• I have an older cat that has been vomiting. His bloodwork came back normal. What could be the problem?
• My cat is losing an excessive amount of hair. Is this normal?
• Do cat's teeth need to be cleaned?
• Can cats get heartworms?
• Do cats have special needs when it comes to veterinary care?
• Can hairballs in my cat be dangerous?
• What are Feline Leukemia and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus, and how serious are they?
• Can an indoor/outdoor cat be transformed into an indoor only cat?
• I'm going to be getting a new kitten. What are some tips on giving him a healthy head start?
  

I have an older cat that has been vomiting. His bloodwork came back normal. What could be the problem?

It is possible that he could have hyperthyroidism. A normal thyroid hormone measurement does not exclude hyperthyroidism. 20% of cats with normal thyroid hormone measurements can still have hyperthyroidism and chronic vomiting can be a symptom.

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My cat is losing an excessive amount of hair. Is this normal?

This condition is probably normal. Cats, especially cats with long hair will shed their coat. This is a completely normal process. If the hair loss results in complete baldness, a trip to the vet might be necessary.

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Do cat's teeth need to be cleaned?

Yes, cat's teeth must be cleaned also. Feline dentistry is one special area of need. Each feline dental problem is unique and requires certain procedures to control infection or tooth loss. Feline cavities (endodontic, osteoclastic resorptive lesions) are a significant problem in cats' mouths and must be handled appropriately when diagnosed.

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Can cats get heartworms?

Yes, cats are susceptible to heartworm disease, though much less frequently than dogs. There is now prevention available called Heartgard for Cats. A new, accurate screening test is available. Data is currently being accumulated to help us understand just how prevalent heartworm disease is in cats. Unfortunately, there is no treatment for feline heartworm disease, so prevention is very important

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Do cats have special needs when it comes to veterinary care?

The Blue Ravine Animal Hospital has a special interest in your feline friends. We pride ourselves in the best care and concern for the well-being of your feline companions.

Cats are not small dogs and should not be treated or handled in this way. There are many medical and behavioral situations specific to cats, and you should feel very comfortable that your veterinarian has thorough knowledge of special feline needs.

Internal medicine has distinct and important differences between dogs and cats. Dr. Sweet spends many additional hours in ongoing continuing education to stay current with all the latest techniques and medical therapies specific to feline medicine.

We also address the medical aspect of feline behavioral problems, which can be frustrating for owners and potentially life threatening for the misbehaving cat. We will work with you to help resolve the behavior situation as soon as possible.

Our feline boarding area that is separate from the canine boarding will also help alleviate any anxiety that may be experienced when cats are boarded in areas with dogs.

Did you know?

• Tylenol (acetaminophen) and Advil (ibuprofen) can be fatal to a cat.
• What humans see on a bright moon-lit night is equal to what cats see in total darkness.
• Healthy cats, unlike dogs, have starved themselves to death in the presence of food.
• Facial rubbing, scratching walls and furniture are normal marking behaviors.

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Can hairballs in my cat be dangerous?

Cats spend up to 1/3 of their waking hours cleaning and grooming themselves. While this natural instinct for cleanliness makes cats ideal house pets, it can contribute to the formation of hairballs, also known as trichobezoars or bezoars.

During grooming, tiny barbs on you cat's tongue pull loose hairs from the coat. These hairs are then swallowed. Since hair is largely indigestible, it is not dissolved by the cat's digestive system. It may then accumulate in the stomach and the intestine. The accumulated hair can interfere with normal digestion and elimination.

Hairballs can cause chronic vomiting, constipation, lethargy, and/or loss of appetite. Hairballs are very uncomfortable for your cat and can lead to more serious complications such as dehydration, weight loss, or intestinal obstruction.

Daily brushing of your cat's fur to remove loose hair is good preventive practice.

In addition to grooming, medications can be used to help eliminate hairballs and prevent their reoccurrence.

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What are Feline Leukemia and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus, and how serious are they?

Feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus are viral agents that are easily transmitted between cats. Both damage the immune system of cats and predispose their bodies to other infections. Most cat owners have heard of feline leukemia, but feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is relatively new (first identified in 1986). The virus parallels HIV infection in man - but is only contagious to other cats.

The symptoms caused by either virus are similar and may include fever, weight loss, low white blood cell count, anemia (low red blood cell count), intestinal infections, gingivitis, oral ulcers, respiratory disease, chronic sinus and skin infections and neurological signs.

These viruses are transmitted in the saliva and blood. The most common form of transmission is cat bites. However, feline leukemia has been found in the urine, eye secretions, mothers' milk and across the placenta.

There are tests to detect the viral status of your cat. There also is a vaccination to help prevent feline leukemia and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) that we highly recommend. Please talk to our veterinarian to determine if these are appropriate.

The best prevention for both viruses is to spay and neuter cats and vaccinate for feline leukemia and feline immunodeficiency. An indoor cat is at much lower risk for contracting these viruses.

Once a cat becomes feline leukemia positive, they usually succumb to some form of the disease within three years. If a cat becomes FIV positive, they may live with the virus asymptomatically for many years but remain a source of infection to other cats.

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Can an indoor/outdoor cat be transformed into an indoor only cat?

Yes, and the best time to do so is when and if you are moving. Indoor cats have been proven to live longer lives than indoor-outdoor cats. 13 years on average, compared to 3.5 years for indoor-outdoor cats.

If a cat hasn't established an outdoor territory he won't be as likely to go outside to check on it. He may show an initial dislike for being locked in but he'll eventually give in.

A cat can live a long healthy life indoors and will not be exposed to feline leukemia, automobiles, other cats and cat haters.

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I'm going to be getting a new kitten. What are some tips on giving him a healthy head start?

Your new kitten depends on you to help him or her have a healthy, happy life. Next to you, your veterinarian is your pet's best friend. By establishing a preventive health care program with your veterinarian as soon as you acquire your new pet, you can help protect your pet from contagious diseases, parasites and other health related problems.

• Get as much information from the breeder/store/previous owner as possible.
• Schedule a veterinary appointment as early as possible.
• Give your veterinarian as much information as possible about your new pet - age, where acquired, and vaccination records.
• Take a fecal sample to your veterinarian to be examined for internal parasites on your puppy/kitten's first visit.
• Your veterinarian will examine your pet's eyes, ears, mouth, nose, body and haircoat for any abnormalities as well as listen to his heart and feel the abdomen and joints.

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