision and mission on changing statistics found in a 2009 Business of Urban Animals survey (BUAS), commissioned by PetLynx Corporation for the ISUAS. It revealed the following: • There are 8.5 million cats in Canada; • Thirty-six percent of Canadian homes have one or more cats; • Fifty percent of these cats did not receive regular veterinary care in the past 12 months; • Less than 25% of Canadian cats have permanent identification, such as tattoos or microchips; • Forty-one percent either haven’t been vaccinated in the last four years or have never been vaccinated at all; and • Fifty-six percent of people who owned cats that were not currently spayed or neutered reported that they were “unlikely” to have their cats altered in the coming year. The Care for Cats initiative teamed up with the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) in 2012 to increase the reach and scope of the project. “We are pleased to be part of this initiative,” says Dr. Lloyd Keddie, CVMA President. “Together we will raise awareness about the importance of preventive veterinary care in cats, as it aids in spotting any potential health problems early in their development.” Visit www.careforcats.ca and join Care for Cats in their goal to increase the perceived value of owned, homeless and feral cats in Canadian communities.
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THE LAST WORD
with William J. Thomas
DOG TV — Sparky Goes Hi-Def and Digital William J. Thomas is the author of seven books of humour, including The Dog Rules (Damn Near Everything! and The Cat Rules (Everything, Including The Dog!). Visit William at www.williamthomas.ca.
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’m sure there was a time, back in the 40s or 50s when a man looked up from his newspaper and said, “Honey, they’re building houses for dogs!” The amazement of that moment would be followed by more four-legged milestones, like medical clinics just for pets, pet-friendly hotels and food designed specifically for dogs and cats. Later came the car seat, designer clothes and health spas. So, looking at a $50 billion North American pet product industry, why was I still surprised to learn of Dog TV? Its time has come, it had to happen and yet, I’m thinking, “Now we have television programming targeted exclusively at animals that love to roll around on dead fish?!?” The clash of statistics themselves — 41 million American households now include a dog and 97% of those homes have at least one television set — could have predicted the creation of Dog TV. So, while you’re working your butt off at the office, Sparky is slouched on the couch watching soaps all day! Not soaps apparently. Dog TV is all dog, all day, with videos of model dogs romping in parks, jumping into the air to catch a ball and play fighting in a field of daisies. It’s like The Wild Kingdom, except that it’s actually quite tame. Dog TV is designed to keep a home-alone dog relaxed, stimulated and entertained. It’s what Hockey Night In Canada and a six-pack does for your husband. The eight-hour blocks of programming are even shot by cameramen on their knees to give it the point of view of the dog. No commercials, no ratings and no reruns. Where can we get this kind of TV for humans? Even the music is specially written for the barking audience. With a phenomenal audience of one million subscribers in the San Diego area alone, Dog TV will go national very soon at $4.99 a month. New technology made it possible. On old analog TV, dogs apparently saw only flickering vague images on the screen, but with the recent switch to digital television and high-definition camera work, dogs can see well-defined images on the set and from anywhere in the room. (I think it must have been one of those Mensa-type Border Collies that figured out the digital, hi-def thing!) Not only do dogs recognize fellow mutts on the
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screen, behaviourists believe they are identifying with their own breed. Programs are shot in blue and yellow, colours dogs can see, not reds and greens, which they apparently cannot. I’m against Dog TV for a whole bunch of reasons, but mainly because it will eventually lead to Cat TV. If you want to come home to a living room that looks like it was trashed by a punk rock band, put a cat in front of a screen where she believes other cats are trying to invade her personal space. Cat TV might be on the tube, if your den now looks like it’s circled in yellow tape and featured on CSI. No, I’m against Dog TV because… • Pretty soon we’ll be watching CNN — the Canine News Network — and the anchor will be a whitehaired Husky named Wolfhound Blitzer. • Pretty soon we’ll be watching a program featuring trashy and horny dogs misbehaving on the Jerry Springer Spaniel Show. • Pretty soon we’ll be watching pregnant dogs giving birth to large litters of puppies on a reality show called Octodog. • One night you’ll come home and yell, “Wanna go for a walk?” and your dog will indicate he’s just done a virtual walk in that beautiful park with his virtual girlfriend Brandy, and you’ll wish you never heard of Dog TV. • One night you’ll come home and your big, black Newfoundland Ebony won’t be in the room, she’ll be on Dog TV guest starring on Dancing With The Dachshunds. • Are you ready to have your dog interviewed by Ron MacLean after being eliminated from The Battle Of The Black Lab Blades? • Seriously, how many times can your dog watch Old Yeller and Marley & Me on Turner Classic Mutt Movies? • If your dog can access your television set, how long will it be before he’s scanning your email and ordering high-end dog products online? The day Fido is walking around with a Fido cell phone, is the day you’ll pay big money for the Dog TV channel blocker. The main reason you should be against Dog TV is because when Sparky learns how to operate that remote, your life as you know it is over.
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