EVERYDAY CAT CARE

[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…

[From Tufts June 2011 Issue]

Cat displays odd food habit
We have subscribed to your publication for many years. We live with three felines: one Siamese cat, one feral cat and one orange domestic feline named Morris.

Morris likes to play with my ponytail hair bands. He plays hockey with them around the apartment at first, and then he always ends up putting them in his own food bowl. Then he proceeds to eat his food through the round circle of the hair band. Why would a cat put his toys in his food bowl and eat through them?
SariHope Axelrod

[From Tufts March 2011 Issue]

Spring marks kitten season and a peak time for adoption at local animal shelters. Feline experts urge owners to ensure kittens are spayed or neutered and that they sport two forms of identification: collars and microchips.

[From Tufts March 2011 Issue]

Senior cat stops using litter box
We have two wonderful 14-year-old cats who are sisters. In November, our veterinarian cleaned their teeth and discovered that the one named Julie had a bladder infection that was treated with an oral medication for two weeks.

She lives a comfortable life, napping in a bed buddy located under our dining room table. She regularly uses the litter box located about 12 feet away. We also have a bed buddy in the kitchen.

She lives a comfortable life, napping in a bed buddy located under our dining room table. She regularly uses the litter box located about 12 feet away. We also have a bed buddy in…

[From Tufts April 2011 Issue]

Frustrated by cats displaced aggression
Afew years ago, I lured a stray cat into my housebecause I felt sorry for her withwinter approaching.I named her Smokey. I had my veterinarian spay her and give her all the necessary vaccinations.However, there is a problem. My neighbors approached me and told me I have to keep her inside (she was killing chipmunks and birds) or they would notify animal control and have her picked up.

Advice for chronic dandruff
Q My husband and I have four cats of varying ages, all of which we adopted as kittens. We take them for their yearly wellness checkups and all is well within our brood. However, we have one concern: Our eight-year-old female cat, Lucy, has unusually thick, dense and short fur - and she is prone to bouts of dandruff throughout most of the year.

All companion animals require regular veterinary attention. Cats arent little dogs - they have their own unique and specific medical requirements. Additionally, many cats are extremely anxious when being cared for at a veterinary hospital that cares for both dogs and cats. To provide cats with the most appropriate care - and the least stressful experience possible - there are many advantages in using the services of a feline-only veterinary practice.

Q I had been using a store brand clumping litter for a number of years for my two indoor cats: One is a 16-year-old male, and the other is a two-year-old female. Recently, I needed to switch to a newspaper pellet-type litter for a couple of weeks, and I noticed that the smell is not as bad as the clay clumping litter - and it doesnt track!

Depending on what part of the country you live in, you may still be shoveling snow off the walk, or cuddling near the fireplace soon after the sun goes down. But spring is just around the corner, and now is a good time for you to start thinking about your warm weather goals while you still have some time to plan. For instance, maybe youre thinking about how to enhance your outdoor environment for your pets, or thinking about growing some indoor greens that are cat-friendly.