Thursday 27 February 2014

About Cats: Happy Birthday, J-Boys

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Okay, you have to be a dedicated reader to even care about cats' birthdays. But rarely can anyone fail to respond to a photo of cute kittens. So you have the option to just admire the photo and go on to the next topic.  But, for what it's worth, the 20th was also my 16 year anniversary with About.com.

I'm still working on those reviews, and sitting on some very exciting news, which I'll disclose next week.So until then, treasure those kittens and cats, because they grow old much too soon.

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Happy Birthday, Jaspurr and Joey

The years and this month have passed so quickly, that I forgot their birthday entirely until I received two Happy Birthday cards from VPI Pet Insurance that afternoon.

Photo of Kittens Joey and Jaspurr at Three Weeks Old
photo © Franny Syufy

November 20th was my oldest cats' 12th birthday, which makes them about 64 years old in human years, according to the cats' age chart. Jaspurr and Joey are still as close as ever, although they still have little "alpha cat" tussels now and then...read more

Search Related Topics:  kitten adoption  guide cats  alpha cats. senior cats

Garden Plants Toxic to Cats

In some areas of the U.S. and elsewhere, it may be time in the next few weeks to plant flowers outdoors. Many of these flowers may be toxic to cats.

One of the least emphasized reasons for keeping cats indoors is the opportunity for culinary sampling of flowers and plants that might be toxic to them, in varying degrees. With some plants, such as hydrangeous, stomach pains, vomiting, and weakness may be the only results, but for other plants, such as some lilies, even...read more

Search Related Topics:  plants toxic to cats  keeping plants indoors 

Fatty Liver Disease in Cats

I am not a veterinary professional. Having disclosed that information, it is particularly gratifying to receive occasional emails thanking me for helpful information in the topic of feline health. Feline hepatic lipidosis, aka fatty liver disease is often the subject of these emails.

 Symptoms of fatty liver disease include inappetance, anorexia, rapid weight loss, and vomiting, symptoms that also may occur in several other diseases (listed below). Because rapid weight loss is associated with fatty liver disease, this condition...learn more

Search Related Topics:  cat health  fatty liver disease  feline hyperthyroidism

Cat Picture of the Week: Milo

Milo is the fourth and last Cat Picture of the Week for February, 2014, and it's hard to believe that we're already almost two months into 2014.

Cat Picture of the Week: Milo
photo © Guest, Bazzi4

Milo and his brother, Stormi, were just a few months old when they were adopted, and now they are two, and just as happy as they can be in their forever home. Although no more white cats...learn more



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Run Your First 5K
Even couch potatoes can be ready for a 5K with just a couple months of training. Read more...>



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This newsletter is written by:
Franny Syufy
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Must Reads
11 Wildlife Dangers to Cats
Is Your Cat in Heat?
Top 10 Mistakes of Cat Owners
Cat Behavior 101
Cat Years
 
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Thursday 20 February 2014

About Cats: Is Your Cat Always Thirsty?

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Several new features in store for our readers. Today a new article on cat health and behavior. Also to come in the near future:

  • Upcoming reviews of two new books about cats
  • A review of a cat toy/bed companion and comforter for sick or frightened cats
  • Check my blog tomorrow for a poll about important Congressional legislation affecting pet medication

 Remember to love on a cat or two until we meet again next week

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Why Does My Cat Drink So Much Water?

When I noticed Gaither's increasing fascination with water, I started wondering if excess water consumption could indicate physical illness. My research resulted in this new article, Why Does my Cat Drink So Much Water?

Photo of Kitten Gaither Drinking From Sink
Photo © Franny Syufy

Because of Gaither's ongoing medical problems, I was curious if any of those might contribute to his seemingly unusual thirst for water. His diet has been almost 100% canned foods, which should satisfly his need for fluids. Learn more about some cats' excessive drinking

 


Who Put the Nip in Catnip?

That most cats go crazy over catnip is no secret.

All six of our cats and kittens, from Jaspurr to little Gaither, find their "kitten within" when presented with a new catnip toy or a recycled sock filled with catnip.It's sort of like the old "chicken and egg" conundrum. Did catnip get its name because cats are so nuts over it, or did they fall ... Read more

 

Search Related Topics:  catnip  polls  catnip toys

World Spay Day 2014

As most responsible cat lovers know, February is Spay and Neuter Month and Tuesday, February 25th is World Spay Day 2014. In recent years, the HSUS has taken up the cause, started years ago by the Doris Day Animal League, and formerly called "Spay Day USA." This year marks the 20th anniversary of this event.

