What Are My Options for Getting My Difficult Cat a Check Up? Part 1

by Amanda L. Maus DVM
Catalina Pet Hospital
Tucson, AZ

What makes it so difficult to get a cat to the vet's office?
Most cat owners often wait until right before they need to leave for their appointment to try to get their cat into the carrier.  They also tend to keep the carrier tucked away in a closet away from the cat most of the time.  More than likely, the cat will only associate the carrier with having to ride in the car and going to a vet's office.  For a cat, the carrier can be a very scary trap that they want to avoid at all costs!  How can we make it easier to get our cat to the vet's office?  Here's a list of potential challenges and their possible solutions:

1. Problem: Hides when time to get into the carrier
Solution:  Plan ahead.  Permanently or at least for a few days prior to the appointment, leave the carrier out in a small room without furniture to hide under, or a central area where the cat spends a lot of time.  On the day of the appointment, calmly close off the doors to all other rooms.  Use the sound of shaking a bag of treats or opening a can of food to bring your cat to you.  Place the cat gently in the carrier.

2. Problem: Difficult to get into carrier - can't get all 4 feet in
Solution:  Consider a different type of carrier - perhaps even a dog one!  Plastic carriers tend to be best due to their durability.  A carrier that is too small or one that does not have a way to open the top of the carrier can make loading a cat difficult.  Mesh bag carriers tend to collapse down when attempting to put a cat in it.  In addition to brand new carriers purchased online or at the pet store, you can sometimes find great deals on used carriers at yard sales or flea markets that just need some cleaning and sanitizing.

3. Problem: Difficult to get into carrier - tries to scratch or bite
Solution:  In addition to the above solutions, for weeks prior to appointment, try to acclimate the cat to the carrier through use of treats and toys.  Use feline pheromone spray to make the carrier more appealing.  If possible, work towards a daily routine where the cat enters the carrier of it's own will as part of play or a treat reward system, with the idea that on the day of the appointment, you can just close the door.  If you are unable to acclimate the cat to the carrier, consider getting a tranquilizer medication from your veterinarian to administer to your pet.

4. Problem: Flimsy carrier - cat escapes!
Solution: Again, hard plastic carriers tend to be best.  Cardboard and mesh carriers can be destroyed by a motivated cat, which can be scary if the cat escapes outside or in the car while you are driving.

5. Problem: Meows incessantly or pants in the carrier
Solution:  If the cat has become acclimated to the carrier at home using the above advice, consider placing a calming collar on your cat before putting them in the carrier.  Use a blanket with your cat's scent or one of your old t-shirts to line the bottom of the carrier.  Preheat or chill the car ahead of time so that the cat will not be too hot or too cold.  Secure the cat carrier in the car, using a seat belt if needed.  Play soft music, talk quietly, and avoid sudden stops while you drive. 

6. Problem: Urinates/Defecates/Vomits in carrier
Solution:  If the cat has become acclimated to the carrier at home using the above advice, consider fasting the cat for a period of time before your appointment.  Ask your veterinarian for guidelines based on your cat's age and health.  

You can find additional tips in a helpful brochure produced by the American Association of Feline Practitioners here. 

Why is My Cat Such a Fan of Boxes?

by Amanda L. Maus DVM
Catalina Pet Hospital
Tucson, AZ

 

Nikki

Many cat owners have captured their cats in boxes of all shapes and sizes.  These "cat traps" appear to be irresistible.  Cats like to use them for sleeping, hiding, or for planning their next sneak attack. 

 

The box may seem way too small or large, yet not seem to be a deciding factor for the cat.  Some objects only have to be "box like" for the cats to choose them for their new lair: dresser or vanity drawers, linen shelves, baskets, sinks, etc. 

Why do they choose these areas?  Cats like the protection offered from being able to sleep in partially or totally hidden areas.  Some nooks may be particularly comfortable if there is a blanket or towel to lay upon.  Other spots may be extra snug, allowing the cat's body heat to radiate which makes it extra warm and cozy. 

 

New boxes with new smells help alleviate boredom and can provide entertainment for the cat in an inexpensive way.  In some cases, cats may be ill if they are spending too much time hiding in a cubby somewhere so make sure to keep track of your cats habits.  Also, be careful of accidentally enclosing your cat into places like clothes dryers!

How to Be a Great Petsitter for Cats

by Amanda L. Maus DVM
Catalina Pet Hospital
Tucson, AZ

Previously, we have discussed how to screen a pet sitter for your own cats.  This time, we will look at how to be a great cat sitter for someone else.  Being responsible and trustworthy are the top qualities that a cat parent is looking for in a cat sitter.  They are entrusting you with a furry family member's health and well being. 

