Keeping Cats from Reproducing Without Having to Spay Them
There are an estimated 600 million cats in the world, and almost 500 million of them are free-roaming. Up to 100 million homeless cats live in the U.S. alone. They often survive in suboptimal conditions while they prey on vulnerable wildlife. And they frequently enough get euthanized at overcrowded shelters even though there is absolutely nothing wrong with them. The answer is sterilization to prevent more unwanted cats from coming into the world, and dedicated cat lovers work hard in trap-neuter-release programs where they capture cats, take them to a willing veterinary facility to have them spayed or neutered, and then return them to their feral lives.
A New Drug to Treat Itchy Feline Skin Condition
A cat allergy, whether to something in the environment, something in the diet, or insects such as fleas, often plays out on the skin....
Veterinarians Can Now Become Board-Certified in Shelter Medicine
As of this year, a veterinary specialty in shelter medicine is fully recognized by the American Veterinary Medical Association. A veterinarian who is board-certified...
Cataract, Or Just Lenticular Sclerosis?
One or both of your cat’s eyes has become bluish-gray in color and looks opaque. Is she suffering vision loss because of a cataract?...
The One Disease Pet Health Insurance May Not Cover
Ironically, probably the most common disease to affect cats is the one not necessarily covered by pet health insurance. We’re talking about dental disease....
Yes, But Why Are the Kidneys Enlarged?
The veterinarian palpates (feels) your cat’s abdomen during a clinical exam and finds that one or both of her kidneys are bigger than they’re...
How Often Does Your Cat Really Need Blood Work?
There is no dispute about how often a cat should have a physical exam. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the American Animal Hospital...
Regurgitation versus vomiting
Q: When a cat regurgitates, is that the same thing as vomiting? I often see the two terms used interchangeably.
Patsy Van der Meer
Huntsville, Alabama
Dear Ms....
Caregiver Burden for People with Sick Cats
The term “caregiver burden” is often applied to people taking care of human loved ones who are very sick and possibly dying. Such caretakers...
Why Cats Stick Out Their Tongues
Some cats sit around sticking out their tongue from time to time. It’s nothing to be concerned about. A slightly protruding tongue is just...
No Cure for Heartworm Disease in Cats
Dogs are a natural host for heartworms. A single dog may harbor hundreds of them, which can cause lasting damage to the heart, lungs,...
Over-the-Counter Antimicrobials Now Available By Prescription Only
Certain antimicrobial medicines used in cats and other animals have been available over the counter. That ends now. As of June 11th, all antimicrobial...
