Thursday 16 March 2017

Feline Diabetes


Early detection of feline diabetes can save your cat's life.

SYMPTOMS for feline diabetes can vary considerably because many of the symptoms of are characteristic of other illnesses and diseases. Some of the more common symptoms of feline diabetes include the following:

  • an increase in thirst is one of the earliest and most noticeable symptoms. Ordinarily, cats whose diet consists primarily of wet canned food may not drink a lot of water due to the high water content of their food. So you may notice that the level in your cat's water bowl is dropping faster than usual.
  • frequent urination
  • weight loss
  • loss of appetite
  • dull coat
  • walking on hocks (joint of the rear leg) instead of paws
  • cataracts forming on eyes

If your cat is exhibiting any of these symptoms take it to a veterinarian. Diagnosis of cat diabetes is not necessarily straightforward, since stress and other illnesses can cause temporary imbalances in your cat's blood glucose levels. A thorough physical exam as well as an array of blood and urine tests are needed to obtain a proper diagnosis.

What is the Treatment for Cat Diabetes?

With early detection, your cat may continue to live a normal and otherwise healthy life. Regular exams should be scheduled to ensure the continued good health of your cat, and in all likelihood, your cat will need injections of insulin twice a day. This is a simple procedure that your vet can train you how to do. Once the diabetes is under control, you may be able to reduce the amount of insulin. In the meantime, the best routine to develop is to give the injection to your cat every morning and evening right after its meal.

Special Diet

There are cat food formulations that have been optimized for diabetic cats. If your vet recommends this as an approach to controlling your cat's diabetes, you may need to keep your cat indoors to control its diet.

Untreated Diabetes

Feline diabetes that remains undetected or untreated can have drastic consequences. Typically, the cat becomes less and less active and falls into a coma. So iff your cat is manifesting any of the symptoms described here,  get it checked by your vet as quickly as possible. Doing so can save your cat's life.


Take a look at the book below - written by Toffee, the sassiest cat in the world!


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Thursday 20 October 2016

How To Help A Stray Cat


 I HAVE a frequent visitor to my garden - a friendly little cat who will sometimes stay all day. If I leave the back door open, he strolls in and eats my cat Toffee's food. Toffee is not too pleased with this interloper when he's in the house but tolerates him if he's in the garden.

I was worried he might be a stray but before taking him to the vet to see if he was chipped, I put his picture on my personal Facebook page. Lo and behold, someone who lives a street away contacted me to say it was his daughter's cat Jasper who "likes to wander". So I no longer allow him in the house as he is so obviously well cared for elsewhere.

But it got me thinking about what to do if he had been a stray or feral cat.  First off, here's a video for those who want to keep the neighbourhood cats warm at night. Below there is advice from the RSPCA about stray cats.





Here's some advice from the RSPCA if you are visited by a stray cat.  If you have concerns about a sick or injured stray cat you can report it to an animal welfare organisation (like the RSPCA in the UK or ASPCA in the US). .

How To Help A Stray Cat

1. Is it a stray or a feral cat? 

If the cat is not friendly and approachable, it may be a feral. These cats are able to look after themselves. So long as a feral cat is healthy, they will live happily outside. We support the trapping and neutering of feral cats where local charities have the capacity to do so.

If the cat is approachable and friendly it may be a stray cat that belongs to someone.



2. Finding the owner of a stray

If a stray cat is not feral the best thing to do is try and find its owner: To find out if the cat has an owner follow these steps: 

  1. Cats roam over a wide area, so ask around to see if anyone knows who it belongs to.
  2. If you can safely transport the cat to a vet, you could have it scanned for a microchip.
  3. If this isn’t possible but you can get close enough to put a collar on it, then download our Paper cat collars [PDF 36.5KB]. Take precautions when approaching the cat and fixing the collar. 
  4. You can also download and print a Found poster [PDF 10.7KB] and Lost and found contact list [PDF 20KB].
  5. We also recommend you visit Pets Located, an online resource that reunites owners with their pets.
Take a look at the book below - written by Toffee, the sassiest cat in the world!




