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Cats and the Coronavirus

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Hi fellow cat lovers,

I wanted to take a minute and send you all safe and healthy vibes as we are going through this trying time. Please know that each and every one of you and your furbabies are in my thoughts. With that said, I wanted to share a few sites that might ease your stress and provide some peace of mind when it comes to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and your feline friends.

Per the ASPCA, “There have been no reports of pets or livestock becoming ill or spreading the coronavirus in the U.S.” Some things you can do now to keep your kitties safe during the foreseeable future (and beyond):

  • Continue to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds
  • Stock up on pet supplies and pet medication
  • Designate a emergency pet caregiver
  • Create a pet emergency kit

As for the American Veterinary Medical Association, they answer some of the most frequently asked questions such as:

  • Can I still take my pet to the vet?
  • Is testing for SARS-CoV-2 available for animals in the United States?
  • What should I do to prepare for my pet’s care in the event I do become ill?

Please stay safe out there and exercise self-responsibility and spatial distancing when possible. We’re in this together!

Have You Brushed Your Cat’s Teeth Lately?

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February is National Pet Dental Health Month. Yay! Have you looked, maybe even smelled, inside your furbaby’s mouth recently?

Bad breath in felines is a common cat owner complaint. But unfortunately, bad breath may not be all that it is. This stinky symptom can be a sign that dental disease is forming in your kitty’s mouth. Good news though…with proper care, these diseases can be prevented.

According to VCA hospitals, “Periodontal disease in cats is one of the most common and serious cat health problems-affecting approximately 70% of cats by the time they are 3 years old.” Other common dental diseases affecting cats include tooth resorption, stomatitis, and gingivitis. Read here for further information, signs to look for, and how to prevent these diseases from happening.

Can Kitty Litter Be Pretty?

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Yes, but it can also be life-saving too. How? With this new litter called PrettyLitter.* The litter changes color if the urine is abnormal which can be indicative of a potential health problem in your cat such as a UTI (or Urinary Tract Infection), liver or kidney problems, and blood in the urine. There is even a color-coded key on the bag so you are able to match the color with the possible medical issue. If the litter changes color – head to your vet.

Besides catching a health issue early, this litter also controls odor and is easy to maintain, allowing the urine to evaporate leaving you to scoop only the urine or poop, nothing more. And one bag of litter lasts a month so you won’t need to worry about switching it out weekly. It’s also free of toxins and ships free – BONUS! Check out a quick video to learn more.

*In no way am I selling the aforementioned product nor am I receiving any commissions or rewards from the marketer. I am simply recommending this product because it looks interesting and could be life-saving for your feline friend.

New Cat Owner?

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Have you joined the world of cat owners? What took you so long?! Sure, you’re excited about the new fluffy addition to your family (and I am too) but did you know that you might want to invest in pet insurance or that cats really aren’t as independent as you may think? And what’s the deal with catnip or what kind of litter box should you buy? What about allergies? Believe it or not these felines are more than just a cute, soft, purring companion—they can take some work and much TLC. Read more about the important things you should know before you bring your new fur baby home.

Cat Tales: How I Fell in Love with an Abandoned Cat

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By Chantal Acosta, DVM

One of the smartest and most affectionate cats I’ve ever met in my profession was Berl, the clinic cat. He was a scrawny, orange tabby who had been abandoned years prior. So he had come to know the clinic as his home and everyone who worked there as his family. He was often found keeping the receptionist company by napping inside the box that was intended for records ready to be re-filed or keeping me company by snoozing on the cushion in my office that was meant for my dog. He was extremely affectionate and would allow us to carry him on his back like a human infant. He also loved “holding hands” while you were carrying him—he would reach out his little white paws and place them on your hands and start kneading.

When he became ill, I was usually the one who had to draw blood from him and administer his treatments. He handled this with as much dignity as he possibly could, but then he would leave me a little gift in my office afterwards to make his feelings on the subject clear (the puddle of urine next to my dog’s bed was his delicate way of letting us know that he thought we were rude human beings). We agreed.

The last year of his life, Berl’s kidneys were failing to the point where he needed an injection of fluids under his skin once a day to keep him hydrated, which we usually did at 3 p.m. We fed him treats while he was receiving the fluids to distract him. He loved the treats so much that within a couple of weeks, at exactly 3 p.m., he would trot back to the treatment area and demand his fluids by meowing very loudly. It was actually more of a screech than a meow because Berl thought we humans were way too slow to respond to his demands, and he became more impatient in his older age. I still wonder how he learned how to tell time.

Berl passed away on Christmas Eve eight years ago. We held a memorial for him at the clinic and exchanged Berl stories. Although he has been gone for so long, we all still talk about him and miss him greatly.

Chantal Acosta is a house call vet. Learn more about her practice at vetlovespet.com.

Photo credit: UnSplash