Home Lifestyle Page 19

Lifestyle

Eye Drainage Must Be Addressed

Every once in a while, my cats eyes water for no reason. They clear up on their own, so I havent been to the veterinarian about it, but Im wondering. Should I get her checked?

Subtle, Sneaky Digestive Issues

Your cat has a ravenous appetite but never gains weight and might even be losing weight. In addition, you may notice the litter box has more deposits than ever before-often soft and slimy with a worse odor than usual. Your cat may be suffering from a malabsorption/maldigestion disorder. Malabsorption means the cat cant absorb the nutrients. Maldigestion occurs when your cat is not producing the enzymes needed to digest her food. Digestion Gone Awry …

Managing the Mess

A beloved family cat who becomes incontinent can raise the household stress level immeasurably. After years of dutifully using the litter box, your cat seems to go wherever she is. The truth of the matter is that shes not happy about it either.

New Blood-Pressure Med

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica Inc.s Semintra, the first FDA-approved drug to control systemic hypertension (high blood pressure) in cats. The drug has been available in Europe since 2013.

An Itch You Just Have to Scratch

Skin problems are frustrating for cat owners. Itchiness and discomfort, with symptoms ranging from constant scratching to irritated skin to hair loss, can be caused by a wide variety of conditions. This makes diagnosis challenging and sometimes expensive. We consulted William Miller, VMD, DACVD, Dermatology Section Chief at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine for insight on the things that can make your cats skin crawl.

Happening Now…

The TV show “America’s Got Talent” included a mind-boggling cat act, with some amazing tricks by very happy cats. You can seee it here at: https://youtu.be/8e0z3-iZ_TY.

Himalayan Cats May Be Most Prone to Skin Disease

A team led by Cornell dermatologist William H. Miller, VMD, Medical Director of the Companion Animal Hospital at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, researched the medical records of 1,407 cats with dermatologic diagnoses and noted that Himalayan cats are much more likely than other cats to be diagnosed with a skin disease. Why is not clear, but it may be due to breeding practices that can increase the frequency of genetically-influenced diseases like allergies.

Cornell Researchers Earn Winn Feline Foundation Grant

Gary Whittaker, PhD, and Elizabeth Berliner, DVM, will assess the importance of feline coronavirus as a cause of upper-respiratory disease in shelter cats and the role it plays in the development of feline infectious peritonitis (FIP).

Myriad Causes of Mouth Sores

An oral ulcer is almost always a reason to visit your veterinarian. While causes can range from treatable to serious, it can be difficult for you to determine at home. Your veterinarian may do a swab to examine under the microscope or possibly sedate your cat for a thorough oral examination.

Five Great Sources for Feline Health Information

Many unverified websites spout all kinds of feline health advice. We want to keep your kitties safe, so we are sharing our five favorites.

Brushing Your Cats Teeth

Yes, you can teach your cat to let you brush her teeth! Choose a pet-friendly toothpaste in a flavor that your cat likes, such as tuna or chicken. Start by allowing her to lick the toothpaste off your finger or a toothbrush. Try to do this at the same time every day, such as when you brush your teeth, so it becomes a daily routine.