Tag: catster-homepage-3-posts

Hi, I’m Dr. Lauren! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my two adventurous cats, Pancake and Tiller.

I caught Pancake in the middle of a dramatic grooming session last night. It involved lots of splayed legs, and a determined effort to reach something near her perineum, that actually entailed what I’m pretty sure was an inverted split. Earlier in the week, I’d watched a similarly determined grooming session play out- this time with Tiller making a valiant effort to groom Pancake into sporting a Mohawk. Luckily, “The Pancake” who is a bit Al Pacino Godfather-esque about the bed and sharing it with other cats, tolerated the session well and no blows ensued.

If eating and sleeping are two of the most common activities I see both cats engaged in, then grooming is probably a close third. Multiple times daily, after eating, and definitely before sleeping, sometimes at 3:00 am between their various sleep modes, they groom. But just why do cats love grooming so much?

Why Cats Groom: Speculation and Theories

Cats have always been considered fairly clean animals, due to their inherent grooming tendencies. Here are some theories as to why cats groom:

1. The idea that groomers are placed socially higher than groomees. And furthermore, that grooming is a way in social settings to allow cats to act out on aggression issues, without the need for overt violence. This theory comes from a slightly older paper, but interesting nonetheless…
2. A newer paper on a similar topic found that familiarity and genetic relations improved grooming activities from one cat to another. Again suggesting a social or bonding function.
3. Function. To remove external parasites, such as fleas. In one study, grooming activity helped to significantly decrease the numbers of fleas, compared to control cats who wore e-collars and could not groom for the study period. Other theories have proposed the removal of odors, such as after eating, to reduce the risk of being predated.
4. It’s worth noting that grooming can (unintentionally?) spread anal gland secretions on the haircoat. The anal glands contain extremely high quantities of Fel d 1, one of the main feline allergens that contribute to human cat allergies.
5. Don’t forget that grooming can also indicate abnormalities, as well. Flea allergy dermatitis, for instance, can result in large quantities of grooming. So can Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome. And urinary tract infections or urinary crystals can lead to localized, excessive grooming of the perineum.

So, next time you catch your cat in a grooming session, consider for a moment if there may be more occurring than meets the eye. It could be a simple lick, relieving an itch, removing an external parasite, or adhering to social structure. But needless to say, cats, as always, are never quite as simple as they may first appear!

Hi, I’m Christopher! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my silly Russian Blue cat, Olga.

I don’t travel often, but until recently, Olga never seemed too upset when I returned home after spending a few days away. For several years, I traveled out of town to spend Thanksgiving with my family, and Olga was always friendly when I returned. However, she wasn’t very happy when I left her alone a few weeks ago. I only spent two days in the woods, and my cat sitter dropped by to feed her and play with her.

She meowed when I walked in the door, but when I approached to pet her, she hissed and backed away. I tried to tempt her to play with a silvervine stick, but she looked insulted and ran under the bed to hide. The only time she had hissed at me before was when I returned home after being overseas for 10 days.

When I mentioned Olga’s reaction to a veterinarian, she said the strange odors I absorbed from 30 hours of traveling probably bothered her. I didn’t think a weekend away would cause the same reaction, but the woodland odors on my clothes seemed just as repulsive as those from an airline’s cabin.

Olga didn’t stay angry for long, and after I took a shower, she greeted me with a happy cry instead of a hiss. She eventually fell asleep in my lap and seemed to forget the odd scents I brought into the house. Olga used to be more independent and didn’t hold a grudge when I left her alone.

Now, she spends most of the day around me and has become a spoiled cat. She still enjoys her “alone time,” but when she sees me walking toward the garage door, she attacks my legs and whines. She doesn’t mind when I go out the back door because she can observe me in the yard from one of her window perches.

Leaving Olga alone wasn’t a problem until I started working from home full-time. She’s friendlier now and enjoys begging for dinner a few hours before I finish working, and she’s probably happier that I clean the litter box more often, but she’s also more dependent on me. She follows me around the house and is more vocal when I ignore her pleas for an early dinner.

It’s fascinating how much my new schedule affected Olga’s personality. Although the change was gradual, I’m surprised that she’s no longer aloof and quiet. She doesn’t look happy when I return from a short trip, but I’m glad she’s capable of hissing.

It’s not the reaction most cat owners want to see from their pets, but it’s a vital defensive measure that serves as a warning before an attack. Olga has never interacted with a dog or cat face-to-face except when she’s in her carrier at the vet’s office and hasn’t felt the need to hiss at another animal. She’s never been scared by or threatened by another creature, and I’m honored she only hisses at me when she’s angry.

Hi, I’m Dr. Karyn! Read my introduction to learn more about me and meet my five hilarious cats: Clutch, Cyril, Alex, Zelda, and Zazzles.

Check out Part 1: Dogs Don’t Take Days Off at Dogster.com.

This week, I have decided to have a bit of a moan, and talk to you about how life with five cats and five dogs isn’t always amusing stories and funny anecdotes. It is also a lot of work. I’m not looking for sympathy, and I do love sharing my home with so many pets, but I also don’t want to ignore the harsh realities of living with animals, particularly, a lot of animals.

Some people have completely unrealistic expectations of living with pets, and even go to cruel extremes like de-clawing their cats to keep their furniture looking brand new.

I have a couple of go-to phrases I like to trot out when talking to people about having pets (and I believe they also apply to having children!):

• An immaculate house or pets: pick one (you can’t have both).
• If you don’t feel a little bit mean some of the time, you’re going to regret it later
  • This one is particularly relevant to puppy training!

We do our best to keep our home clean and presentable; choosing furniture that won’t easily show the effects of cat claws or absorb any doggy odors, investing in a couple of good quality vacuum cleaners, and we are currently in the process of replacing much of our carpet with hard flooring. Instead of fighting against the side-effects of pet ownership, we try to make choices and adjustments that make those side-effects less of a problem. But, some days it feels like a lot of work.

Having recently returned from a visit from my petless parents, I found myself feeling a bit overwhelmed and resentful of the many time-consuming responsibilities that pet ownership involves, and I’m sure I’m not the only pet lover to have felt that way from time to time. This feeling of ennui has brought me to this week’s topic on the harsh realities of living with pets, of which there are enough to have two parts!

Things You Need To Know About Life With Cats

There are a lot of different choices and arrangements you can make that will help minimize the downsides to living with cats, but if you think that life with cats will be low maintenance and smooth sailing, it’s time for a reality check.

Hairballs and Vomiting Are Inevitable

Regular brushing, choosing the right food, and using supplements can really help reduce the amount of hairballs and associated vomiting you’ll find around the house, but unless you’re living with a hairless breed, you should accept that you will have the joy of dealing with the occasional feline upchuck. Just this morning I heard the telltale sound coming from inside my wardrobe and was too late to intercept.

Cat Litter Has a Life of Its Own

It sticks to paws and fur, gets thrown around, it even ends up in water bowls; cat litter always seems to spread itself around the home. Larger particles and litter mats can definitely help, but don’t be surprised to find bits of litter scattered about the place. When I find little particles of cat litter on my bedspread and nightstand, I just pray that it’s clean!

Cats Have Claws

And they will use them. Even if you provide scratching posts, cat trees, and feline furniture, there is a pretty good chance that your cat will flex those talons on your sofa, carpet, or clothing. Keeping their claws trimmed can help minimize the damage, but if you don’t think you can handle a claw mark here or there, cats might not be the pet for you.

Not only do our cats enjoy sharpening their claws on our carpets, they also maliciously seek to tear it up if they find themselves excluded from a room. If we need to shut them in my office, or lock them out of the bedroom, we know there’ll be a patch of carpet bearing the marks of their protest. Hence, we are gradually transitioning to hard floors!

