Judy Turner and her Dog Hawk
Dr. Osborne,
Hi. I wanted to keep you updated on my Hawk. Your medications were making a difference for him. I believe that he was more comfortable while he was taking them, but I had a very difficult decision to make.
Burns and Scalds on Cats
Flames from house, brush, and forest fires are just one type of burn that can affect your cat. A cat’s haircoat is extremely flammable and most cats have not been taught that ever-important fire safety phrase: “Stop, Drop, and Roll”.
Cat Broken Bones
The most common cause of broken bones in cats is automobile accidents. Fights between dogs and cats can also end up causing broken bones. Other causes include falling from a table, bouncing from the back of a pick-up truck, and various diseases, including bone cancer.
Cuts, Scrapes, and Wounds
One of the most common accidents is a cut or laceration that causes bleeding. Bandage material, cleaning agents and anticoagulant powder (for nails that have been cut too short) take care of most minor wounds. Larger wounds should be seen by a vet.
Feline Automobile Accidents
The number-one cause of feline emergencies is automobile accidents. The term used by vets is “HBC” meaning “Hit By Car”. Some cats in automobile accidents just end up with minor wounds, bruises, or lacerations.
Feline Shock
Signs of Feline Shock – What You and Your Vet Can Do
Being able to recognize signs of shock helps save lives. Shock is defined as a collapse of the heart and lungs (cardiovascular system). It is a group of signs that occur as a result of a life-threatening disease process or situation.
Raising Orphaned Kittens
Orphaned or rejected kittens are a challenge to care for. Their chances for survival are directly proportional to their age. Mother cats will reject one or all of their kittens for a variety of reasons including illnesses and psychological problems.
Convulsions or Seizures in Cats
Convulsions or seizures are defined as sudden, uncontrolled bursts of abnormal activity that last from one to three minutes. Signs may include anything from a slight twitch to salivating and foaming at the mouth.
First Aid Kit for Cat Emergencies
Keeping a first aid kit on hand for emergencies can be helpful for minor cuts and wounds, as well as accidental poisonings. In addition to the standard items in any first aid kit, include
Cat Emergencies
In spite of our best efforts, emergencies happen. You should know your vet’s procedures for emergency situations, especially the ones that occur at odd hours. Being able to recognize a true emergency allows you to react more appropriately in a stressful situation and may help you save a life.
Dangers in the Home for Cats
Dangers IN THE HOME include plants, drugs, chemicals, gardening and lawn care supplies, car care products, and insecticide baits to name a few. Actual reports of cats getting seriously ill from eating plants are relatively rare compared to reports of poisoning from household products or drugs, but it is best to eliminate toxic plants from your cat’s environment and provide safe alternatives.
Scratching and Your Cat
Scratching is a natural grooming behavior that keeps your cat’s claws in good shape and is another way cats mark their territory. Unfortunately, it can also ruin your furniture and destroy your home.
Cat Behavioral Modification
A cat’s lifestyle naturally consists of regularity, territorial definition, low population density, and a hierarchy in which one reproductively active male is dominant. Many pet loving homes inadvertently depart from these conditions.
Cat Scent or Territory Marking
Urine spraying is also called urine marking and is not an elimination problem. Urine or scent marking is normal behavior which cats use to define their territories. It usually starts at 5 to 6 months of age when kittens become sexually mature and hormones become active.
Failing to use the litter box is the number one behavioral problem cat owner’s face. It is also a leading cause of euthanasia. All medical and psychological causes must be ruled out by your vet before this diagnosis can be confirmed.
Be sure your home accommodates your cat’s needs, by creating an environment that provides a natural lifestyle for your cat. This involves learning to read your cat’s “body language” and requires consistency, lots of love and plenty of patience.
Proper play promotes socialization and a well-socialized kitten makes a great pet. Begin to socialize your kitten as soon as you bring him or her home, ideally at eight weeks of age. That’s the best time for kittens to bond with people.