Cats

Being a parent is hard work. There are meals to make, clothes to wash and play dates to coordinate. Not to mention the grooming appointments, vet bills and litter boxes. Yes, we’re talking about a very special group of parents: pet parents.

This flexibility helps cats both escape from predators and reach prey—an important evolutionary advantage. Just as their fondness for small spaces can be traced to the behavioral needs of wild cats, the flexibility that allows cats to mold into the shape of their container imparts useful advantages.,It’s easy to dismiss this kind of thought experiment as useless or a waste of time. But Fardin examined existing formulas and theorems and applied them to a new question. Familiarity with the complex foundations of a field of study allows researchers to consider questions that advance knowledge in their field. So, I would say to Fardin, keep seeing questions in daily life that inspire you—especially when they involve cats.,Some of my favorite viral images involve cats squeezing into small spaces and adapting to the shape of their containers. By definition, a material that adapts its shape to fill a container is a liquid. But, when removed from a container, a cat will hold a specific shape, making him or her a solid. This begs the question, are cats both a liquid and a solid?

When a cat has a fever, it’s like when humans have one: the body’s natural response to fight infection or inflammation. The hypothalamus, a part of the brain, acts like a thermostat, raising the body’s temperature to help combat the illness. The normal body temperature for cats is typically between 100 and 102.5 Fahrenheit. “A fever could be considered if a cat has a temperature above 102.5,” says Dr. David Israel, medical director of the Veterinary Emergency Group in Denver. If the temperature exceeds 103 degrees, it’s worth contacting your veterinarian, and if it goes over 106 degrees, it’s considered an emergency. Dr. Carlye Rosen, a veterinarian and clinical lead for IndeVets, notes that not all elevated temps are considered fevers. Hyperthermia, which is also a raised body temperature, can happen due to external factors. “In the case of heatstroke, physical activity, or seizure, the body hasn’t changed its set temperature point and therefore it isn’t defined as a fever,” she explains.,Jump to section What Is a Fever in Cats? Common Cat Fever Symptoms What Causes a Cat Fever? How To Tell If Your Cat Has a Fever When To Call Your Vet Treating Fever in Cats How To Tell If Your Cat Has a Fever FAQs

In This Article Why Do Cats Meow? View 5 More +

WRITTEN BYJennifer Coates, DVM Veterinarian Dr. Jennifer Coates is an accomplished veterinarian, writer, editor, and consultant with years of experience in the fields of veterinary…,Cats suffer from many different skin diseases that make them itchy, and the nearly incessant scratching that results is enough to drive owners crazy! Everybody is miserable when cats are so itchy they can’t stop clawing or biting at themselves. But don’t despair. While there are many causes of scratching in cats, and it can be difficult to tell them apart, all of the following common itchy skin diseases are treatable. Fleas Flea allergy dermatitis is the most common cause of itching in cats. Triggered by a hypersensitivity reaction to proteins in the saliva of fleas, and that saliva from a bite will start the itch-scratch cycle. Identifying fleas or flea “dirt” (flea feces made from your cat’s digested blood) makes the diagnosis straightforward. However, some cats are such efficient groomers it can be next to impossible to find fleas or flea dirt on their skin. In these cases, response to regular use of good a flea control product can help with the diagnosis. Treatment and prevention centers on the use of an effective flea control product such as an oral or topical medication. It is vital to treat all pets in the house for several months or more to get rid of all life-stages of the flea. Thoroughly vacuuming the house, washing pet bedding in hot water, and treating your home and yard may speed up the removal process.

A:

By Jennifer Coates, DVM You’ve got a new kitten? Congratulations! Is it a girl or a boy? Are you sure? Stories of the feline “Max” who turns out to be a “Maxine” abound. The reason is simple. Determining the sex (or “sexing” as it is often called) of a kitten isn’t as easy as you might think. And once a sex has been assigned, it may not be rechecked as the kitten matures. Let’s take a look at the best way for pet parents to determine, or confirm, the sex of their kittens. Older Kittens If your cat is 8 weeks of age or older, the procedure is fairly straightforward. Pick a time when your cat is most likely to be calm—after a meal is a good bet. Sit on a chair and lightly hold your cat on your lap however he or she feels most comfortable. Gently lift the tail and take a look at your cat’s rear end. Focus on two things: 1. The distance between the anus and the genital opening. 2. The shape of the genital opening. Here’s a diagram to help. Notice that the distance between the anus and the opening to the penis in males is bigger in comparison to the distance between the anus and the opening to the vulva in females. Also, the penile opening looks like a circle while the vulvar opening is more of a line. Here are two features NOT to use when sexing a kitten. The penis itself is not normally visible in male cats and can be very hard to feel, especially in young kittens. And while the testicles should, in theory, be palpable within the scrotum (lying in that space between the anus and penile opening), they may be too small to identify. Also, many kittens are neutered at a very young age these days. Therefore, a lack of testicles doesn’t necessarily mean your kitten is female.

No, cats can’t have grapes.   Grapes have been linked to kidney issues in pets, and while the exact cause isn’t fully understood, experts believe tartaric acid or its salts may be to blame. Most of the data comes from dogs, but vets recommend keeping grapes—and raisins—away from cats to avoid any potential risk. ,Grapes are a popular snack for humans, but can cats eat grapes safely? While they might seem harmless, grapes are one of several foods that can pose serious health risks to cats, even in small amounts.  To help you understand the risks, we spoke to a veterinarian expert who explains why cats shouldn’t eat grapes and what could happen if they do.    Before introducing any new food into your cat’s diet, always check with your veterinarian. 

Some shelters are creatively attracting potential adopters by posting background stories and fun photographs. The MSPCA Boston Adoption Center uses Facebook to post pictures and bios of its available adoptable pets. The group is able to share heartwarming stories of animals who may have special needs or disabilities, and reach people worldwide thanks to social media.,           ,Social media has become an important tool in how the world communicates these days, and a general way of life for most. It creates a smaller world, where people you know from a distance are part of your everyday life. This network brings people together, and allows us to help one another in ways that weren’t so easy before. It also creates a bond between people over common interests and is a great way to get to know others—including animals.

You’ve made an appointment to have your female kitten spayed, but you wonder what she’ll go through on the day of surgery. What happens during kitten spay surgery? When can she come home? When can she start playing again? Will she be in pain? Put your mind at ease. Animal welfare organizations including the Humane Society of the United States, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the Veterinary Information Network have answered all your questions, taking you step by step through the surgery and recovery period. For more information, talk to your veterinarian.