Author: Sandra C. Mitchell, DVM, DABVP

What Can Cats Drink Instead of Milk? Humans have so much variety in what we like to drink, but this isn’t the case with cats. Often prone to dehydration, cats benefit from lots of fresh water. If you want to provide your kitty variety in what they drink, try offering water in different ways. For example, move water from a dripping faucet or water fountain in addition to their water bowl. If your cat likes cold water, add some ice to their bowl. Or, add several tablespoons of water to your cat’s canned food, making a soup of the meal. If you make the water appealing enough, it can be just as special as milk—but with a lot more health benefits. Featured Image: iStock/LuckyBusiness,WRITTEN BYSandra C. Mitchell, DVM, DABVP Veterinarian Sandra Mitchell is a 1995 graduate of the New York State College of Veterinary Medicine. Since graduation, she has worked in many fields…,Every morning, your cat is there and waiting for you to pour milk onto your cereal, hoping that you might spill a drop or two. Clearly, the taste of milk is very attractive for many cats, leading you to wonder: Can cats drink milk? Will drinking milk make your cat sick? Is milk good for cats, or are cats lactose intolerant? Read on to learn the scoop on milk for cats.

Normal Eating, Sleeping, and Grooming Habits Perhaps the most subtle signs of a happy animal are those that also indicate a healthy animal. A happy cat will do their routine things on schedule—they eat well (too much or too little eating can be a sign of poor health), sleep an appropriate amount (most cats will sleep close to 20 hours a day), and keep their coat well-groomed and shiny. If you’ve noticed any changes in your cat’s appetite, sleep schedule, or grooming routine, talk to your veterinarian.,Using the Litter Box Happy cats use the litter pan as expected. Cats can show stress by urinating or defecating in places they aren’t supposed to,  so a cat that isn’t using the litter box often or at all either has a medical issue or is trying to communicate that they are under stress.,Do you ever look at your cat and wonder whether they are happy? Cats don’t tend to wear their emotions on their sleeves, like many dogs do. However, cats experience the full range of emotions like any other animal, and with a little careful observation of their body language and practice, you will be able to tell if your cat is happy and enjoying life. How to Tell If a Cat Is Happy So what are some behaviors you might look for to know if your cat is happy? Here are nine signs of a happy cat: Purring Purring is one of the signs that most people recognize as a sign of a happy cat. For the most part, if a cat is purring, you can be assured that they are happy. There are rare instances, though, when a cat purrs because they are frightened or hurt, so you’ll need to take the circumstances into account. But if your cat is curled up next to you and seems relaxed, and their motor starts, you know for sure that your cat is content.

Why Is My Cat Drinking So Much Water? There are several common reasons why your cat might be thirstier than usual: Kidney Problems The most common reason older cats begin drinking and urinating excessively is because their kidneys are starting to decline. The kidneys are responsible for filtering the blood and producing urine. As cats age, their kidney function decreases. As a result, some of the water in the bloodstream isn’t filtered properly, so more fluid is turned into urine. This then causes dehydration. This is normal to some degree, but it may also signal underlying kidney disease, also known as chronic renal disease (CRD) or chronic kidney disease (CKD). This is a progressive disease, and it is better to catch it early on. If you notice your older cat drinking and urinating more, especially if they are losing weight, not eating as well, or showing changes in their personality, it’s time to schedule an appointment for an exam and possibly a kidney screening. Hyperthyroidism and Liver Disease Other diseases or conditions that may cause increased drinking include hyperthyroidism and liver disease. These are more common in middle-aged or senior cats. Cats with hyperthyroidism usually seem hungry all the time and lose weight, while cats with liver disease usually have less of an appetite. Diabetes Diabetes is also a very common cause of drinking and peeing more in adult and senior cats. With diabetes, the pancreas is not secreting enough insulin to control the blood sugar. As blood sugar levels rise, the cat will become thirstier and will need to urinate more often. This is most commonly seen in overweight, young to middle-aged cats that primarily eat dry food. You want to get a cat with diabetes diagnosed as early as possible so it can be treated aggressively. Delaying therapy can lead to severe and potentially life-threatening consequences. Urinary Tract Infections Urinary tract infections (UTIs) may also cause a cat to drink more water. UTIs are most common in younger to middle-aged cats. Affected cats often urinate small amounts frequently as opposed to the large, heavy urine clumps seen with the other conditions. Cats with UTIs may be restless and uncomfortable. If you see these signs, take your cat to a vet right away, especially if he’s a male, as this may be a medical emergency.   Medication Side Effect Some medications, such as steroids and diuretics, may also cause a cat to drink more. If your cat is prescribed a new medication, ask your veterinarian if increased thirst is a known side effect. Changes in water intake caused by a medication should go away as soon as your pet is off the medication as ude kidney disease, diabetes, or Cushing’s disease.instructed by your veterinarian.,Why Is My Cat Peeing So Much? Cats that drink a lot of water will go on to urinate more often. This is partially due to how the body processes water. If a cat is drinking a large amount of water, then a higher volume will then be processed through the kidneys, leading to a larger output of urine. ,It used to be that you could fill your cat’s water bowl once a day. But now you’re filling it two or three times a day, and your cat comes running to have a drink every time you turn on a faucet.  What is going on? Is drinking more water normal for older cats? Or is there a medical condition you need to worry about? Here’s why your cat might be drinking more water than normal and when you should consult with your vet.

