PETS Magazine | July/August 2014 by MarkintoshDesign

PETS MAGAZINE

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SALMONELLA INFECTIONS

Affect Pets & People!

Guide to CAT CARE

• Coping with Feline Resistance • Solve Litter Box Problems Today • Maintain Ideal Body Condition • Avoid Flea and Tick Product Toxicity …and more!

PLUS: CATS ARE HEROES, TOO • FELINE RETROVIRAL DISEASES • MANAGING ANXIETY IN CATS

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C O N T E N T S

FEATURE

DEPARTMENTS

Making Tracks

PETS Marketplace

Pet Projects

The Healthy Bond

Joyful Tails

Paws for Reflection

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2014, VOL.31, NO.4

SIMMONS PUBLISHING LTD. Publisher

John Simmons john.simmons@petsmagazine.ca

Managing Editor

Brad Hussey brad.hussey@petsmagazine.ca

Advertising Sales

Glenn Ward glenn.wardmediapartners@rogers.com

Art Director Billing/Administration Circulation

Mark Tzerelshtein markintoshdesign.com Linda Simmons linda.simmons@petsmagazine.ca

EDITORIAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE 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 Behaviour 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

Backyard Hazard Series: Salmonellosis and Your Pet Do all you can to avoid this unpleasant and possibly fatal illness — for you and your pet.

Guide to

CAT CARE

Is Your Cat’s Behaviour Telling You He's Sick?

Understanding why your cat behaves in certain ways can go a long way to keeping him healthy and improving your relationship.

Avoiding Flea and Tick Product Toxicity in Cats

Misusing certain products intended for dogs can have To subscribe to PETS, contact Linda Simmons Toll Free: 877-738-7624 or visit us on the Web at:

devastating consequences. Here's what to avoid.

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Herpesvirus can quickly spread from cat to cat, and it can

Feline Herpesvirus Easily Spread

sometimes be fatal — so preventing it is important.

Coping with Feline Resistance

Stats tell us there are 25% more cats owned compared to Publications Mail Agreement #41305514

dogs, but fewer than 40% of veterinary appointments are for cats. Why the disparity?

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32 Foster Crescent

Keeping tabs on your Tabby’s weight can stave off obesity.

Shaping Up: Maintaining Ideal Body Condition

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. Printed in Canada.

Pancreatitis Primer for Cat Owners

It’s an increasingly important pancreatic disorder in cats — find out what you need to know.

Top Tips to Help Solve Litter Box Dilemmas

Detective work may be needed if your cat has suddenly started eliminating outside of her litter box.

Kidney Stones: Big Problem with a Tiny Solution

A microscopic approach to treating blocked ureters, a common problem for cats.

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PETS

M A K I N G

T R A C K S

NEWS | PRODUCTS | REVIEWS

TREAT GI ISSUES WITH SPECIAL DIET >>

PETS MAG AT DISCOVER VET SCHOOL EVENT >>

Nutrition is considered the cornerstone of treatment for gastrointestinal (GI) disease, and Sensitive-GI can be part of its medical management. A turkey-based diet, it is high in glutamine, a conditionally essential amino acid that is an energy source for gut cells. Added prebiotics feed beneficial bacteria in the gut and strengthen gut wall immunity. Tapioca is highly digestible, making it an excellent carbohydrate source for a GI diet. Sensitive-GI is also ideal for growth. Puppies and kittens have an immature GI tract that is still growing and forming; they share some of the same needs and benefit from some of the same attributes as GI patients. If your pet shows signs of GI upset, such as vomiting, diarrhea or abdominal pain, talk to your veterinary team right away. www.raynecanada.ca

Attendees at the Ontario Veterinary College’s (OVC) fifth annual Discover Vet School each received a complimentary copy of PETS Magazine, at the request of co-organizer and second-year veterinary student Kelly Guest. Kelly tells us she requested copies of PETS after seeing that clients and animal lovers enjoyed reading issues during her time working at Burnhamthorpe Animal Hospital in Mississauga, ON. Thanks Kelly!

THINKING GREEN FOR THE LITTER BOX >>

The symposium introduced students to various topics in veterinary medicine, including diagnostic imaging, equine reproduction, neurology and wildlife medicine. All proceeds from the event go toward supporting Global Vets — a program at the OVC that offers second-year student veterinarians a unique opportunity to investigate animal health care in developing countries. www.globalvets.ca

THIS SUMMER, REMEMBER: NO HOT PETS >> Nothing gets people more excited than the prospect of a warm, sunny summer day. What many pet owners don’t realize is that the summer sun can turn a car, even with the windows left open a crack, into a deadly situation for their pet. A dog’s body temperature averages 38°C, and they are only able to physically withstand approximately 41°C for a very short time — a difference of only three degrees. After that, a dog can succumb to heat stroke, brain damage and death. When you consider that a car — even parked in the shade with the windows cracked open — can be 50°C hotter inside than the temperature outside within an hour, it creates a deadly situation for a pet that can’t cry for help. Leave your pet at home when running errands, no matter how quick you plan to be.

DON’T FORGET THE WATER

Canadian manufacturer Intersand recently launched Ecolife, an eco-friendly cat litter that is 100% natural and biodegradable. It’s made from highly absorbent, non-food-grade pea fibres and grain fragments with some Yucca schidigera (a Mexican plant known for its deodorizing capacity) added in for odour control. Ecolife lasts twice as long as conventional litters and therefore generates less waste, making it a true environmental choice. Available in two formulas: Original and Multi-Cat. www.intersand.com

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It’s easy for you to grab a glass of water or stash a water bottle in the car, but it’s not as easy for your pet. Fresh, clean water is important to keep them hydrated in the summer. If your pet is a short-nosed breed, or elderly, owners must be particularly vigilant to ensure the heat and humidity doesn’t impact their breathing. Plan to exercise your dog during early mornings and later in the evenings when it is not as hot. During the middle of the day, hot asphalt can burn your pet’s paws, so stick to grass or the sidewalk when out for walks. Cooling down your pet can involve allowing them access to shade, hosing them down with cool water or creating a shallow area (such as a plastic children’s pool) with fresh water where they can splash if they like. The Ontario SPCA encourages you to visit the “Downloads” section of their No Hot Pets website www.nohotpets.ca to access the Facebook banner, decals, posters and leaflets to share within your community to help spread the word to not leave pets unattended in hot vehicles. To learn more about the dangers of leaving pets unattended in hot vehicles, please visit www.nohotpets.ca.

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M A K I N G

T R A C K S

STUDY FINDS INCREASE IN PET OWNERSHIP NUMBERS DUE TO CLASSROOM PETS >> A study released in April suggests classroom pets have a positive influence on children’s attitudes t o wa rd p e t s , e v e n leading to an increase in pets in the home. In the National Pet Market Opportunity Study released by the American Pet Products Association (APPA) in April, one-third of survey respondents said that “having a pet in their child’s class led their family to get a pet.” Also, three-quarters of the survey respondents whose child has a pet in their classroom responded that its presence had a positive effect on their pet ownership. Children exposed to a classroom pet were more likely to get over a fear of pets they may have harboured and were also more likely to take responsibility for household pets as a result of the classroom experience. Pet Care Trust, a non-profit charitable foundation, funds the Pets in the Classroom grant program in an effort to promote the understanding of the joys and benefits of pets through education, support and interaction. “When the Pet Care Trust introduced the Pets in the Classroom program in 2011, the goal was to help teachers engage their students through the care of a classroom pet,” says Steve King, the organization’s executive director. “We know that pets enrich the classroom experience by providing kids with the chance to see, feel, touch and make connections with the animal world. What we didn’t know was how the classroom experience influences a child’s relationship with pets at home.” The Pets in the Classroom grant program has issued close to 40,000 grants since it began, and with approximately 64% of the grants having been redeemed by teachers, about 25,600 classrooms have received a pet as a result. With an average of 50 students being impacted per grant, 1,280,000 kids have daily contact with a pet in their schools. Based on these numbers and the APPA study, more than 400,000 homes now have pets as a direct result of the grant program. For more information on Pets in the Classroom (Canadian teachers are eligible to receive grants), visit www.PetsintheClassroom.org

