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Purrfect Feline Petz
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Are You
A Concierge and Don’t Know It?
by Lucinda Plum
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I am. In fact, I’m so well trained as a
concierge, I’m considering starting my
own business. Want to know how I got
that training? I have three cats. Each
of them has different training
methodologies. First, there’s Kochka.
She’s probably the sweetest of the
bunch. When she wants something, she’s
mostly silent. If I’m in bed, she’ll
come, give me cuddles, lie down next to
me, and patiently wait for me to get up
so she can lead me to what she wants. If
I’m wandering around the house and she
wants to go play in the garage, she’ll
run over to the door and look eagerly at
me, look at the door and look back at
me. If I ignore her, she runs to me and
runs back to the door. Only if I’m a
little slow or if I continue to ignore
her, trying to get unimportant things
done, like housecleaning or cooking
dinner, will she’ll issue a sharp
reprimand – m-e-e-e-o-w – emphasis on
the “me”. Of course, coming from her
it’s always sweet anyhow just because
she is so unassuming. |
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Next, we move to Delakit. Now, Dela is a
rigorous trainer but still very, very
polite. Her methods are persistence,
combined with friendliness. If Dela
wants something, she comes up to me and
she purrs and rubs against me. Walks on
my hair if I’m lying in bed. Walks back
and forth across the pillow, purring the
whole time very, very friendly (and
loud). She cuddles and rubs. If I’m
sitting at the computer trying to get
something done, oh you know, like an
article, she gets up on my lap and purrs
and rubs, walks up on the keyboard,
blocks the screen. If I try to push her
away, put her down or whatever, she’ll
meow at me and be very put out, but
she’ll just jump right back up and start
purring again. She will (this is where
the persistence pays off) continue to do
this, and do this, and do this, without
giving up until I give her what she
wants. Moreover, if I stand up, she’ll
lead me there. With her, it’s often
food, but sometimes it’s a drink of
water or she wants to go play in the
garage. She’s also very patient. If I’m
wandering around the house and she wants
to go into the garage, she’ll sit at the
door with her back to the room and stare
at it until I finally decide to
acknowledge her and say, “Dela, would
you like to go out?” and then she’ll
look back at me and say, “Me-o-o-w-w!”,
as in “Of course! What were you
thinking?” One training trick of Dela’s
is her means of focusing my attention on
her needs. For instance, if I start to
walk down the stairs, Delakit will run
down them to get in front of me and then
cut across my pathway so that if I’m not |
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Photo
courtesy of Leesia Teh
www.LeesiaTeh.com |
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paying attention, I will trip and fall.
She does this on flat surfaces too, but
obviously, it’s the most effective on
stairs. Usually she sets it up so that
she is heading towards what it is that
she wants. She crosses in front of me
going towards the food bowl, she crosses
in front of me going towards the garage
door, you understand. |
That’s my girls, and they’re very sweet.
Then there’s the boy, Destiny. He’s the
one that’s given me the most training as
a concierge. He is the most stringent
taskmaster and he’s very persistent and
never gives up in my training. He uses
vocal commands as his main training
technique. It’s a very steady, repeating
command issued at 30-second intervals
and in a rather high vocal tone for a
male. “M-e-o-w” he wants to go play in
the garage “M-e-o-w” he wants breakfast.
. “M–e-o-w” he wants a drink of water
from the faucet. No, it can’t be just
water left in the sink bowl for him. It
has to be running. If I ignore him, his
persistent vocalizations will ensure my
insanity. His training is very
consistent throughout the day. If I am
relaxing on the couch and get up to get
something from the kitchen, he will stop
what he is doing, run up the stairs to
the bathroom, and jump on the counter.
If I miss this subtle technique and go
back to the couch, I will just have time
to settle in comfortably before the
vocal training begins. The command will
continue until I get back up and go turn
on the faucet for him. And no, he
doesn’t turn it back off when he’s done
as any other gentleman would. Moreover,
he splashes water everywhere. His
training is of the twenty-four hour
variety. If he wakes in the middle of
the night, he doesn’t hesitate to notify
me of any need he has. This extends my
concierge training to a new level.
