Cedar Creek Veterinary Clinic
Richard Smits, D.V.M.
12625 Leo Road
Fort Wayne, IN 46845
(260)627-5859
Cats rub themselves on people as a sign of affection and ownership. They actually leave their scent on the person and pick up some of the person�s scent onto their own fur. The cat�s scent glands are located in their temples, near their mouths, and at the base of their tails.
Socialization with people begins when a kitten is very young. The more it is held and petted, the greater number of people that hold and pet it, the more social and accepting of people the kitten will become. Adult cats can be taught to enjoy being touched and handled. When the cat is relaxed, stroke him behind the ears and on the top of the head. In a gentle way, continue to touch him on his back, sides, and tail. Stop the petting if he tries to attack you. Resume the petting when he settles down. If he attacks you again, yell �ouch,� stop the petting, and ignore him. Eventually he will learn that attacking you causes you to stop petting him. If the cat develops petting aggression, which means the cat may let you pet him for 5 seconds but not 10 seconds, do not force the petting as he may react negatively to you or he may develop a destructive behavior
Elevated platforms, hiding places, and play toys will help to prevent behavior problems. Pick toys that are appropriate for your cat�s age, behavior, and needs. There are toys for interactive play, solo play, low activity play for sedentary cats, and high activity play for more active cats. Toys with fur, feathers, or other prey-type material (such as a feather toy that hangs from a wand) are designed to stimulate the predatory instincts in a cat. Feeder toys stimulate the foraging behavior in cats. Items around the house such as paper bags and cardboard boxes or balls hung from a door handle will stimulate a cat�s senses. Toys that roll, such as sponge ball, need to be lightweight and easy for the cat to grasp and bat along.
Play aggression may happen if a cat becomes too aroused or too excited. It may also happen if the cat has not learned appropriate play with littermates or other household pets. The aggression may be directed towards people or towards another cat. Avoid rewarding play aggression behavior. Do not run or scream. Do not hit the cat. If needed, use remote punishment such as a squirt gun or an alarm. Use remote toys to redirect play aggression. An attack toward the owner can be redirected by tossing a ball. If bitten by a cat, the bite needs to be washed with a lot of soap and water and prompt medical attention sought. Bites are often treated with antibiotics to prevent infection. A tetanus booster is also recommended if it has been more than five years since the last one.
Predatory play aggression occurs when the cat stalks the owner arriving home and pounces on them. Balls tossed into the house before the owner enters can redirect the cat�s attention off the owner and onto the balls. Use fluffy balls, balls that are irregular in shape, different textured balls, or balls with sounds. Toys with lightweight and moveable items, or toys that bounce and move around also engage the cat in stalking, preying, and bouncing. The toys need to be large enough so they cannot be swallowed or destroyed. Change the toys and move them around to new locations to help keep the cat interested and engaged.
Perching on high surfaces allows a cat to observe the activity going on around them. Teach the cat to use approved areas by playing with him on or near them, by feeding him treats on them, and by praising him when he uses it. Dissuade him from using undesirable areas by putting double stick tape, sheets of plastic, or aluminum foil on it. A scratching post or shelving near the undesirable area provides an alternative for him.
Scratching posts come in a variety of sizes, heights, and are covered with various materials. Consider what your cat already prefers to scratch on when making a choice. The scratching post should be as tall as the cat when he stands on his hind feet. It also needs to be sturdy so it will not fall over when he uses it. A cat may need more than one scratching post if he likes to scratch in more than one area. To get him to use the new scratching post, place the scratching post near the area he is already scratching on. Take him to the new post and give him praise, strokes, and treats for using it. Catnip, toys, and treats can be placed on or near the scratching post to entice the cat. Gradually move the scratching post to the desired location. The cat may keep going back to the old area because cats mark an area when they scratch. There is a scent in their paws that is released and they also remove the covering or sheath on their nails. An odor neutralizer can be used, but the area may have to be physically blocked by putting plastic or a blanket on it. The area can also be booby-trapped with plastic cups that are stacked so they will fall when the cat tries to scratch there.