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NEWS | PRODUCTS | REVIEWS

DITCH YOUR DUSTY, HEAVY AND MESSY CLAY CAT LITTER >> Looking for a litter box solution that is simple, sustainable and safe for your pets and family? Check out World’s Best Cat Litter — the only brand that harnesses the concentrated power of corn to help you maintain a cleaner litter box. One scoop and you’re done: Clay litters often require you to chisel and scrape the box. World’s Best Cat Litter clumps quickly and is easily scooped for quick cleanup. 99% dust free: Traditional clay litters break down and produce a fine dust. World’s Best Cat Litter is 99% dust free, so you can breathe easy and avoid the mess. Lightweight: Avoid lugging around 20-plus pound boxes of clay litter. World’s Best Cat Litter is lightweight and a small 6, 7, 8 lb. bag lasts one cat up to 30 days. Sustainably grown: The non-renewable clay found in most litters is mined using heavy machinery. World’s Best Cat Litter is made of corn grown on farms, so it’s pet, people and plant friendly. Learn more at www.GetAwayFromClay.com

SERVICE DOGS PILOT PROJECT TO SUPPORT VETERANS WITH PTSD >> In late May, the Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of Veterans Affairs, announced Veterans Affairs Canada’s (VAC) plan to support a pilot project to assess the benefits and risks of using psychiatric service dogs to assist in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in veterans. “Some veterans will tell you that service dogs are more than man’s best friend — they are companions who are an integral part of their day-to-day life,” said Minister Fantino. “This project will help us study and learn how service dogs can help veterans suffering from post-traumatic Minister Fantino (right) and veteran Daniel stress disorder.” Drapeau (left) discuss the benefits of using The two-and-a-half-year pilot service dogs to assist in the treatment of PTSD in veterans. project has a goal of having up to 50 veterans (who are in receipt of a disability benefit for PTSD and have approval from their treating mental health professional) participating in the project. VAC will provide up to $500,000 to cover expenses and new research for the pilot project.

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BACKYARD HAZARD SERIES: SALMONELLOSIS AND YOUR PET By Kristina Cooper, RVT needed in the form of intravenous fluids and antibiotic therapy. In some cases, salmonellosis can be fatal.

ith a global movement called the One Health Initiative (www.onehealthinitiative.com) blazing its path, the importance of the relationship between human health, animal health and environmental health is being discovered and communicated to increase the public’s awareness of transmissible zoonotic disease (diseases that can be passed from animal to human or vice versa.). The Backyard Hazard series of articles will focus on the more common diseases that you or your pet may be at risk of contracting.

Salmonellosis is the term used to define an infection caused by the group of bacteria known as Salmonella. These bacteria can cause gastrointestinal infection in both pets and people, as well as infections in other parts of the body.

HOW IS SALMONELLOSIS CONTRACTED? Salmonella can be found in pet foods and treats, with a higher incidence found in raw food diet items (raw foods for dogs/cats, feeder mice for reptiles etc.). However, Salmonella may also be found in commercial dry diets, as well. It is possible for a pet to consume food contaminated with Salmonella, resulting in a salmonellosis infection. Salmonella may also be in animal feces left in the environment of infected pets. Pets such as reptiles and amphibians may also carry Salmonella on their skin.

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF SALMONELLOSIS IN MY PET? • Lethargy • Diarrhea • Dehydration

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Some pets show no sign of salmonellosis at all. Those that are young, elderly or already have an underlying illness may have weakened immune systems, making them more susceptible.

HOW IS SALMONELLOSIS DETECTED? Once your pet has been examined by a veterinarian and is suspected of having Salmonellosis, the bacterial infection can be confirmed through laboratory testing. A fecal culture will be taken to see if Salmonella may be the cause of your pet’s illness.

CAN A HUMAN GET SALMONELLOSIS? Yes, humans can get Salmonella just like their pets can through the ingestion of the bacteria. Handling of contaminated pets, food, water sources or feces can also be a cause for concern.

HOW IS SALMONELLOSIS TREATED? In cases of uncomplicated diarrhea the infection can run its course and resolve on its own. In more complicated cases, supportive care may be

Salmonellosis can be prevented/minimized by doing the following: • Avoid feeding raw foods and treats to your pet; if you prefer to feed a raw diet, practice sound hygiene and food safety approaches (as you would with your own food). • Clean your pet’s dishes daily in hot soapy water. • Pick feces up ASAP in your environment (yard and litter boxes) • Wash your hands after handling pets and pet food. • Keep pet food dishes and utensils separate from your own dishes. • Store your dry kibble in a sealed container. • Keep canned food refrigerated • Do not leave canned pet foods. out at room temperatures for long periods of time. • When purchasing pet foods make sure the packaging is not ripped or cans dented compromising the freshness of the product. • Don’t feed your pet leftovers that you wouldn’t consume yourself • Keep garbage containers inaccessible to pets to prevent consumption of rotten food items. 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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PHOTOS: INGIMAGES.COM

WHAT IS SALMONELLOSIS?

HOW IS SALMONELLOSIS PREVENTED?

GUIDE TO CAT CARE

IS YOUR CAT’S TELLING YOU BEHAVIOUR HE’S SICK? By Rebecca Ledger, BSc (Hons), MSc, PhD, FSB >> and not afforded the same level of care and commitment as their canine counterparts. So, when cats start to be problems, they are more likely to be either relinquished or abandoned as strays. Secondly, some methods purported to improve cat behaviour are either ineffective or make the cats behaviour worse. While the Internet provides many credible sources of information for owners in need of help, there is also a wealth of misinformation out there. Determining the difference between science-based, effective information versus unhelpful twaddle can be a challenge! However, for most guardians, a lack of awareness of both causes and treatments is a widespread reason why owners give up too soon. Cats are often regarded as being an independent, untrainable species whose behaviour is unalterable. The contrary is actually true, however. Cat behaviour problems can be successfully and permanently modified using a variety of approaches. And, successful treatment often starts with a visit to the veterinary clinic.

n Canada, where more than 100,000 cats are surrendered to rescue shelters annually, an estimated 28% are given up because of behavioural problems. This amounts to tens of thousands of felines each year. Every clinical animal behaviourist, veterinarian and humane society I speak with is deeply perturbed by this statistic, not just because of the significant welfare issue that it symbolizes, but also because

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many behavioural problems are in fact quite manageable, and even preventable. This raises the question — why do so many cat owners abandon or surrender their problem cats to shelters instead of addressing their pets’ behaviour issues? Having worked with rescue organizations for more than 25 years, various explanations come to mind. First of all, as many research studies attest, cats are generally undervalued as a companion animal

When a cat’s behaviour deteriorates occasionally there can be an underlying medical component. In fact, behavioural changes are often the first signs that owners notice to indicate that their cats may be sick. Issues related to pain, injury and disease are often to blame. So, when speaking to your veterinarian about a behavioural change, they will likely conduct a basic physical examination, blood tests and urinalysis (testing the cat’s urine for signs of disease). Be prepared to answer lots of questions about your cat. How old are they? When did the problem start? How long has it been going on for? What changes

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PHOTOS: INGIMAGES.COM

WHY SEE YOUR VETERINARIAN WHEN YOUR CAT HAS A BEHAVIOUR PROBLEM?

