The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
With the warm weather and long days of summer upon us, cats and their people tend to spend more time outdoors. It is well known to veterinarians that prowling felines contract more illnesses and live much shorter lives than house cats do. Dr. Michael Schaufele of Richmond Animal Hospital (RAH) offers seven tips to help extend your pet's nine lives, if you chose to let your cat outdoors. 1. Spaying/ Neutering Reduces Fighting And Cancer. Not only does spaying and neutering help control the unwanted pet population, neutered male cats are less likely to prowl and get in to fights. Scratches and cuts from fights can lead to a number of infections and illnesses. (Cats visit veterinary clinics most often as a result of fighting.) Female cats have a reduced incidence of breast cancer if spayed. 2. Vaccinate - There are many vaccinations that are considered necessary for your cat's continued health. One of the diseases to be concerned about is Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV). Yes, this is the feline equivalent to the AIDS virus (HIV). FIV and HIV are 'species specific' - which means they cannot be transferred from cats to humans or humans to cats. Fortunately, there is a vaccine for FIV and it is available at veterinarian clinics, along with the other important vaccinations. 3. Keep Away External and Internal Parasites. Ticks and fleas thrive in warmth and humidity, so it is important to be especially vigilant in the summer. There are a number of products available, including Program, Advantage and Revolution. Veterinarians also have de-worming products available. These are important because of your cat's hunting instinct. They unfortunately may catch worms from their prey. 4. Keep Your Cat Cool. Cats produce few hormones that regulate body temperature, so make sure kitty has access to a cool area, or an entrance back into the house so it doesn't suffer heat stroke. If you see signs of exhaustion or agitation, accelerated heartbeat and vomiting and you suspect your cat is suffering from heatstroke; you need to bring your pet's temperature down quickly - but not too quickly. Either immerse your pet in cool water or spray their whole body with a hose. Do NOT use ice or ice-cold water. See 'Harmful' P.# Con't from P.# If you cool them off too quickly the surface blood vessels will stop working properly and the cat's inner temperature will rise. Contact your veterinarian immediately if you think your cat may be suffering heatstroke. 5. Ensure Your Garden Is Free From Poisonous Plants And Pesticides. There are numerous plants that are harmful, even fatal, to your cat. Here is a partial list of the more common poisonous plants: Asparagus Fern, Lily-of-the-Valley, Tiger Lily, Easter Lily, Lobelia, Philodendron, Foxglove, English Ivy, Hyacinth, Holly, Daffodil, Bleeding Heart, Bird of Paradise, Hydrangea and Amaryllis. If you're not sure if a plant is toxic or not, consult your veterinarian. Signs of poisoning can appear in as little as two hours; watch for vomiting, loss of appetite, and lack of energy. If you do choose to use pesticides, make sure to read and follow instructions and do not allow your cat outside until the residue is gone. 6. Ensure Your Fence Is Secure. To help ensure your cat's safety, you could purchase a cat-proof fence. There are a number of commercial and do-it-yourself options. Cats are startled easily. A loud noise could send your cat up a regular fence and out of the yard, where they could cross busy streets and get hit by a car, go missing or might stumble upon poisons in yards of people who dislike cats. 7. Identify - Please ensure your pet has identification in case they become lost. It makes it much easier on you and the SPCA, Humane Society or local veterinarian. A collar with identification tags offering your cat's name and your phone number is important. Many veterinarians also offer microchip and tattoo identification.