You Will Have Cat Hair on EVERYTHING

One thing I find really frustrating is when my clothes come out of the washing machine with more hair than they went in with. Even when it was just me and Clutch, I was constantly in search of the ‘next big thing’ to combat pet hair on clothing, furniture, and carpets. Multiply that by ten and you can probably imagine how hairy our lives are! When I returned home from my trip away I was rather sad to find that a number of clothing items had been pulled from their hangers and used as comfy bedding in the bottom of my wardrobe.

There Is Always More Good Than Bad

You might be wondering why I have so many pets when I have so much to complain about, but it’s not all bad! Fortunately, the more negative aspects of living with pets are significantly outweighed by the positives, which is why my posts are usually of a more upbeat nature! How can I stay grumpy when I’ve got the likes of vacuum-loving Clutch, broken Fred, inconvenient Cyril, and water-addict Kodah to entertain me? There will be days when you look longingly at people without pets, with their scratch-free furniture and clean clothes, but if you’re like me, you’ll choose a hairy shirt over a pet-free home any day of the week.

Hi, I’m Dr. Lauren! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my two adventurous cats, Pancake and Tiller.

Slip, slop, slap goes the famous Aussie saying, encouraging the use of sunscreen. As humans, thanks in part to large public awareness campaigns such as this one, we’ve become eminently aware of the risks of sun exposure, and most people these days go to great lengths to ensure they use appropriate sun protection.

But what about cats, some of whom spend marked quantities of time outside? Have you ever thought about your cat, and sun protection?

Most pet owners don’t really spend much time considering their cat’s sun exposure. And that in part might arise from the fact that sun exposure in cats can look very different than sunburn in people. Also, they’ve got fur, so many assume that it will be fully protective.

In clinics during the summer months, many clients bring in cats with scabby ears, asking what has brought this on. Or the top of their nose pad, or the bridge of their nose has dark dried crusty debris, and similarly, a pet owner wants to know what has caused it, as it’s only recently shown up, in the last month or two. Would you know that these can be signs of sun exposure and skin damage in cats? Well, they are probably two of the most common signs of actinic or solar keratitis in cats: i.e. pathological sun exposure.

As we head into the hottest and sunniest months of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, it’s great to be able to increase awareness that indeed- cats can get sun damage to their skin, and even skin cancer. Because this skin cancer is quick-growing and locally invasive, it can necessitate fast surgical responses, including removal of a cat’s ears, or even their nose. Light-haired cats, or those with light haircoats in sensitive areas such as the ears and face, seem to be particularly at risk.

As a cat owner, what can you do to help? Well, consider keeping your cat indoors during the hours of the most direct sun to limit their UV exposure. When they are outside, offer them places outside where they can have shade, such as cubbies. Pet-safe sunscreen is also becoming more readily available, so consider applying it to your cat’s sensitive areas, especially if they are at risk.

Easy solutions and an ounce of prevention are worth a pound of cure- especially in the case of feline sunburn. So next time you slip, slop, slap, don’t forget that your feline friend might benefit from some of the same sun awareness!

Hi, I’m Dr. Karyn! Read my introduction to learn more about me and meet my five hilarious cats: Clutch, Cyril, Alex, Zelda, and Zazzles.

If there’s one thing that Clutch will not tolerate, it’s a cat hater. He seems to make it his mission to convert even the most committed ailurophobe into an ailurophile,¹ and he doesn’t take no for an answer. He has even been known to rid one family member of their cat allergies, such is the power of this handsome boy! How has he achieved such feats? Let me tell you about my Star Wars theory.

The Star Wars Theory

Back in the good old days when there were just three awesome Star Wars films, Episodes IV, V, and VI, I had a regular argument with people who claimed they ‘hated’ Star Wars, and it went a little bit like this:

• Them: I hate Star Wars
• Me: Have you watched them?
• Them: No.
• Me: *blank stare*
• Them: I hate those types of films.
• Me: But…but, you haven’t actually seen them. How can you know?

And now you’re wondering what on earth this has to do with Clutch. Basically, in my analogy, cats are science fiction films, and Clutch is Return of the Jedi. Still confused? Let me explain.

Many people formed an opinion about Star Wars based on the fact that they didn’t enjoy the science fiction genre. But, as fans will attest, Episodes IV to VI are more character driven, less hardcore sci-fi, making them appealing to a much wider audience. In particular, Episode VI, the Return of the Jedi, had something for everyone – sci-fi, romance, adventure, and (love them or hate them) Ewoks.

People that haven’t had a good encounter with cats will often make the assumption that they don’t like any cats. Therefore:

• Cats = science fiction films
• Friendly cats = Star Wars
• Clutch = Return of the Jedi

Wait, What?

Okay, maybe that was a rather convoluted way for me to explain that Clutch is a cat that even cat-haters love, but I enjoyed the diversion!

Over the past ten years, Clutch has won over scared children, cynics, and the manliest of men. Of course, there are some people who just don’t like animals at all, but we try keep them out of our home…and social circle.

You may have heard that cats will often gravitate towards people that aren’t their biggest fans because they tend to demonstrate characteristics that appeal to most felines: narrowed eyes, holding back rather than approaching, and generally leaving the cat alone. In cat language, this shows conveys trust and deference, attracting them to the less-than-thrilled human. But Clutch isn’t even put off by more overt anti-cat behavior; pushing him away, blocking access to laps, or moving to a different location will not deter this loving boy. They are merely challenges to be overcome. Through sheer determination, Clutch forces people to acknowledge his irresistible charm and concede that perhaps cats aren’t so terrible after all.

The Canine Feline

We often joke that Clutch identifies as dog, with his chilled out personality and preference for the company of other canines; cat-hating-dog-lovers often pick up on this. One feline characteristic that people find off-putting is how unpredictable, or easily spooked they can be; one false move and they’re off like a shot, or directing a sharp tooth or claw in your direction. Although this does describe some cats, it is not a fair or accurate representation of them all. But it takes a lot of convincing to undo this prejudice. Enter, Clutch.

Far from being flighty or bitey, Clutch is difficult to move once he’s comfortable, is not easily startled, and has never been known to lash out in fear or anger. His calm demeanor and determination to be loved seems to put people at ease, particularly those who are partial to the amiable nature of dogs.

Allergies? What Allergies?

My mother-in-law loves cats. Unfortunately, her immune system did not. When exposed to feline dander in the past, her eyes would water, her throat would itch, her nose would run, and she would always load up on antihistamines before visiting our home.

In his typical fashion, Clutch would attach himself to poor Trish, cuddling into her chest, accompanying her to meals, and sleeping on her clothes, making sure that she, and her belongings, had plenty of white fur attached. Over a period of months, she realized that her symptoms had reduced, and she no longer needed to premedicate with antihistamines. This isn’t completely unheard of; allergies tend to either intensify or diminish with exposure, and it seemed that Trish’s fell into the latter category.

Although people can be allergic to some cats but not all, she had previously reacted to other cats in the household that pre-dated Clutch’s arrival, so it would appear that Clutch’s forceful affection has had something of a desensitizing effect.

Conversion with a Warning

I can say with confidence that virtually every person that has had the privilege of meeting Clutch has come away with a greatly improved opinion of felines in general. Although not everyone has rushed out and immediately got themselves a cat, there have been a few that finally gave into the pressures of family members once they realized that cats “aren’t all bad”. Proud as I am to know that Clutch has been responsible for the conversion of many former cat-haters, I don’t want people to be under the illusion that all cats are like Clutch.

You might find yourself with the same disappointment experienced by millions of Star Wars fans after flocking to cinemas to see Episode I…

Hi, I’m Dr. Lauren! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my two adventurous cats, Pancake and Tiller.

As a vet, this is a common time of year that I get all sorts of complaints about itchy cats. The warm weather leads to plants and trees that blossom, increasing the number of pollens and other allergens, insect levels skyrocket, and cats become itchy. But a cat doesn’t have to lose hair or be actively scratching to mean they are itchy. Sometimes cats show itching in very unexpected ways… let’s take a look.