GUIDE TO CAT CARE

”

THE GOOD NEWS FOR CAT OWNERS IS THAT MOST OF THE MEDICAL PROBLEMS THAT CAN UNDERLIE HOUSE SOILING, AGGRESSION AND EXCESSIVE VOCALIZATION ARE MANAGEABLE.

have occurred concurrently with the behavioural change? Have you recently acquired a new pet? Changed its diet? Moved home? This information will help your veterinarian to understand what might be causing the changes. And, if they have a specialist they like to work with, you might then be referred to a clinical behaviourist. Here are some of the most common behaviour problems in cats, and what your veterinarian might be looking for.

HOUSE SOILING Cats that pee and poop on clothing, floors and furniture instead of outdoors or in the litter box cause owners a great deal of frustration. According to one U.S. study of 1,286 cats entering shelters, 43% of cats surrendered with behaviour problems were admitted for this very reason. In some instances, problems arise because the cat doesn’t like the location of its litter box, especially if it is positioned in an area where she is frequently disturbed. Or, perhaps the tray isn’t cleaned regularly enough, or the cat can’t always access the toileting area as needed. Some cats are simply fussy about the type of litter in a litter tray, most preferring deep, sandy, unscented litters. But, in many cases, pain and disease is a reason why cats fail to use their litter trays. The conditions that your veterinarian may test for include urinary tract and bladder infections, inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes, renal failure, incontinence, hormonal abnormalities and arthritis. These conditions can cause a variety of symptoms, including painful urination, which the cat learns to associate with being inside the litter tray, or an urgency to eliminate, meaning that the cat can’t get to the litter tray soon enough. Both scenarios can lead to your cat having accidents elsewhere. To determine what is going on, your veterinarian may want to run blood tests, check your cat’s urine and, in some instances, scans and imaging may also be necessary.

AGGRESSION Aggression shown by cats toward family members, and sometimes toward other cats, is another common relationship

buster, with 30% of owners surrendering ‘problem cats’ citing this as a primary concern. Cat scratches and bites are highly prone to infection, and when the cat resides with children or individuals with compromised immune systems, many cats quickly find themselves abandoned. Stressors in the home can provoke even the most placid cats into being aggressive. But, when the cat seems easily provoked, or when its personality changes suddenly for the worse, then the veterinarian will often want to investigate. There can be a number of medical reasons that can cause cats to be particularly anxious, fearful or reactive (and subsequently aggressive). Hepatic encephalopathy (arising secondarily to liver disease), parasites (which can lead to conditions such as feline ischemic encephalopathy), lead poisoning, hyperthyroidism, epilepsy, FELV/FIV and rabies are causes that your veterinarian may consider after a thorough workup.

EXCESSIVE VOCALIZATION Meowing is a completely normal feline behaviour, but some owners are disturbed when their cats’ vocalizations become loud or prolonged, and especially when they disturb the owner from sleep! Some cats are naturally very chatty, but when the nature of their dialogue changes significantly, then the veterinarian will again want to explore possible underlying medical reasons for this. The most common reasons for excessive vocalization in cats, particularly elderly felines, include hyperthyroidism, cardiovascular conditions (particularly hypertension) and age-related cognitive decline.

While some physical tests performed in the clinic can help to identify endocrine and cardiovascular disease, age-related cognitive decline is harder to assess. Most likely, the veterinarian or a behaviourist will arrive at this diagnosis after questioning the owner in detail regarding the cat’s behavioural changes across a variety of situations.

BEHAVIOURAL MODIFICATION The good news for cat owners is that most of the medical problems that can underlie house soiling, aggression and excessive vocalization are manageable. As with most health problems, the swifter the intervention, the better the prognosis. Even though medications may lead to improvements in a cat’s behaviour (and physical health, too), other modalities are often also required to achieve the best results. Adapting your cat’s environment so that it feels safe, comfortable and calm, knowing how to read a cat’s emotions and needs through its body language and being able to handle a cat using low-stress techniques are also key to successful management. Your veterinarian and clinical behaviourist will gladly help you deal with your concerns and give your cat the best chance of improvement. Rebecca Ledger, BSc (Hons), MSc, PhD, FSB, is a clinical animal behaviourist and animal welfare scientist, based in Vancouver, BC. She helps cats and dogs with behavioural problems on veterinary referral across BC. twitter.com/DrRebeccaLedger; www.pet-welfare.com

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GUIDE TO CAT CARE

AVOIDING FLEA AND TICK PRODUCT TOXICITY

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If treated quickly, chances of recovery are excellent. Your veterinarian will provide intravenous medication to help reduce the temperature and motor activity and perhaps a binding drug to help the cat clear the toxin. This will provide hydration until the cat can again eat and drink on its own. Signs may vary from mild to very severe depending on the dose, health and age of the cat and type of chemical. Those left without care for a long period, or those receiving doses for large dogs may pass away in spite of therapy. Usually at least 24 hours in hospital is required to let the cat eliminate the toxin. It’s important to read the product packaging at the store thoroughly. Dog products should never be used for cats, as cats lack some of the key processing enzymes in their livers that are present in other species. Cats should also be not allowed to have contact with dog tick collars, as they

can lick the drug into their system. Cats are not small dogs. Medications should only be given to these unique animals under veterinary supervision. Veterinary-approved and tested products are available for cats. These products offer extensive safety testing assurances. Side effects from veterinary-licensed cat products are very rare.

TIPS FOR FELINE FLEA AND TICK PREVENTION: • Only use products licensed for cats. Ask your veterinarian for product recommendations. • Read the label very closely before use of a product to ensure it is safe for cats. • Seek help immediately if your cat experiences dullness, tremors, shaking or seizures. From the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association www.canadianveterinarians.net

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PHOTO: DREAMSTIME.COM

adly, every year many cats arrive at veterinary hospitals with high body temperatures and tremors, and even seizures. These cats may have been treated with flea and tick products that are intended for dogs. A dose intended for dogs (or even a portion) can be very dangerous to the health of cats. Toxicity from dog flea and tick products is a medical emergency. The longer the cat is left to shake, the greater the chance of permanent damage (death included). If you have used a flea and tick product that is intended for dogs, call your veterinarian or the nearest emergency veterinary hospital immediately. Bathe the material off quickly from the fur with warm soapy water, as most frequently it is the spot-on or pour-on permethrin-type products that are problematic. Do not even dry the cat — instead wrap kitty in a towel and go immediately to a veterinary clinic for help.

GUIDE TO CAT CARE

FELINE HERPES (AKA RHINOTRACHEITIS) By Kristina Cooper, RVT >> • Through contaminated food/water dishes, litter boxes, toys or beds that are shared among cats; • When an owner pets one infected cat and then touches another uninfected cat before washing their hands in between; and • Owners bringing the virus home on their clothes.

SIGNS OF FELINE HERPESVIRUS

TREATMENT

Feline herpesvirus can cause the following symptoms: • Lethargy, • Sneezing, • Loss of appetite due to nasal congestion and the inability to smell food, • Dehydration due to loss of appetite, • Fever, • Nasal discharge and runny eyes, • Squinting, • Eye ulcers, and • Swollen conjunctiva (inside of the eyelids). It is possible for some cats to carry the disease and not show symptoms yet still actively transmit the virus. These cats are known as latent carriers.

