How likely is a white cat to be deaf?
Q: You always hear that white cats are likely to be deaf, but I have an all white cat who has no hearing problems whatsoever. How can that be?
Unnecessary nutrients in the cat food?
Q: I noticed that some of the nutrients listed in the Guaranteed Analysis panel on the label of my cat’s food have an asterisk that leads to the following statement: “Not Recognized as an essential nutrient by the AAFCO Cat Food Nutrient Profiles.” If it’s not recognized as an essential nutrient, why would the manufacturer add it? The nutrients are not named in big letters on the front of the package as a marketing point.
Can an old cat withstand the anesthesia?
Q: I have a 14-year-old cat who needs surgery. But at that age, will she be able to tolerate the anesthesia?
Cat’s got rhythm
Q: My wife and I have noticed that when we put on soft classical numbers, our cat seems to settle in and become calmer. Are we imagining this, or might she actually be responding to the music?
Worried about dehydration
Q: I’m worried my cat is not drinking enough water. I never see her at the water bowl. She is on dry food. Should I try to switch her to canned food or other moist cat food that contains more water than dry?
Mental illness in cats
Q: Is it possible for cats to have mental illness, or is it always just a matter of behavioral issues?
Dear Doctor February 2024
Claritin for cats?
Dear Doctor January 2024
Distended abdomen
Checking the urine
Q: My veterinarian is suggesting my cat have a urinalysis. He has suggested it in the past, but I have opted not to go ahead with it. Now that my cat is 10 he’s saying it really would be a good idea. What do you think? One reason I am concerned is that I don’t know how I would “catch” the urine.
Hairball concerns
Ignore the “best by” date?
