Kitty's First Christmas

 

If you follow this space, you already know that for many families, 2020 was the year of the pet. Puppies and kittens were added to homes in record numbers. And now that the holidays are upon us, these youngsters will be entering the challenging phase of adolescence. Like human teenagers, adolescent puppies and kittens can be defiant and prone to mischief. When combined with standard holiday decorations, these traits can lead to veterinary emergencies, especially for kittens and cats. 

Young cats are often drawn to indoor plants. The holiday versions of such greenery, particularly poinsettias, amaryllis, holly, and lilies can be toxic to cats when ingested. Additionally some of the seasonal essential oils we use to scent our homes in December cannot be processed by the feline liver, and can lead to severe illness and death. Finally, tinsel is irresistible to most young cats, and if swallowed can cause a linear intestinal foreign body. This life-threatening condition requires risky emergency surgery. It has always been my recommendation that cat parents avoid these products when decorating for the holidays. 

Somebody's on the naughty list!

                                                                                      

Should I Declaw My Cat?

By Dr. Ian Kupkee

Earlier this year, New York became the first state to ban the declawing of cats. This came as a surprise to many pet parents who remember a time when the procedure was fairly routine. In recent years, however, veterinarians have begun to question declawing, and many clinics, including mine, no longer declaw cats.

During the declaw procedure, the last bone of each toe is removed. This alters the cat's natural footfall, which can result in both orthopedic and soft tissue pain. More and more practitioners have begun to suspect such pain may contribute to common problems such as lameness, obesity, litter box aversion and aggression.  If you are considering declawing your cat or kitten, ask your veterinarian about alternatives. Since Florida may follow New York's lead in 2020, the time to do your research is now.

Meet Binx, Our November Pet Of The Month!

World, meet Binx, our November pet of the month.

Binx was abandoned on Halloween - arguably the worst day for a black kitten to be wandering the streets. While Halloween can be fun for people, black cats are often targeted for cruel Halloween pranks.

After being scooped up by Dr. Kupkee, fully vetted, and given a clean bill of health, Binx was introduced to our new neighbors at Pizza Project. The result was an instant love connection. Today, Binx is snuggling with his new family in his forever home.

Congratulations Binx, and share with all your friends - you're our Pet Of The Month!

Meet Emma, Our September Pet Of The Month

This September, our Pet of the Month is Emma!  Emma is a 16-month-old Persian princess who loves being cuddled and looking fabulous. While this upscale cutie has no interest in looking for trouble, her mom has her covered with Trupanion Pet Insurance just in case trouble finds her. And since September is Pet Health Insurance Month, there's no better time to reflect on the peace of mind that the price of a modest premium can provide.

Congratulations Emma, and share with all your friends - you're our Pet Of The Month!

"Don't hate me 'cuz I'm beautiful!"

Medical Problems of Indoor Cats

One of the most common sources of angst for veterinary professionals is the plight of the underserved cat. Unlike their canine counterparts, many pet cats never venture outdoors. While this is one of the healthiest and most environmentally responsible choices cat owners can make, the result is often a false sense of owner security.  It is often assumed that cats who never go outside never get sick, and therefore never need to go to the vet. Complicating matters further is the natural feline instinct to hide the clinical signs of illness for as long as possible.

The most common diseases seen in indoor cats include diabetes, renal failure, hyperthyroidism, dental disease, heart problems, and urinary tract disease. When caught early, all of these conditions are easily managed. Some can be reversed entirely, and others stopped in their tracks simply by changing your cat’s diet or adding a supplement. In advanced stages, however, these conditions become difficult and expensive to treat.  Additionally, the cat’s prognosis may be far more uncertain. If your cat lives exclusively indoors and has not had a checkup in over a year, call your veterinarian and schedule a visit as soon as possible.  An annual exam can easily add years to the life of your feline companion.

Indoor cats need checkups too!

Meet Oscar, Our April Pet Of The Month

World, meet Oscar, our April Pet Of The Month!

Earlier this year, this sweet boy accidentally escaped from his house. For five weeks, his frantic mom searched the neighborhood and posted his picture on social media. Despite the Negative Nellies who advised her to give up, she persevered and never stopped hoping.

Five weeks later, Oscar returned home, a tad dehydrated but none the worse for wear. While he undoubtedly had quite the adventure, something about this look suggests he wouldn't tell his secrets if he could!

Congratulations Oscar, and share with all your friends - you're our Pet Of The Month!

"Guess where I've been? Nope. Not telling!"

Meet Boris, Our October Pet Of The Month

World, meet Boris, our October Pet Of The Month!

Boris is an eight-year-old-tabby who genuinely enjoys coming to see us. No, really! We think his signature collection of bow-ties gives him the self-confidence of a boss. They certainly make him that much more adorable.

Congratulations, Boris, and share with all your friends - not only are you one dapper dude, you're our Pet Of The Month!

Boris is one fabulous feline!

Fighting Felines: Why Can't We All Just Get Along?

One of the most common problems cat owners face is that of cats who share the same space, but can’t seem to get along. When a new cat is brought into a home with an established, resident cat, the transition does not always go smoothly. New cats should always be introduced gradually. Start by limiting the newcomer’s range to certain rooms in your home. The established cat will know there is a new cat in the house, but neither will have to be in the other’s space at first. Let the established cat smell anything with which the new cat has had contact, and leave the item in a communal area. This will let the established cat know that eventually, this will be a shared space. Face to face meetings should be brief at first, and must always end on a good note. Reward both cats for their good behavior with treats, play activities, and praise.

If one of the cats is bullying the other, you may need to seek help from a trainer or behaviorist. Many Certified Professional Dog Trainers are also great with cats, so don’t give up if a Google search for cat behaviorists is fruitless. As a short term solution, make sure the cat who is being bullied has access to a high shelf, cat tree, or kitty condo. Height provides cats with feelings of both confidence and safety, and a cat who is not feeling stressed is less likely to develop health and behavioral problems. Additionally, the bully cat should wear a collar with a bell attached. The sound of the bell will alert the other cat to the movements of the bully. This prevents the target from being ambushed or stalked, and gives him plenty of time to escape to higher ground. Make sure the collar is labelled for cats, and will safely break apart if it gets caught. This trick alone tends to even the field, and should help keep the peace until a the behaviorist arrives.

Meet Lucy, Our February Pet Of The Month!

World, meet Lucy, an eight-year-old sweetheart who's the object of her family's affection. When she's not wrapping her people around her proverbial little finger, Lucy enjoys sunshine, luxurious baths, and of course, posing for fabulous photos.

Congratulations, Lucy, and share with all your friends - you're our Pet Of The Month!

This gal *knows* she's a star!