Supportive treatment for cats suffering from herpes may, when necessary, help cats overcome an outbreak of the virus. Treatment can include: • Intravenous or subcutaneous fluids (to keep your cat hydrated if it is not eating/drinking), • Force feeding, • Antibiotic/antiviral medications (if they have a secondary bacterial infection), and • Fever reduction medication. • Supplements to reduce viral load in the system. • Cleaning the nose and eyes to keep cat more comfortable, and • Using a humidifier to help break up the congestion. Once contracted, herpesvirus never leaves the system. However, with proper supportive care, most cats can rebound within a couple of weeks.

HOW IS FELINE HERPESVIRUS TRANSMITTED? It is transmitted through the following routes: • Nasal/eye secretions passed from an infected cat, often through sneezing, to another cat;

Once past the symptoms of the virus, cats will still harbour it in their system as it lays dormant. It may or may not reoccur during their lifetime. Re-activation can occur during times of stress.

PREVENTION OF THE FELINE HERPESVIRUS The great news is that owners can help prevent their cat from acquiring rhinotracheitis. Vaccinations are available and routinely given to help prevent disease in cats that encounter the virus. This vaccine is given multiple times to kittens, and then annually afterward. Although vaccines are not 100% effective, they do considerably reduce the risk of disease. Owners can also minimize the chance of passing along the virus to their cats by routinely washing their hands after handling other cats. If an owner has been visiting a cat with a confirmed case of feline herpesvirus it is advisable for the owner to change their clothing before handling their own uninfected cat. This is also a suggestion for owners who have been visiting and handlling cats with unknown histories, such as those housed in animal shelters. 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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PHOTO: INGIMAGES.COM

eline herpesvirus (also known as rhinotracheitis) is a virus that can cause an upper respiratory infection (often called a “kitty cold”) in cats. The herpesvirus can quickly spread from cat to cat, similar to common colds in humans, and it can sometimes be fatal — so preventing it is important.

PHOTOS: INGIMAGES.COM

GUIDE TO CAT CARE

THE WORLD OF FELINE RESISTANCE ecent statistics show that even though there are 25% more cats owned compared to dogs, less than 40% of appointments at the veterinary clinic are for cats. One-third of cats had not been seen by a vet within the previous year. This finding is concerning because cats need the same level of preventive health care and medical attention as dogs,

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From the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association >>

and to understand this disparity we need to look a little deeper into the feline world. Over half of the owners polled in a recently reported survey answered that they are reluctant to go to the clinic because their cat “hates to go to their veterinarian.” It is not because they do not value veterinary services or their cat’s health or welfare, but it is reported to be

associated with feline resistance, a term coined first in the Bayer Veterinary Care Usage Study, and reported further at veterinary conferences. The resistance that cats express is not just about the things that happen inside the hospital. It also has to do with people’s efforts to catch a cat, get her into a carrier and transport her to and from the clinic.

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GUIDE TO CAT CARE usually be. Bringing along some treats to administer at the appointment and using a quiet soothing intonation to help keep the cat less stressed. For those stressed cats that do not respond well to behavioural training, an anti-anxiety medicine administered at home one hour ahead can be used. There is an anti-nausea medicine for those who vomit due to car sickness. Some cats do better when able to see out of the window, as in typical human car sickness while other cats find the flashing lights and other visual stimulation too much. For the latter cats, a towel over most of the carrier might be of great assistance (taking care to leave adequate ventilation).

Veterinary care remains an essential service for cats, with much longer life spans now enjoyed even compared to a quarter century ago. Recent guidelines from the Cat Healthy Canada initiative spearheaded by feline specialist Dr. Liz O’Brien of Hamilton, ON help us learn what can be done to make a feline’s visit more enjoyable. As well, both the International and American feline practitioner’s organizations have published cat-handling and management protocols for educational purposes.

WHAT CAN BE DONE TO HELP REDUCE THE STRESS AND ANXIETY FOR CLIENT AND CAT? “Improving the experience of veterinary visits will encourage increased cat visits,” Dr. O’Brien says. The onus is on both veterinary health care team members, as well as the cat caregiver, to make this improvement a reality.

TIPS FOR GETTING TO THE VETERINARY OFFICE Training to enjoy or at least tolerate the carrier is something that can be done at home and well ahead of a veterinary appointment, so that the cat sees the carrier as a friendly place. Leaving the carrier out in a favourite snoozing spot, with periodic treats and praise given for going in can help confirm for the cat that the carrier is a safe haven, rather than a worrisome place to be. Line it with soft blankets and provide an “open door” policy initially. Do not try to push the cat in; if there are a few treats, she will check it out on her own schedule (and, frankly, cats cannot be pushed around). The best carriers for training are those with top- and side-loading capability. Allow lots of time for this process! Taking the cat on short rides in the car, not just when going to the vet, will allow the cat to learn that car rides are just a part of their everyday experience, not a once- or twice-a-year event linked to a clinic visit. Spraying pheromones in the kennel or on bedding 30 minutes ahead of transport has been shown to help many cats relax. Pheromones are miniscule molecules from special scent glands that are released when the cat is socially communicating.

BEING THERE

Felines have what is called a vomeronasal organ in the roof of the mouth that can draw these molecules up into the sensitive pheromone-sensing areas. These pheromones appear to have more than a smell function, and instead cue behaviour changes. For example, the mother cat releases this compound to help bond and soothe her kittens. This pheromone has been purified and synthesized, and is widely available in North America. Caregivers can also gently stimulate acupuncture pressure points at the spot on the forehead between the eyes for a quick massage to help relax the cat. If a cat is nervous, it is best to pet only the top and front of head, and perhaps the chin, rather than the body. Handling the feet and mouth at home, with training for nail trimming and dental care early in life, will help the cat adapt to the physical exam with minimal stress. Cats can keenly sense their caregiver’s own stress, so the less worried the caregiver is, the less worried the cat will

Cat-friendly veterinary hospitals will often have separate dog and cat waiting rooms, will whisk the cat to the exam room and so reduce exposure to the stimulus of other animal noises and sights and will often adjust the examination itself to accommodate individual cat preferences. Treats, towels for hiding, table padding, gentle handling, quiet voices and commercial pheromones can be used to reduce cat resistance levels once at the clinic.

COMING HOME Giving the cat time to settle back into the home is important. A cat will usually need to have a good nap in their favourite spot! If a cat returns back from a veterinarian visit and there are other household cats, they may take a while to welcome this new smelling “stranger” back into the fold. Bringing both cats in a household to a vet visit will ease reintegration of the appointment cat since both will pick up the scent of the clinic. There should be time for the caregiver to relax, too, and enjoy the benefits of their efforts to make the experience more enjoyable for all.

RESOURCES • Cat Healthy www.cathealthy.ca • Bayer Veterinary Care Usage Study/Brakke Consulting/National Commission on Veterinary Economic Issues (NCVEI) 2011. An American study. www.brakkeconsulting.com/news_article/634.aspx • 2011 AAFP/ISFM Feline-Friendly Handling Guidelines www.catvets.com/guidelines/practice-guidelines/handling-guidelines

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SHAPING UP: MAINTAINING IDEAL BODY CONDITION By Michelle Evason, DVM, Dipl. ACVIM (SAIM) and Heather Parsons, VMG, MBA >> quality of life for your cat. The key to successful weight loss is an appropriate diet and continual monitoring. Both diet and feeding behaviour play a major role in managing weight.

WHAT CAN BE DONE?

WHY IS OBESITY A PROBLEM? Incidence of obesity varies but has been reported to be as high as 63% of household cats in a New Zealand study in 2007. In fact, obesity is now considered the most common nutritional disorder in dogs and cats! The list of conditions associated with obesity is long and scary, ranging from joint problems to heart conditions and a shortened life span. Obese cats can be up

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to nine times more likely to develop diabetes and lameness, and up to three times more likely to develop skin problems.