You'll find dozens of resources...Learn more

 

Search Related Topics:  spay and neuter  tnr groups  cat rescue organizations

How to Tell a Cat is Pregnant

It's mid-February and kitten season is already beginning. If you have an unspayed cat and she has been around a tom cat, she could already be pregnant. Here are the signs of pregnancy in a cat.

Photo of Tan Pregnant Cat
photo © iStock Photo-Xiebiyun

There are seven different signs that a cat is likely to be pregnant, and three different ways your veterinarian can confirm her condition. Read the rest of this article for the specific details.



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More from About.com

Run Your First 5K
Even couch potatoes can be ready for a 5K with just a couple months of training. Read more...>



Help! I'm Too Busy
Time and stress management tips to help you feel as though you have more time. Read more...>




This newsletter is written by:
Franny Syufy
Email Me | My Blog | My Forum
 
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You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the About.com Cats newsletter. If you wish to change your email address or unsubscribe, please click here.

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Contact Information:
1500 Broadway, 6th Floor
New York, NY, 10036

© 2014 About.com
 


Must Reads
Know When to Call Your Vet
Is Your Cat in Heat?
Top 10 Mistakes of Cat Owners
Cat Behavior 101
Cat Years
 
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Thursday 13 February 2014

About Cats: Why Do Cats Fart?

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Health & Behavior

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Cat farting may seem like a joke, but it can be symptomatic for an intestinal disease. We are faced with medicating six cats now in the hopes we can divert further illness.We do this because we are responsible for their lives, and because we love them dearly.

And segueing to the topic of love for our cats, show yours with a Cat Valentine   

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Valentine Cat Madam

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Why Do Cats Fart?

When I was a kid I'd have been called "potty mouth" if I'd discussed farting in front of company. But today I know that farting cats can be a serious topic involving cat health.

Photo of kittens Gaither and Sage
photo © Franny Syufy

Our recently adopted kitten Gaither had been passing gas for sometime, and more recently had smelly diarrhea. I was able to scoop up a sample of his poop and take it to my veterinary clinic for analysis.. Learn more the results of the test, along with more information about diseases in which cat farts might be a symptom.

Search Related Topics:  cat farts  bowel disorders in cats  cat health

Long to Adopt a Cat, But Are Allergic?
Yes, there is hope that you can adopt a cat, despite your allergies. However, rather than immediately immersing yourself into cats, this process will be slow and gradual, more like dipping your toe into the water first. You can liken it to the same procedure we use for introducing new cats to a family of existing cats. It is no longer considered "cool" to just toss them in and let the dust settle. For entirely different reasons involving your health, you must take on this challenge slowly. ... Read more
Search Related Topics:  cats and allergies  cat dander  introducing new cats

Flehman Response

Most readers are likely familiar with what I often call the "James Cagney" look, when cats curl their upper lip while sniffing out something interesting or new. Actually, there's a name for that facial expression, called the "Flehman Response," or "Flehman ," and it's associated with the Jacobson's Organ, located in the back of cats' mouths.

Amy Shojai, former Contributing Writer on cat behavior pointed out in her article, "Flehman," means "lip curl" in German, which describes it purrfectly. Learn more about this clever way cats can scope out pheromones.

Search Related Topics:  flehman response  neutered cats  cats' sense of smell

Cat With Personality Disorder?

A reader writes: I need help! I have a white cat he 9 years old he had a personality disorder mostly at men. He was doing very good for a very long time, he just snapped the other day. Now he is acting up again he been hissing, growling, and biting at my husband. Yet what is so weird he will do it then he will stop and act normal and is just fine, and my husband can go pick him up and he is ok, then 2 hours later he is hissing and acting up again and nothing has changed around him. HE is like a a light switch, it goes on then it will go off...read more



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Cat Picture of the Week: Sebastian
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More from About.com

Run Your First 5K
Even couch potatoes can be ready for a 5K with just a couple months of training. Read more...>



Help! I'm Too Busy
Time and stress management tips to help you feel as though you have more time. Read more...>




This newsletter is written by:
Franny Syufy
Email Me | My Blog | My Forum
 
Sign up for more free newsletters on your favorite topics
You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the About.com Cats newsletter. If you wish to change your email address or unsubscribe, please click here.

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Contact Information:
1500 Broadway, 6th Floor
New York, NY, 10036

© 2014 About.com
 


February Important Events
Valentines Day (Tomorrow!)
Spay and Neuter Month
Pets Dental Health Month
 
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