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Wednesday 5 October 2016

Let Cats Choose Your Hogwarts House

 If you're a cat fan AND a Harry Potter fan, here's the perfect quiz for you:

These Cats Know What Hogwarts House You Should Be In

I got Gryffindor, which is Harry Potter's house.




 


Take a look at the book below - written by Toffee, the sassiest cat in the world!




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Tuesday 4 October 2016

Cat Tweets


'I'm not going anywhere.'


 My friend Liz sent me this link. It's hilarious and will make all cat owners 'LOL'!

Tweets About Cats Owning Humans That Will Make You LOL

They are all hilarious - and very true. Number 10 struck a chord. I once got up in the morning to find THREE cats sleeping in various spots around my sitting-room. I only own ONE! Perils of having a cat flap.


Take a look at the book below - written by Toffee, the sassiest cat in the world!



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Thursday 15 September 2016

Does Your Cat Have A Healthy Diet?




Post by guest contributor Dr Matthew Homfray


THEY say we are what we eat. This applies to your pet as much as it applies to yourself. A good diet means less health problems, less trips to the vet and lower veterinary bills. But how much thought have you given to what your cat should be eating to maintain optimum health? Ask yourself the following questions.

How many times a day do you feed your cat?

Since cats cannot be exercised like dogs can, the only way you can influence your cat's weight is by controlling the amount and type of food he or she eats. If the cat is being fed individual meals several times daily, there is often a tendency by the owner to offer the daily supply of food on several occasions rather than divide up the daily feed into several meals. This can also occur with cats fed dry food ad lib. Cats usually regulate their food intake, but continual exposure to large quantities of food may lead to over-eating and subsequent obesity if too many calories are consumed. In short, both several individual meals a day and ad lib feeding are fine, it is the total amount offered per 24 hour period which is the important figure.

Kittens should be fed small meals at regular intervals due to their tiny stomachs. Four or five meals are recommended at eight weeks of age, decreasing to two at six months of age.

Is your cats diet manufactured specifically for cats or do you give human food?

Some cat owners like to spoil their cat by feeding them human food as the bulk of their diet. Others have tried feeding their cat regular catfood, but find their fussy cat will not touch it, and prefers to wait for the inevitable human food offering, which soon becomes the staple diet.

Is it really unhealthy to feed cats human food though? Of course it depends what food. Remember that cats are carnivores, and require a high proportion of meat in their diet. They simply cannot adapt to a low protein diet, and will lose bodyweight if deprived of it. In fact, as a species they are relatively unique... a deficiency of the amino acid, arginine, in a single meal can lead to symptoms of lethargy, hypersalivation and vocalisation. Arginine is required by the cat to produce urea, a waste product resulting from the breakdown of protein.

Another essential nutrient for the cat is the amino acid, taurine, which the cat cannot manufacture sufficiently by itself to meet its needs. The cat's diet must therefore contain taurine in sufficient quantities. If a deficiency develops there is a high risk of serious and irreversible damage to major organs such as the heart and the eye. Taurine is found almost entirely in meat, confirming the fact that the cat is a compulsory carnivore.

Another disease of nutritional origin is that caused by cats eating raw liver regularly, who can suffer from a condition called hypervitaminosis A. Cats suffering from this can present with signs of lethargy, unthriftiness, a stiff neck and other skeletal problems. To play it safe, do not feed your cat liver more than once a week.

Reputable cat foods are formulated after extensive trials by pet food companies to provide the mixture of protein, carbohydrate and fat that suits feline physiology best. It is easier, cheaper and possibly more healthy for your cat to be fed a reputable cat food diet, with occasional treats if desired (tuna, liver etc).

Which is better out of dry cat food or wet cat food?

Most vets recommend complete dry biscuit based cat food. This is because studies have shown that cats on dry food diets are less likely to suffer from dental disease than those on wet food from a tin or pouch. The physical motion of biting these biscuits helps prevent tartar from adhering to the surface of the tooth. However, even cats with no teeth can eat biscuit based food without a problem, as they just scoop up the biscuits with their tongue and swallow them whole. Another advantage of dry food is that it does not spoil as quickly which is useful for cats that are fed ad lib.