HOW DO CATS BECOME OBESE? There are many factors that influence BCS in cats including gender, neutering, age, breed, living alone or with other pets, inactivity and feeding behaviour. Traditionally, cats were considered to be adept calorie counters, meaning they would adjust their own food intake to maintain an energy balance. However, cats’ lives have changed and many cats are kept indoors for safety. They no longer have to hunt for food, and instead have easy access to palatable, highquality foods. Most cats are now altered (spayed/neutered) to manage the feline population, and this decreases their metabolic rate and disrupts their normal satiety mechanisms (the processes by which the cat feels full after eating). The result is that cats must now navigate an environment where they may eat more and get less exercise than in their natural state — resulting in weight gain.

WHY IS WEIGHT LOSS IMPORTANT? Losing weight can help reduce the risk of disease, prevent malnutrition and improve

WHAT IF MY CAT IS ALREADY OVERWEIGHT? The good news is that you have what it takes to correct obesity. By altering diet, feeding behavior or exercise (or maybe all three), you can get your cat back to a healthy, happy weight. Fortunately, you do not have to do it alone. Your veterinary team can help you decide the best approach. They can help you monitor to make sure you are having success, and they can help you out if you aren’t seeing results. By working with your veterinary team and taking an active role in your cat’s health, you can make a difference in your cat’s health. Dr. Michelle Evason is head of Rayne Clinical Nutrition’s nutritional consult team, providing case consults and support to veterinary practices in Canada. Heather Parsons is sales and marketing director for Rayne Clinical Nutrition. info@raynecanada.ca

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ne of the most beneficial things we can do for our pets is to help them achieve and maintain their ideal Body Condition Score (BCS). BCS evaluates body fat and helps veterinary team members and owners determine the ideal body composition for their pets. There are many different variations, but the most commonly accepted version involves grading pets on a nine-point scale. The goal for most pets is a BCS of four to five out of nine. The risk of disease associated with being overweight increases when the BCS is higher than six. This simple evaluation can be done at home, and is more meaningful than numbers on a weigh scale. Talk to your veterinary team about how to assess your pet using BCS, which can be a useful tool to monitor your cat’s weight.

Weight management is easier to do than losing weight. Learning to accurately evaluate BCS will allow you to adjust feeding amounts to maintain a healthy weight. Exercise and activity are also crucial to a healthy BCS. Feeding behaviour can have a substantial impact on your cat’s weight. Cats that are given free access to food at all times tend to have a higher body condition score than those fed during specific mealtimes. Talk to your veterinary team about appropriate feeding amounts and food and exercise options.

GUIDE TO CAT CARE

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GUIDE TO CAT CARE

AFORPANCREATITIS PRIMER CAT OWNERS By Robyn Thrasher >> ancreatitis is an increasingly important pancreatic disorder in cats, but what exactly is it? What happens when a cat becomes ill due to pancreatitis? The pancreas is glandular organ has two main functions: to produce metabolic hormones that control blood sugar and to produce enzymes that aid in food digestion. Normally, due to their destructive nature, the protein-digesting enzymes trypsin and chymotrypsin are stored in the pancreas in an inactive form. Once undigested food moves from the stomach to the intestine, the pancreas is stimulated to release these enzymes, which only become activated once they reach the intestinal tract. When the enzymes are inappropriately activated within the pancreas, inflammation occurs causing a disorder known as pancreatitis.

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CATS AND PANCREATITIS Feline pancreatitis is a fairly complex disease that is likely more prevalent than previously thought. According to a 2007 study published in The Journal of Veterinary Pathology, 67% of cats had evidence of pancreatitis based on tissue analysis and almost half of these cats were considered clinically healthy. In cats, the cause of pancreatitis is often unknown and reaching a definitive diagnosis is difficult. “In dogs, pancreatitis is often thought to be secondary to a high fat meal or dietary indiscretion, whereas in cats this association doesn’t exist,” says Dr. Melissa Meachem, a graduate student in veterinary pathology at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM). Typically, cats with pancreatitis have vague and non-specific symptoms, such as anorexia and lethargy, which makes determining the cause of the illness challenging. While vomiting and abdominal pain are classical signs of this disease in

dogs, these symptoms are rarely seen in cats. Affected cats may develop concurrent diseases, such as hepatic lipidosis (also known as fatty liver — a type of liver disease that stems from inadequate food intake) that further complicate diagnosis and treatment. Due to the anatomy of the pancreatic duct system, the cat is more susceptible to developing inflammation of the intestine and bile duct in addition to the pancreas. “Dogs usually have two pancreatic ducts while cats only have one,” explains Meachem. “This single pancreatic duct opens to the intestine in conjunction with the bile duct. If a cat has pancreatitis, there’s a high likelihood that it also has inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and cholangitis (inflammation of the liver and bile duct).”

DIAGNOSIS Along with physical examination, appropriate history and clinical signs, there are a number of blood tests that can be performed to aid in diagnosing feline pancreatitis. One such test, the feline pancreas-specific lipase assay, is fairly good at identifying moderate to severe cases. It does have limited ability to detect mild forms of the disease, which can result in these cases being overlooked. This test may also be positive in patients that have diseases other than pancreatitis, making it an imperfect tool in the diagnosis of pancreatitis. Abdominal ultrasound is useful in recognizing pancreatitis. Specific changes in the appearance of the pancreas and the tissue surrounding the organ can signal inflammation and disease. Ultrasoundguided fine needle aspiration can be done to collect a sample of cellular material from the pancreas for microscopic evaluation, but this isn’t a commonly performed procedure in most cases.

“None of these tests are 100% specific or sensitive,” Meachem points out. “But they can help narrow down the list of potential diagnoses.”

TREATMENT The major treatment strategy for feline pancreatitis is to provide good supportive care. “This centres on intravenous fluid therapy to maintain the patient’s hydration status and adequate nutrition to maintain normal metabolism,” says Dr. Casey Gaunt, a WCVM small animal internal medicine specialist. Providing the required nutrients typically involves placement of a feeding tube until the cat is feeling well enough to resume eating on its own. “As well, we often provide medication to control pain in those that demonstrate discomfort,” adds Gaunt.

PREVENTION No specific preventive measures exist for feline pancreatitis. With dogs, a common solution is to switch to lower fat diets to reduce the risk of recurrence of the disease. This approach doesn’t work for cats: abrupt dietary changes can result in decreased food intake and severe liver disease in some cats. “The best thing an owner can do is recognize when their cat stops eating and seek prompt veterinary care,” says Gaunt. “This allows us to identify the problem and provide treatment early in the course of the disease before the cat becomes severely ill.” Robyn Thrasher of Edmonton, AB, is a thirdyear veterinary student at the WCVM. For more information about the WCVM’s companion animal health research program, visit www.cahf.usask.ca and sign up for Vet Topics — the College’s pet health newsletter. Reprinted with permission.

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TOP TIPS TO HELP SOLVE LITTER BOX DILEMMAS From The OSPCA >>

DOES YOUR CAT HAVE A MEDICAL PROBLEM? If your cat has experienced painful urination or defecation in the box due to a medical problem, such as crystals or a urinary tract infection, he may associate the box with pain and avoid it. This may continue after the health problem is treated. Read below for possible solutions that may apply, including tips on dealing with surface and location preferences.

