March 2018 Vol. 22, No. 3

Expert information on medicine, behavior, and health from a world leader in veterinary medicine

 THIS JUST IN Treatment Option for Kidney Disease Early Detection Feline Oral Squamous Cell An ultrasonic measurement may allow veterinarians to find kidney disease at an earlier stage Carcinomas ll too often, a sick older cat is The results were generally positive brought to the veterinarian only to with minimal side effects Abe diagnosed with late-stage kidney failure. Chronic kidney failure is one of new treatment called the most prevalent illnesses in geriatric “microbrachytherapy,” which is cats, but early detection and treatment Aused to treat inoperable feline greatly improves the prognosis for these oral squamous cell carcinomas, may cats. Unfortunately, cats tend to stay be gaining momentum, according to a quiet when they’re ill and not all owners recent study published in Veterinary and are aware of the initial subtle symptoms. Comparative Oncology. Kidney disease can develop for months or Microbrachytherapy involves years before it is detected. injecting a small amount of radioactive Recent work suggests that an holmium-166 directly into the tumor. The ultrasonographic measurement currently study included 13 cats, and the treatment used in human medicine may become had a 55 percent response rate (including a reliable diagnostic tool for early both cats that had complete tumor detection of chronic kidney disease in Monkeybusiness|DepositPhotos The RI ultrasound measurement could become response or cats. A report from Portugal, published part of your cat’s annual wellness examination. partial tumor recently in the Journal of Feline Medicine response). Not and Surgery, outlines this method for kidney function. Most of the cats with suprisingly, evaluating kidney health and function kidney disease in this study had advanced smaller in cats, with the goal of forestalling renal stages of the disease, and this was a small tumors were failure at an early stage. sample size, so more studies are needed. more likely to Ultrasound is a well-recognized Many clinics have ultrasound respond than diagnostic tool to evaluate the kidneys. capabilities on site. At this time, this test large tumors. A healthy kidney has good blood flow appears to be a relatively easy and safe

JoJo |AdobeStock The through the organ. An ultrasonic way to evaluate kidney function and best things measurement called the renal arterial hopefully catch any cats heading toward about this treatment are that there were resistive index (RI) can be calculated by renal failure at an early stage. See our minimal side effects noted in the cats determining the ratio of change in renal August 2017 issue for more on kidney in the study and that it is a one-time, (kidney) blood flow velocity between disease in cats and visit http://www.vet. minimally invasive procedure. n systole (when the heart contracts) and cornell.edu/fhc/Health_Information/ diastole (when the heart relaxes) to the kidneydisease.cfm for more information systolic velocity. on feline kidney disease. n INSIDE THIS ISSUE It is calculated by the equation: Vitamin B12 and Intestinal Disease...... 2 Resistive Index = (Peak Systolic Signs of Kidney Disease Catnip Wins Again...... 2 Velocity - End Diastolic Velocity) / Peak Systolic Velocity XX Bad breath Mouse Patrol...... 2 This measurement has been used for XX Changes in urination (commonly When Ear Mites Strike...... 3 human kidney evaluations for years but increased volume) AVMA Prevention List...... 3 has not previously been applied to cats. XX Diarrhea or constipation Neurologic Symptoms in Cats...... 4 The study gathered 24 cats (six healthy XX Fatigue XX Avoid Common Pain Medicines...... 6 controls and 18 with various degrees of Hiding renal dysfunction). XX Increased thirst Why Cats are Carnivores...... 6 The renal RI was higher for all of the XX Lack of appetite Cat Grief...... 7 cats with documented kidney disease. XX Sore mouth Pica in Cats...... 8 Both kidneys had almost identical XX Unthrifty coat Happening Now...... 8 results, so presumably just one value XX Vomiting would be adequate to evaluate overall XX Weight loss  SHORT TAKES Vitamin B12 for Cats With Intestinal Disease Cobalamin injections may help in cats with intestinal disease—the unanswered question is how long the supplementation must continue EDITOR IN CHIEF Bruce G. Kornreich, DVM, study published in the November 2017 Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine Ph.D., Dipl ACVIM looked at cats admitted to a teaching hospital with gastrointestinal signs and low EXECUTIVE EDITOR Ablood cobalamin (vitamin B12) levels. Twenty cats completed the study. Cynthia Foley Signs of illness in the cats ranged from weight loss to classic gastrointestinal signs, such as vomiting, diarrhea, and a lack of appetite. The cats were being treated TECHNICAL EDITOR with other medications, including steroids, antibiotics, and probiotics. Both actual Debra M. Eldredge, DVM cobalamin levels and levels of methylmalonic acid (MMA) were evaluated in the study cats. MMA is usually metabolized by pathways that require cobalamin, so if the ADVISORY BOARD James A. Flanders, DVM, Dipl ACVS, cobalamin level is low, the level of this chemical will increase in the blood. Associate Professor, Clinical Sciences The researchers’ hope was that by giving injections of cobalamin, the cats’ levels of cobalamin (and secondarily, levels of MMA) would normalize and the signs of Margaret C. McEntee, DVM, gastrointestinal illness would improve. Cats were given the supplement once a week Dipl ACVIM, DACVR, for a period of six weeks. Professor of Oncology During the supplementation period, cats improved both clinically and in their lab William H. Miller, Jr., VMD, Dipl ACVD, values. Unfortunately, within weeks of discontinuing the supplementation, the cats Professor, Clinical Sciences reverted to their previous condition. The take-home message from this study is that cobalamin supplementation may Pamela J. Perry, DVM, Ph.D. be helpful for cats with chronic gastrointestinal illness. However, it appears that the Lecturer, Clinical Sciences, supplementation must continue for longer than six weeks (and possibly for life) to ACVB Behavior Resident maintain the benefits. Further study is warranted but, since gastrointestinal diseases can be frustrating for cats, owners, and veterinarians, these injections may be another weapon in the arsenal against these problems. n

