April 26/2023

Do All Cats Hate Being Picked Up?

By Krissy Howard

Oct 11/2021

cuteness.com

When you pick up your cat, what do you get? A limp, ragdoll of a feline who melts contentedly in your arms? A squirming, frantic furball determined to get away from you at any cost? For some cats, being picked up & held can be a negative experience, for others, that type of affection is absolute bliss. Cats who don't like being picked up & held often feel this way because it's unfamiliar or just uncomfortable, but you can make being picked up a little easier for your cat if you need to.

Do all cats hate being held?

No! Like people, dogs, & any other living thing on the planet, each cat will have his or her own preference in regard to anything, including whether they like being held or not, & their openness to affection in general. If you're dealing with a cat you don't know well or see a cat outside that you feel inclined to hold for any reason, it's always best to err on the side of "this thing is going to claw & bite me" rather than assume he will tolerate being picked up. Some stray cats, young, unsocialized cats, & cats who live primarily outside are among those who may especially dislike being picked up, but this can apply to any & all cats, depending on their preferences.

Why do some cats dislike it?

One reason why a cat may not like to be picked up is simply that picking up a cat, or being picked up by a cat, is just not natural cat behavior. While mother cats will grip their kittens by the scruff of the neck when they are small enough to do so without injury, lifting up a fellow feline isn't something you'd normally see, even when attempting to display affection. Additionally, negative experiences that occur around when a cat has been picked up in the past, like painful or stressful trips to a vet, can also leave a very bad association & may lead to anxiety around being held later on.

Sometimes, & this is especially true in older cats, being picked up is physically uncomfortable due to an illness or injury. Arthritic felines may find it unpleasant to have their bodies manipulated & squeezed while being picked up or held & may resist for that reason. If you know your cat dislikes being picked up & you don't need to do it, it's always best to spare them the ordeal. Sometimes, however, a cat owner will need to scoop up their cat for one reason or another, in which case there are some tips that can make things a bit easier on both of you.

How to make your cat comfortable

If you have a cat, there will be times when she will need to be picked up & held, even if just for a moment. Going to the veterinarian, a groomer's appointment, or even just to be inspected in the event of an injury, or a random burr caught in her fur. If you need to pick up a cat who doesn't enjoy it, there are a couple of things you can do to make things easier for everyone, & a bit more pleasant for your cat. Offering positive reinforcement, like a favorite treat, during a potentially negative experience, or during ordeals you know your cat dislikes, like being crated or having her nails trimmed, can help her create good associations with being picked up.

If a cat owner needs to pick up a cat who absolutely hates being picked up, they can try the burrito hold technique. This can ensure that your feline won't squirm away, can reduce the chances of you being scratched, & will make the situation as pleasant & quick as possible for her. Start by laying out a towel & place a small plate of food or a few treats on it. Next, have your cat step onto the towel, & once she's a bit relaxed gently press down on her shoulders so that she lays down with her head facing away from you. Wrap the front end of the towel around her neck like a bib, taking care to hold onto her. Then, take one of the side ends of the towel & wrap it over the top of her body, before doing the same thing in the opposite direction with the other end of the towel until she is securely wrapped.

In summary

Some cats don't mind being held, some enjoy it immensely, & others absolutely hate it — the reaction will depend on the cat. Many cats who dislike being picked up feel that way thanks to negative experiences that have occurred around being held, physical pain, or simply a general lack of experience with it. You can help make a cat's experience nicer by offering rewards or wrapping him up in a blanket. However, if your cat simply hates being picked up & you don't absolutely need to do it, it's best to respect their boundaries & allow them to show you affection in ways that are more comfortable for them.

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April 19/2023

 

Top 5 Tips for a Healthy Cat

By Sandra C. Mitchell, DVM, DABVP

Oct. 11/2022

Prevention goes a long way in staving off problems—especially when caring for a cat. By taking proactive steps to keep your fur baby healthy, you’re more likely to enjoy many happy years together (up to 14 or more, to be exact). Read on for some tips & tricks to maximize the years spent with your kitty.

Your Cat Needs the Essentials

Food Bowls

To be a successful cat parent, you need the right gear. Many of us think of no-brainers like food & water right away, but some things are more subtle—like nice, flat, wide bowls for that food & water so kitty doesn’t bump her whiskers while enjoying it. In place of a water bowl, you can opt for a cat water fountain— there’s some research that fountains make housecats healthier, too.