DOES YOUR CAT HAVE AN AVERSION TO HIS LITTER BOX? Reasons your cat may decide it’s unpleasant to eliminate in her box include: • The box is not clean enough; • You’ve used strong-smelling chemicals or cleaning products to clean the box; • You’ve switched to a scented or deodorant litter, or placed an air freshener near the box; • The litter is two or more inches deep; and

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• She was startled by a noise while using the box. Try to build new positive associations with the litter box by: • Scooping the box a minimum of once daily and changing the litter twice a week (more if it’s scoopable litter) instead of just topping up the litter; • Using soap and water to clean the box; • Switching to a non-scented or deodorized litter and move any air fresheners away from the box (Note: To help absorb odours you can place a thin layer of baking soda along the box’s bottom — however, if you find the box smelly it’s likely your cat will too); • Ensuring the box is far from appliances or areas where sudden loud noises are common; and • Buying a new box, using a different type of litter and placing it in a new area of the home.

! QUICK TIP DON’T MESS UP PLACEMENT OF THE LITTER BOX Given the choice, most cats will pick an open (uncovered) litter box, filled with clean unscented litter. If you have a covered box, it is especially important to be diligent about cleaning it, since any odours are confined to a small area. This may deter your cat from using the box. In addition, a covered box may not allow a larger cat enough room to scratch and dig. Both of these issues may result in your cat choosing another area (for example, your bath mat, which will certainly be quickly cleaned!) for its daily eliminations. — by Rosalyn J. MacDonald, DVM

IS YOUR CAT ACTUALLY BOX TRAINED? If you move the box and your cat continues to eliminate where the box used to be, your cat might be trained to use the space, not the actual box. If you need to change the location of the box, move the box a few inches a day until it reaches the new location. You may also wish to actively show the location of the box to your cat when he wakes up, after he’s eaten and other times he typically “goes,” particularly if you’ve moved into a new house.

DOES YOUR CAT HAVE A LOCATION PREFERENCE? Your cat may have a location preference if, as above, she eliminates in an area where a litter box was previously kept; if she always eliminates in quiet and protected places, such as in a closet or under a desk; or if she eliminates on a different level of the house from where the litter box is located. To help your cat improve her habits you can make the area where she was eliminating unappealing to her by covering it with aluminum foil.

DOES YOUR CAT HAVE A SURFACE PREFERENCE? Cats develop preferences for particular surfaces on which to eliminate. Often these preferences are established early in life, other times these preferences may change at a later date. Your cat may have a surface preference if he was previously an outdoor cat and prefers eliminating on grass or soil; consistently eliminates on a particular surface, such as soft-textured surfaces like blankets, clothes or bedding, or smooth surfaces like cement, sinks and tiles; or he frequently scratches on this same texture after elimination, even if he first eliminated in the box.

TO HELP YOUR CAT ADJUST TO TRADITIONAL LITTER Slick smooth surface lovers: Try putting a thin layer of litter at one end of the box,

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etective work may be needed if your cat has suddenly started eliminating outside of her litter box. Complicating the matter is the fact that, sometimes, the reason the cat started house soiling (for example, a painful urinary tract infection) may not be the same reason they are continuing. For example, your cat may have stopped using the box because of painful urination, and then while soiling outside the box, developed a surface preference for ceramic tiles and a location preference for the hall closet. To help you get to the bottom of your cat’s undesirable bathroom habits, ask yourself the questions below. Make sure you tackle the problem immediately, as new behaviours can quickly become established habits and difficult to replace.

GUIDE TO CAT CARE leaving the other end bare, and put the box on a hard floor. Soft surface lovers: Try using a highquality scoopable litter and put a soft rug under the litter box. Soil or sod lovers: Try adding some soil or sod to the litter box and gradually make the switch by changing the proportion of sod or soil to clay litter over a period of several weeks.

IS YOUR CAT IN A MULTI-CAT HOUSEHOLD? In multi-cat households make sure you have as many litter boxes as you have cats, plus one, and place them in several locations around the house (and at all levels), so that no one cat can prevent another cat from gaining access. Some cats may refuse to use a litter box after another cat has used it. Consider if the cat that house soils is an outcast among your other cats. Cats have changeable social hierarchies that include subordinate and dominant roles. Outcasts spend a great deal of their time hiding or on the highest spots they have access to — rarely touching the floor. While other cats may fight with them regularly, they rarely ever fight back. The kindest recourse for your outcast cat may be to find her a new home where she may fit with a smaller or different group.

IS YOUR CAT SPRAYING OR MARKING? If you find urine stains at cat-nose level on vertical surfaces such as drapes, walls or furniture, it is likely your cat is not urinating outside of his box, but spraying. While it’s not certain if spraying asserts status, lays claim to territory or offers sexual availability, it is clear that it has nothing to do with needing to “relieve” oneself — and stress and/or overcrowding in multi-cat households are often at the root. The marked site may provide clues to where the trouble lies. For example, a marked suitcase can indicate stress over an upcoming vacation, the owner’s absence and/or a stay at a boarding kennel. Once you’ve determined the cause, remove it from her environment or cut off access to it. Addressing these questions may help to resolve any litter-related issues your cat may have. For more pet care tips, please visit www.ontariospca.ca.

WHICH LITTER IS RIGHT FOR YOUR CAT? PLAIN CLAY Plain clay-based litters help contain waste by drying it. These products come in relatively large particles and are often very dusty. While they are highly absorbent, they must be fully replaced when the litter box is regularly cleaned out, rather than simply topped up. They also often use odour-control ingredients to keep the surrounding area smelling clean. Longhair breeds sometimes prefer plain clay-based litter over newer clumping products because the coarser particles are less likely to stick to their fur.

CLUMPING LITTERS This type of litter — probably the most common type — collects cat urine into easily scoopable clumps, and many people find it can be more user-friendly for cats given its finer texture versus plain clay. Only the feces and clumps need to be removed at the time of cleaning, rather than replacing the box’s entire contents. Since they are also made of clay, clumping litters can be dusty — some brands more so than others.

CRYSTAL PRODUCTS Crystal litters are made of highly absorbent silica gel and sand. The granules are tiny beads, which remain dry because liquid evaporates quickly off of them. While the beads or pearls deal with moisture and absorb odour, they do not clump. However, with convenience in mind, some products are designed to contain urine for up to one month before the box is changed. Solid waste needs to be cleaned out more frequently.

PLANT-BASED PRODUCTS The selection of natural plant-based litters has been growing in recent years. Their advantages include being generally dust-free and environmentally friendlier than nondecomposing clays. Plant-based litters can be made from wheat, corn, corncob flakes, cedar flakes or chips, kenaf (a fibre plant from the West Indies), hardwood sawdust or pine pellets. Some of these products can be flushable, depending on the type of septic system in your home.

PAPER-BASED PRODUCTS Similar in almost every way to plant-based products, there are now also litters made from recycled paper, including newspapers. The paper is ground, shredded or pelletized into an appropriate particle size.

