Posts tagged “Travel Carrier”

By Paula Fitzsimmons Sounds and smells we may enjoy or don’t think twice about can make our feline family members miserable. Cats have a heightened sense of smell and hearing that serves their wild counterparts well. But our homes are not the wild. Nobody can say precisely why your cat reacts to a certain stimulus, mostly because there’s not a lot of scientific research available on this subject. Still, experts agree it’s beneficial to identify sounds and smells that stress out your cat, and make necessary adjustments to your environment. The following are some of the most common irritants for cats. Thunderstorms and Fireworks Unexpected loud noises and sudden changes in air pressure likely alert cats to be on guard, says Lauren Demos, president of the American Association of Feline Practitioners. “They can warn of impending situations that may require the cat to fight or take flight.” A cat’s reaction to loud and abrupt noises is an evolutionary response, says Dr. Bruce Kornreich, associate director of the Cornell Feline Health Center at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. While humans also get startled by sounds, we can easily figure out that the noise won’t harm us, unlike cats. Cats may also equate loud noises with negative experiences, Kornreich says. And sometimes, there’s just no logical explanation for their reaction. While you can’t control every noise, you can pre-plan for certain situations, such as fireworks and thunderstorms. “I recommend confining your cat to a room where she feels comfortable and away from the noise,” says Adi Hovav, senior feline behavior counselor at the ASPCA Adoption Center in New York. “However, if she’s already found a hiding spot, consider leaving her there, as moving her to another spot may increase her stress.” If you do set up a quiet “sanctuary” room for your cat, make sure she has access to a cat litter box, Hovav adds. A white noise machine to mask the sound may be useful, too. “Or, offer her some quiet attention in the form of yummy treats or gentle petting,” Hovav says. “Not all cats are going to be comforted by being held if they are frightened or stressed, even if they enjoy being held under normal circumstances, so don’t force your cat if she’s not accepting of this type of attention.” Cat calming products like compression shirts designed for cats can also be helpful for short periods, as can synthetic pheromone sprays, collars, or diffusers, Demos suggests.

Thinking about mixing up your bearded dragon’s diet with carrots? While safe for an occasional treat, they shouldn’t become a staple. Here’s why you shouldn’t overdo it on the carrots—even if your beardie finds them delicious.   Before introducing any new food into your bearded dragon’s diet, always check with your veterinarian.   

Facial swelling in cats is usually a noticeable sign of inflammation within or under the skin. You will usually see it around a cat’s eyes or nose area, but sometimes you can see swelling on a cat’s cheek or under their chin. Facial swelling can show up suddenly or over time and is usually a cause for concern. It can be caused by a variety of medical issues, all of which require appropriate diagnosis and therapy to make the swelling go down. What To Do if Your Cat’s Face Is Swollen If your cat’s face suddenly swells and/or is paired with any of the following, take them to the emergency veterinarian as soon as possible: Lethargy Having trouble breathing Collapse Decreased appetite Wounds Vomiting Diarrhea Hives Hair loss Having trouble eating If your cat’s face has slowly become swollen and your cat is otherwise acting happy and alert, and is eating well, then it is OK to wait a few days to see your veterinarian. There are few to no at-home remedies for facial swelling in cats, though. Do not give your cat any medications that are intended for people, as some contain ingredients that are toxic—sometimes lethal—for animals, even over-the-counter drugs.

The phone calls often go like this: “We need to bring our kitten in right away. We are afraid she might be rabid!” Rabies is certainly not something to rule out lightly as it is a very serious disease. However, when further questioning shows that the cat involved is a 6-month-old female kitten who has not been spayed, I can be quite sure she is simply “in heat.” But I understand the confusion. The behavior changes of a cat in heat are enough to concern any family.

Chickens are natural foragers and love pecking at new and exciting foods—including bananas. But while bananas are a potassium-rich snack for people, can chickens eat bananas too?  We talked to two veterinarians to peel back the truth about bananas and how this tropical fruit can fit into a chicken’s diet.  Before introducing any new food into your chicken’s diet, always check with your veterinarian.