There are occasionally reasons why a wet food is preferable, as a method to increase the water consumption in a cat with a urinary problem such as cystitis.

Which is the best cat food to choose?

There are so many different brands of cat food on the market, the best one is basically a matter of opinion. Certainly palatability is a factor, there is no point in purchasing a particular food if your cat cannot stand it, although this is occasionally a necessity in cats requiring prescription diets. Rather than recommending you a specific brand, we suggest that you choose one which adheres to the criteria below.

Cat foods labeled as complete and balanced must meet standards established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), either by meeting a nutrient profile or by passing a feeding trial. There are now two separate nutrient profiles for cats - one for growth (kittens) and one for maintenance (adults). Maximum levels of intake of some nutrients have been established for the first time because of the concern that overnutrition, rather than undernutrition, is a bigger problem with many pet foods today. The standards include recommendations on protein, fat, fat soluble vitamins, water soluble vitamins, and mineral content of foods. If you are prepared to get technical, you should choose a food that comes closest to AAFCO recommendations.

In summary, consider the following points:

Choose a food that suits your cats age. Most big pet food companies will have different foods for kittens vs adults. Cats with medical conditions may be recommended special prescription diets.

Choose a food that come closest to AAFCO recommendations.

The ingredients contains the truth about a particular food. Everything else is there only for marketing purposes.

There are no legal and scientific definitions for the terms "premium," "super premium," "quality," or "natural."

Use dry matter numbers to evaluate and compare foods.

The source of ingredients (e.g. animal vs vegetable) does not matter, except in the case of food allergies.

Avoid supplementation. All commercial cat foods have more than enough protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals. Feeding your cat a good food incorrectly can lead to significant problems.

My cat is overweight, but no matter how hard I try I cannot get him to lose weight. What can I do?

Your cat is almost certainly being fed too much. Below some common mistakes are listed. Have a good look at these and make sure none of them could apply to your cat.

Not following the guidelines on the packet when measuring a portion. Most cat foods will have a table on the packaging suggesting daily portions for cats of different weights. The weight of food suggested is per 24 hrs, not per portion! Use your kitchen weighing scales to measure out the portion until you are sure of the correct amount.

Using a complete dry diet as a replacement for regular biscuits, and mixing it with wet cat food. If it says complete, you should not mix it with anything or you will overfeed.

Offering inappropriate food that is high in fat, or cream/full fat milk to drink.

Several members of the household feeding the cat at different times, whenever the cat is meows for food.

Giving the cat regular treats in addition to its main meal.

The cat is getting fed by neighbors, who think they are being kind by feeding it and enjoy the attention it gives them.

The cat is scavenging food from outside sources, such as other peoples bins.

The cat is part of a multi-cat household and is stealing food from the other cat(s), or even the dog.
Keep an open mind. If there is a possibility that any of the above scenarios might be the case with your cat, investigate it. If you are still at a loss, consider starting a prescription diet (see below).

I have heard you can get special light diets, or prescription diets for fat cats. Do they really work?

Yes they do, if used properly. These types of cat food are available in complete wet (tinned or pouches) form or dry (biscuit) form, and are growing in popularity amongst conscientious pet owners. They are low in calories and high in fibre, and often contain high levels of L-carnitine. L-carnitine has been used to help with fat metabolism in other species and recent scientific work indicates that it helps reduce weight in overweight dogs and cats. The real benefit of these low calorie diets though is that because of its low calories, cats can still eat reasonable sized portions and therefore feel full. This means they are more content and less likely to beg and look for extra food.
These diets are perfectly healthy for normal sized cats to eat too, so if you have a multi cat household and it is unfeasible to separate the cats during feeding time, you can safely feed all of the cats the prescription diet together.

Where can I buy this low calorie food from?

Many of the big pet food companies are waking up to the problem of pet obesity, and adding light versions to their range. However, they are unlikely to be as effective as the traditional prescription diets that are on the market.

