EVERYDAY CAT CARE

Q I have searched extensively for a safe, higher SPF sunscreen for my white cat. I tried Epi-Pet spray, which she did not like and immediately tried to groom off.

She is more tolerant of Aveeno's Protect + Hydrate Lotion Sunscreen with Broad Spectrum SPF 70 — which does have some questionable cat-safe ingredients — but as she does not try to groom it off, I doubt she is ingesting any.

In most cases, cats will have blackheads and some hair loss on the chin. In severe cases, abscesses and cysts can form. Abscesses may need to be lanced, and in some cases, a drain may need to be placed. Without seeing your cat, it is hard to know from your description whether this was just an abscess, or if it was a cyst. Abscesses should resolve after lancing and antibiotic treatment. A cyst, on the other hand, needs to be completely removed surgically.

[From Tufts January 2010 Issue]

In past centuries, people invented fanciful explanations for cats mystifying behaviors. Modern science and common sense have debunked such notions as supernatural cats conspiring with witches. We know that cats have only one life, not nine. And black cats dont cause future bad luck by dashing across our paths.

But urban legends persist. Thats because old wives tales may include partial truths, or rely on an inaccurate and coincidental cause-effect notion, says Nicholas Dodman, BVMS, veterinarian and director of the Animal Behavior Clinic at Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University. So exactly whats truth, and whats fiction about common feline urban legends?

[From Tufts January 2010 Issue] Before Dave and Jody Rundle embarked on a major home renovation project two years ago, the Santa Barbara, California, couple sat down and planned every step of the process - including a discussion on how to make life as stress-free as possible for their three cats, Izzy, Smudge and Blue. …

[From Tufts February 2010 Issue]

Hobbes, my 5-year-old male, neutered tabby was recently diagnosed with cystitis (a bladder infection). My veterinarian recommended that I feed him canned food, at least for a month.

There are two other cats in my home. Until now, meal time has consisted of keeping a bowl filled with kibble so that the food is always available. How can I get Hobbes and my other cats trained to eat at set times? Or, how can I make sure that Hobbes only eats canned food and does not try to nibble on dry food during the day?

Cats are notoriously finicky eaters, so it might surprise you to learn that stomach upsets are commonplace. But just a few bites of spoiled food or a mild infection can cause stomach distress - known as gastritis - and trigger a trip to the veterinary clinic, according to Mary Labato, DVM, veterinary internal medicine specialist and Clinical Professor at Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University.

[From Tufts July 2011 Issue]

Summer months bring welcome relief from the cold winter storms, but they can also pose risks that can cause injuries to your cat, cautions Scott Shaw, DVM, a veterinarian certified in emergency and critical care medicine and Assistant Professor at Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University.

[From Tufts September 2011 Issue]

I really hope that you can help us to help our cat. Our veterinarian doesnt know what else to try. My cat licks and bites constantly, and has licked the fur off her abdomen in spots, off all four legs in spots and various other places.

Our veterinarian first administered an allergy injection and it seemed to work. However, she developed a severe reaction after receiving the second allergy shot. We then tried putting her on amitryptiline - placed on the inside of her ear -but that didnt work.

Our veterinarian then placed our cat on a specialty dry food that also did not curb her excessive licking behavior. I feel so sorry for our cat. Any suggestions would really be appreciated. She is 7 years old, and has been doing this for about a year.

[From Tufts November 2011 Issue]

Posted in big letters on yellow paper taped to the door leading to my fenced back yard are the words, Zeki Alert!

I need this written declaration to serve as a reminder to myself and as a caution to visitors to be on the alert for Zeki, my quick and determined young Turkish van-mix. Each morning, she out races my two dogs to the patio door in hopes of exploring my backyard untethered.

A few times she has managed to dash out the door, leap over the 6-foot fence and sprint out of sight. I spent hours calling for her and searching in vain. Each time, fortunately, she returned - but on her time schedule. Many of us with indoor cats want to give them safe access to the outdoors but protect them from the dangers of roaming dogs, fast cars, disease-carrying stray cats and other perils.

[From Tufts January 2011 Issue]

I have a wonderful 5-year-old cat rescued from Hurricane Katrina when she was a kitten. This year, she has decided to drive me crazy by going from one door to the other and meowing constantly. She is not allowed out in my apartment complex and has not really given me much trouble - until now.

Ive had her for four years and she has never acted like this. I tried walking her on a leash, but the experience was disastrous. She doesnt play with cat toys, so my veterinarian suggested that I adopt a kitten. I hesitate on this, but will wait for your reply. Ive had more than one cat at a time, so I think I know what to expect, but at 80 years old, I have some doubts! My cat is a very high strung, nervous cat; she hides when anyone comes to my house. Any help you can give me will be more than appreciated.

[From Tufts May 2011 Issue]

My cat has puffy red inner lids. Her outer lids are pink. I have been using pure saline solution according to a book called The Natural Cat.

Theres not much of a difference after a few days of using this solution. Veterinarians in my community are expensive and sometimes, it can be difficult to schedule an appointment with them. Should I continue with the saline solution or try to get her to be examined by a veterinarian? Is there anything else I could try? How long before there is a noticeable difference?Thank you for any advice you can give me.

[From Tufts May 2011 Issue]

Seeks solutions for feline acne
My cat has had a recurring cyst in his chin. Most recently, my veterinarian surgically cut it open to clean it, stitched it up and installed a drain. Eventually, the drain was removed and chin showed no signs of inflammation.

My veterinarian prescribed an antibiotic called Clavamox, but my cat began vomiting and so he was switched to one called Baytril. My cat now has a consistent fever of 102.2 Fahrenheit and my veterinarian is baffled. I hope you can help.
Dave Mazewski

My veterinarian prescribed an antibiotic called Clavamox, but my cat began vomiting and so he was switched to one called Baytril. My cat now has a consistent fever of 102.2 Fahrenheit and…