Signs of an Itchy Cat

Typical signs of itchiness include the obvious like the physical act of scratching and hair loss. A less well known sign is the “itch response” -something we were commonly taught about in vet school in relation to sheep, but that I also observe in many itchy cats in clinics. If a cat has general itchiness (the Latin term is pruritus) then scratching them or petting them on the top of their butt can elicit a chewing response. Odd one!

Hair loss, and scabs, can also indicate that physical scratching is traumatizing the hair coat and skin. But you may not realize that an itchy cat might also only present as a cat that is frequently grooming. Now, certainly most cats will spend a fair amount of time grooming their haircoat. But itchy cats often lick or groom when they are itchy, rather than outright scratching, like a dog may do. Try to look at the times your cat is grooming, if you are trying to decide if it is normal or not.

Normal grooming behavior happens after meals, or before a nap. Itchy cats often groom at random times- they will be walking through a room, and then stop to do a brief grooming session. Or you pet them, and they suddenly have a frenetic cleaning session. They will also groom in front of strangers or in unusual places- where they otherwise wouldn’t and shouldn’t feel entirely relaxed.

Common Causes of Feline Itch

Just like people, cats can also get allergies. Fleas are a common one that many cats experience. Food is another, especially to proteins like beef and fish. But ectoparasites, like fleas, and skin mites, can also cause itch even in non-allergic cats.

Ways to Help an Itchy Cat

It’s always best to start with a visit to your cat’s vet. Bring photos and videos of anything questionable, as sometimes they can be hard to see in the clinic, or your pet may not display the behavior.

Ensure, too, that your cat is up to date on flea and worm treatments. (Some tapeworms can cause extremely itchy behinds for some patients! And fleas are a main cause of feline tapeworms!) Also remember that even a small amount of fleas can cause some cats to be very itchy, if they are allergic. And if that itchy cat has a tendency to groom, they may ingest all evidence of fleas before they can be detected. Therefore, an ounce of prevention really is worth a pound of cure!

Your vet can also guide you on other treatments that may help your cat, which can include diet trials to detect food allergies, and itch suppressing medications.

Generally, itch is very treatable in cats, so never be afraid to scratch that itch, so to speak, and dig deeper into the issue by seeking professional help.

Hi, I’m Christopher! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my silly Russian Blue cat, Olga.

Olga isn’t aggressive, but like a Golden Retriever puppy, she likes using her mouth to express herself. She was a little blue demon who bit and tore through my house when she was a kitten. When I tried to pick her up, she curled into a ball, clenched my arm with her claws, and sank her fangs into my flesh.

She doesn’t bite as often now; when she does, she’s usually in more of a playful mood than a violent one. Some people mistake a cat’s playful bite for aggression, and I’m sure several unfortunate felines have been abandoned or rehomed due to biting or scratching. Cat bites can send you to the hospital when they’re severe, but a small peck from a playful cat doesn’t do much damage.

Olga doesn’t bite down hard, as she did as a kitten, but she’s adopted a new habit recently. After she eats dinner, she becomes more energetic and jumps on my recliner. She hops back and forth from one armrest to the other, and when I approach her, she makes a spitting sound and looks like she’s biting the air.

It’s not a hiss but a warning or possibly an invitation to play with her. She has never “spit” when guests are over, but most people, except for my friends and family, would misinterpret it as a prelude to an attack. I’m unsure why she started spitting recently, and I don’t think she learned it from watching alpacas in nature videos.

Most cats have preferences for where they like to be petted and will let you know when you’ve touched an area that’s off-limits. Olga’s “no-touch” zone covers practically her entire body except for her head and neck. It took her a few years before she allowed me to pet her back, and even now, she’ll bite me if I don’t move on to her neck.

Olga also bites me out of the blue. She’ll curl beside me or jump in my lap and bite my hand without being provoked. Some would say it’s a sign of affection, but I think she just likes being a jerk sometimes. She loves having her neck rubbed, but she also enjoys irritating me. The urge to annoy me is usually stronger than the urge to relax.

She shows more restraint when she’s hungry, which is when she’s the most affectionate. She’s on her best behavior when begging for an early dinner but isn’t afraid to show her fangs and dig in after she finishes a meal. I could train her to stop biting me, but she doesn’t draw blood and doesn’t do it often enough to bother me.

The biting will stop if I ignore her when she invites me to chase her around or prevent her from jumping in my lap. However, playful biting is in her nature, and she can’t be a happy cat if she’s prevented from nipping my arm or hand.

Hi, I’m Dr. Karyn! Read my introduction to learn more about me and meet my five hilarious cats: Clutch, Cyril, Alex, Zelda, and Zazzles.

You might assume that as a vet, I have a pretty rigid stance on vaccination, but just like you, I want to make sure that the choices I make are based on facts and science, and are right for my cats, and my situation.

In veterinary practice, our recommendations need to be in keeping with the manufacturer guidelines; it simply isn’t practical to have a multitude of different options for a multitude of different scenarios. With that in mind, there are three messages I would like all cat owners to take home:

1. Vaccination ABSOLUTELY saves lives.
2. YOU have the final say on how often and what your cats are vaccinated against (with the exception of rabies).
3. Your decisions about vaccination should be based on FACTS, not FEARMONGERING.

I often get asked “Is vaccination safe?” and the honest answer is that introducing a foreign agent into the body to elicit an immune response is not 100% safe, but it is much safer than leaving your pet exposed to the risks of contracting deadly viruses. So you might want to know:

Do I vaccinate my cats? Yes.

Do I strictly adhere to the manufacturer guidelines? Not completely.

Am I aware that I am taking a risk by deviating from those guidelines? Yes, but I base my decision on the risk factors for my specific situation.

If you’d like to know what influences my decisions about vaccinating my cats, we’ll need to get some of the nitty gritty stuff out of the way. Trust me, you’ll come away feeling a lot more confident about making the right choices for your cats with a bit more knowledge under your belt.

How Does Vaccination Work – In a Nutshell

The practice of exposing humans, and later, animals, to a small dose of an infectious agent to trigger an immune response dates back to at least the mid 15th century, possibly even earlier than that. When Smallpox was busy wiping out hundreds of millions of people around the world, a process called variolation emerged, where a small amount of the fluid from a smallpox lesion was injected into a healthy human. This was a risky procedure as the chances of developing a fulminant case of smallpox were extremely high, but it did start to prove that a small dose of the virus could create enough of an immune response to render the patient immune.

But it wasn’t until a man named Dr Edward Jenner (honestly, you can’t go anywhere without hearing about a Jenner these days!) discovered that the same immune response could be achieved by using cowpox – a related but much safer poxvirus.

How does it work?

When a virus enters the body, it triggers the immune system to release pathogen-fighting cells like neutrophils, monocytes, and lymphocytes (T cells and B cells). After a while, the body starts producing lymphocytes that are more specifically adapted to fighting the viral particles, resulting in a faster, stronger attack.

If the virus is successfully killed, the bone marrow keeps producing cells that can target that particular virus, called memory B and T cells. These memory cells may last for months, a few years, or a lifetime, depending on the virus and the individual.

The problem with relying on our natural immune response to a virus is that it’s a game of chance. We only develop a natural immunity if we survive, and we may end up with long term or permanent health consequences from the infection.

This is where vaccination comes in.

A vaccine uses an inactive version of the virus to ‘trick’ the immune system into producing an immune reaction and creating memory cells, without causing the actual infection. This often results in the patient feeling unwell or showing some mild symptoms of the virus, but this is simply a sign of the immune system responding.

Here’s where it gets a bit more technical.

In order to trigger a good enough response to the inactivated virus, most vaccines contain something called an adjuvant. This adjuvant is what really fires up the immune system, making sure it gets to the stage of making memory cells, and it is the body’s response to this adjuvant that usually creates the majority of side effects. But, the more powerfully the body responds, the more likely it is to create a good supply of memory cells, so that the next time the body encounters the virus, it can fight it off quickly and efficiently.

