Pet Health Articles
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Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) is also commonly referred to as dry eye. It is an uncommon eye condition in cats. It results from inadequate production of the watery portion of the tear film by the lacrimal gland or the third eyelid gland. Cats with KCS have painful, red, eyes with squinting. Corneal ulcers may also be present. Chronic cases have scarring on the cornea, impairing vision. The prognosis for cats diagnosed with KCS is good with long-term treatment and diligent monitoring.
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Bringing a kitten into your home can be a magical time as you experience their playful antics and enjoy their cuddles. This handout provides practical guidelines to help provide a safe and enriched environment for your kitten to grow into a healthy, confident adult cat.
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Play is important. All kittens need the opportunity to play with toys as well as social play. While learning about their environment, kittens can damage valuable objects, including furniture and curtains. Toys and treats can be hidden inside empty boxes and kiddie tunnels to satisfy a kitten’s need to explore. Supervise kittens carefully to prevent damage and to keep them safe.
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Cats can have hearing loss due to increasing age or chronic ear infections, or they may be born with a defect. Deafness in cats can present some challenges, but overall they can have healthy, normal lives. It is possible to teach your cat household routines by using hand signals and body language. It is important to take their deafness into account when considering their safety, and they must remain indoors or in outdoor enclosures.
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It can be a challenge to prevent rebound weight gain once a pet has lost some weight. Sticking to a specific number of calories, weighing food portions, and helping your pet stay physically active are a few recommendations. This article addresses several commonly asked questions about how to help a pet during the maintenance phase (after the weight has been lost).
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Feral cats are fiercely independent and survive (but may not thrive) alone, without human help. They avoid people and hide, back away, or flee when they spot humans. Lack of immunization, parasite control, adequate nutrition, and hygiene put feral cats at risk of many life-threatening problems. Trap, Neuter, and Release (TRN) programs humanely trap feral cats and partner with veterinarians to spay and neuter them.
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For most cats, a visit to the veterinarian is an overwhelming experience. This handout discusses several medications and approaches you can use to help your cat, including sedatives, antianxiety medications, natural medicines and therapies. Talk to your veterinarian about options for your cat.
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Microchips contain a unique identification number, and they are inserted with a needle under the skin between a pet's shoulder blades. The number is registered to your name, so if your cat gets lost, the number connects your cat to you. Microchips provide reliable, permanent identification for your pet.
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Motion sickness in cats is a common problem. Many cats become anxious or nauseous during travel due to a lack of conditioning and the overwhelming unusual stimuli associated with moving inside a vehicle. Signs your cat may be experiencing motion sickness may include whining, meowing, or howling; drooling and excessive licking of the lips; pacing; vomiting or diarrhea; and lethargy or inactivity. Conditioning your cat to car travel can help ease some anxiety. However, if your cat seems to need more help to stay calm during travel, speak to your veterinarian about using anti-nausea medication, anti-anxiety medications, as well as natural calming agents such as pheromones.
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Most cats settle into a new home fairly easily. They crave familiarity, so it is best to bring along many familiar objects, such as litter boxes and favored furniture. Cats must be initially secured to prevent their escape, as they may attempt to return to a prior home and could be lost or injured along the way. It is best to introduce your cat to your new home gradually and with supervision.