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THE CARE AND FEEDING OF YOUR CAT (Installment Three)

Always keep medicines, household cleaners, insecticides, automotive products and other harmful substances locked up or stored away from the reach of your pet.  Before buying a houseplant, check with the florist or your veterinarian to see if it might be toxic if ingested by your cat.  We don't like to think it can happen, but if your cat accidentally eats a poisonous plant, chemical or other substance, help is only a phone call away.  The ASPCA National Animal Poison Control Center is an emergency hotline that provides telephone assistance 24/7.  With full-time veterinarians, a comprehensive collection of scientific journals and an extensive database, the Center's veterinarians are able to quickly answer questions about possible toxic chemicals, plants and household products or substances.  They can also cross reference multiple toxins and determine the effect of a toxin on your cat.  Please note that there is a charge of $45.00 for each case, although the manufacturers of some products will foot the bill.  The veterinarian who answers the phone will be able to determine if the fee will be waived in your particular case.  

ASPCA National Animal Poison Control Center

1-888-4ANI-HELP (1-888-426-4435)

($45.00 per case charged to American Express, Discover, Master Card or Visa)

or, 

1-900-680-0000

($45.00 flat rate charged to phone bill)

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Periodontal disease is not just something you should be aware of; it can affect your cat as well.  Statistics indicate that more than eight out of 10 cats over the age of 4 suffer from periodontal disease, a condition in which bacteria attack soft gum tissue.  These plaque-forming bacteria produce toxins which irritate the gums.  In time, the plaque hardens into tartar and the cat's gums become red, tender, and swollen.  Eventually, the inflamed gums pull away from the teeth, creating pockets that trap food and provide the perfect environment for the growth of more bacteria.  Obviously, cats don't brush and floss.  The pockets deepen, the cat's teeth become loose, the gums bleed when the cat chews and bacteria enters the cat's bloodstream, potentially causing some internal organs to become infected.  Today, many vets recommend having a cat's teeth cleaned annually.  If periodontal disease is already present, they many prescribe an antibiotic prior to the cleaning.  Speak with your vet about this procedure so that you can determine if it is appropriate for you and your cat.  

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As kids go back to school, schedules become hectic.  The doors of your house get a workout as you, your kids, their friends and visitors run in and out.  Some cats might be curious and want to take a peek at the great outdoors.  Protect them from actually doing so by reminding your children and their friends to be careful of your pets before they actually open any door that leads to the outside.  We've heard of too many cats and kittens (and dogs and puppies) that have accidentally "gotten out."  Also, remind kids to close doors behind them.

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Moving to a new home?  Make arrangements for your pets to be out of the house on the day the movers come.  Moving can be especially traumatic to a pet.  Doors are left open.  The movers are all over your home, carrying furniture and boxes onto the truck.  And who hasn't heard about at least one story about a pet that was accidentally left behind?  This won't happen if your cat or dog is safely stowed at a neighbor's house or at the vet's.  If this isn't possible, however, make sure your pet is kept locked up.  It might seem cruel to confine your cat to its carrier for several hours, but it's better than to let it roam dangerously underfoot on moving day.  When you reach your destination, again, place the cat in a room that won't be opened while the move is going on, or in its carrier.   And, let the movers know you have a pet and where it is.  It's been our experience that they'll go out of their way to ensure your pet's safety.  

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