The Biggest Issue With Feline Vaccination

Just like with humans, cats often suffer from various side effects of vaccination, including lethargy, fever, or swelling. It might be unpleasant for a day or two, but it is an expected reaction. True adverse vaccine reactions, where the injection triggers an extreme allergic or systemic reaction, are very rare.

The worst potential side effect to vaccination in cats is something called an injection site sarcoma – a type of malignant tumor that can form where a vaccination has been given. This nasty tumor requires aggressive treatment, including surgical removal of the mass.

Feline vaccines are traditionally given in the scruff, because there is lots of loose skin, so it is much easier to inject, as well as more comfortable and less stressful for the cat. But if an injection site sarcoma grows in this location, it is difficult, if not impossible, to completely remove the tumor as it often extends to the spine.

To combat this, it has been recommended that cats be vaccinated over a limb, as this would allow amputation if needed to completely remove the cancer. But, the lower down the limb we go, the less loose skin there is, and the more painful and stressful the injection becomes, so it can be a bit of a case of weighing up the risks and benefits, as well as finding other ways to reduce the chance of this effect.

Studies have found that the Feline Leukemia Virus Vaccine appears to have a higher risk of inducing a sarcoma, possibly due to the fact that the virus itself attacks the bone marrow and immune system.

One method to reduce risk is giving leukemia vaccines every 3 years, rather than annually.

One company has created a non-adjuvanted vaccine, in the hopes that this will result in less intense side effects, but this vaccine does not give a long-lasting protection as ones that contain an adjuvant, so it is supposed to be given annually.

Risk/Benefit Analysis

This is where your decision-making comes into play. You need to be aware, and honest, about the sort of risks your cats face, and talk to your vet about how to make sure they stay protected.

Cats in breeding colonies, shelter conditions, or that live outdoors with a higher risk of interacting with other cats, should be vaccinated against leukemia virus according to the manufacturer recommendation.

For cats living indoors, once they have received a complete primary vaccination course, and I generally recommend that they have their kitten course, plus one a year after, you may want to think about whether or not they need to continue with this particular vaccination. While viruses like cat flu can be transmitted through the air and on surfaces, the leukemia virus requires direct cat-to-cat contact.

If you do decide to go down the route of not vaccinating against leukemia virus, it is vital that you ensure any new cats entering your home have had either a complete vaccination course, or have been tested for the virus before coming into contact with your cat.

My cats are 100% indoor, and are no longer vaccinated against leukemia virus – they have zero risk of exposure. I do, however, vaccinate them against the cat flu viruses every three years.

You might be wondering, Why risk using the leukemia vaccine at all? 

When a cat becomes infected with feline leukemia, there is a window of time where, if the virus is successfully eliminated, the cat will survive and have gained natural immunity – Yay!

BUT, we don’t know exactly how long that immunity lasts, AND if the virus is not eliminated within that window of time, the cat will develop feline leukemia, a debilitating disease that often leads to suffering and death.

A few statistics:

• Around 3% of cats in the United States and Canada are infected with feline leukemia.
• Feline leukemia is fatal in 80-90% of cases.
• The incidence of injection site sarcoma is between 1 in 1000 and 1 in 30,000 (0.1 to 0.003%).

Are vaccines safe?

Of course they’re not completely safe – we are manipulating the immune system with an artificially altered version of a virus. Does that sound safe to you? But it’s a hell of a lot safer than taking our chances of surviving the actual virus.

The fact is, if we are putting something into the body to elicit a reaction, side effects are inevitable. If a drug or vaccine claims to have zero side effects, it probably doesn’t have any therapeutic effects either.

I hate that we live in a world where big pharmaceutical companies profit from disease, and I think that we’re right to do our own research and ask questions.

BUT, the fact that big pharma makes money from vaccination, does not mean that vaccination is bad.

Is it really crappy that there are people that stand to make billions from every viral outbreak? Absolutely! But that shouldn’t mean that we stop protecting our pets.

Natural immunity might work, but it only works if your cat survives.

Hi, I’m Dr. Lauren! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my two adventurous cats, Pancake and Tiller.

When the 4th of July holiday rolls around, it’s a good time to remember that not all of us enjoy these celebrations that include loud noises and aerial explosions. In recent years, as various municipalities attempt to schedule 4th of July celebrations on appropriate weekend evenings, it is more common that fireworks now span two, three or even four weeks. Which means what was once one day of unexpected fireworks, now becomes many.

Therefore, it’s important to remember that our cats are not immune to the effects of fireworks, and what you can do as a cat owner to help your furry family.

Pancake will sleep through pretty much anything. In fact, I’m pretty sure she once slept through a local power transformer that exploded, sounding a bit like a bomb had gone off in the backyard. Tiller, on the other hand, runs off the second anything seems amiss.

For instance, we bought a new tennis racket the other day, and Tiller still won’t go near the closet where it is kept. Why? I have absolutely no idea. And if you get the racket out of the closet, you won’t see her for at least an hour. She’s been with me pretty much since the day she was found under a bush with a bad eye, she’s never had any run-ins with tennis or rackets or any other odd inanimate objects, but there you go. And fireworks are even worse- one bang, and she’s hiding for the rest of the night.

Cat Safety Tips for the Fourth of July

So, what steps can you take to help keep your cats safe on the 4th? There are a number of easy options:

• Keep cats indoors during times of fireworks or other outdoor activities.
• Ensure your cat is microchipped, and that the information is up to date
• Consider using feline pheromone diffusers that can help enforce calm and reassurance in a cat’s environment. Try to plug the diffusers in for a few days prior to the festivities, for best effect
• Close windows and doors, if possible, to help block outside noise. If they are left open, ensure screens are in place, to prevent your cat from accidentally escaping
• Play white noise, or similar masking sounds, to help diminish background noise
• If your cat is extra nervous, speak with your vet and see if any medical therapies might be useful, such as a medication to calm or sedate your cat for a few hours around the festivities
• Give your cat a space to feel secure in the house- maybe a nice box with some blankets and toys, or their bed placed into a closet where they might want to hide. Also shut off access to parts of the house they don’t use, so that you can monitor their whereabouts, occasionally, and won’t have to tear apart the house to find them
• If there are specific things that give your cat comfort- a stuffed toy, a certain shirt from their favorite human, a blanket fort in the laundry closet that you’re always trying to keep them out of, try to find a way to provide that little bit extra on these stressful days

As we recognize more and more the impact that celebrations such as the 4th of July can have on native animals, as well as our own beloved pets, hopefully the future will still be bright but also a little bit less noisy! In the meantime, some simple steps above can help to keep things a bit calmer for our feline friends.

Hi, I’m Christopher! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my silly Russian Blue cat, Olga.

Antifreeze and other chemicals containing ethylene glycol, such as hydraulic fluid, de-icing products, motor oil, paints, solvents, and wood stains, are toxic to cats and other animals. A small spoonful of antifreeze can kill a cat, and most felines don’t survive unless they’re treated within 6 hours.

Antifreeze Poisoning

The initial signs of antifreeze poisoning include vomiting, lethargy, incoordination, excessive urination, hypothermia, excessive thirst, and seizures. Unfortunately, the cat’s condition seems to improve after 12 hours, which can cause an owner to think they have recovered.

They can become dehydrated and breathe faster, but kidney damage, comas, and death are more likely after 12 hours.

Keeping Olga Safe

I don’t let Olga outside or allow her to explore my garage, where most of my toxic chemicals are stored, so she is less likely to be exposed to ethylene glycol than an outdoor cat. However, I’m always careful about where I store household cleaners and other hazardous products.

Olga can open doors and cabinets, and I don’t keep anything toxic in the bathrooms since she likes to open the cabinets occasionally. Although cats dislike sweet food, they’re attracted to antifreeze’s aroma.