They are known as prescription diets, because they are a specialist food normally prescribed by a veterinarian. However, you do not need a prescription to buy the food as it is a general sales list product. These foods are rarely available in supermarkets as many supermarkets are keen to sell their own brand, or have deals with the big pet food manufacturers. Many owners but their prescription diet from their veterinary clinic for convenience, whilst others prefer to shop around to get the best price. Many online pharmacies and pet stores are now offering these prescription foods, but whilst they may appear cheaper online, watch out for delivery charges added on top.

Author: Dr Matthew Homfray


Take a look at the book below - written by Toffee, the sassiest cat in the world!


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Wednesday 31 August 2016

Cat Leads Hiker To Safety




HERE'S a lovely story about a cat who led a hiker to safety. The Reddit user, known only as sc4s2cg, was hiking the Bernese Oberland in Switzerland when he sprained his ankle. He couldn't find his way back to his hostel in the village of Gimmelwald because the trail had been closed.

As he rested, a black and white cat came up to him. The hiker said: "The cat, who was just wandering around, found me while I was resting from a hike. Then he was walking and kept looking at me to follow and led me straight to the path that would take me back down to the valley.”

Above is a video the man filmed of the incident and uploaded to YouTube. After seeing the video other people said they had also met the cat.

There is no suggestion that the hiker was ever in danger but he seemed very pleased to have the cat as his guide!


Take a look at the book below - written by Toffee, the sassiest cat in the world!



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Tuesday 30 August 2016

Cats Waking Owners




Love this! I think all cat lovers know these scenarios very well - and have the scratches to prove it.


Take a look at the book below - written by Toffee, the sassiest cat in the world!



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Monday 22 August 2016

Purrfect Lives


IT looks like pet cats and dogs across Britain are living blissful lives. It has been discovered that over 50% of them end up sharing their owners' comfortable beds.

The fact has been revealed via a research which was undertaken by Gala Bingo, which showed that another 49% of pet owners would much rather sit on the floor themselves than force their pets off the sofa or bed.

In addition, a further nine-tenths of pet parents would prefer to save their cats or dogs in the face of a tragedy before they turn to any material possessions.

"I've been a vet for 14 years and am still amazed at some of the things people do for their pets as we really are a nation absolutely dedicated to them," said Joe Inglis, who works in conjunction with Gala Bingo.

Some people, it has been seen, tend to take the whole thing a bit too far. 12% of pet owners actually said that they like to dress up their pets in human-style clothes. Now that's a step too far!


Take a look at the book below - written by Toffee, the sassiest cat in the world!



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    Tuesday 14 June 2016

    Dangerous Plants For Cats

    Tiger Lily: beautiful but poisonous to cats


    THERE are many common household plants, both indoor and outdoor, that are poisonous to cats. Several of these plants can cause your beloved cat to become quite ill, including vomiting, diarrhea, and convulsions.

    In some cases, these plants can cause your pet to have complete respiratory failure, kidney failure, or other fatal illness. For this reason, it is important to assist your cat immediately if it eats a toxic plant.


    Perhaps the most toxic and common form of plant that can be fatal to your cat are lilies. Pretty much every form of lily can cause death to your pet. This includes the Tiger lily, the Easter lily, the Japanese show lily, the Rubrum lily and the Day lily. If your cat ingests any part of one of these plants, even a small amount, it will result in complete kidney failure in about 36 to 72 hours.


    After ingesting a lily, your cat will begin to show symptoms within a few hours. Symptoms include a lack of appetite, lethargy, and vomiting. As the damage to the kidneys worsens, the symptoms will become worse. If your cat has ingested any part of a lily plant, it will need prompt attention from a veterinarian in order to prevent kidney failure.


    Although Lily-of-the-valley has “lily” in its name, it is not the same as the lilies already discussed. Nonetheless, this small, sweet smelling flower is also toxic to your feline friend. If your cat eats any part of the Lily of the valley, it can eventually die from cardiac dysrhythmias. After eating a portion of a Lily of the valley, your cat might start to vomit and diarrhea.