All three of my cats are in agreement
that I haven’t picked up on their
training near as proficiently as I ought
to and I will be requiring another year
or two in their apprenticeship before I
can spread my wings and go out on my own
into my own concierge business. Being
the faithful, loving companions that
they are, they vow to dedicate their
best efforts into getting me in tiptop
shape! |
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Breed
Profile - The Wonderful Siamese
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The lovely Siamese is perhaps
the best known of all domestic
cats, and this breed has fans
all over the world. The Siamese
is known for many things,
including the fact that it is
quite a talkative breed. Those
who are owned by one or more
Siamese can never forget that
there is a cat in the house, and
this breed will make its
presence known whenever it
perceives an unmet need or
desire. The trill of the Siamese
is a unique sound, and one that
fans of the breed have come to
know and love.
The Siamese is a sleek and
slender cat, with a lithe and
muscular body and a great
athletic ability. Whether they
are chasing a mouse, or just
their favorite ball of yarn, the
playfulness sand athletic skills
of the Siamese are well known.
This athletic ability is
legendary, and these cats can
reach virtually any area of the
house, no matter how high or
seemingly inaccessible.
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The Siamese is also quite a striking
cat, with a beautiful coat and a
wonderful gaze. The breed is known as
well for its intelligence, its curious
and inquisitive nature and its
affectionate personality. It is no
wonder the Siamese is one of the most
popular of all cat breeds. |
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What
Does it Mean if My Cat Has FHV?
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FHV, or Feline
Herpes Virus, is a virus that
affects both feral and domestic
cats. Sometimes known as feline
rhinotracheitis virus, this
virus manifests in the form of
respiratory symptoms, and can be
spread among cat populations
through contact with saliva, eye
discharge or nasal discharge
from an infected cat. Of all
causes of respiratory illness in
cats worldwide, FHV is the most
common.
Although Feline Herpes Virus is
similar to other herpes viruses,
it cannot be transmitted to any
other species. Therefore, human
owners cannot contract the virus
from their cat, and should not
be afraid to handle or treat
their cat while it is
experiencing symptoms of FHV.
Unfortunately, once a cat has
contracted FHV, the cat will
have the virus for the remainder
of its life, since FHV does not
yet have a cure. Some cats,
therefore, become latent
carriers of the virus,
occasionally having symptom
flare-ups, particularly in times
of high stress. If a cat is
healthy, its own immune system
may repress the symptoms of FHV
most of the time, with only
occasional flare-ups. |
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Fortunately, the symptoms of FHV are
treatable, and use of a dietary
supplement can partly or completely
suppress the symptoms of the virus so
that your cat is not troubled by them.
FHV can cause cold-like or flu-like
symptoms such as a runny or stuffy nose,
coughing, sneezing, runny or squinting
eyes, conjunctivitis sometimes resulting
in ulcerations of the eyes, fever, poor
appetite, depression, mouth ulcerations
and even pneumonia. When a cat first
contracts FHV, it is likely to have
these symptoms to a more severe degree
that can even be dangerous, particularly
to kittens, elderly cats and pregnant
mother cats. Although a flare-up may
initially manifest in the seemingly
harmless form of a stuffy nose or runny
eyes, if these symptoms do not receive
proper treatment, more serious problems
may result, such as a respiratory
infection and breathing difficulties
resulting from excessive mucous.
Therefore, if a cat is experiencing FHV
symptoms, it’s important to consult with
a veterinarian even if the symptoms are
not severe, to make certain that they do
not develop into a more troubling
condition.
Although a cat may contract FHV from an
infected cat at any time, there are
times when a cat may be particularly
susceptible to this or other illnesses.
For instance, a kitten born to a mother
cat with FHV is more likely to contract
the virus. Additionally, cats that are
already ill, especially young or
especially old, or living in crowded
conditions among many cats are more
likely to contract the virus FHV.
Cat owners can take steps to prevent pet
cats from contracting FHV, including
keeping living conditions as clean as
possible. FHV may be spread on objects
that have come in contact with saliva or
eye or nasal discharge from an infected
cat, including carriers, food and water
dishes, and even hands and clothing of
their owners. For this reason, it is
important to change one’s clothes and
wash one’s hands after handling unknown
or stray cats before touching one’s own
cat. If one’s cats do not have FHV, the
likelihood that they will contract the
virus can be greatly decreased by
keeping the cats indoors so that they do
not come in contact with outdoor cats
that may be infected.