Litterbox

And then there’s the litterbox. Who likes small, cramped, smelly port-a-potties? Not us, & not our cats. Research has shown that cats like a litter pan that is 1.5 times the length of their body, including the tail—which is HUGE! And most cats seem to prefer a pan without a cover. They even have litter preferences: Most cats will choose a dust-free, scent-free clumping litter that’s about 1.5 inches deep in the pan. Who knew?

Cat Carrier

One item commonly overlooked is the cat carrier. Many people equate putting cats in a carrier with rides in the car & decide that, because Fluffy won’t travel often, they probably don’t need one. But what if there’s an emergency & your cat is injured or seriously ill? It’s recommended to have at least one medium-sized carrier per cat, & one that loads from the top is often the quickest & easiest for a kitty that isn’t totally cooperative about getting inside. Why choose a top-loader? Gravity is on your side!

Cat Toys

And don’t forget that everyone, kitties included, needs a little fun. Many cats love to play with toys—some will even play fetch with stuffed mice or jingly balls. Cat trees & perches located near windows go hand-in-paw with bird feeders outside to provide hours of entertainment (for humans & felines alike). Not to mention the joy of a laser cat toy.

Nutrition Is Key

An array of cat foods is available, so ask your veterinarian for help in choosing a diet plan tailored for your cat.

Veterinarians have found that, as a rule, cats do seem to be healthier when fed canned foods.  The risk of obesity, diabetes, & heart disease is lower when cats are fed portioned amounts of canned cat foods, namely because of the lower amounts of carbohydrates in these diets.  Even “low-carb” dry foods have a lot of carbs compared to an average wet food, so these differences are important to consider. But this precaution doesn’t translate to “all dry foods are bad.” Just know that if you choose to feed your cat dry food, portion control is critical because it’s very easy for kitties to overeat on these carbohydrate-rich diets.

Most people choose to “meal feed” cats—in other words, put a portion down at a certain time & let the cat eat when he chooses to. At the next set time, another portion goes into the bowl. Having this set schedule prevents your cat from grazing all day long & consuming too many calories. But once a day isn’t enough, so if you choose this method, feed your cat a portion of her calories 2 to 3 times per day. Your veterinarian can help you to determine what an appropriate portion size is.

Keep the Litterbox Clean

No one likes cleaning the litterbox, but it’s an important role for all cat parents. Cats are picky about where they eliminate, & if the box is smelly & gross, they won’t want to go in. A dirty litter pan is the biggest reason why cats choose to turn other areas of your home, like the bathtub or that pile of laundry you’ve been meaning to put away, into their personal toilet. 

Keeping up with scooping can also alert you to medical problems. Are those puddles of urine getting bigger or smaller? Both can indicate a health issue. How about the stool—is it getting smaller? All kinds of answers can be found to medical questions in the litter pan, & it is easier to notice health problems more quickly if you pay close attention to the litter box.

So, how often should you clean the litterbox? Here’s a breakdown:

Scoop out all waste at least once per day.

Dump, wash, clean, & dry the box at least once per week.

Throw away the box & purchase a new one at least once per year, as plastic holds not-so-nice residues & smells that your cat will notice over time.

Stay on Top of Grooming

Cats are famous for grooming themselves, so why do they need any help from us when they already do such a great job? One big reason: hairballs.

When kitty grooms, all that hair has to go somewhere. And usually, that means into the stomach. Sometimes it will pass through into the stool, but other times it comes back up & you find a surprise on your floor. Save yourself future clean-up by brushing your cat with a soft, bristled brush.

Another brush or comb you want in your grooming kit is one designed specifically to remove matted hair. Most cats develop the occasional tangle, & it’s much easier to use a brush while the mess is small rather than wait until it becomes unruly. Severe tangles often need to be shaved off, so catching them early is easier for you & your cat.

Flea combs are also important. If you aren’t already treating your cat monthly with flea prevention (which is strongly recommended), use a flea comb on your cat every week to catch any fleas.

The other critical aspect of grooming is nail clipping. Although cats will remove the sheaths from their nails & sharpen them, nails can (& do) overgrow, resulting in painful ingrown nails that often become infected.

Kitties with extra toes are especially prone to this problem.  Overly long nails can also get stuck in things when a cat tries to stretch or scratch on a post, & she can accidentally scratch you during playtime. Keeping those nails short are in everyone’s best interest, so trim them weekly.

Stay Consistent with Veterinarian Appointments

Don’t forget the cornerstone of a healthy kitty: finding problems early! Your feline friend may look healthy to you, but would you notice if she lost a few ounces over the last year? Probably not, but your veterinarian should.

