Cats

Getting a kitten is a special time in a household. Whether the cat is a Siamese, a Maine Coon, a Ragdoll, a Persian, a Bengal or a mixed- or unknown-breed, you want to make sure you’re raising a kitten properly. The first few months are a crucial time in shaping your kitten’s emotional and physical well-being. Not sure how to raise a kitten? Here are seven things to do when raising a kitten.

All cats have beautiful eyes, but there’s something special about a blue-eyed feline. Below, discover 13 cat breeds with blue eyes, from the well-known Siamese and Persian to lesser known breeds with sapphire stunners, like the Tonkinese and Khao Manee.   Whether you’re a cat lover looking for a new furry friend or just want to find out more about your kitty, you’ll definitely learn something new about these blue-eyed beauties.

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…,You’ve probably seen cats being hugged, kissed, and carried, and still looking totally content with life. And then there’s the opposite scenario—a kitty that doesn’t hesitate to take a swipe at you if you just try to pet them or walk by them too closely. With the big difference in personalities, it’s hard to know if a particular cat likes being hugged. Do some just tolerate it? Do some actually like being hugged? Should you hug your cat? Do Cats Like Hugs? The truth is, many cats HATE to be hugged. They don’t like being held against their will, and especially not in a firm fashion. If you’ve witnessed the average cat being hugged, you’ve probably seen squirming, meowing, panting, and eventually, claws. Don’t take it personally—most cats view hugging as a form of human-induced torture, pleasurable to the human part of the equation only. However, some cats do seem to enjoy it. So what is the difference here? There are a lot of factors that help determine whether cats love or hate hugging. Here are a few.