Catnip is something a cat may or may not respond too. Kittens under 3 months of age usually do not respond to catnip. Neither does a cat who is anxious or in a strange place. Catnip is a member of the mint family and contains an oil that is said to resemble a chemical found in the female cat�s urine. There is no evidence that catnip is harmful, but too much of any product can upset a cat�s stomach. It should not be given more than once a week as the effects of the catnip will diminish. Use fresh, green leaves that are slightly bruised to release the oil. Dried catnip will need to be stored in a sealed container to keep it fresh. When presented with catnip a cat may lick and chew the plant and rub his head on the leaves. As he becomes aroused, he may salivate, roll and rub, and sometimes leap in the air. He may appear to hallucinate and then get sleepy or hungry. It may last 10 � 15 minutes and then the cat is resistant to catnip for at least an hour.
Food treats can be used to train a cat to do tricks. The treat must be given within a few seconds of the desired behavior. Use treats that are different from the cat�s regular diet and do the training during an active part of the cat�s day. To teach the cat to sit, allow the cat to first smell the food treat in your hand. When the cat is interested in the treat, bring the treat up over the cat�s head and say, �sit.� As the cat follows the treat he will naturally go into a seated position. Immediately reward the cat for sitting by giving him the food treat and praising him. Clickers can also be used in training. Click the clicker then give the cat a treat whenever you see him doing a trick such as rolling over. Eventually work into rewarding the cat only when he does the trick after your command.
Training, exercise, and plenty of play time are needed during the day and in the evening in order to avoid unwanted nighttime activity. Try to ignore his nighttime behavior by closing the bedroom door or using ear plugs if necessary. If you cannot ignore him try using a remove punishment such as a squirt gun. Avoid giving your cat attention, negative or positive, in the middle of the night as this will only encourage him to continue it. It will also be hard to break once it is started.
To help insure your kitten's visit to the veterinarian will be a pleasant experience for both you and your kitten, there are some things you can do to desensitize your kitten to the carrier.
To begin with, introduce the kitten to the carrier gradually and end all sessions with a positive outcome such as a treat or toys. Encourage your kitten to spend time in the carrier with the door open. Place food bowls inside so the kitten will go inside it and eat. When the kitten is finished, remove the bowls and place a sleeping blanket inside. Put the carrier in your kitten's special spot where he likes to sleep.
The next phase will involve carrying the kitten from room to room in the house. Put treats and toys in the carrier and release the kitten in each room for play activity.
Once the kitten enjoys being transported in the carrier you can take him to the car. If the kitten is relaxed, take a short ride on the driveway or down the block. Upon return, stay in car several minutes until the kitten is at ease before going into the house for playtime and treats. If the kitten is agitated you will need to break this experience into smaller steps.
Continue to carry the kiten through the house on a daily basis and continue the car rides once or twice a week. The distance you travel can be gradually increased until you reach your goal of the veterinary office. At the first visit take the kitten to the exam room for extended play time and treats. At each re-visit do something new that may happen at an actual veterinary medical exam.
By doing these gradual steps you can help insure that your kitten will grow up an enjoy the visits to the veterinarian.
If your cat shows any of the above signs, they should be seen for a complete checkup.
Diabetes is usually fairly easy to diagnose.
Some signs of infestation to watch for include:
The Veterinarian will examine the cat's ears with an otoscope to check for ear mites or eggs. He may also check the earwax under a microscope for mites. If not treated, ear mites can cause infection and mutilation of the ears as well as the face from the cat scratching nonstop. In some cases the outer ear infection can progress to the middle and inner ear and cause permanent hearing loss.
To treat for ear mites, the veterinarian will perform a thorough cleaning of the cat�s ears to remove wax & debris. An ivermection injection may be given to kill the ear mites. Revolution applied monthly will help to kill ear mites and keep them from coming back. Routine maintenance cleaning of the cats ears is necessary to keep them clean of any wax and dirt buildup.
Feline Leukemia is spread by direct contacted of an infected cat to a healthy cat. It is transmitted in the saliva but can be found in urine and feces. Licking, biting, and sneezing are common ways the disease is transmitted as are shared litter boxes, food and water bowls. A cat that does not come in contact with other cats will not get the disease unless it's mother was infected. It cannot be passed to humans.