Thinking about adding chickens to your yard this year? Not all chicken breeds are created equal.  There are lots of things to consider when deciding what types of chickens are best for the size of your backyard. Discover some commonly kept types of chickens to decide which breed is best for you. 

In This Article What Is Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) in Cats? View 4 More +

Halloween pet costumes are a fun and adorable way to celebrate the holiday. However, these costumes can come with some risks, so read on to find out how to prevent any health issues or injuries while your pet is out trick or treating or celebrating at home. Proper Fit of Costume A very common problem with pet costumes is that they are often sold as “one size fits most,” and they only come as small, medium, and large breed options. A teacup poodle is certainly just as much a small breed as a Lhasa apso, but the body proportions and sizes are very different, and a small-breed costume is most likely not going to fit both dogs safely. Be sure to measure your pet and compare it to the measurements of the costume before settling on a final outfit. If a costume is too big, it might trip your pet, leading to an injury. If it is too small, it could squeeze your pet, limit her ability to breathe normally, cause rub sores, and generally be uncomfortable. Once the costume is on, be sure to closely watch the body language of your animal. If it acts uncomfortable or frightened, take the costume off and consider a stylish alternative like a spooky bandana, appropriate bow tie, or something else to show off the season without adding stress to your pet. Ensure Full Mobility Not only should the costume fit well and be comfortable, but it should also allow your pet to perform all its normal motions. It needs to be able to see, hear, bark, walk, run, and move about just as always. If the costume includes a mask or shoes, these are best used for short-term “photo ops” and not for general wear. One way to make certain your pet can get around comfortably for the big night is to do a test run with the costume a few weeks beforehand. This gives you plenty of time to either adjust the costume, look for another one, or change to something less restrictive. If you aren’t sure, do several trials with your adjustments leading up to Halloween. Ensure Vision Isn’t Limited Any costume that covers the face may block the vision or hearing of your pet. Watch carefully to be sure that the costume doesn’t droop over the eyes, making it hard for your pet to see where it is going. This could lead to a fall and a potential injury, especially if your dog will be trick or treating in an unfamiliar place. Additionally, pets are more likely to be frightened or stressed if they don’t feel like they have all their senses, especially at night. Remember that there may be other people or dogs in costume, which might be a scary experience for your pet! When in doubt, leave off any obstructing portions of the costume. Possible Allergic Reactions Although not common, animals can have allergic reactions to fabrics and detergents, just like people. Another reason a trial run can be helpful with your pet is to identify any itching, rashes, or respiratory problems the costume might cause. If you notice any changes that are concerning, remove the costume right away, and bathe your pet in a gentle shampoo like Dawn dish soap. If problematic signs persist, call your veterinarian. Ensure No Hazardous Choking Items Most costume manufacturers design the costume with the pet parents in mind and not necessarily the safety of the animal. Many costumes have accessories that are loose or can easily be chewed, and these can be swallowed and cause a choking hazard or a gastrointestinal blockage. Check the costume carefully before ever trying it on your pet and look for any dangling or loosely attached items that could be pulled off or chewed on. Smaller items such as hats or shoes might even be eaten whole. If possible, remove any pieces that could present a danger to your pet, adjust the costume to be worn safely, or decide on a different outfit that is safe for your animal. Monitor Pet in Costume Costumes should be considered a “supervised only” toy. No animal should ever be left alone while in costume because even with a relatively safe outfit, there is always an increased risk of injury. Always leave a responsible adult in charge of the leash so that the pet is appropriately supervised. If there are other animals around, keep in mind that pets use body language as a form of communication, and there will be a change in the signals given off by any pets in costume. This could lead to a conflict, even between dogs that were previously friendly. Always have your pet on a leash when multiple dogs are around and in costume for safety’s sake. Recognize Signs of Stress Just like not all people enjoy getting dressed up to go out, not all pets enjoy getting dressed up either. Most cats will offer their opinions of a costume freely. Dogs might be a little more “go along to get along,” but if your dog has folded down ears or eyes looking sideways or rolling back, or it starts slinking around with a tucked tail or hunched spine, the pet probably isn’t having as much fun with the costume as you are. This isn’t a time for tough love, and if it’s clear your pet doesn’t like the costume or is not comfortable in it, take the hint and remove the outfit. Ensure ID Tags are Visible Since Halloween is all about spooky, your pet might see something that startles it, causing it to run away. Should this happen, it is most likely that your pet will be returned to you quickly if its wearing a collar with clearly visible ID tags and a microchip with current contact information. Also keep in mind that many states require that your dog display a rabies tag on its collar at all times, which is additionally wise if your dog will be meeting new people and animals. Getting dressed up for Halloween can be fun for humans and animals alike. However, it is very important to make sure that the costume you choose for your pet is safe, comfortable, and well tolerated before the festivities. With some preparation and attention to detail, both you and your pet can dress your best for Halloween!