They can get sick from licking their paws after walking through an antifreeze spill in the garage or sipping from a container with ethylene glycol. It’s difficult to understand why someone would intentionally poison a cat, but it happens more often than you think.

Punishing a Cat Murderer

Several years ago, I was visiting a friend when I heard people screaming outside. When we went outside to investigate, we learned that one of the neighbors had left a tray of antifreeze outside to kill a stray cat.

Some of the apartment’s residents had become attached to the cat and frequently fed him, and they wanted to murder, or at least mortally wound, the man who had killed him. They pounded on the murderer’s door and yelled, but he was either in class or hiding inside.

He was never injured or killed by the angry mob, but one of the cat lovers contacted the local university’s editor-in-chief. The cat killer was a journalist until he murdered the cat, and I’m glad the editor decided that unethical employees don’t make the best writers. I understand that stray cats annoy people and kill wildlife, but several humane deterrents can keep them away.

Animal Cruelty Laws

In the United States, killing a cat is a felony and can result in fines of up to $5,000 or 2 years in prison. Each state imposes different penalties, but some legislatures are trying to establish an animal cruelty registry that is modeled after sex offender lists.

Increasing the fines and prison terms for offenders may decrease the number of antifreeze deaths, but they won’t convince me to allow Olga to explore the outdoors. I’m paranoid enough about dropping a chunk of onion or garlic on the floor when I’m making dinner, and I don’t want to worry about another person injuring or killing my cat.

Keeping your cat indoors may seem selfish since they cannot explore the environment and hunt small animals, but it protects them from poisons, parasites, automobiles, and cruel humans.

Hi, I’m Dr. Karyn! Read my introduction to learn more about me and meet my five hilarious cats: Clutch, Cyril, Alex, Zelda, and Zazzles.

With five cats ruling my house, I have very little doubt about my role. Timely provision of food, water, and entertainment is expected, but there are times that I feel a little bit like their dealer, with catnip being their drug of choice.

Statistically, only around 60% of cats respond to the intoxicating effects of catnip, and that figure is reflected in my household, with Alex, Cyril, and Zelda being both attracted to and affected by catnip; Clutch and Zazzles have no interest in the stuff. Zelda, in particular, will start meowing aggressively if it’s been several days since her last ‘fix’, and the sound of opening the catnip tub is met with equal, if not greater, enthusiasm than the sound of the food container.

Recently, I was tasked with making some homemade cat toys, and the catnip crew were only too happy to help test them out.

But as I watch the wide-eyed antics of my intoxicated felines, I can’t help wondering – am I enabling an addiction?

The Ins and Outs of Catnip

Catnip, also known by its scientific name, Nepeta cataria, is a member of the mint family. These plants produce the chemical nepetalactone which repels insects, but appeals to many of the feline persuasion. This chemical works its way into your cat’s pleasure center by way of a particularly sensitive olfactory organ located in the roof of their mouth, called the vomeronasal organ (VMO for short). If you’ve ever noticed your cat pulling a comical grimace when they are sniffing something, this is called the Flehmen response – or as we used to call it in my house, “stinky face” – whereby they draw scents and pheromones into the VMO. From here, your cat can glean an absolute mass of information about the world around them.

One of the more important pieces of information processed by the VMO is to do with sex, like the presence of competition or the receptiveness of females. So the messages reaching your cat’s brain appear to be similar to arousal, which certainly explains the blissful response! It’s just a shame that only 60% of the cat population gets to enjoy it.

Can Cats OD on Catnip?

The catnip plant is not toxic to cats, but if they ingest a huge amount they may develop some unpleasant gastrointestinal side effects. I’ve never seen this in my cats.

I usually bulk buy my catnip in a 1-ounce tub, which might not sound like much, but is the equivalent of 3-4 herb jars, and it usually lasts for several months…unless the cats manage to break into the container.

Thus far, the only downside my cats have experienced to this treat is some occasional eye irritation, a consequence of rubbing their face too aggressively against the carpet!

Am I Enabling Addicts?

I don’t think so. Although their ears prick up when I open the drawer containing this intoxicating treat, and the opening of the tub brings 60% of my cats to swarm excitedly around my feet, they do not spend the rest of their time looking for more, in a desperate search for their next ‘fix’. Although Zelda does get a tad demanding if she feels it’s been too long since her last dose, she is not completely consumed by her need for the ‘nip.

And if I can provide some extra amusement and enrichment in their lives, I’m absolutely going to do it. I just wish there was a way for Clutch and Zazzles to experience the same bliss I see in Zelda, Alex, and Cyril’s glassy, dilated pupils!

Hi, I’m Christopher! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my silly Russian Blue cat, Olga.

I try not to bore my dog-loving friends with too many cat stories, but it’s challenging since I live with an amusing goofball who never ceases to surprise me. Cats are fascinating subjects, and I doubt I’ll ever have trouble writing about Olga’s antics. Although, like most cats, she dislikes change and enjoys following a routine, she can be unpredictable.

I can count on her to glare at me and whine when dinnertime is a few hours away, but she doesn’t initiate the begging process at the same time every day. After several naps, she’s glued to the window and can’t keep her eyes off the birds and squirrels in my yard. She spends more time there since the temperature has increased and a new visitor caught her attention.

Window Watching

A field mouse, or more likely several field mice, has been hopping across the lawn in the late afternoon. I understand that mice spread disease and carry parasites, but I’m glad to see the rodents as long as they do not inhabit my house or take over my backyard. They distract Olga and allow me to spend my last hours of work in a calmer state.

She gets so excited that she attacks the blinds and scratches the windowpanes. I don’t get upset since she’s taking her frustration out on inanimate objects instead of my legs or back. When she’s not distracted by the wildlife and thinks I’m waiting too long to serve dinner, she usually finds something else to attack before becoming violent.

Hunger Attacks

I haven’t trained her to practice restraint when handling her afternoon hunger, but she seems more patient than a year ago, when she would chew on my shoelaces, dive on my back, or claw up my legs. However, she still attacks me occasionally or runs to the other side of my house and howls in the laundry room.

Some people hate cats because of their unusual or unpredictable behavior. They’re worried about a surprise attack, but I look forward to them. When Olga runs up to me after hiding behind the couch, paws me in the back of the leg, and fluffs up her fur to look more menacing, it cracks me up.

Demonic Behavior

I keep the door closed when I’m in the shower so that she can’t tear into the shower curtain, but besides that, I’m pretty tolerant when she morphs into a demon. I like watching her run laps around my house and leap from the couch to the recliner. Her eyes are dilated, and she looks like a cat possessed. I have a rocking recliner, and when Olga dives on it, the back slams into the drywall.

It sounds like someone hit the wall with the sledgehammer, and the first time she did it, the noise scared her, but now, it doesn’t phase her. She ignores it and continues to run at full speed until she slows down a bit and attempts to climb the wall molding in the hallway. Sometimes, she scratches my antique desk or tears into the headboard of my bed. I tell her to stop or chase her away, but it’s hard for me to get mad at her. She’s an amusing little creep, and that’s why I think some pet owners love talking and writing about their insane felines.

Hi, I’m Dr. Karyn! Read my introduction to learn more about me and meet my five hilarious cats: Clutch, Cyril, Alex, Zelda, and Zazzles.

One of the more challenging aspects of looking after indoor cats is making sure they get enough exercise, enrichment, and excitement in their lives. It’s easy enough to grab a lead and take the dogs out to the beach or the park, but not all cats are amenable to the harness lifestyle. One popular choice is the laser pointer, and it’s easy to appreciate why.

With very minimal effort on my part, I’ve got the cats running upstairs, downstairs, over the bed, and off the walls. Even Cyril, who is famous for his dedication to a life lived horizontally, cannot resist the flickering allure of that elusive red dot. But after reading about how lasers can negatively affect dogs, I started to become worried about my ginger ninja, Alex.