If a cat owner learns that a cat has
contracted FHV, a number of things can
be done to repress FHV symptoms and make
certain that the cat is not troubled by
FHV-related health problems. A
veterinarian can guide a pet owner in
selecting the most appropriate treatment
for their cat. Depending on the severity
of symptoms and the frequency of
outbreaks that a cat experiences, a cat
owner can help their cat by using
antiviral drugs prescribed by their
veterinarian, or antibacterial drugs to
treat secondary infections resulting
from FHV. For cats experiencing severe
symptoms, the eyes and nose can be kept
clear of discharge to make certain that
breathing is not difficult, and an owner
should make certain that their cat is
getting enough food and liquids. Since
FHV symptoms can inhibit a cat’s sense
of smell, they may lose their appetite,
requiring persuasion or veterinary
intervention.
One of the more common and least
intrusive forms of treatment is a
supplement called L-Lysine, which is a
supplement shown to help suppress the
symptoms of FHV and some other viruses.
Some vets prescribe L-Lysine to be given
to a cat daily even when there are no
symptoms, to help make certain that an
infected cat remains symptom-free.
L-lysine is available in a gel form that
is flavored to be desirable to cats, so
it can be added to a cat’s food or even
offered on a spoon as a treat.
Although FHV is contagious among cats
and untreated FHV symptoms can be
uncomfortable for a cat, there are many
ways that a cat owner can protect
uninfected cats from becoming infected,
and help infected cats not to be
troubled by FHV symptoms. Working with a
trusted vet can help any cat owner to
determine which options are best to keep
their cat healthy and happy for many
years to come. |
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High
Blood Pressure, the Silent Killer
- by Cynthia J. Stubbs, DVM, MS,
DACVIM
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You have always
taken your cat to the
veterinarian for yearly checkups
and vaccinations. If a
recommendation has been made,
you’ve followed it – blood work,
dental cleanings, flea
preventative, etc. Your cat is
well-cared for and well-loved.
But now, your cat is suddenly
bumping into furniture and seems
to be lost. An emergency visit
to the veterinarian reveals the
diagnosis – acute blindness due
to retinal detachment. The
cause? High blood pressure. How
could this have happened to your
well-cared for cat?
Fortunately, this scenario is
less common as blood pressure
measurements are part of a
comprehensive health care
program. High blood pressure is
a common occurrence as cats get
older, though it can be
diagnosed in any age cat.
Certain diseases, such as kidney
failure, hyperthyroidism,
diabetes, obesity and cancer,
increase the risk of high blood
pressure. High blood pressure
can also be a factor in heart
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The most common sign associated with
high blood pressure is sudden blindness
due to retinal hemorrhage and/or
detachment. The pupils may be dilated
and lack a response to light. Blood in
the eyes may also be noted. Other
clinical signs are less specific,
including decreased appetite, increased
water consumption, weight loss, and
lethargy. These clinical signs are often
due to the disease that causes the
elevated blood pressure. Seizures,
collapse, and abnormal behavior can also
be observed. A heart murmur can also be
a sign of high blood pressure.
Cynthia J. Stubbs, DVM, MS, DACVIM is on
staff with North Georgia Veterinary
Specialty Care in Suwanee. Visit them
online at
www.ngvetsc.com or call
678-714-1985. |
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Kitten
Care
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As the weather
warms and spring turns to
summer, kitten adoptions soar,
and new kitten owners wonder how
best to care for their new
family members. Kittens have
seemingly boundless energy and
an almost supernatural ability
to find trouble. Helping them
adjust to their new home can be
a wearying (if usually amusing)
task. We’ve put together some
tips to make the transition
easier for all involved.