    It also may show signs of confusion and weakness and even collapse prior to death. If you are certain your pet has eaten a part of a Lily of the valley, you should induce vomiting (as discussed later) and administer activated charcoal, which will help soak up the toxins and prevent them from getting further into your pet's bloodstream. You should then take your pet to see a vet to ensure its safety.


    Foxglove, also known commonly by its Latin name Digitalis, is also potentially fatal to a cat if eaten. Not only is the entire foxglove plant toxic, so is the water from the vase if the plant is cut and brought indoors.If your cat ingests foxglove, it may begin to vomit and salivate excessively. Its pulse may become slow and strong early after ingestion, then later become rapid and weak.


    Ingestion of foxglove causes cardiac disturbance that can lead to hypotension, collapse, and shock, which can ultimately lead to death. (More on how to treat shock in your cat will be discussed later).


    The pupils of your cat may become dilated after eating foxglove and you cat may become delirious before slipping into a coma. While some of the symptoms of foxglove poisoning can be treated at home, your pet still needs to be taken to the vet to flush the foxglove out of its system and to help regulate its heart.


    All parts of the monkshood plant, including the water in its vase, are toxic. Contents of the monkshood plant cause disruption in the nerve impulses when ingested in low doses. When ingested in large doses, it completely inhibits these nerves.


    Monkshood also causes irritation to the mucus membranes when ingested, which can lead to vomiting and excessive salivation. Some animals appear to go blind after eating monkshood, which is followed by cardiac dysrhythmias and death. Your cat needs to visit the vet right away in order to recover from monkshood poisoning.


    The entire anemone plant is toxic. It is irritating to the mucous membranes and often causes blisters to form after it is chewed. If it is ingested entirely, hemorrhagic gastroenteritis can occur, which can lead to shock, convulsions, and death.If your pet ingests anemone, administer activated charcoal and see the vet immediately.


    Help For Your Cat:
    Inducing VomitingInducing vomiting is generally appropriate after your cat ingests any toxic plant. To do this, mix 1 teaspoon of Hydrogen Peroxide with one cup of water and administer it to your cat. Or you can mix 1-2 tablespoons of salt with one cup of water or administer ½ mil of Syrup of Ipecac per pound of your cat. Of course, the vet should still be contacted immediately.


    What to Do For Shock:
    If a cat is in shock, its heartbeat might be escalated. Or, it might have an irregular pulse or a very little pulse. In addition, its tongue might appear to be curled and its gums might be pale and have very little color. When a cat experiences shock its body temperature is often below normal.A cat that is in shock needs to be seen immediately by a vet so it can have medication and intravenous fluids administered. While driving to the vet, it is best to have someone hold the cat and try to sooth it along the way. The cat should be kept warm, as loss of heat only increases the severity of the shock.
    Cat article courtesy of www.i-love-cats.com/


    Take a look at the book below - written by Toffee, the sassiest cat in the world!



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    Wednesday 11 May 2016

    Cat Exercise




    Here's a video of cats exercising. Made me laugh!

    I AM very lucky because I live in a quiet village in a house with a  garden so I have a cat flap for Miss Toffee to come and go as she pleases.  But I know there are many cat owners who keep their pets indoors because it's just not safe for them to go out.

    The consequence is that more and more cats are getting overweight. A recent study showed that in the UK, around one in four cats were too heavy. This can create health problems including heart disease and diabetes. But there is a lot owners can do to keep their cats in tip-top condition.

    Take time to play with your cat. You can buy cat toys, of course, but you don't have to spend any money if  you don't want to. Toffee can spend ages batting a scrunched up piece of paper around the house.

    You can tie objects to string and get your cat to chase them. Warning: make sure you don't leave pieces of string lying about for them to swallow.




    They love to climb so put a treat on something high to so that they have to scramble up to get it (only a 'little' treat, otherwise it defeats the object of losing weight!).



    Cardboard boxes, balls, stones or marbles in secure containers to make a noise are all ideal for a cat to play with.

    There are some ideas here for homemade toys and here is a homemade cat tree.


    Take a look at the book below - written by Toffee, the sassiest cat in the world!



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