Why Do Cats Love Laser Toys?

Although most of our domestic cats these days are less focused on hunting creatures and more interested in creature comforts, they aren’t that far removed from their wild or free-roaming relatives. Buried deep within that lazy exterior are the hunting instincts and prey drive of a lion, just waiting to be triggered by some fast-moving beastie. When our cats see the twitching movement of that laser, instincts take over, and they soon find themselves unable to resist the chase.

What is strange about this particular game of cat and …dot, is that they never get to catch it, so you would think they would eventually grow bored. However, as most cat parents (myself included) will tell you, each time the laser is retrieved from its draw, cats appear to be just as interested as the time before, and the dozens of times before that. Zelda, in particular, sheds her regal and poised demeanor and turns into a playful, energetic kitten if she so much as hears the telltale sound of the laser being taken from its hiding place. Are they hoping that this time they will finally catch their prey? Or do they simply enjoy the chase?

Unfortunately, this is something only a cat can tell us, so for now, we must use what we know to decide if laser toys are just an engaging way to encourage our cats to play and burn calories, or if they are a potential source of frustration, anxiety, and unhealthy obsession.

When the Game Becomes Obsession

‘Laser Pointer Syndrome’ is an obsessive-compulsive disorder that has been recognized in our canine friends, with dogs becoming so fixated by the rapid movement of laser toys that they are unable to relax. Their inability to complete the chase leaves them on edge, constantly on alert for ‘the one that got away’. This has always been something that didn’t exactly worry me, but it did make me wonder, when I was playing with my cats. It wasn’t until Alex joined our fellowship of cats that I started to become concerned.

In the beginning, just like all the other cats, Alex loved the fast-paced game of chasing the laser pointer, darting frantically around the house, following it up and down the stairs, and over the cat tree. Then I started to notice him becoming fixated on anything with a reflective surface that flickered on a wall or door – watches, cutlery, even the reflection from our metal door handle. Every night, Alex sits poised outside our bedroom, waiting for the moment that the light from the bathroom hits our door handle just right, sending a shimmer across the wall of the landing. This flash of light lasts moments, one or two seconds at most, but he waits for it, every night. That’s when I started to get worried.

How Do I Fix It?

The obvious solution was to just throw the laser away, give it up cold turkey, which is exactly what I did. However, this didn’t stop Alex’s light chasing behavior; he was just as obsessed with flickering lights and shiny surfaces as ever before. I had opened Pandora’s sparkling box and now I didn’t know how to close it.

Don’t get me wrong, Alex was okay. He wasn’t stressed or permanently locked in a state of tense anticipation, but it did worry me that he was spending at least an hour or two every night just waiting for a fleeting glimpse of a quarry he would never catch; a hunt that couldn’t ever end in the satisfaction of capture. Or could it?

A plan began to take shape in my mind, and I came up with a possible way to bring closure to Alex’s unfinished business. I didn’t know if it would work, but it was worth a try.

Step 1 – Buy a new laser toy

It might seem a bit like buying booze for an alcoholic, but seeing as cold turkey hadn’t worked, I wanted to try weaning him off.

Step 2 – Introduce a new toy that he can actually play with

Interestingly enough, the laser toy I purchased came with a bonus feathery mouse!

Step 3 – Start with the laser, end with the toy

My plan was to end the game with a physical reward, so that all the effort of chasing concluded with Alex capturing something he could actually grasp, kick, and chew.

I had to get the timing right, making sure that I switched off the laser at the moment he grabs the toy, but I felt up to the challenge! But would it work?

The Re-education of Master Alex

Sometimes it’s about trial and error, and it turned out that Alex wasn’t as excited about the new toy as I’d hoped! His best buddy Cyril, on the other hand, was very interested. It turned out that Alex was more food-motivated, so instead of a toy, I directed the laser towards a small pile of his favorite treats, and voila! His attention immediately zeroed in on the food, and the laser was quickly forgotten.

I was quite pleased to see that in both instances, Alex and Cyril, once they were focussed on the treat at the end of the laser game, didn’t start looking around for the elusive little dot, whereas normally, they would remain on high alert, waiting for it to move again. I don’t expect that this will completely eradicate Alex’s fascination with all things shiny, but the first attempt went better than I thought, so I am optimistic that we will be able to change how he views the laser.

Are Laser Toys a Bad Idea?

Not necessarily, and in many cases, they can actually be one of the best ways to turn a sedentary cat into a fast & furious feline by providing an outlet for their seldom-used hunting instincts. But I think that, in the same way some humans can’t drink, gamble, or shop without becoming addicted, certain cats are predisposed to laser pointer syndrome, something that researchers have started to explore. In a suggestion similar to my method, others have suggested combining laser play with clicker training, giving cats a tangible reward at the end of the game.

Early surveys suggest that laser toy obsession is more likely to occur in cats under two years old, which fits with Alex’s situation. Obviously, I wish I had known about this potential hazard when I first introduced him to the laser four years ago, but even as a vet, I am constantly learning.

And hopefully, my experience with Alex can help some of you avoid the same issue. If you’re going to introduce your cat to the thrill of chasing a laser, make sure that you can give that chase a satisfying conclusion.

Hi, I’m Christopher! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my silly Russian Blue cat, Olga.

I cared for a Siamese cat for nearly 20 years and grew accustomed to his constant chatter and howling. Unlike Olga, he never stopped talking unless I was petting him or he was sleeping. I wasn’t used to having a quiet pet when I adopted Olga, and when she was a kitten, she sounded more like a mouse than a cat because her meows sounded like squeaks.

She’s more talkative now, especially in the morning before breakfast, and her vocal range is more expansive. Olga doesn’t have the chops of my Siamese, but she’s much louder and harder to ignore than when she was a few years ago. She didn’t make a sound in her carrier when I adopted her, but after her first trip to the vet, she became more vocal during car rides.

The Carrier Meow

Convincing Olga to get into her carrier is a struggle. Since her veterinary appointments are always early in the morning, she knows she’s heading to the vet’s office if I don’t feed her breakfast. She hides from me and runs away until I finally catch her and put her in the carrier.

She doesn’t stop whining until I take her out of the carrier in the examination room. Her meows in the carrier are repetitive and sound sadder than the ones she uses to beg for food. They’re so repetitive that I’m surprised she has time to take a breath, and although I’m always patient with her, the constant meow, meow, meow is difficult to endure. Luckily, it’s only a 30-minute trip.

The Olga Grunt

Without opening her mouth, Olga grunts if I look at her when she’s hungry. She sits next to my chair and stares at me when it’s close to dinnertime, but sometimes, the staring begins a few hours early. I ignore her stare to discourage her from begging too early, which doesn’t help, but she’s quiet unless I make eye contact. She also makes the grunt if I pet her when she’s trying to sleep or show her a toy or paper ball I’m about to throw.

The Howl at Dawn

I usually get up before dawn, and even on the weekend, I can’t sleep very late because my Russian Blue turns into a feline alarm clock without a snooze button. She’s loudest in the morning, and the longer I try to sleep, the louder she gets.

I didn’t think she was capable of howling until recently, but now she’s nearly as skilled at it as my Siamese cat. She runs around the house, screams, and usually jumps into the bathtub so the sound echoes and carries farther. It’s a warning that if I don’t feed her soon, she’ll find something to destroy or bat around in the house.

When I finally wake up and walk to the kitchen to feed her, she’ll whine if I’m not moving fast enough. I’m happy she’s no longer a squeaker and is more talkative, even when the pleas for food become obnoxious.

Hi, I’m Dr. Karyn! Read my introduction to learn more about me and meet my five hilarious cats: Clutch, Cyril, Alex, Zelda, and Zazzles.

Anyone who knows me knows not to ask me about my pets unless they have an hour or two to spare. Between stories about my five cats, five dogs, and how my five cats interact with my five dogs, there’s a lot to talk about!