What about if he developed some dental tartar, a lump on a nipple, or a cyst in the ear?  All these things are common in cats, & exactly the type of things veterinarian look for in routine veterinary appointments.  And all of them are much easier—& cheaper—to treat when caught early. 

Taking your cat to annual wellness exams goes a long way in keeping her healthy. Your vet will check kitty from head to tail tip & administer vaccines, heartworm medications, & flea & tick control as needed. The veterinarian will also be able to help advise you on any necessary diet adjustments or other concerns.

On average, most cats under the age of 7 can go into the veterinary hospital just once per year (once they have finished their kitten vaccines & checkups, that is). Once turning 8, most cats should see a veterinarian twice per year. Your kitty may need to be seen even more often if there are any specific health concerns that need to be managed.

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April12/2023

 

What Can You Give a Cat for Pain?

By Jennifer Coates, DVM

Published: 7/27/2022

petmd.com

Treating cat pain isn’t easy. The first hurdle is simply recognizing the signs of a cat in pain, because they’re so good at hiding it. Next, many of the medications we use to treat pain in other species don’t work well or are downright dangerous for cats.

But we can’t let cats suffer. Thankfully, with a little extra attention to detail, it is possible to help your cat feel better. Find out what you can give a cat for pain, & just as importantly, what you can’t.

Are Human Pain Meds Safe for Cats?

Never give your cat a pain medication designed for people unless your veterinarian has told you to do so. Call your veterinarian or Animal Poison Control (1‐888‐426‐4435) immediately if your cat has ingested human pain medication.

Many of the pain relievers we take are extremely dangerous for cats, even in tiny doses. In fact, one regular-strength Tylenol contains enough acetaminophen to kill some cats. Acetaminophen causes extensive damage to a cat’s red blood cells & liver & should never be used to treat cat pain.

Over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) like Advil (ibuprofen), Aleve (naproxen), & aspirin can also be dangerous for cats. They can lead to gastrointestinal ulcers, liver, & kidney damage, & abnormal blood clotting.

There might be times when a veterinarian prescribes one of these drugs (aspirin for cats at risk for blood clots, for example), but they are only used under very specific circumstances & at extremely low dosages.

What Can You Give a Cat for Pain?

Cats need different forms of pain relief depending on the specifics of their situation. A veterinarian will take into account the type & severity of a cat’s pain & their overall health when coming up with a safe & effective pain treatment plan.

Call your veterinarian or Animal Poison Control (1‐888‐426‐4435) immediately if you’ve accidentally given your cat more cat pain medication than the prescribed dosage.

Here are some of the most common pain relievers for cats:

Prescription Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatories for Cats

Unlike over-the-counter NSAIDs, some prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories can be used for pain relief in cats—with caution. Prescription NSAIDS for cats selectively block an enzyme that produces compounds that lead to inflammation & pain, while leaving “housekeeping” compounds alone.

Prescription NSAIDs do a better job than over-the-counter drugs in maintaining blood flow to the kidneys, helping blood clot normally, & protecting the stomach from ulcers.

Onsior (robenacoxib)

Onsior is a prescription drug labeled for short-term (up to 3 days) relief of pain & inflammation after surgery. It is sometimes prescribed off-label over longer periods for chronically painful conditions like osteoarthritis or cancer.

Possible side effects include lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, & diarrhea. Gastrointestinal ulceration, liver damage, kidney damage, & problems with bleeding or blood clotting can also be seen, particularly when cats are given too much Onsior.

Metacam (meloxicam)

Metacam & the other brand-name & generic products that contain meloxicam are available by prescription only.

A single dose of injectable Metacam has been approved by the FDA for treating postoperative pain in cats. However, the oral form of the medication is sometimes used off-label over longer periods for chronically painful conditions like osteoarthritis or cancer.

Kidney damage can occur with prolonged use of Metacam, although low dosages have been used safely for many years outside of the United States.

Opioids for Cats

NSAIDs may not provide enough relief for cats who are in moderate to severe pain. When this is the case, or when NSAIDs aren’t a good option for a particular cat, veterinarians often prescribe opioids.

Opioids can be natural (derived from the poppy plant) or synthetic (made in a lab). They bind to & block receptors in the nervous system that play a role in pain sensation. Opioids are controlled substances due to the potential for addiction & abuse in people.

Buprenorphine

Buprenorphine can be used for short-term pain relief—after an injury or surgery, for example—or over longer periods for chronically painful conditions like osteoarthritis or cancer.

