Dear Doctor – The flexible nature of the tail
Q Our two cats are siblings, and have long, handsome tails, which are mostly held straight up. However, the last three to four inches seem to be independent of the rest of the tail. When the tail is straight up, the end of it wags gently back and forth. But when they are stalking something, the majority of the tail is held down, but the end remains up.
Why Don’t Cats Drink Water?
I am writing in hopes that you may have a suggestion regarding my three-year-old Persian cat. I adopted her through an agency when she was about two years old, but nothing was ever mentioned about her eating issues. I have now learned that she will not eat moist cat food of any flavor, and from what I can tell, she does not drink water! I have tried many tricks, and make certain that she has access to fresh water (in different areas of the house) at all times.
Kitten with a Prolapsed Rectum
Last month, a little stray kitten showed up at my house and I brought him into my home (I have three other adult cats). The following day, I took him to the vet to be examined and started on vaccines, etc. He appeared to be about 10 to 12 weeks at the time. During the appointment, I mentioned that his anus sometimes pokes out a little and looks a little red. Other times, it looks normal.
Feline Plasma Cell Pododermatitis
I have worked for a spay/neuter non-profit organization called Forgotten Felines of Sonoma County for the past 16 years, and we deal primarily with stray and feral cats. Over the past two years, we have been seeing a condition that is commonly known here as puffy pad disease.
Dear Doctor – Finding the culprit in a multi-cat home
Q Recently, one of our two cats has started to urinate around the house. Both are spayed seven-year-old females, who have always been very well-behaved and loveable pets. I know that the first course of action is to have a veterinary examination to rule out the possibility of illness before creating a plan of action. But here is the problem: How can we determine the culprit?
Effects of Cosequin on Cats
In the July 2016 of Catnip, there was an article on the value of joint supplements, highlighting the fact that there has not been any research focusing on the value of glucosamine and chondroitin in cats. While I have not seen any research papers either, I have had positive personal experience with these supplements with multiple cats.
Why Do Cats Drool When They Purr?
Over the years, our family has lived with a number of cats. Each was certainly unique in his or her own way, but quite a few of them shared the same trait: They drooled sometimes while you were petting them. To clarify, it often appears like drool, but sometimes its a single droplet that seems to come from their noses. Its obviously not a health concern, but just an interesting behavioral thing that I would like to understand better.
Dear Doctor – A mysterious lump on the chin
Q My 17-year-old cat developed a lump in the underside of her neck in the past year, and it concerns me. About four years ago, she was diagnosed with an overactive thyroid, and I was instructed to give her 5 mg of methimazole twice a day.
Dear Doctor – Pet loss and kids
Q My husband and I have lived with our cat, Sebastian, for the entire 18 years of our marriage. Unfortunately, Sebastian is starting to show distinct signs of his advancing age (kidney disease, for one thing), and we know its only a matter of time that our family will need to say goodbye to our beloved pet.
Dear Doctor – Bloodwork for Cats
Bloodwork: How often is best? Q I have an eight-year-old cat who I rescued from a shelter as a kitten. I take Desmond to our local veterinarian once yearly for a health examination. During our last visit, the veterinarian recommended that we run bloodwork every year. Is this really necessary for my cat, who is overall healthy? If so, can you explain the advantages of looking at bloodwork every year? Edwina L. Stockgate …
Dear Doctor – Socialization for shelter adoptees in cats
Q For years, I adopted kitten siblings who required little to no socialization to adjust to living in my home. However, the last four cats Ive adopted from shelters took a long time to feel comfortable enough to come out of hiding from under my bed or behind my sofa. I am happy to report that they are all now well adjusted and contented. …
Dear Doctor – Concerned about seizures
Q Our 19-year-old cat Nellie had a very frightening seizure this morning. She was flipping out — she ended up lying on the...