For starters, kittens do best when they have a kitty friend. It may seem illogical, but caring for two kittens can be easier than caring for one. Kittens need lots of attention and playtime. With one kitten, you’ll be run ragged trying to keep up with the demand for playing. If you have two kittens, they will keep each other company and will play together while human family members are at work or school. With two kittens, you’ll be able to play with them when you come home, but you’ll also get a chance to relax without having to worry about what mischief the kitten is up to. In addition, a pair of kittens will practice their hunting skills on each other rather than on you. A two-pound kitten pouncing on your foot might be cute, but five years later when your 12-pound cat is attacking your feet on your way to the bathroom in the middle of the night, it becomes less cute and more dangerous. Also, if you have an adult cat in the house, it will be easier for him to adjust to a pair of kittens than to one. One kitten will look to the older cat as a mandatory playmate, often annoying the adult and frustrating the kitten. But a pair of kittens will play with each other, giving your older cat the opportunity to join if he wants, but the ability to abstain if he’d rather. So, long story short, if you are thinking of adopting a kitten, consider two. |
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When bringing new kittens into the house, it’s a good idea to start them off in a small room. Having the run of the house right away can be overwhelming to kittens, so using a room as a base for them to explore and get used to prior to going out into the house can make them feel more secure. It also gives them a safe, familiar place to retreat to later when they are tired or stressed. In addition, starting kittens off in a small room allows them to familiarize themselves with the location of food, water, and a litter box a little easier.
Speaking of litter boxes, you should always plan to have one more litter box than you have cats. So if you have two kittens, you should have at least three litter boxes. Placing litter boxes on each level of the house will help to ensure that kittens can get to them in a timely fashion. Using an unscented litter works best for cats. Humans may find a fresh scent pleasant, but a cat’s sense of smell is significantly stronger than ours, making those fresh scents a little overpowering.
 In addition, after using the litter box, kittens/cats clean their paws by licking them, which puts that strong scent even closer to their sensitive noses.
When it comes to food, your veterinarian can help you select the best diet for your new family members, but here is some general information to get you started. Feeding kittens a good quality diet, like Hill’s Science Diet or Royal Canin, can help them live long, healthy lives and can help maintain their urinary pH levels appropriately avoiding potential issues later in life. Cats are carnivores, so protein is a key nutrient. Feeding canned food once or twice daily gives kittens the protein and moisture that their bodies need and will help them achieve and maintain an ideal weight. Cats also tend to eat several small meals during the day, so leaving dry food available for them helps meet their nutritional needs. Also remember to provide kittens plenty of clean, fresh water.
Teaching kittens to tolerate certain behaviors early will help you in the long run. For example, get kittens used to having their toes touched regularly so that nail trims won’t be such stressful events. Your vet’s office can help you understand how to trim kitten nails safely. Additionally, start combing/brushing kittens early so that they get used to the feel of being groomed. You can also get them used to going in the carrier and the car by taking short trips that don’t go anywhere frightening. Take them on short trips around the block or to a friend’s house so that they don’t associate getting in the carrier or the car with something negative.
Scratching is a natural activity for cats. Understanding why cats scratch can help you provide kittens with scratching posts that will entice them away from your furniture. Cats scratch to sharpen their nails, to stretch, and to mark their territory. They therefore need scratching posts that are tall enough to allow them to stretch to their full height, with a base wide enough that cats won’t tip them, and in locations that they want to scratch. Cats end up scratching your living room furniture because that’s where you hang out; they’re trying to mark that area as part of their territory because they want to be with you. Providing them with appropriate scratching posts in that area will help them follow their instincts without destroying your furniture. Put treats or favorite toys on top of the posts to encourage kittens to use them. Using double-sided tape in areas that you don’t want kittens scratching can be an effective deterrent during the training period. Unlike a spray bottle, it’s in place whether you’re there or not, and it doesn’t cause a negative association with you. In addition, Soft Paws (plastic nail caps) can be used as a training aide to keep kittens from damaging belongings while they’re learning.
 Finally, make sure to provide kittens with plenty of safe toys. Pet supply stores will provide you a wide variety of toys to choose from: brightly-colored crinkly balls, jingly plastic balls, fuzzy mice, furry snakes, feathers on a string, ping pong balls, etc. Try them out to see what your kitten enjoys. Most toys are ok to leave available for your kittens, but any toys that have strings on them should only be used when you are there to supervise. And as you would with a young child, avoid toys with small removable parts that can be a choking hazard.
Most importantly, provide your new kittens with lots of love, and enjoy their antics and affection. |
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My Petz
Magazine - 1735 Buford Highway, Suite 215 - Cumming,
GA 30041
Phone:
678-341-6868 Fax:
770-844-8303Inquiry@MyPetzMagazine.com |
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