For information on your cat’s health, visit Catnip Wins Again Mouse Patrol the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell Feline Health Center Silver vine emerges as an option Cats at work in government offices website at www.vet.cornell.edu/fhc/.

study published in BMC Veterinary he Telegraph, a United Kingdom Send Ask Elizabeth questions and letters to the editor: Research confirms catnip works. publication, reports that Great CatWatch® AOlfactory enrichment, i.e. great TBritain’s cats are great for public 535 Connecticut Ave. smells, can cause a “euphoric” reaction in relations and diplomacy and keeping Norwalk, CT 06854-1713 most domestic cats, says the study, which keeping the mouse problem down in [email protected] compared catnip to other plants. public buildings. “We have wooed many Nearly all the cats in the study world leaders with the Foreign Office’s Subscriptions: $39 per year (U.S.) • $49 responded positively to olfactory (cat) Palmerston,” says the report, “and per year (Canada). For subscription and enrichment. Only one out of three cats he and the four other government cats, customer service information, visit www.catwatchnewsletter.com/cs did not respond to catnip (the study including Number 10’s Larry, keep or write to: CatWatch, P.O. Box 8535, included 100 domestic cats and nine Downing Street’s mouse problem down. Big Sandy, TX 75755-8535. 800-829-8893 tigers; tigers do not respond to catnip, in Now, other countries are getting in on the case you need to know). cat action, with the French government Almost 80 percent of the domestic announcing it has brought in two cats to CatWatch® (ISSN: 1095-9092) is published monthly for $39 per cats responded to silver vine and sort out their rat problem.” year by Belvoir Media Group, LLC, 50 percent to Tatarian honeysuckle Christophe Castander, a French 535 Connecticut Ave., Norwalk, and valerian root. Although cats government spokesman, brought in CT 06854-1713. Robert Englander, Chairman and CEO; Timothy H. Cole, predominantly responded to Nomi and Noé to get rid of rodents Executive Vice President, Editorial fruit galls of the silver vine plant, in offices near the Elysee Palace. The Director; Philip L. Penny, Chief Operating Officer; some also responded to its wood. Telegraph states that the Greg King, Executive Vice President, Marketing Director; Ron Goldberg, Chief Financial Officer; Of the cats that didn’t respond to number of rats in Paris Tom Canfield, Vice President, Circulation. catnip, 75 percent responded to easily outnumber ©2018 Belvoir Media Group, LLC. silver vine and 33 percent to the number of Postmaster: Send address corrections to Tatarian honeysuckle. people living in the CatWatch, P.O. Box 8535, Big Sandy, TX 75755-8535. The study concluded capital. n Express written permission is required to silver vine and Tatarian reproduce, in any manner, the contents of this issue, either in full or in part. For more information: honeysuckle are good choices Permissions, CatWatch, 535 Connecticut Ave., for cats not into catnip. n Norwalk, Connecticut 06854-1713.