Your veterinarian can perform a blood test to determine if your cat has been exposed to Feline Leukemia. Some cats who test positive develope an immunity to future infections. Other positive cats become carriers of the disease and may live many years before they show any signs of the infection. Still another group of positive cats are constantly infected and may die within three years of the time of the infection. Death can be sudden or lingering and painful.
There is no cure for Feline Leukemia, but there is a vaccination available. We recommend waiting 2 weeks after the cat has come into your home to do the test. This may mean you will have
A problem can develope if the hairball passes into the intesine and creates a blockage. If your cat won't eat for a day or more, if he becomes lethargic, or if he has repeated episodes of retching without producing anything call your veterinarian immmediately.
Hairballs can be reduced by brushing and combing the cat daily, especially if he is a long haired cat. Take the cat to a groomer and have him trimmed once or twice a year. Use hairball laxative as prescribed by your veterinarian.
Urinating and defecating outside the litter box could be a sign of a medical problem. Your cat should see the veterinarian for a thorough examination and any necessary diagnostic tests. Take a urine or stool sample with you.
Getting a urine sample from your cat is not as difficult as it might seem. First, remove all litter and clean the litter box. Put a non-absorbing substance (such as foam packing peanuts, aquarium gravel, plastic wrap, or no-sorb litter available in our clinic) in the litter box. After your cat has urinated, pour the urine into a small, clean container. If you are not able to take it to the veterinarian right away, store it in the refrigerator.
Your veterinarian will give your cat a thorough examination. He may run blood tests and/or do x-rays. He will check the urine sample or stool sample in the lab.
Inflammation of the urinary tract may cause painful or frequent urination, inability to urinate, bloody urine, and crying during urination. Kidney, liver, and thyroid diseases often lead to increased drinking and urination.
Inflammation of the colon or rectum, intestinal tract tumors, intestinal parasites, and other gastrointestinal conditions may cause painful defecation, increased frequency or urgency to defecate,and decreased control of defecation.
Age related diseases, such as arthritis, nervous system disorders, or muscular diseases, that interfere with your cat's mobility or cognitive functions can influence his ability to get to the litter box in time.
Cats with a medical problem may not act sick. Be sure to rule out the possiblity of a medical problem.
Cats prefer clean litter. Scoop out the litter box at least twice daily and add clean litter as needed. Thoroughly clean it once a week. Do not use scented cleaners or deodorants in the litter box. To clean the box, scrub it with a gentle detergent and rinse it well. Dry the box and refill it with clean litter. Litter should be changed often enough so that it looks and smells dry and clean. The more cats using the box, the more often this will need to be done.
Make sure the litter box and type of litter are suitable for your cat. Most cats prefer unscented, finer-textured litter, but your cat may prefer a coarser, non-clumping litter. Provide some temporary boxes filled with different types of litter (sawdust, shredded paper, sand, wood chips) to determine litter-type prefernce. Do not use plastic liners for the box because odors of plastic may be objectionable.
Kittens, elderly cats, and cats with mobility problems need litter boxes with low sides so they can get in and out easily. Overweight and large cats need bigger boxes. Most cats will prefer an uncovered litterbox so they can see all around them and so the odors can escape.
Avoid placing the litter box in a high traffic, noisy, or dark area. Cats prefer a location that is quiet, private, separate from their feeding area, and easily accessible all the time. If your cat has trouble climbing stairs, you may need a litter box on each floor.
Have plenty of litter boxes in your house. A general rule is one litter box for each cat. Put them in various parts of the house.
Urine spraying is a marking behavior in cats. Spraying announces a cat's presence, establishes or maintains territorial boundaries, and advertises sexual availability. Cats usually spray on verticle surfaces. They do not squat to spray, but their tail lifts and quivers as they leave small puddles of urine in several places.
Unneutered males are usually the culprits of spraying. Unspayed females do spray, too, as well as a small amount of neutered males and females.