How Vets Diagnose Cats That Pee Frequently Most veterinarians will want to do a thorough head-to-tail examination on your kitty, feeling the kidneys and bladder area. Sometimes it is possible to feel stones inside of the bladder or identify painful areas near the kidneys with a careful examination. During the process, they will likely ask a number of questions about your cat’s diet and litter box history. Next, your veterinarian will want to examine a urine sample. It isn’t typically possible to reach a diagnosis without a urine sample. In many cases, cats with urinary problems will have a small bladder, and it can sometimes take several hours for it to fill to the point that your veterinarian can obtain a sample. It can save time and money to bring a sample with you. Depending on what is found on the above tests, your veterinarian may recommend an x-ray, an ultrasound, or some bloodwork. These tests are commonly done with cats that have recurring urinary problems, those with additional signs such as weight loss or poor appetite, or those that are candidates for diabetes. Once your veterinarian has all the information necessary, it will become much simpler to reach a diagnosis and create a treatment plan.,Treatment for Excessive Urination in Cats The treatment recommended by your veterinarian will depend highly on the diagnosis and the specifics of your cat’s medical history. If your kitty is found to be diabetic, a change to a high-protein canned diet as well as administering insulin will be necessary to control the problem, as well as treating any underlying bladder infection. For cats with kidney disease, your veterinarian will likely recommend testing to stage the disease, and there is a very wide variety of treatments available for these kitties. If urinary crystals or stones are the problem, the treatment will depend on the severity. Stones most commonly require surgical removal. Crystals can sometimes be dissolved with special diets, and since canned diets produce more urinary flow, these are often preferred. Long-term or lifelong treatment is sometimes required for these cats. And if your cat has a simple urinary tract infection, a round of antibiotics is sometimes all it takes to get things back on the mend. It can be scary to see changes in the litter box, especially if there’s blood or your kitty isn’t feeling well. However, acting quickly and checking things out at the vet’s office can get things turned around as quickly as possible. Featured Image: iStock/CasarsaGuru,Over time, you start to know the normal size of daily urine clumps for your cat’s litter box. Suddenly, however, you notice the clumps seem to be getting bigger, and the waste bag is heavier each day when you scoop the box. Is this normal or a sign of a problem? How Much Should Cats Pee? There are quite a few factors that affect how much and how frequently cats urinate. These include hydration levels, age, body size, and health status. There is an important distinction here, however, between a large amount of urine and frequent urination. These have different causes and medical approaches. The bottom line is knowing what’s normal for your cat and noticing when things seem to be changing in your cat’s litter box. Most cats will urinate each time they go to the box, and for most cats, this averages out to about twice per day. The clumps are usually golf-ball to tennis-ball sized and easy to distinguish from the tubular stool that you’ll find once per day on average. Learn the patterns for your cat and watch how they change over time. Kitties that eat canned food may urinate more than cats fed dry food. Kittens may pee more frequently than adults. Senior cats should not urinate more volume or more frequently than adult cats, so noticing this is the sign of a potential medical problem. You can keep track of how much urine your cat is producing by simply scooping the urine clumps into a plastic bag and weighing it on a scale each day before discarding it. Doing this while your cat is healthy will give you a baseline record to refer to over time. Then when you notice an issue, weigh the clumps and compare to the baseline weight.

As gross as it might seem, keeping close tabs on what your kitty’s stool looks like may actually help you catch health problems early. While most of us try to clean out the litter box as quickly as possible and be done with it, taking just a few seconds to learn what’s normal for your cat and noting when there are changes is actually very important—and extremely helpful for your veterinarian. Read on to learn what is considered “normal” for most cats and what some of the changes in your cat’s poop might mean. Monitoring Your Cat’s Poop There are a number of things to look to when trying to determine if your cat’s poop is normal. The most important factor is getting a feel for what the stool usually looks and smells like when your cat is not having any issues. The first factors to consider include the color and consistency of the stool. Although a cat’s stool is often covered in cat litter, simply breaking it in half as you scoop it will help you get a good look at the color and a feel for the texture without any extra effort. A quick look at the surface of the stool will help you to determine what’s a normal amount of mucus (that shiny coating on the surface of the poop) for your kitty. You should also check for any unusual objects (like hair ties or milk jug rings!) in your cat’s poop. Next, try to determine approximately how often your kitty defecates. Are you finding stool in the box once a day? Twice? More than that? If the frequency changes over time, that’s very important to note. And perhaps the last factor to take daily note of is the hardest to miss—what is the normal smell for your pet’s stool? This may vary from day to day, but if it suddenly becomes much more pungent, there may be some cause for concern. Changes in one or more of these parameters, especially if they’re combined with alterations in your cat’s attitude or appetite, can be critical in diagnosing an illness early. If you are noticing any changes, ask these questions: Is there a reasonable explanation? Did you change your cat’s food or treats? Is there something that could have caused your cat stress (recent move, new people or guests in the house, construction noise, stray cats, or different schedules)? Is your cat not acting normally? What is “normal” will also be different for each animal and can depend on things like age, exercise level, or diet.

In This Article Halloween Pet Safety Tips