Ivy

If you have not met the cat(s) before, arrange a meet and greet so that you can have an idea of the cat's personality and general appearance.  Ask the cat parent about any known health problems or odd behaviors.  Become familiar with where the food is kept, where the food and water dishes are located, where the litter boxes are, and where the cat's favorite hiding places are.  Discuss the exact dates of the trip and plan to be available for an extra day or two later in case of travel delays.  Ask if there will be a duty list provided and if not, take notes of the expected feeding schedule, etc.  Determine the frequency and method that the pet parent would like to receive updates.  Make sure you have emergency contact information for the pet parent and their veterinarian.

Bindy

While pet sitting, follow the given instructions to help maintain the cat's routine which helps decrease stress.  Monitor the cat's appetite closely and only feed the food or treats in the quantity requested by the pet parent.  Allow extra time during your visits for some quality time, including petting and playing with appropriate toys.  When scooping the litter box, examine the bowel movements for consistency and the urine clump size and quantity.  Check all of the water dishes and refill with fresh water as needed.  Survey the the home daily for evidence of hairballs or vomit, as well as anything the cat may get in trouble with if they find it.  If you have any concerns, it is better to contact the pet parent than to wait.   Changes such as decreased appetite, diarrhea, vomiting, or urinating outside of the litter box may require a trip to the veterinarian. 

Following the guidelines listed above will help guarantee a successful pet sitting experience for everyone. 

PAWSitively CATS has adoptions on Saturdays at the shelter at 3432 E. Ft. Lowell Rd from 12-4 pm and at PetCo at 22nd/Harrison from 11am-3pm, or by appointment.

Arizona Gives Day: How It Helps Our Shelter Cats

by Amanda L. Maus DVM

Catalina Pet Hospital

Tucson, AZ

On April 9th, 2014, the second annual Arizona Gives Day will take place statewide for 24 hours online.  During this time, you can support your passions by contributing to causes, such as the local Tucson cat shelter PAWSitively CATS.  Your tax deductible donation of $10 or more is processed through your internet capable computer, tablet, or smart phone. 

In addition to the amount of your direct donation, there are monetary prizes for the nonprofits who have the most donors, most donations, or most donors in a specified hour.  Also, certain individual or corporate sponsors will pledge to match up to a certain goal amount of donations to a specific nonprofit like PAWSitively CATS.  You can see how important your donation is for helping the shelter reach two or more goals at the same time!

How does your donation help PAWSitively CATS?
As a nonprofit organization, every penny is spent very wisely at this no-kill shelter.  It takes approximately $15,000 every month to run the shelter.  This includes veterinary care, rent, utilities, food, cat litter, payroll, and property/liability insurance.  Veterinary costs alone can reach several thousand dollars per month in order to ensure the health of the cats. 

What are some specific examples of where donations will go?

• $15 buys 40 pounds of scoopable cat litter
• $25 provides a week's worth of dry cat food for 20 cats
• $50 will vaccinate a momma cat and her litter of 4 kittens
• $100 provides the veterinary care to ready a kitten for adoption
• $200 enables care for the diabetic shelter cats for 1 month
• $300 provides a dental exam and basic dentistry services for 1 cat

Please mark April 9th on your calendar so you can join your fellow Arizonans in providing support to your favorite cat shelter, PAWSitively CATS on Arizona Gives Day!

What Should I Know About Adopting a Shelter Cat?

by Amanda L. Maus DVM
Catalina Pet Hospital
Tucson, AZ

Deciding to add a new cat to your home is a big decision, regardless of where you decide to get your cat.  You have to be practical as far as knowing whether your budget can allow buying food and litter supplies, as well as veterinary care.  Is there only enough space where you live to have a certain number of cats/pets?  If you rent, does your landlord allow cats?  Do you have enough time to devote to a new cat?  Will you commit to providing a forever home for the cat for up to 20 years?  If the answer to any of these questions is no, instead, consider sponsoring a special cat at your local shelter or become a volunteer.  Later, when circumstances change, you will hopefully have already met a special cat that you are ready to take home!

Benjamin

If you are ready to adopt a cat, most shelters require an application be submitted.  Some applications may appear picky or overly detailed, and may even require a background check.  The reason behind asking so many questions is to confirm that you are indeed ready for a cat and are committed to providing a safe, forever home as well as any required veterinary care.  Although shelters are willing to take back cats after they are adopted, they prefer to find a permanent placement where the cat can live out their life, in a well cared for manner.