In This Article Are You Supposed to Clean Your Cat’s Ears? View 3 More +

What Does it Mean If a Cat is Diabetic? Just like in humans, cats can also suffer from diabetes mellitus (DM), a serious medical problem with lifelong health implications which can also be life threatening, if left untreated.  DM manifests when the blood sugar (glucose) is too high and the ability to transfer much needed sugar into the cells is defective. As a result, the cells starve.  To compensate, the body turns to the breakdown of fat as a fuel source, which is an additional complication. If left untreated, diabetic ketoacidosis—a severe condition—results.  Cats with diabetes can live a full life if they receive proper care, and the right medication in the home. That’s where you come in. Adopting a Diabetic Cat First off, congratulations on adopting your cat, especially a diabetic one. Cats with chronic or lifelong health conditions, such as DM, often go unnoticed in shelters or unwanted by the public. But they often make great companions and can have a relatively normal quality of life if their condition is treated and managed appropriately. When adopting a diabetic cat, it’s important to remember this is a condition (in most cases) that your cat will have for life, and this requires more understanding and effort on your part as the pet parent. It will also have an impact on your wallet.   As most diabetic cats are middle-aged to older, there may also be other underlying health conditions that will need to be treated as well. It’s recommended that you partner with the shelter veterinarian and with your primary care veterinarian to review the cat’s medical history (if known) and determine what the first few vet visits, monthly costs, long-term care, and cost considerations will be.    For the majority of cats in a shelter situation, they have been either recently diagnosed with DM or have been treated for DM long term, and so many of the initial testing and diagnostic work-up may not need to be performed again. For cats diagnosed with DM for the first time, there is more care and testing required initially to set you up for success. This is often attributed to finding the proper type, dose, and frequency of insulin. Prior to taking your cat to his or her forever home, keep in mind the following discussion points when working with the shelter staff: How long has the cat been diagnosed with DM? What type of insulin and insulin syringes are required? Is the cat fed a specific type of diet since being in the shelter, and if so, how much and how often? How often and how much insulin is given (the cost of insulin is variable, but expect to pay anywhere from $60-$300 for a 10mL vial). Past medical history including any diagnostics or other treatments provided, such as urine testing and cultures, blood glucose curves, fructosamine testing, and baseline blood work. Does its current medical history indicate cataracts or neuropathy, and does the cat suffer from chronic pancreatitis? Is the cat well-regulated? Does your shelter offer any in-house, low-cost testing, coupons, or discounted medical care to help with the associated costs? Treatment Options for Diabetic Cat Assuming the cat has been recently diagnosed at the shelter, the initial workup often includes baseline blood work and urine testing with a urine culture. Treatment with insulin should begin immediately in conjunction with a change in diet. The first follow-up appointment is usually scheduled within a few weeks and will include an all-day stay at the veterinary office for a fructosamine test (similar to an A1C in humans) that takes an average of blood sugar over the past 2 to 3 weeks, as well as a blood glucose curve. Blood samples will be taken every couple of hours, then plotted on a curve to determine the highest and lowest points of the blood sugar. This will indicate the effectiveness of the insulin and helps the vet determine the proper dosage needed for the cat. Alternatively, this all-day blood glucose curve can be performed at home with an OTC home monitoring kit, which is helpful when needed to check-in on the health status of your diabetic cat. Managing Your Diabetic Cat at Home Once the right amount of insulin is determined, your cat will only need to be re-evaluated a few times a year going forward. However, the bulk of managing your cat’s DM will be left up to you to do at home.  Most cats will be managed with twice daily insulin injections given under the skin, and some environmental factors will need to be adjusted including: Your cat must eat prior to insulin injections, which may require extra time in the morning on your part. Insulin bottle and supplies need to be taken care of properly (some states may require a sharps disposal container). If home monitoring is elected, keep track of the cat’s daily blood sugar numbers, as well as its daily routine and habits. Cost of Caring for a Diabetic Cat Caring for a diabetic cat can be rewarding, but it is also important to be fiscally responsible and understand the needed costs for proper care and management. Pet insurance may be an option but if the cat was previously diagnosed with DM, it is considered a pre-existing condition and is not covered.    The initial visits and diagnostics are often the most expensive, especially since the expenses are incurred in a relatively short period. Once you’re past the initial visits and testing, long-term management often includes the following: Insulin: There are many different types such as Vetsulin, Glargine, and Glipizide (oral option) and costs are variable depending on the type and frequency of usage. Expect  to pay anywhere from $60 for 42 days (Vetsulin) to $300 for 28 days (Glargine). Insulin syringes: Ensure that the type of needles match the insulin given. For example, Vetsulin requires U-40 syringes and Glargine requires U-100 syringes. The costs are variable but expect to pay about $40 for a three-month supply. Sharps container: If needed per state law to dispose of used syringes, (about $10). At-home blood glucose monitoring equipment: This includes AlphaTRAK 2 (about $70) or the FreeStyle Libre monitor ($130). Diet: Often, prescription diets such as RC Glycobalance, Hill’s m/d or Purina DM are recommended. Karo Syrup (or similar product): This syrup is often placed on the gums during a hypoglycemic (low blood sugar) event wherein your cat may experience weakness, lethargy, or even seizures if too much insulin was given. It is important to note that if your cat does not eat then he or she should not receive insulin.  Additionally, be sure that you are administering the insulin with the proper syringe (U-40 vs U-100). You should never adjust the insulin dose without first consulting your veterinarian. Long-Term Management of Diabetic Cat The key for managing your diabetic cat is keeping a healthy and consistent routine: diet and exercise, scheduled feedings (including treats), and insulin administration. Cats inherently set their own pace in terms of exercise and activity, which usually doesn’t pose a problem. Your diabetic cat is more prone to infections and will take longer to heal so keeping it healthy with routine check-ups and away from others is essential. Be patient as your cat acclimates to its new home. The transition from shelter life to home life can be quite stressful, so pay close attention to your cat’s behaviors and energy levels—as even the best well-managed cats can relapse. Urinary accidents, decreased appetites, and seclusion can be seen during this transition, and it’s recommended you partner with your veterinarian on ways to minimize stress. Your cat should be examined within a few days of adoption, as follow-up visits and cooperation with your veterinarian will be vital for the success of managing your cat’s diabetes. In addition to the products listed in this article for DM management, it’s recommended that you provide your cat with essential creature comforts such as comfortable bedding, adequate litter boxes (at least 2 per cat), toys, and more. By simply adopting a diabetic cat into a loving home, you’ve already taken a big step toward providing it with a better life. Once you get past the initial vet visits and education of insulin management, you and your cat are on your way to a happy and fulfilling life together. Adopting a Diabetic Cat FAQS How long will a diabetic cat live? The life expectancy of diabetic cats varies. Fortunately, most diabetic cats that are well managed can live a relatively normal life. Certain precautions will need to be taken, however, as they are prone to infections and complications may develop. What are the symptoms of a diabetic cat? Often, the first sign a pet parent may notice is an increase in thirst, urination, and hunger followed by an unexplained loss in weight.  What happens to an untreated diabetic cat? Weakness, hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver) and diabetic neuropathy (dropped hocks – this is seen as a cat walking on her ankles instead of her paws) can develop. If untreated, this can lead to hospitalization and treatment for diabetic ketoacidosis, a life-threatening condition. Is a cat with diabetes in pain? Diabetes in cats is not directly a painful condition, but it can be quite debilitating. The clinical signs and progressive weight loss caused by DM will lead to poor emotional health and the physical effects it has on the body can be painful.

