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THE CARE AND FEEDING OF YOUR CAT (Installment Two)

Warm Weather Tips for Maintaining your Pet's Health

Always provide fresh water.  

Protect indoor and outdoor pets with a veterinarian-approved flea and tick killer.  One we like:  Top Spot.

Be aware of the fact that some cats can become ill from eating insecticide or fertilizer-treated grasses or plants.  (We advocate keeping your pets indoors or in a protected outdoor environment, such as a screened-in porch.  If that's not feasible, a specially-purchased containment, such as a dog run, will keep your cats happy - and safe - outdoors!  

Update your pets' vaccines.  Certain diseases are airborne.  A cat that goes outside or even one that sits by a screened window, can become the target of certain contagious diseases.

If you do allow your cat outside, make sure it's wearing identification tags.  Most collars today are made to "break-away" or stretch, allowing an animal that might have gotten tangled on something to free itself.  

Cats that go out might pick up tapeworm.  Tapeworm looks like grains of rice that move and appear in the cat's stool.  

Do not allow an un-neutered cat (or dog) to roam free.  Always spay or neuter your pet, whether or not it goes outside.

If you will be traveling and don't want to kennel your pet, look for a pet sitter who will care for your animals in your own home.  Before making a commitment however, interview the pet sitter extensively and have him or her meet your animals.  Check references and get recommendations.  One way to find a reliable pet sitter is through your veterinarian.  

Keep your cats indoors on extremely hot days, and, if possible, in an air-conditioned environment, or one with a circulating fan.    

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Please be sure to read the following warning.   

I hope you can help me. I am trying to get information out to the general public about Hartz Mountain Control flea products.   In December, I used this product on my puppy. I used the cat flea product on my cats. Within 24 hours my cats went into seizures...one died... and the cause... cross contamination from the puppy product.  Permethrin is the main ingredient in the dog products. This is extremely toxic to cats and other animals.  I am working to have the products removed from the market.  Any help you could give me would be greatly appreciated. - Paula, California

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Heartworm Alert

Dogs are not the only animals that are plagued by heartworms, a potentially deadly parasite.  Cats can be infected too.  Heartworms, as the name suggests, are parasites that inhabit the hearts and lungs of infected cats.  Heartworms are difficult to treat, but easy to prevent.  Now that the weather is warmer, the risk of heartworm is becoming greater.  (It is transmitted through mosquitos.)  The treatment is the same as for dogs, and not all vets everywhere endorse it.  Speak with your vet about whether or not heartworm prevention is right for your cat.  

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Cats need exercise to prevent them from becoming overweight  and sluggish.  Encourage your cat to play an energetic game of "Chase Me" or purchase  "Mr. Squid," a specially designed cat toy that will get your cat moving.  Check out the Shops at cat-E-corner.com.

Questions or comments? Contact us.