Buprenorphine can be given by injection or absorbed through the mucous membranes in the mouth. Buprenorphine is very safe when used appropriately, but it can cause dilated or constricted pupils, euphoria or lethargy, increased body temperature, vomiting, defecation, & slow breathing.

Tramadol

Tramadol is available by prescription only. It can be used for short-term pain relief—after an injury or surgery, for example—or over longer periods for chronically painful conditions like osteoarthritis or cancer.

Tramadol is very bitter, so the tablets often need to be compounded into a liquid using cat-friendly flavors, particularly when given long-term. Tramadol can cause dilated or constricted pupils, lethargy, odd behaviors, an upset stomach, constipation, & seizures.

Duragesic (fentanyl patch)

Prescription fentanyl patches are most often used when cats need several days of relief from moderate to severe pain—such as after surgery or injury.

The patch is applied to shaved skin & removed after the medication wears off, usually 5 days in cats. Fentanyl patches are very safe when used appropriately but can cause dilated or constricted pupils, euphoria or lethargy, increased body temperature, vomiting, defecation, & slow breathing.

Veterinarians can prescribe or use other types of opioids in cats depending on the specifics of the case. Possibilities include butorphanol, morphine, & hydromorphone.

Steroids for Inflammation in Cats

Corticosteroids are potent anti-inflammatories. Reducing inflammation can also decrease discomfort, but steroids like prednisolone, methylprednisolone, and dexamethasone aren’t often used solely for pain relief, especially long-term. This is due to potential side effects, like delayed healing, cartilage degeneration, & the development of diabetes.

Cats who take corticosteroids & nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories at the same time are at increased risk for side effects like gastrointestinal ulceration & kidney damage.

Other Medications for Cats in Pain

Some medications that were originally designed for other uses have also been found to provide pain relief in cats.

Neurontin (gabapentin)

Neurontin & the other products that contain gabapentin are available by prescription only. Gabapentin was originally developed to manage seizures. Now, it’s also used to treat post-operative pain & chronic pain, such as that associated with osteoarthritis, cancer, & nerve injury or disease. Side effects are minimal.

Cerenia (maropitant)

Cerenia is available by prescription only. It was developed to help control vomiting, but it can also relieve pain, often in combination with anesthetics or other pain relievers.

Side effects can include fever, dehydration, lethargy, poor appetite, blood in the urine, and drooling. Cerenia injections can be painful, so the oral form is preferred for long-term use.

Amantadine

Amantadine was created as an antiviral medication. Now it can be used in combination with other medications to treat chronic pain associated with osteoarthritis, cancer, & nerve injury or disease. Side effects can include gastrointestinal upset & unsteady movements.

Amitriptyline

Amitriptyline is a prescription antidepressant that’s sometimes used to treat chronic pain, particularly that associated with nerve injury or disease.

Side effects can include lethargy, gastrointestinal upset, constipation, increased heart rate, abnormal heart rhythms, difficulty urinating, & decreased production of saliva & tears.

Joint Supplements for Pain in Cats

The most common cause of chronic pain in cats is osteoarthritis. The best way to manage arthritis in cats is through multi-modal therapy, meaning that several types of treatment are combined to get a greater effect. Joint supplements can be safely given with pain relievers & many other forms of arthritis treatment.

Here are some common joint supplements for cats:

Glucosamine & Chondroitin

Joint supplements containing glucosamine & chondroitin are widely available without a prescription. They appear to work best when used together. Glucosamine & chondroitin limit joint cartilage breakdown, help with joint cartilage repair, increase the amount & quality of joint fluid, & decrease inflammation & pain.

Adequan (polysulfated glycosaminoglycans)

Adequan & other products containing polysulfated glycosaminoglycans are available by prescription only. They are given by injection & work in a manner similar to glucosamine & chondroitin, but seem to be more effective in some cats.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Nutritional supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids are widely available over the counter. Omega-3 fatty acids are thought to be beneficial in cats with osteoarthritis because they help prevent & resolve inflammation & reduce the activity of enzymes that break down cartilage.

Joint protectants often contain multiple ingredients. Other supplements that have at least some evidence behind their use include:

Turmeric

Duralactin (microlactin)

Manganese ascorbate

Avocado/soybean unsaponifiables (ASU)

Green-lipped mussels

Hyaluronic acid

How to Comfort a Cat in Pain

Sometimes the best medicine for cat pain isn’t a medicine at all. Depending on a cat’s situation, some combination of the following can be beneficial:

Weight loss limits stress on the body & reduces inflammatory hormones produced by fatty tissue.