There’s Clutch, the vacuum-loving former stray who seems to identify as a dog, stealing food from the chihuahuas, curling up with a labrador or two, and acting terribly put out when he gets rounded up with the other cats.

Alex and Cyril, who we lovingly think of as Scully & Hitchcock from Brooklyn Nine-Nine, with their unfailing love of food and naps. Zelda the princess, who shamelessly throws herself at Bailey the lab, and finally Zazzles, who most people think we’ve made up, as she only appears between the hours of midnight and 7am. With this many pets living under one roof, there are always stories to tell, with the most interesting thing being that they all get along, most of the time.

Having been a practising veterinary surgeon for over thirteen years, there’s not a lot I haven’t seen, but I think that the things I have learned from my own cats have given me more insight, knowledge, and experience than any course, conference, or lecture could provide. Seeing firsthand how hard it is to keep a cat quiet after surgery, how to help a new cat join an existing group, and witnessing all the little idiosyncrasies that are unique to each individual, has done so much more than just entertaining me and making me happy. It has made me a better vet.

Being able to talk about my own cats; my stories, my frustrations, my successes, and my failures, means that I can understand my patients better, and advise their owners from a place of personal experience. As vets, we all learn the theory, but not all of us get to live it.

I have to admit that it also made things harder sometimes, seeing my own pets reflected in my patients, being able to picture myself in their owner’s shoes, especially when it comes to the tough cases, the sad outcomes, and the difficult decisions. But something happens to a person’s face when you ask them to talk about their pets, and I know it happens to mine as well.

One of my favorite parts of my work happens during one of the saddest parts of my work. It’s when a memory, a story, or funny anecdote pops up, like a ray of sunshine in the darkness, and seeing tears turn to a smile, even just for a moment, that shows just how powerful our stories are, and that we should keep on telling them.

I feel so lucky to be able to share my home and my life with these fascinating furry characters. Their antics improve my world, my mental health, and my daily life, and the more I learn about them, the more I am able to share with all of you. And I will continue to share them with you, and I hope you’ll share your stories with me.

Hi, I’m Dr. Lauren! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my two adventurous cats, Pancake and Tiller.

OK, I’m just going to say it. Size matters.

When it comes to cat carriers, that is.

Cat carriers are the bane of many cat owners’ existence…and one of the most common reasons people miss their vet appointments (“I couldn’t get her into the carrier! She scratched me and then ran off”). I’ve literally had people chase their cat around the house for hours before an appointment, and I promise, no one is benefiting from that situation!

Imagine for a moment: you’re having your morning coffee, maybe your bran flakes…and whoosh! Someone runs into the kitchen, throws you into a giant box, tumbles you around, takes you into something that smells terrible and makes lots of loud noise and you can’t stand up because it’s constantly moving and you feel sick, you hear strange people talking, dogs barking…and suddenly you’re dumped out of this box, and standing in wait are your gynecologist, your internist, your cardiologist, your dentist, your urologist, your gastroenterologist, your proctologist, your podiatrist, your dermatologist… and you’re at their mercy. You might be a tad grumpy to have had your coffee ritual interrupted, too.

Remember, it’s not all that different for a cat. It may make a strong point, but it’s not dissimilar.

What Can You Do About It?

Glad you asked!

There are a number of general rules of thumb when it comes to cat carriers. And remember, these are simply rules of thumb. If a carrier is to a cat as a car is to a human: remember that all humans don’t like the same style of car. Neither should cats.

Rules of Thumb For Cat Carriers

• Most cats prefer a size big enough for them to stand, turn around easily, and sit comfortably upright
• It should be hard-sided, or able to maintain its shape (e.g. not collapse) when the door is opened
• Speaking of doors, at least 2 entry/exit points. So a door and the top easily comes off, or a door and the top unzips, or a front and top door
• At least one, ideally both, entry points need to be larger than your cat. This prevents shoulders and feet from easily getting stuck, and therefore getting cats in and out of carriers from becoming a nightmare
• Beds that are carriers (the convertibles of the cat carrier world!) are improving exponentially- and many cats really like them. Some are even crash-tested, as the one linked here.
• Bubble backpacks get a lot of flack, of late. On one hand, they are trendy…but behaviorists think cats hate them. I’ve yet to get a cat to give me a definitive answer, but I’ve seen feline practice in big European cities… where most people walk their cats to appointments from their homes, anywhere from a few blocks to many blocks. In instances like that, the cat is up high, they are a bit more soundproof, the cat has some visibility but can still hide… Not saying these carriers are perfect, but they are probably better than a traditional carrier at dog level, with lots of noise and smells wafting right in.
• Dog crates can be good for big breeds like Maine Coons and Bengals. Though, you may want to add wheels. I’ve even seen them come in on red flyer wagons before!
• When all else fails: pillowcases make a great emergency carrier for a cat!

Using the Carrier

One of the trickiest parts about a carrier is its usage. Such a simple thing, that can become so complicated when you add one single ingredient: the cat.

I’ll be honest, rarely does putting your cat headfirst into a carrier work. They are masters at wriggling out. If you do go this route, do it confidently, and don’t hesitate. You generally get one chance to get it right.

I prefer the tip method:

1. Tip the carrier on its end, and have someone hold it for stability.
2. Cup your cat’s butt, and slide them butt first into the carrier.
3. Generally, this is done before your cat knows what is happening, and far less stress than trying to stuff an unwilling cat headfirst into the carrier.
4. When it doesn’t work, the most common reason is that the door of the carrier is too narrow: their butt and shoulders almost touch the sides, so it’s easy for these to become stuck as you are trying to place the cat inside.

Final Thoughts On Cat Carriers

Teach cats at a young age to see the carrier as a commonplace item. Allow them treats in the carrier, and leave it out for them to sleep in on a regular basis- even if you simply take off the front door to allow easy access. Don’t simply get it out the day you want to use it!

Keep the carrier clean, when not in use. Cats can vomit, urinate, defecate, and shed inside the carrier during travel- clean it out after use. Would you want to be shoved into a car with months’ old dirt, and expect that to be a fun journey? Pheromone sprays and wipes can also be used to further reduce travel stress. Put some treats, and a favorite toy or blanket, in, as well.

Treat carriers a bit like your car, because, essentially, to a cat, that’s what they are. If they are broken, fix them. Keep them clean, tidy, and ready for daily use. Sometimes, the new fancy ones have some bells and whistles that work really well, and look very stylish. And sometimes, the old-fashioned ones do it best. Regardless, a carrier is essential for cat ownership—just go with what works for you, and your cat.

Hi, I’m Christopher! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my silly Russian Blue cat, Olga.

When I traveled to Thailand last year, I left Olga at my parents’ house. It was the first time she had been away from home for more than a few hours, and unfortunately for my parents, she wasn’t the best houseguest for the first few days. She stayed hidden in the daytime, and when they went to bed, she cried the entire night. After the third day, they said she was friendlier and happy to curl up in their laps.

Taking her with me wasn’t possible since one of my flights was over 14 hours, and my hotel didn’t allow pets. However, enduring a long flight with a cabin full of coughing passengers and inedible cuisine is bad enough, and I’m glad I didn’t have an angry feline in a carrier constantly whining for the entire trip.

Unless I move to another country, I doubt I’ll ever take Olga on an international flight. It would be agonizing for both of us. She isn’t fond of leaving the confines of my house, and when I take shorter trips, my cat sitter takes care of her. When she can stay home when I’m gone, she’s incredibly friendly when I return and won’t leave me alone.

A Hostile Welcome

After my Thailand trip, she wasn’t as happy to see me. When I approached her, she howled and backed away from me. It almost seemed like she assumed I was dead since I had been gone for so long, and she wasn’t pleased to see my ghost. She ran away, and when I found her hiding under a bed, she hissed and tried to scratch me. I had to cover her with a towel before I wedged her into the carrier.