! QUICK TIP KEEP IT CLEAN Most cats are very particular about the cleanliness of their litter boxes. Some cats even prefer to urinate in one box and defecate in another, and so you may be well off to provide two boxes. In multi-cat households, some cats will not eliminate in a box used by another cat. Multi-cat households should have at least one box per cat, plus one extra, to meet their needs. It is paramount that your cat’s box be kept as clean as possible — remember that cats have a much stronger sense of smell then we do! — by Kristina Cooper, RVT

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KIDNEY STONES: A BIG PROBLEM WITH A TINY SOLUTION By Sarah Netherton >> t more than 14 years old, Sue was already a very lucky cat. She had beaten a number of serious health problems even before her owners brought her to the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Urbana, IL, in the fall of 2013 for treatment of a cancerous growth on her chest. Sue’s luck held out when she had the good fortune to be a patient of Dr. Heidi Phillips, one of a small number of veterinary surgeons who perform urogenital and microsurgery. Veterinary specialists at the hospital took X-rays of Sue’s chest and performed an abdominal ultrasound in order to find the source of her spreading cancer. During these examinations, they discovered that Sue also had a partially obstructed ureter, the tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder, on the left side. To treat Sue’s cancer, surgeons removed the mass on her chest and veterinary oncologists prescribed rounds of chemotherapy. When Sue came for a re-check ultrasound, doctors found that Sue’s right ureter had also developed a kidney stone — a hardening of calcium oxalate crystals that originate in the kidney. The examination also showed that Sue’s renal pelvis (the part of the kidney that collects the urine) and the ureter itself were expanding. “With the existing obstruction of her left ureter and her right ureter starting to block, Sue’s kidney stones needed to be surgically removed,” says Dr. Phillips. According to Dr. Phillips, a blocked ureter can be a common problem in cats. Owners may notice such signs as vomiting, abdominal pain, food refusal, straining to urinate and blood in the urine, though these are also indicators of other problems. When a veterinarian suspects a blocked ureter, an abdominal ultrasound or computed tomography (CT) imaging can be performed. Blockages can be seen on X-rays as well as via ultrasound.

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“The renal pelvis and width of the ureters can be measured with ultrasound,” says Dr. Phillips. “Normally, the interior width of a cat’s ureter is less than half a millimetre, so a stone or other object larger than this will cause an obstruction.” For comparison, the wire used to make the standard paper clip is about one millimetre in diameter, so the width of the ureter is less than half of that. In Sue’s case, the blockages were midway to higher up in her ureters, closer to the kidneys than to the bladder. Dr. Phillips performed a surgery, called an ureterotomy, that requires special forceps and scissors and is performed using an operating microscope to magnify the area by at least 10 times. The suture material used for microsurgeries is also on a much smaller scale than what is used for conventional surgeries. “The area directly over the stone is cut and the stone is then removed,” explains Dr. Phillips. “The ureter is flushed to ensure there are no clots, and then the area is carefully closed with the aid of the microscope.” Post-operative care includes managing an animal in kidney failure and

feeding a low-protein diet. Providing cats with plenty of water, feeding wet food and giving dry food only as a treat can reduce the chance of calcium oxalate stone formation. According to Dr. Phillips, cats can do very well after an ureterotomy. As long as any kidney problems are properly managed, these patients rarely have blocked ureters again. Sue did very well after her surgery. After performing two computed tomography scans, doctors did not find cancer anywhere else in her body. To date, the cancer in the skin, which doctors thought was spreading, has not recurred. Dr. Phillips said Sue has regular check-ups at the veterinary teaching hospital, and she is energetic and has a good quality of life. Sue’s owners have consulted a veterinary nutritionist to help Sue increase her weight. If you have questions about cats with blocked ureters, speak with your local veterinarian. From Pet Columns at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign College of Veterinary Medicine http://vetmed.illinois.edu/petcolumns/

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QUICK-THINKING CAT SAVES THE DAY

has honoured pets and service dogs for their amazing acts of heroism and bravery. From sensing deadly medical conditions to saving their owners from wild animal attacks, 164 inductees have been recognized in the last 46 years including 136 dogs, 27 cats and even a horse. PETS Magazine will profile the canine inductees in our September/October 2014 issue — since this issue features our Guide to Cat care, what better place to start than with the only feline hero in this year’s cohort?

MESKIE (LITTLE SHEMOGUE, NB)

f you have ever doubted whether or not you could count on an animal in a time of danger, the 2014 Purina Animal Hall of Fame inductees will reassure you. In May, Purina honoured tremendous acts of animal bravery from loyal pets and a service animal at the 46th Annual Purina Hall of Fame, hosted at Purina PawsWay, its permanent home. This year’s inductees — three canine pets, one service dog and a courageous cat — were honoured for the extraordinary actions they took to protect a human life, demonstrating the unique and

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powerful bond that exists between animals and people. Sadly, two canines were honoured posthumously. “Every year, these stories not only capture our hearts, but the hearts of the entire country,” said Susan Molenda, vice president, Nestlé Purina PetCare. “This year’s inductees overcame incredible obstacles, such as a vicious black bear attack, a partially frozen river, a house fire and a dangerous criminal — literally putting their lives in harm’s way to keep humans safe.” Over the course of more than four decades, the Purina Animal Hall of Fame

Meskie, a 17-year-old Calico-Angora mixed cat stole Chyrl Field’s heart away the moment she laid eyes on her. Chyrl, a 67year-old retiree, is a life-long pet lover. Living alone in her New Brunswick home, Chyrl developed some health issues over the years including a bad hip, knee and heart, so it helped having a loyal companion with a soft and tender personality by her side. On the evening of August 8, 2013, Chyrl fell asleep in her reclining chair only to wake up to Meskie forcefully pouncing on her stomach. Chyrl understood from Meskie’s peculiar behaviour that something was wrong and followed her into the kitchen where she noticed that the front of her house was on fire. Chyrl grabbed Meskie and dialed 911 for help. Fleeing from her home wearing only a nightgown, Chyrl got into her car and pulled away from the house. By the time she was able to back her car away, the flames from the house fire were so intense that the paint on her car was blistering from the heat. If it had not been for Meskie alerting Chyrl to the fire that night, Chyrl knows the pair would have perished. For more information about the Purina Animal Hall of Fame please visit www.purinahalloffame.ca. To watch videos of this year’s inductee stories, visit www.youtube.com/PurinaCanada

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H E A LT H Y

B O N D

with Dieter Kohlmaier, DVM

RETROVIRAL DISEASES IN CATS here are two common viral diseases that afflict cats around t he w o rld — n a m e l y, Fe l i n e Leukemia Virus (FeLV) and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV). While they share many things in common, the infections differ in terms of how they manifest themselves within an infected feline.

WHAT THEY SHARE IN COMMON Both FeLV and FIV belong to a group of viruses called retroviruses. Viruses within this family have the ability to insert a single strand of genetic material (RNA) into a host cell, where it is then incorporated into the host’s DNA. From there, the virus can replicate within the body and can be easily transmitted to another host via bodily fluids. As retroviruses, both can impair the immune system of cats they infect. Both FeLV and FIV are cat-specific, and therefore cannot be passed on to other types of pets or humans in the household. They can only be transmitted by direct contact; male cats are more likely to become infected given their higher tendency to be involved in fights. There is no genetic predisposition for these infections, and no breed is any more susceptible than any other. Both are distributed widely around the world in the cat population, and are primarily found in domesticated felines. Between 3% and 5% of the healthy domestic cat population in North America will test positive for one of these diseases. The number jumps up significantly (10% to 12%) for unhealthy cats. FeLV and FIV are easily detected in a blood sample.

WHAT SETS THEM APART Feline Leukemia Virus While it can suppress the immune system of infected cats, this virus is a major cause of cancer in domestic cats, as well. FeLV differs from FIV in that it can be readily transferred from the queen (mother) to her

kittens during pregnancy and lactation. Many of the affected fetuses or kittens will die, but some will survive and carry the infection with them. This occurs very rarely with FIV. Once a cat has contracted FeLV, it replicates in the tonsils, and subsequently infects the B-lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell in the immune system). Eventually, it invades the bone marrow and circulatory system, then it makes its way into the saliva, urine and feces, where it is shed. At this point, the virus is weak, but will survive for several hours outside the host, and it can be picked up by cats sharing food and water dishes. If a cat mounts an adequate immune response, it will force the virus to become latent. If this doesn’t occur, the virus will spread throughout the body and incorporate itself into the cat’s own DNA. This process can take weeks, months or even years, and can lead to lymphoma, a common tumour of the lymphatic system. Outward signs associated with FeLV infection are: persistent fever, diarrhea, oral infections, respiratory infections, poor coat and weight loss, to name a few.