Cats spray when they perceive a threat to their territory such as when a new cat comes into the home or when outside cats are nearby. New furniture and carpet smells can prompt spraying. Frustration over restrictive diets or insuffiecient playtime may bring about spraying.
The first defense against spraying is to spay or neuter your cat. Hormonal components are often involved when intact cats spray.
If your cat has been spayed or neuter, try to determine what is causing it. If outside cats are the cause, discourage your cat from looking outside by closing the curtains or blinds, by putting double sided tape on the windowsill, or by moving furniture away from the window.
If a new cat has come into your home, spraying may occur as they try to set their territory. You may need to separate the cats and reintroduce to each other slowly. Give it plenty of time and do not rush it.
If a new diet is the reason for the spraying, discontinue it until the spraying is under control. Then begin feeding the new diet gradually, mixing the old with a little of the new. Gradually change the ratio of the old diet to the new diet until you are feeding 100 percent of the new.
A new baby in the house, a house guest, busy schedules, etc. may reduce the attention your cat is accustomed to receiving. This frustration may cause spraying. Try to increas his playtime and add toys that give him more stimulation.
Use an odor neutralizer, not just a deordorizer, on the areas your cat has sprayed. Try to clean them as soon as they happen. Wash the area with soap and water, and use vinegar and water to rinse. Blot dry with an absorbent towel. We have a product called Equalizer available for purchase. It is very effective in getting rid of stains and odors. The use of a product called Feliway can be sprayed at the location of urine marking.
Consider denying your cat access to the previously sprayed area. Close doors, place things at the area that may be distasteful to the cat such as sluminum foil, plastic sheeting or furniture. You can also try covering it with a carpet runner with the nubs facing up.
Your cat should be confined to a controlled area in close proximity to litter boxes for a minimum of 7 days. If the cat uses boxes properly, begin to let him out only when you can directly supervise his activity. Some cats will respond to a positive food treat given after litter box use. By making food available only at time convenient to you, the cat may develop a habit of using the litter box at set times. Once these times are determined, the cat should be rewarded with a special food treat immediately after using the litter box. Fresh salmon or tuna would be a good example of a food treat.
To be humane and effective, punishment must follow within one second of the offensive behavior. This is rarely possible, so negative punishment is not effective to change this behavior. Never hit, kick, or scream at him. This will only create more anxiety and be ineffective. Feeding or playing with the cat at inappropriate elimination sites may discourage the use of these sites for elimination.
Drugs are reserved as a last resort when behavior modification alone will not control the problem. Before your cat begins drug therapy, blood tests may need to be done to determine if it will be safe to put your pet on medication. Once medication begins, it will probably need to be given for a long period of time.
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Feline hypertension, or high blood pressure, is usually secondary to another underlying condition such as hyperthyroidism or kidney disease, diabetes mellitus and adrenal disease.
Signs of hypertension are vague and nonspecific, but can include:
Advanced age and presence of kidney disease or hyperthyroidism contribute to the development of hypertension. A link between high blood presure and overweight has not been established in cats. On the contrary, older cats with high blood pressure may be thin because of renal disease. Hypertension targets the brain, heart, kidney, and eye. Treatment focuses on management of the underlying condition.
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Hyperthyroidism is a hormone disorder in cats in which the thyroid glands are overactive. It usually leads to heart disease, difficulty breathing, and serious diseases in other organs. Left untreated the cat will not survive.
Hyperthyroidism is diagnosed with blood tests. It is treated with medication. If you notice any of these signs, contact your veterinarian immediately.
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The cat who already resides in your home needs to continue to feel at home by allowing him access to his own special spaces. Make sure he has his own food and water dishes as well as his own litter pan.
When you bring the new cat into your home, confine him to one room where he will have his own food and water dishes as well as his own litter pan. Let both the resident cat and the new cat smell each other under the door as they begin to become acquainted with each other in a non-threatening manner.
After the cats have been able to smell each other for a few days, introduce them to each other face to face but at a distance across the room. Make sure someone is able to monitor them and keep them separated. Over time, gradually decrease the distance as they become more amiable towards each other. If they react negatively to each other, back off and start over.
