CAT HEALTH & MEDICINE

[From Tufts July 2011 Issue]

Velvet, my 16-year-old healthy, active British shorthair, is strictly an indoor cat. The last time that her vaccinations were up to date was four years ago, when I adopted her from a shelter. The only time she might come into contact with other cats would be when I take her to the veterinarians clinic this month for her wellness checkup, or in the event that she might slip out the door (seldom) and encounter another cat (never, so far).
What are the recommended vaccinations for indoor cats like Velvet?
Meridee St. Claire

[From Tufts August 2011 Issue]

Editors note: This is the second in an occasional series that spotlights cats treated for various medical conditions at Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University.

Michelle Downer was going into labor, but as she left the house, she noticed that her cat, Boots, had vomited. That was a little odd, but she wasnt too concerned. Sometimes, cats throw up for no apparent reason. Downers stay in the hospital lasted three days, and at one point, her father commented that although Boots was eating his treats, he looked a little wobbly.

[From Tufts August 2011 Issue]

I have a cat who is a purebred Pixie-bob that has a propensity to lick portions of his body until they are devoid of hair. He has no weight loss, a good appetite, no hairballs and no cutaneous infections. He has been neutered and is 8years old.

I do not want to give him medications if possible. Is there something else, like a diet change or an environmental alteration that I could make that would improve his condition? If he went untreated, could he cause significant damage with his incessant licking behavior?

[From Tufts August 2011 Issue]

Our cat, Jill, needs fluids because she is in kidney failure. Weve been hydrating her for years, and she seems to be responding well. Her kidney values appear fairly stable.

Lately, weve noticed that she throws up almost every time after we give her the fluids. She throws up quite frequently even when not being hydrated, but not with such regularity. Every morning we have been giving her metoclopramide for nausea. Our veterinarian does not understand why Jill throws up after hydration. She suggested giving the metoclopramide in the afternoon, prior to hydration, but this change in the schedule hasnt helped. Any advice you could give us would be greatly appreciated.
Judy and Pedro Hecht

[From Tufts August 2011 Issue]

My neighbors have two domestic shorthaired cats, ages 10 and 14.I have taken care of them in the past, in their own homes, when my neighbors have gone on vacation.Now my neighbors have both retired and want to travel more, planning to be gone for months at a time, and want to find a new home for their cats.

My 16-year-old cat died in March, so we have agreed to adopt the cats. Do you have any suggestions about easing the transition to a new environment?We have no other pets and no children.I did clean the carpets after my cat died, so hopefully any cat scent will be lessened.The two cats are in good health, even though they are senior cats.

[From Tufts September 2011 Issue]

Whether youre taking your cat to the veterinarian for a routine check-up or for treatment of a chronic health problem, you want to get the most from your visit. To accomplish this goal, owners should begin by considering whats normal for their cat.

A veterinarian will ask about subtle changes in a cats behavior, says John Berg, DVM, a surgical specialist at Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University. Cats can hide their illnesses very well, so owners need to be aware if they start hiding under the furniture, are less interactive with the family or are just less visible around the house as this could indicate a problem.

[From Tufts December 2011 Issue]

I have two 9-year-old Tonkinese sisters. One has always had firm stools and the other, in the last year, has had soft stools and diarrhea. They eat only Wellness Core dry food - no treats or people food.

They are strictly inside cats. I tried desperately to introduce them to canned food without success. The cat with the soft stools has a beautiful coat, clear eyes and appears very healthy. My veterinarian cant find anything wrong with her. She does not have worms.

Do you have any suggestions as to what is causing the soft stools? What tests should my veterinarian perform? Should I be worried?
Sue DeMaria

[From Tufts March 2011 Issue]

I need information concerning anal gland issues. Approximately every four months, I need to take my 4-year-old Siamese to the veterinary clinic to have his anal glands expressed.

My concern is how often this is happening, and whether there is anything I can do to be more proactive in his daily care. His current diet consists of dry cat food and a few daily cat treats. He also drinks plenty of water.
Debb