Reorganizing your home is also important. Design the cat’s living space to make getting around as easy as possible. Keep food, water, heated beds, & low-sided litter boxes all on one level of your home & use ramps to allow cats to get to their favorite perches.

Acupuncture stimulates nerves & blood circulation, releases natural pain-killing endorphins, & relieves muscle spasms.

Therapeutic laser treatment reduces inflammation & pain & promotes healing.

Physical rehabilitation helps keep muscles & joints strong & improves coordination.

New therapies such as stem cell treatments, platelet-rich plasma, nerve growth factor inhibitors, & cannabidiol (CBD) are being investigated.

And of course, spread the love & attention! Include your cat in daily activities that they can engage in comfortably.

Talk to your veterinarian if you think your cat is in pain. After diagnosing what’s wrong, they can put together the best treatment plan based on your cat’s specific needs.

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April 5/2023

 April is Cat Month!!!

5 Weird Things Cats Love

By Wailani Sung, MS, PhD, DVM, DACVB

1/ 14/ 2019

Everyone has behavioral quirks, & sometimes it appears that our cats have them, too. Do you find it unusual that you buy expensive cat toys & your cat would rather play with a simple hair tie? 

Cats may be mysterious creatures, but there’s usually a reason behind their behaviors or an explanation for their interests. If you’re curious as to why your cat likes the weird things he does, then keep reading for insight on the motivation behind your cat’s fascination.

Drinking From Your Water Cup or the Faucet Instead of Their Fountain

So, you purchase an expensive cat water fountain & your cat likes to drink out of your glass or from the faucet. Why does he do that?

Your cat may not realize that your glass of water is your glass of water. He just may find it convenient that there is a vessel that contains water when he is thirsty, so he drinks from it. Cats in the wild will drink whenever they are thirsty & find a water source; they do not specifically look around for bowls of water.

Another perspective may be that your cat watches you drink, & she wants to drink what you are drinking. If it is good enough for you, it is good enough for her.

Some cats may prefer to drink from the faucet when you are busy washing dishes or brushing your teeth due to their fascination by water that suddenly appears.

Or, your cat may just have a taste preference for running water compared to water that has been sitting in a cat bowl all day, which leads to bacteria formation. Plus, food particles may fall in & change the taste of the water.

This is the reason why your cat’s water bowl should be changed several times a day & washed with soap and water at least daily.

Pushing Things Off Tables & Watching Them Break

Do you have a cat that just lives to knock things off your shelf? It is so frustrating to provide your cat with plenty of toys, only to have her knocking items off of counters & breaking things on a daily basis. Why do cats feel the need to do this?

Well, every time your cat pushes an item until it drops, it reacts in a different manner. It may just be fun for him to watch the items bounce around in different directions each time they fall or watch them shatter to multiple pieces.

Getting Into Boxes & Jumping Out of Them

Why are some cats obsessed with boxes? They are creatures of comfort, & sometimes being in a box with side support is comfortable. Other times, being in a box makes some cats feel safe & secure, like they are protected from all sides.

Boxes are also fun to hide in, spring out & surprise people & other pets in the household. I think the cats are secretly amused by the look of surprise or terror on our faces or the reactions from their housemates when they catch us unaware. Just like some people like to pull pranks, this is their way of pranking us.

Stalking Inanimate Electrical Cords

My cat is fascinated by electrical cords. Every night as we sit & watch television, I see him make the rounds around the living room. He bats at the tags attached to the cords. Then he grabs the cords & tries to bite it.

You would think that by now he would be bored with the game. Why would he keep doing it?

A reason may be that he might have learned that playing with the cord was a good way of getting my attention. Playing with the cord may also be fun because it moves in different & unexpected ways, which piques his interest.

By now I know his MO (modus operandi). So, I now pre-emptively get his attention & distract him with a cat feather wand, or we play a game of fetch to take his mind of off hunting the cord.

Having Their Butt Scratched

Have you ever had a cat walk up to you, turn around, & present their tail end? The area just above the tail that we would call the “butt” is an area that a cat cannot use its paws to scratch, & sometimes using your tongue to scratch does not do the trick.

Some cats have learned to back up against a dangling hand if they want a good scratch. Cats might indicate their enjoyment by purring, twitching their tails, raising their butts, & sometimes arching up against your hand or foot.

What we see as quirky cat behaviors are normal cat behaviors that they need to express or those that are inadvertently reinforced. So relax and enjoy your cat’s unique personality!

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