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Kaopectate is an over-the-counter medication used to treat diarrhea. It has been used for treatment in cats as well as in humans. Kaopectate, however, has been reformulated and now contains ingredients that are harmful to cats. It is our recommendation that you do not use this medication to treat your cat.
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Mammary gland tumors occur most often in female cats who are 10 years old and older. Majority of the tumors are malignant.
The tumors begin forming beneath a nipple and eventually spread to the lymph nodes, the lungs, the liver, the kidneys or other parts of the body. As they grow, the skin on top of the mass stretches and may break open, bleed and become infected. Treatment usually involves surgery to remove the affected tissue and the associated lymph nodes. Chemotherapy may be used only after surgery. Hormone therapy is not useful and radiation therapy is difficult to administer.
The chance of mammary gland tumors can be significantly lowered by spaying the female cat before her first heat cycle. This prevents the changes in the breast tissue in a young cat caused by estrogen and progesterone hormones that are released as the cat enters puberty and prepares for possible lactation.
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Second hand smoke affects everyone in the household, including pets.
Cats inhale second hand smoke just like everyone else, but they also ingesting the particles from the smoke that settle on their fur when they groom themselves. Thus the areas of their body susceptible to developing cancer are the intestinal tracts and the nasal cavities.
The most common cancer in cats is malignant lymphoma and it is not very treatable. Typical treatment would be chemotherapy and radiation therapy which could cost $3000.00 or more. Risk factors for a cat developing cancer include the age of the cat, the level and duration of exposure to second hand smoke, and the number of smokers in the household.
At age 7 cats enter their "senior" years. Over the next year your cat will age about 8 of our years, meaning there could be a lot of physiological changes that are not evident to you. Diagnostic blood work can detect diseases and conditions early when treatment and preventative care will be most effective. Your senior cat may also need to be examined more frequently than once a year.
Observe your cat closely and record any changes in his/her behavior. Here is a checklist for you to use to monitor your senior cat:
As cats age, they may begin to display signs of cognitive dysfunction syndrome or CDS. These signs include disorientation, confusion, reduced social interactions, changes in usual sleeping patterns and feeding behaviors, and loss of litterbox training. An examination will need to be done to rule out any medical problems.
Senior cats may not play as much, but they can still be engaged in fun activities like chasing a feather or other favorite toy. While giving them socialization, you are also helping them to maintain their flexibility as well as weight control. Senior cats can live a long and healthy life with your help and with the aid of your veterinarian.
Pregnant and immunodeficient people are at greatest risk to contract toxoplasmosis. Precautions can be taken to reduce the risk.
Most cats who contract the toxoplasmosis parasite will not show signs. They become an intermediate host, spreading the parasite to an end host. If the parasite reaches the brain and nervous system the cat may begin to exhibit bizarre behavior. A blood test can be done to test for the parasite.
American Bird Conservancy has a brochure entitled Keeping Cats Indoors Isn't Just for the Birds!
In it they discuss the benefits of keeping your cat indoors such as safety from
motor vehicles and other outdoor animals like raccoons and coyotes. Outdoor cats
risk exposure to fatal diseases, parasites, poisons and traps. They also tend to be
unaltered and thus contribute to overpopulation.
Scientists estimate that cats kill hundreds of millions of birds and small mammals
each year. Most birds killed by cats are of common species like the Northern Cardinal
and Song Sparrow. Other birds are rare and endangered such as the California Least
Tern and Western Snowy Plover. Once caught by a cat, few birds survive, even if they
appear to have escaped. Infection from the cat's teeth or claws or the stress of
capture usually results in death.
They also have tips for making your outdoor cat a happy indoor cat. You can find more
information at their website: www.abcbirds.org.
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The Senior Cat and CDS
Senior cats may need help with grooming and nail trims. Arthritis or stiffness may prevent them from reaching some areas. Loose or painful teeth may prevent them from grooming. Be sure to include good dental hygiene as part of their grooming regiment. Older cats may need to see their veterinarian for a thorough teeth cleaning. Dental disease in a young or old cat can lead to other health issues.
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Toxoplasmosis Precautions
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American Bird Conservancy's Cat Indoors Campaign
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