Dieter Kohlmaier, DVM, owns and operates Westoak Animal Hospital in Oakville, ON. He can be reached at westoakvet@gmail.com

the lymph nodes and thymus gland. It will often infect the T-lymphocytes first, and will eventually spread to the kidney, brain and liver. Infected cats can exhibit many outward signs due to the suppressing of their immune system — enlargement of the lymph nodes, oral and sinus infections, fever, diarrhea and neurological diseases are common. A simple blood test will detect if your cat has FIV or FeLV. If they test positive, additional tests may be performed to confirm the infection. There are no cures, and the average life expectancy is five years from the time of diagnosis. Treatment often involves managing secondary infections that infected cats contract. Antiviral medications and immune system modulating drugs may also be used. As I’ve said many times in the past, prevention is key. Keeping your cat indoors is the most effective means to avoid infection. Spaying or neutering your cat will minimize contact with other felines and thereby reduce exposure. Immunizations are also available, and should be discussed with your veterinarian if your pet goes outdoors.

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus FIV is closely related to the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), the virus responsible for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) in humans. As with humans, cats that contract the FIV virus will often go on to develop feline AIDS. It is important to note that while FIV and HIV are closely related, a cat cannot pass on FIV to a human, nor can a human pass on HIV to a cat. This virus usually enters a cat’s body via bites from an infected cat, and spreads to

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T H E

J O Y F U L

T A I L S

with Jennifer Skiff

INSPIRING STORIES OF THE PROFOUND IMPACT DOGS CAN HAVE ON OUR LIVES

Jennifer Skiff is an award-winning television producer, journalist and author of The Divinity of Dogs. She lives in Australia and the U.S. Jennifer is an animal advocate and a trustee of the Dogs’ Refuge Home in Australia. www.jenniferskiff.com

THE LOYALTY AND BRAVERY OF A CAT ave you seen the video on YouTube where a family’s cat saves her boy from a dog attack? It’s proving to be a real eye opener for people who’ve always said they don’t “get” cats. At the same time, it’s confirmation for feline lovers, proof of what they’ve always known — cats are fiercely loyal. On May 14, 2014, Tara, a seemingly ordinary green-eyed, tiger-striped house cat did something extraordinary outside of her home in Bakersfield, California. She saved the life of one of her family members. You’ve got to see this story to believe it, and luckily you can because the incident was caught on film by several security cameras. Four-year-old Jeremy Triantafilo was playing on his bicycle in the driveway of his home when cameras picked up an image of the neighbor’s dog taking an interest in him. The dog quickly ran around a car, and then up to the boy. In a split second the dog attacked Jeremy, pulling the child off his bike. Three seconds into the attack, Jeremy’s female cat, Tara, a former stray who adopted the family five years ago, appeared and attacked the dog. The dog immediately let go of Jeremy and then ran away, chased by the cat. After Tara had the dog on the run, she returned to Jeremy’s side. According to Jeremy’s mom, Tara is a mellow member of the family who gets along with everyone, including the family dog. I think the video of the attack has gone viral for several reasons. It gives many of us a glimpse into a cat’s thinking process. It proves that cats have emotions and will go to great lengths, endangering their own lives, to protect the life of someone they love. Many of us grew up watching Lassie. We were conditioned to believe dogs were the

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natural heroes of the domesticated animal kingdom. That was probably due to the fact that dogs, en masse, are easier to train. Tara has stolen the spotlight and only because her heroics were caught on camera. It’s quite possible that without the video Tara’s actions may never have been noticed. If you Google “cat hero,” you’ll find nearly two billion stories on the Internet where cats have done everything from dialing 911 in an emergency to alerting people to fires and oncoming seizures. According to thousands of stories on the Internet, cats have been saving people from dogs for a long time. It’s just that until now there hasn’t been a lot of visual proof. Because we can

see Tara’s response on video, it’s not only enlightened us as to how vicious an unprovoked dog can be, it’s also given us insight into the split-second thinking of a cat when it senses danger. Tara’s moment has become a video sensation because it’s clear proof that cats are really cool. But many of you, the ones who share your lives with felines, aren’t surprised. Feel free to say, I told you so. If you’d like to see Tara save Jeremy’s life, go to YouTube and search for “My Cat Saved My Son” by Roger Triantafilo. For a profile of another cat hero, check out Pet Projects on page 26.

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PAWS

FOR

R E F LEC TION

with Darren Low, DVM

STORIES FROM THE FRONT LINES OF VETERINARY CARE

LOVE IS IN THE AIR

Darren Low, DVM, practices companion animal medicine and surgery in Sydney, NS, where he lives with his wife, son and 10 four-footed family members. He writes a weekly column for the Cape Breton Post.

(AND SO IS PEACE) he pride shone in Paul’s face as he held up his phone and showed me a video of his new cat, Argo. Four years earlier, Paul lost his precious Siamese, Molasses, from cancer. Although grateful for the few short years he’d enjoyed with her, he’d found the loss very difficult and had vowed he’d never have another — it was just too hard to say goodbye. However, as we watched the video of the blue Tonkinese kitten climb up the newly-constructed, custom kitty staircase built along the wall to a high series of balconies in Paul’s living room, I knew it was the beginning of a beautiful relationship. Or so it seemed. Argo spent hours atop his high perches, gazing longingly at the chickadees and chattering to get out. Paul lived on a busy street, and letting Argo free outside to possibly get lost or injured

Paul and I speculated something in Argo’s environment caused him stress and triggered the “naughty” behaviour. Our best guess came down to the neighboring cat who sometimes visited the yard. During these visits, Argo would growl and run from window to window in an attempt to confront the intruder. The trouble with this conclusion, even if we were correct, was that Paul couldn’t really keep the neighbor’s cat out of his yard, or block out all his windows. The solution came with modifying Argo’s environment chemically. I outfitted Paul’s home with a series of plug-ins that released a synthetic pheromone that calms cats. It helps cats relax by mimicking a facial pheromone, like the kind they deposit on objects they rub their face and chin onto. This confirms to them that an object or area is safe and familiar. In essence, it comforts them in their own language, and for some reason Argo needing comforting, and not scolding as Paul initially thought. Paul replaces the plug-ins every month to keep them fresh, and he and Argo have found a newly contented relationship. Although Argo seemed destined to test every strand of the human-animal bond, Paul couldn’t be broken. “Love, after all”, Paul told me, “is forever”.

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was not an option. To make up for it, Paul provided Argo with the best possible indoor life — climbing towers and scratching posts, custom beds and filtered water fountains, lasers and catnip toys. Argo also enjoyed the best of nutrition, regular veterinary care and lots of attention. That’s why Paul grew particularly upset when Argo started urinating around their house. It started about a year ago, when Argo began urinating on items left on the floor. Magazines, clothing, bath towels — anything was game. I first ruled out any medical problems, as urinary tract disorders often trigger such behaviour. But with a clean urinalysis ruling out infection, inflammation or crystals, we moved on to behavioural issues. Paul purchased a new and larger litter box, one with no cover on it. That worked for a little while and reduced the frequency of the episodes, but within a few months it was worse than ever. Now new spots of urine where turning up everywhere, even on the kitchen counter and stove. I rechecked Argo’s urine again, and with another clean sample we moved to the next phase.

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