Cats

Treating cat pain isn’t easy. The first hurdle is simply recognizing the signs of a cat in pain, because they’re so good at hiding it. Next, many of the medications we use to treat pain in other species don’t work well or are downright dangerous for cats. But we can’t let cats suffer. Thankfully, with a little extra attention to detail, it is possible to help your cat feel better. Find out what you can give a cat for pain, and just as importantly, what you can’t. Are Human Pain Meds Safe for Cats? Never give your cat a pain medication designed for people unless your veterinarian has told you to do so. Call your veterinarian or Animal Poison Control (1‐888‐426‐4435) immediately if your cat has ingested human pain medication. Many of the pain relievers we take are extremely dangerous for cats, even in tiny doses. In fact, one regular-strength Tylenol contains enough acetaminophen to kill some cats. Acetaminophen causes extensive damage to a cat’s red blood cells and liver and should never be used to treat cat pain. Over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) like Advil (ibuprofen), Aleve (naproxen), and aspirin can also be dangerous for cats. They can lead to gastrointestinal ulcers, liver and kidney damage, and abnormal blood clotting. There might be times when a veterinarian prescribes one of these drugs (aspirin for cats at risk for blood clots, for example), but they are only used under very specific circumstances and at extremely low dosages.

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After 14 years together, Kimberly Lahm knew it was time to say goodbye to her beloved Sydney. Sydney’s hips and back legs were failing, so she was having difficulty walking. And she didn’t seem like her usual happy self while on the pain medication her veterinarian prescribed. Rather than saying goodbye to Sydney in a vet’s office, Lahm opted for in-home euthanasia, which meant putting her dog down at home. For 10 days leading up to the scheduled in-home euthanasia, Lahm spoiled her fur baby, a sleek, silver Weimaraner who was nicknamed “Syd.” Just before the veterinarian arrived at Lahm’s home last fall, Syd enjoyed her final meal of burgers and ice cream. Syd passed away peacefully at home on the bed that she loved, surrounded by some of her favorite friends: Lahm, Lahm’s boyfriend, and her two fur brothers, Bo and Chase. “Those last moments were exactly what I wanted—me snuggling her for the last time and telling her how much I loved her, how much she enriched my life, and how grateful I was to her for her patience when I was a less-than-ideal dog mom,” Lahm says. “She was truly relaxed and at peace, and I know she didn’t feel any pain at the end.”

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Bananas are a popular snack for humans, but what about our feline friends? Can cats eat bananas too? The answer is yes, in small amounts. That said, most cats probably won’t be all that interested in them.  We spoke with Deborah Bayazit, DVM, co-owner and medical director of Brilliant Veterinary Care in New York City, who shares insights on the pros and cons of feeding bananas to cats, plus expert-backed tips for safely offering this fruit to your cat.   Before introducing any new food into your cat’s diet, always check with your veterinarian. 

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We all know that good nutrition is vital to our cats’ health and wellbeing throughout their lives, but determining what to feed kittens is especially important.  Growing from a 4-ounce newborn kitten to a full-grown adult takes energy, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, and more—all in just the right amounts and proportions to avoid potentially dangerous nutritional deficiencies and excesses.  Read on to learn how and what to feed kittens so they can get the nutrients they need to grow into happy and healthy adult cats. 

Experts say that, like most other mammals, cats experience dreams during sleep. So, while you’re dreaming at night, your cat might be having some vivid dreams of their own.   As with humans, feline dreams occur during a stage of sleep known as rapid eye movement (REM).  Elizabeth Stelow, DVM, DACVB, the chief of behavior science at UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine in California, says that we’ve actually known this for decades. A 1979 study confirmed that felines have dreams of their own.    The study “allowed us, for the first time, to connect things we see in the human dream state to cats,” Dr. Stelow says. It also offered evidence that cats dream about natural feline activities, like chasing mice or birds.  Recognizing that cats dream can also shape how we view and treat them, she notes. “Knowing that cats dream helps us to build our compassion for them and celebrate how similar we really are,” Dr. Stelow explains.  ,If you’ve ever watched your cat sleeping soundly, with paws twitching and whiskers flicking, you’ve probably wondered: Do cats dream? And, if so, what do cats dream about? The short answer is yes, they do, and it’s complicated.   Here’s the science behind cat dreams, what your cat might be dreaming about, and how to tell if your feline friend is dreaming.  

While many houseplants and herbs are off-limits for cats, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) lists rosemary as a non-toxic plant. So, yes, rosemary (officially named Rosmarinus officinalis) is a safe option for cats. In fact, both rosemary and catnip belong to the same plant family, Lamiaceae, which is known for being really aromatic—part of the reason it may draw some cats in. Some other members of this plant family are oregano, thyme, mint and lavender. But just a heads up: All but thyme are considered unsafe for cats.,Jump to section Is Rosemary Safe for Cats? Benefits of Rosemary for Cats Risks of Rosemary for Cats How to Safely Feed Rosemary to Cats What Happens if My Cat Eats Too Much Rosemary? What Do I Do? FAQs About Rosemary and Cats

By Cheryl Lock While there’s undoubtedly a lot to love about your pet, if you’ll be taking on a roommate in the near future, it’s important to do some research on the best ways of introducing cats and dogs to a new person. Alternatively, if you already have a roommate and you’d like to get a brand-new pet, there’s an appropriate way to broach that subject, as well. “Neither pets nor people like to have someone or something forced on them,” says Dr. Mary R. Burch, certified applied animal behaviorist with the American Kennel Club. Dr. Burch suggests taking on either scenario very slowly and following a few simple steps to ensure everyone walks away happy—after the introduction, and for the length of the relationship afterwards. Picking Out a Prospective Roommate If you’re a pet owner who has decided to take on a roommate, the first thing you’ll want to do is meet with any prospective roommate options and discuss living arrangements. You should talk about expectations on both ends and logistics, but a key part of this conversation should also include information about your pet. Be sure to ask if potential roommates have allergies right off the bat, says Dr. Burch. “If they do, your two cats and furry dog may be a deal breaker,” she says. Once you’ve established that you are both animal lovers, the next step in a smooth roommate/pet interaction is to discuss responsibilities. While you should never expect your roommate to care entirely for your pet, if you’d like her to at least fill the cat bowl with water if it’s empty or let the dog out a couple times a day, it’s best to address those expectations up front. Additionally, as the advocate for your animals, don’t be shy about telling the roommate how to interact with your pets, says Dr. Burch.