When I released her from the carrier at my house, she ran and hid under my bed. She stayed away from me for the rest of the day and didn’t approach me until later that night. Olga’s hostility surprised me, but it only took her a day to realize I was back from the dead, and she was excited to return to her old routine.

Aromatic Environment

Cats have long-term memories and can distinguish their owners from strangers, but why did she initially fear me? A veterinarian I work with suggested that the strange scents on my clothes from the trip spooked her. Considering the length of the journey and the mixture of unpleasant aromas that surrounded me on the plane, I think she was correct.

During the 30-hour trip, my olfactory system was overloaded with the aromas of pungent body odor, bad breath, strong cologne, and vomit from the infant who threw up on her seat nearby. I don’t blame Olga for hissing at me or trying to scratch me after the trip. If she had come home after a long trip and her fur was embedded with the same odors, I would have hissed and run for cover, too.

Hi, I’m Dr. Karyn! Read my introduction to learn more about me and meet my five hilarious cats: Clutch, Cyril, Alex, Zelda, and Zazzles.

By now, you might be familiar with “da boyz” in my home, Clutch, Cyril, and Alex, but we haven’t seen a lot of my female felines, Zazzles and Zelda. They are definitely more shy than the lads, sometimes proving to be downright elusive, particularly if there is a brush or nail clippers within ten miles. Being a shorthaired cat, Zazzles rarely needs anything more than a vigorous stroking to help keep her coat looking healthy, but Zelda has luscious long fur that she enjoys leaving in clumps around the house. Not only is this a nightmare to keep on top of cleaning-wise, it leads to many a hairball being unceremoniously ejected on the carpet, bed, computer keyboard…you name it! Even worse, one of my “always up to something” chihuahuas has developed something of an appetite for Zelda’s hairy offerings, meaning that I now have twice-vomited hairballs to contend with!

Now the only way to get rid of cat hair altogether, apart from taking in one of those naked breeds, is to get rid of the cat – which is obviously NOT an option! But regular grooming can help limit the amount of hair being left all over your clothes and furniture, as well as reduce the formation of hairballs. But what do you do if your cat HATES grooming?

The Trouble With Zelda

Zelda is one of those cats that has a very limited window of tolerance when it comes to contact and affection; happy for a pat or a smooch, but it’s always very much on her terms.  My husband and I can usually manage to clip her claws with little or no bloodshed, but for some reason, she seems to think that brushing will cause her grievous bodily harm.

I have, on occasion, used chemical restraint in order to give her a full body brush and trim, but I would like to be able to groom her without the aid of sedation.

At this point, you’re probably wondering who Bailey is, and where she fits into my grooming predicament.

What’s a Dog Got To Do With Grooming a Cat?

Bailey is our 10-year-old Labrador, on whom Zelda has quite the crush. Sadly, hers is an unrequited love. Our raven-haired beauty regularly embarrasses herself with her wanton displays of affection, showering the nonplussed Bailey with head bumps and body rubs, even curling up against her when she falls asleep, but the yellow lab remains indifferent to her shameless advances. But that doesn’t stop me from using the situation to my advantage.

In an attempt to minimize stress and maximize my chances of success, I have gathered some of Zelda’s favorite things – catnip, treats, and Bailey.

Interesting Factoid: Only around 60% of cats react to catnip, a statistic that is reflected in my own home. Zelda, Cyril and Alex are all obsessed with it, whilst Clutch and Zazzles treat it with the same level of indifference that Bailey shows to Zelda.

Having created a calming environment, the trick is to groom sneakily, but not scarily. This is decidedly difficult when you’re dealing with the world’s most suspicious cat. The other ace up my sleeve is my new brush. For many years, I have used a FURminator style grooming tool because, well, they work. But Zelda knows exactly what it looks like, and I think that the harder comb surface could be part of why she hates it so much. So I am enlisting the help of the Hepper Deshedding Cat Brush, which is much lighter, a different shape, and, as a bonus, way cheaper than my previous brush! The bristles feel strong but soft, and the angle of the bristles should help gather up all the dead hair.

Keeping It Short and Sweet

One of the most important aspects of dealing with a nervous cat and their least favorite activity, is knowing when to call it quits. Sure, I could hold her down and get more brushing done, but that’s only going to traumatize her, and make the next attempt that much more difficult. Fortunately, she didn’t seem to mind the feel of the new brush, and I’m pretty chuffed with it too!

Because I’m trying to recalibrate the way Zelda feels about grooming, I need to accept that success may be weeks, even months down the road, and if the first session is just me, Zelda, and Bailey calmly sharing space with a brush, then that’s our starting point. And every time we finish on a positive note, we get one step closer to a longer session. Who knows, maybe she’ll start to enjoy grooming “Clutch style”…but probably not!

Hi, I’m Dr. Lauren! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my two adventurous cats, Pancake and Tiller.

I have lived with several Zen masters—all of them cats. 

Apocryphal stories about cats in myth, religion, and history abound. But one thing they all agree on: cats are masters at the art of zen and meditation. With a mix of zoomies, thrown in for good measure. And try at your own detriment to ignore a cat one, as even monks aren’t immune to their charm, though they may try… as shown in this endearing video of a cat trying to get a monk’s attention.

As a light-hearted look this week at the various ways in which cats help us reflect, meditate, and reflect on ourselves, let’s look at meditation and cats, from various perspectives of culture and society.

Meditation refers to various practices that focus on integrating mind and body for various purposes. Meditations can be to calm, enhance overall well-being, or enhance focus, to name a few purposes. Both religious and non-religious forms exist.

The practice is believed to originate in the ancient Vedic times of India. Meditation encompassed one of the modalities of Ayurveda (Science of Life), which was a comprehensive health care guide. But modern meditation is now embraced in many Western countries, in various forms such as true meditation, along with modern spins including mindfulness, cold water swimming, yoga retreats, and gong baths, to name a few.

Historically, before it was popular, much of meditation was associated with religion, or holistic practices. A variety of religions encompass meditation, and many of these have interesting stories about cats.

Islam is one such religion. One story, with a number of variations, regards the Islamic prophet Muhammad. It was said that his favorite cat Muezza fell asleep on the sleeve of his prayer robe. When Muhammad awoke to attend prayer, but found Muezza sleeping on the sleeve of his robe. He cut off the sleeve, rather than disturb his beloved sleeping cat. Anecdotally, even today it is said that if you like cats, you must be a believer, in some form.

Buddhism is another religion well known for its traditional style of meditation. And there is no greater place to experience Buddhism than in Southeast Asian countries such as Thailand, where cats most definitely take center stage.

In Thailand, mystery and religion abound. In many homes, prominently displayed in the yard, are ornate, lovely, spirit houses. Roadside shrines are also popular, adorned with offerings, often in red, to the deities. A favorite is red Fanta, but other foods and drinks will not go amiss. Stray cats are well-tolerated and often found in temples (wats) and shrines. The temple grounds are often adorned with cats in various stages of their own feline forms of meditation: sleeping, eating, contemplating. Gold-gilded statues of Buddha are frequently adorned with red drinks, garlands, candles… and cats.

Cats and Modern Meditation

Meditation is often a means for people to decrease stress. The science of pet ownership, while an evolving research area, has been shown in some studies to accomplish many of the same things: potentially lowered blood pressure and risk of cardiovascular disease, and improved mental health, amongst others. In a sense, cats are their own form of meditation, as being around them offers many of the same benefits.

If nothing else, cats are, as the quote at the start of this article alludes, zen masters, they are either eating, sleeping, or transitioning between the two. They aren’t eating while on smartphones out at a fancy restaurant; they aren’t watching TV while doing homework, and they certainly aren’t shoveling food while sitting at their desk. So, what better way to practice mindfulness, than to simply turn off the TV, and spend some time playing with your cat. Or even napping- I promise, they won’t mind!