Lifestyle

Veterinarians at Washington State University used a 3D printer to manufacturer an acrylic skull for a cat needing surgery to address brain tumors, according to a report in the Moscow-Pullman Daily News. The cat, a tabby named Linus, had three tumors removed from the lining of his brain. After the removal of the first two tumors, Linus experienced brain swelling and bleeding, with his brain bulging out of the hole in his skull.

Mirtazapine, a tricyclic depressant for humans, has been shown to have appetite stimulant benefits for cats. Since cats who have a decreased appetite can develop life-threatening conditions such as hepatic lipidosis, this medication can have important uses in cats.

A recent study led by Santiago Peralta, Cornell University School of Veterinary Medicine Assistant Professor, Section of Dentistry and Oral Surgery, found that feline chronic gingivostomatitis (FCGS)is more prevalent in shared households and its risk correlates with the number of cohabiting cats. Gingivostomatitis is marked by severe, chronic inflammation of a cats gums and oral mucosa. Its most common in cats with certain viral diseases, like feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV).

My cat is driving me crazy. I love him, but he wont leave me alone, even in the middle of the night. If Im sitting, hell be in my lap, walking around it, kneading my legs, meowing. Sometimes, hell just meow wherever he is until I respond to him. My veterinarian said that hes healthy, so I know its not a pain issue. I think hes bored. Maybe lonely. What can I do to decrease this increasingly annoying behavior?

Shedding is a normal part of life for mammals-old hairs fall out, allowing new hair to grow in. Animals shed year-round with typically two heavy periods in spring and fall-building up and getting rid of a winter coat, says William Miller, VMD, DACVD, Dermatology Section Chief at the Cornell University School of Veterinary Medicine. During these times of the year, it may seem like there is more hair on the floor than on the cat.

Benjamin L. Hart, DVM, PhD, at the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of California at Davis, conducted a series of surveys with dog owners on grass-eating behaviors and published an article in the December 2008 Veterinary Medicine. He found that most dogs do not show signs of illness before eating grass and that only 22 percent vomited afterward. As for cats, Dr. Hart said that, Cats typically do not appear to be ill before eating plants nor do they regularly vomit afterward.

Liver (hepatic) diseases are common in cats, especially seniors. While clinical signs and symptoms are important (is your cat drinking more than usual or not eating?), bloodwork is the backbone of diagnosis. Usually, this will be several tests grouped as a small-animal liver (hepatic) function panel.

Were all grateful for veterinary emergency clinics, but wed all rather avoid visiting one. They can be costly and frequently busy, just like any emergency room. Still, it is important to have the contact information for your local emergency/after-hours veterinary clinic at hand, so that if your feline needs rapid medical attention, you have a plan. These clinics are, quite literally, lifesavers.

A mammary tumor, aka breast cancer, is the third most common type of cancer in cats. Generally, mammary cancer is found in cats 10 years of age and over and usually in females. However, Siamese and Persian cats have a higher risk compared to other breeds and may develop tumors at an earlier age.

Our Elizabeth loves answering reader questions in her column every month, but she wants to be sure you know that Cornells Camuti Consultation Service also can help you out. The service puts you in contact with a Cornell veterinary consultant who will discuss your cats condition and/or care with you.

SmartBrief tells us that Overweight, sedentary cats will lose weight if the size of their daily meals is gradually reduced, according to research published in the American Journal of Veterinary Research, and although there was no statistically significant change in activity, its possible some cats will become more active as the weight comes off. The report says, The researchers reduced the cats food consumption by 20 percent initially, then continued with regular reductions, and the cats in the study lost weight and experienced changes in their gastrointestinal bacteria.

According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution (AJC), Normer Adams, a retired social worker, is a treed-cat rescuer on a rampage. He rescues an average of one cat a week from trees. Over the last two years, thats 91 cats. He doesnt charge, and he has a YouTube channel (https://tinyurl.com/cattreerescue) where you can watch him rescue each cat. Some of the cats were in the tree for days. Once he reaches the cat, Adams places the cat in a bag to safely bring him back down the tree.