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Microchips contain a unique identification number, and they are inserted with a needle under the skin between a pet's shoulder blades. The number is registered to your name, so if your cat gets lost, the number connects your cat to you. Microchips provide reliable, permanent identification for your pet.
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Motion sickness in cats is a common problem. Many cats become anxious or nauseous during travel due to a lack of conditioning and the overwhelming unusual stimuli associated with moving inside a vehicle. Signs your cat may be experiencing motion sickness may include whining, meowing, or howling; drooling and excessive licking of the lips; pacing; vomiting or diarrhea; and lethargy or inactivity. Conditioning your cat to car travel can help ease some anxiety. However, if your cat seems to need more help to stay calm during travel, speak to your veterinarian about using anti-nausea medication, anti-anxiety medications, as well as natural calming agents such as pheromones.
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Most cats settle into a new home fairly easily. They crave familiarity, so it is best to bring along many familiar objects, such as litter boxes and favored furniture. Cats must be initially secured to prevent their escape, as they may attempt to return to a prior home and could be lost or injured along the way. It is best to introduce your cat to your new home gradually and with supervision.
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Neutering and castration are the common terms used to describe the surgical procedure during which both testicles are removed to sterilize a male cat. Neutering is recommended to prevent urine marking and other territorial behavior, such as roaming and fighting with other cats, which increases the risk of contracting disease. Spaying and neutering our pets is a vital step in reducing overpopulation and crowding of shelters.
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A nutraceutical is a food or food product that reportedly provides health and/or medical benefits. In addition to diet modifications, exercise, weight loss, and medications, joint support nutraceuticals are also helpful in an osteoarthritis management program. Nutraceuticals are not subjected to the same testing and regulation as pharmaceuticals. Your veterinarian can advise you on products that have been evaluated and have yielded positive effects.
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The clinical signs of heart failure are seen in many cats as they age. The two most common causes of CHF are chronic valvular disease and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Hypertension (high blood pressure) may contribute to heart disease and CHF. Secondary diseases, such as obesity, excessively high thyroid, or kidney disease may require dietary changes. Key nutritional goals are to maintain a stable body weight, deliver appropriate calories, and feed a balanced diet that the cat will regularly eat.
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When the digestive tract is upset, vomiting and diarrhea may result. Since the causes of these symptoms are varied, it's best to consult a veterinarian. Often, a gastrointestinal (GI) diet is recommended to support the digestive tract and ensure the gut gets the nutrients it needs to recover. A bland diet of cooked chicken and rice might be recommended, but it has several limitations and is not appropriate for long-term feeding.
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Over 60% of cats in North America are either overweight or obese, so paying attention to the balance between activity and calorie intake is important. Nutrient formulation and portion control are the two most important aspects of weight control. Once you have chosen a formula and have calculated a reasonable daily portion based on calorie density, the best way to stay on track and prevent unwanted weight gain is to combine portion control with regular, formal weigh-ins.
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This handout discusses the risks and benefits of feeding commercially prepared fresh, whole-food diets, as well as home-prepared recipes for your cat or dog. Topics highlighted include food safety, nutritional imbalances, and the need to ensure that any diet has been well-researched for nutritional safety and completeness.
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Cats are obligate carnivores and cannot be vegetarian. Through evolution, cats have become dependent on the specific forms of nutrients found only in animal tissue. Feeding your cat a proper diet is one of the most important aspects to help keep them at optimal health. It is important to keep in mind that the nutritional requirements and dietary preferences change over the course of the cat's lifetime. Your veterinary health care team can help you make good-quality diet choices and determine the correct number of calories your cat needs in a day.