The Imagine This Company “It’s Not a Home Without” Wood Labrador Sign is the perfect Labrador-inspired sign to hang to represent how much love your home shares on Valentine’s Day, and every day!,Does your valentine have fur and four paws? What about a bark or a purr? If you plan on spending Valentine’s Day with your furry family members, then you’ll love these Valentine’s Day messages for pets. These pet-themed Valentine’s Day sayings will have any pet lover feeling all warm and fuzzy inside—just in time for Valentine’s Day! And don’t forget to show your pet just how much you love them with a toy or treat from our Valentine’s Day Gift Guide.

Over the years I have treated many cats for shaking – whether they were shaking their head, feet, tail, or the whole body, while asleep or when being petted and purring. Because shaking can be a very general sign, there can be many reasons for shaking in cats.

The crazy days of being a cat probably occur during adolescence, from about 7 months old to 2 years old. Cute kittenhood is behind these cats, and the routine days of adulthood are yet to come. Although cats don’t frequently suffer from diarrhea, I’ve seen it strike cats of all ages during my more than 20 years as a veterinarian. And young, adolescent cats are not immune. I’m currently chief of staff at the Animal House Of Chicago, and I’ll never forget this one young cat named Spike. Spike’s diarrhea was a result of his eating indoor houseplants that — although not toxic — resulted in chronic, intestinal irritation and diarrhea. We treated Spike for the diarrhea, and the owners decided that they loved him more than their plants. The plants found a new home and Spike no longer had bouts of diarrhea. Diarrhea occurs for many reasons. Young cats develop diarrhea for many of the same reasons that kittens do, namely from dietary indiscretion, change of food or parasites. In my experience, the most common reason for a young cat to develop diarrhea is because he ate something inappropriate. Young cats can’t help being inquisitive, so that rubber band on the floor looks like it might be tasty. And that plant’s leaves look tasty, too. Ingesting any foreign material could cause gastrointestinal upset or worse. Determining the cause of your young cat’s diarrhea gives you and your veterinarian the best chance to prevent it from happening again. Overactive thyroid, food allergies, renal failure, cancer, poisoning (from houseplants, rat poison, human medications, etc.), parasites, and infectious disease (among other things) can all result in diarrhea. Obtain veterinary assistance if the cause isn’t apparent or it is an ongoing problem. A food with fewer allergens or treatments for a disease might reduce or eliminate the diarrhea.

Cat buttons (also referred to as talking pet buttons) are interactive communication buttons that, when pressed by the pet, audibly repeat a word that’s been pre-recorded by the pet parent.,Jump to section What Are Cat Buttons and How Do They Work? How Do I Teach My Cat to Use Talking Pet Buttons? Cat Button Training Tips What Are the Benefits of Cat Buttons?

Clear liquid vomit is a sign that the cat is bringing up fluid, often stomach acid and other gastric juices, from the digestive tract. Occasionally, if the kitty is vomiting right after drinking a large amount of water, she will also vomit clear liquid—namely, the water she just drank. Most of the time, however, what we are seeing when we look at that sticky puddle of clear liquid on the paper towel is the cat’s stomach fluid mixed with some mucus from the esophagus (the “tube” which connects the mouth to the stomach). There are several causes of chronic vomiting in cats, and many can result in puddles of clear liquid. Some of the most common causes of cat vomiting include: Parasites Indigestion with nausea (sometimes kitty overate, or the last meal just didn’t sit well) Hairball, which can irritate the digestive tract and trigger some vomiting (with or without a hairball in that clear liquid) New food or other dietary changes Allergic reactions Changes in your cat’s feeding schedule Eating too quickly Sometimes, however, the underlying causes can be more serious and even potentially life-threatening. Other possible causes of your cat vomiting clear liquid include: An intestinal blockage/foreign bodies in the intestinal tract Metabolic problems (such as hyperthyroidism, diabetes or kidney disease) Inflammatory bowel disease Gastritis Pancreatitis Cancer,SPLAT! Ugh. There it is again. You step out of bed and right into it—another puddle of clear vomit, courtesy of kitty. And always on the carpet, too. Why can’t they puke on the easy-to-clean linoleum? After you clean up your cat’s mess and sit down to your morning coffee, you start to wonder: “Is frequent cat vomiting normal? And why is my cat throwing up clear liquid? Is this just something that comes with the territory of being a cat parent, or do we need to see the vet?” Sometimes, the answers are quite simple and obvious. Perhaps you just changed your cat’s food and they refuse to eat it, which can result in an upset stomach, in which case the liquid would be yellow. But other times, much more detective work is required since there are many reasons your cat might be throwing up clearing liquid.