Kendall

Another concern you may have is why is there an adoption fee, or why is it so expensive.  Most shelters here in Tucson have a cat adoption fee around $100-$200, which generally includes their spay/neuter, FeLV/FIV test, initial vaccines, and microchip.  In addition to having provided these services to your new cat, the shelter also has to pay for the day to day expenses of rent, utilities, staff wages, food, litter, veterinary bills, etc.  As you know, adopting a "free to a good home" cat or kitten from the classifieds who has not had these services performed, would have much higher costs in the short term than the adoption fee paid at a shelter, especially if they have health problems that you are not told about when you take them home.

Talia & Andrea (bonded pair)

When you adopt a shelter cat, the staff is often very knowledgeable about each cat's personality and any potential health issues, which is very helpful for you to find your perfect match.  Most shelters have cats of all ages and appearances, too.   If you know that you will not be at home as much as is ideal, you can consider adopting a bonded pair of cats so that they can keep each other company.  After you adopt a shelter cat and save their life, another cat can take their place, which saves their life too!  In addition, sharing your positive adoption experience with the shelter to your friends and colleagues, allows word of mouth to help get even more cats adopted. 

Nikolie

PAWSitively CATS has adoptions on Saturdays at 3432 E. Ft. Lowell Rd and PetCo at 22nd/Harrison, or by appointment.

Should I Worry About My Cat Getting Rabies?

by Amanda L. Maus DVM
Catalina Pet Hospital
Tucson, AZ

Rabies should be a concern for every pet owner, whether the pet goes outside or not, since it is always fatal if they are not vaccinated.  Here in Southern Arizona, we are lucky to have a low incidence of the disease compared to other parts of the United States.  However, no matter where you live, rabid bats or other infected animals can potentially get into your house and expose your pets and family to the disease.  According to the CDC's 2010 data of rabies cases, cats have the most reported cases of rabies, 4 times more cases than in dogs. 

Rabies virus is mostly transmitted via saliva through direct bite wounds.   Rarely, the virus can be spread through other routes of contact with saliva, such as inhalation, or through the placenta during pregnancy.  Depending on how much virus is injected into the bite wound and where the bite wound is located on the body, it can take weeks to months for any symptoms to be observed.  By the time symptoms are present, the animal can transmit the infection to others.  Within 10 days of the start of the disease, death occurs.

Symptoms can include:

• Changes in sleep patterns
• Hypersensitivity to light and noises
• Dilated or constricted pupils
• Aggression
• Decreased appetite
• Drooling
• Difficulty eating or swallowing
• Abnormal walking or weakness
• Tremors or seizures
• Paralysis
• Coma
• Death

Rabies can only be a suspected diagnosis in a live animal.  Confirmation requires examination of the brain after euthanasia or death.

Please vaccinate your cat for rabies on the schedule required by your local laws and as advised by your veterinarian. 

What is pancreatitis?

by Amanda L. Maus DVM
Catalina Pet Hospital
Tucson, AZ

Pancreatitis is defined simply as inflammation of the pancreas.  The pancreas is an organ near the stomach, which produces enzymes to help digest food and insulin to regulate blood glucose (sugar).  The pancreas can become inflamed suddenly (acutely) or can be inflamed over a long period of time (chronic).  The symptoms can range from subtle to drastic in nature, with no symptoms that are specific to only pancreatitis.  Pancreatitis can occur at the same time as other diseases, which can further complicate its diagnosis and treatment.

Acute pancreatitis usually has more serious symptoms than chronic pancreatitis.  Cats may have decreased or no appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, fever, weight loss, and/or abdominal pain.  With enough inflammation, the bile duct can be affected, causing jaundice (yellow skin/tissue).  Sadly, with aggressive types of acute pancreatitis, death is possible. 

Any cat that is showing the above symptoms should be taken to their veterinarian to help determine if the cat has pancreatitis, or another disease.  Pancreatitis can occur along with inflammatory bowel disease, liver disease, diabetes, and certain types of infections.  Pancreatitis can cause enough damage to the pancreas to cause diabetes or digestive enzyme insufficiency. 

Blood work and/or ultrasound can be used to diagnose pancreatitis.  Like most diseases, early diagnosis and treatment increases the success rate of medical therapy.   Depending on the severity of the symptoms, your cat may need hospitalization for intravenous fluids, anti-nausea medication, pain medication, antibiotics, antacids, anti-inflammatories, or a feeding tube.  Many cats have B12 deficiencies and malnutrition from not eating due to the disease, therefore it is critical to reestablish the cat's appetite as soon as possible.