2 CatWatch March 2018  ILLNESS

yourself from his claws (see our February When Ear Mites Strike 2018 issue for more details). When your cat’s treatment is Recognize the signs of an ear-mite infestation complete, keep any extra medication so that you will already have it on hand if he and evict your cat’s unwanted guests promptly has any future ear issues and won’t need to buy a new bottle (just don’t forget to ar mites are a common have your cat examined, because if he presenting complaint in Signs of Ear Mites actually has a yeast infection, the ear mite “Esmall-animal practice,” says Always inspect new cats or medicine won’t help!). Dr. William Miller, VMD, DACVD, As for home remedies, Dr. Miller Dermatology Chief at Cornell University. kittens for possible ear mites says, “Lots of old-time remedies like baby “The disorder can affect both dogs and If your cat has ear mites, you are likely oil can work, but they are messy and can cats but is far more common in cats.” to notice: cause problems if there is a secondary Formally known as Otodectes cynotis, XX A dark waxy substance of earwax infection in the ear.” Prescription ear mites are small, barely visible mites and mite debris inside the ear medications generally require fewer doses that think your cat’s ears are the perfect XX Head shaking to be effective. place to live. Kittens are frequent carriers, XX Scratching at the ears If left untreated, ear-mite infestations but cats of any age can pick up an ear- XX Reddish ears (outer ear irritated by can progress to ear infections that affect mite infestation. the scratching) the cat’s middle and inner ear, potentially causing irreversible damage to the cat’s Close Contact hearing and ability to balance. “The mite doesn’t live in the environment and conditions can cause gross ears. for very long, so transmission from one Definitive diagnosis is achieved at the Prevention cat to the next is by direct contact with veterinary clinic by looking at an ear Keeping your cat indoors will go a long an infected cat or by resting/sleeping in a swab under a microscope. The technician way toward preventing an ear-mite bed immediately after a heavily infected or veterinarian will look for mites, infestation. If you have multiple cats, Dr. cat was there,” says Dr Miller. “As the bacteria, and yeast. Secondary bacterial Miller warns, “If one cat in a household cats, usually kittens, play together or rub infections are fairly common along with has ear mites and the cats socialize with each other, the mite can be transferred ear mites, especially in more severe cases. each other or share beds etc., it would and then start its life cycle in the new cat. Ears with mild infestations may only be assumed that all of the cats might Cats who shun contact with other cats look a little dirty, while ears with severe have the mite and should be evaluated are unlikely to get ear mites.” Outdoor infestations will look gross and smell. or treated for ear mites.” When adding a cats do commonly contract ear mites. new cat, check his ears and have an ear Just because your cat’s ears are dirty Treatment swab done by your veterinarian if they does not necessarily mean that he has Ear-mite infestations are treated by are dirty. Ideally, you can start treatment ear mites, as a variety of infections cleaning the ears and applying topical to get the infection under control before medication. Cleaning is an important introducing him to your other cats. n first step because it removes all of the debris that the mites live and hide in and will also remove some of the  DID YOU KNOW? mites. Clean ears also allow for better penetration of the medication. The AVMA Prevention List exact medication chosen will vary depending on the severity of the he American Veterinary Medical infection and whether or not there is Association reminds us that also a bacterial infection that needs to Tvaccination and deworming be dealt with. Your veterinary staff can preventatives can prevent these diseases: clean your cat’s ears and apply the first dose for you. XX Rabies (this can be spread to people) Back at home, follow prescription XX Feline panleukopenia (feline instructions and complete the full course distemper) of medication to get the best results. XX Feline herpesvirus infection When applying the medication, stick XX Feline calicivirus infection the end of the bottle as far into his ear as XX Feline leukemia (FeLV) you can without forcing it. Getting the XX Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) medication down inside his ear canal will infection allow it to reach any mites down there XX Heartworm disease and also makes it less likely that your cat XX Intestinal worms (roundworms, will shake the medication out. If your cat hookworms, whipworms, is not a fan of having drops placed in his tapeworms, etc., some of which can ears, wrap him up in a towel to protect also infect people)n Shakzu|AdobeStock Shakzu|AdobeStock

www.catwatchnewsletter.com March 2018 3  DISEASE

coordination, so problems in that Neurologic Symptoms Need part of the brain are manifested as clumsiness and an uncoordinated gait. This condition generally results from an Immediate Veterinary Care infection with feline distemper virus in the unborn kitten. While these kittens A cat who starts walking in circles, wobbles when are clearly not normal, they can live a full life with some extra caution to help keep he moves, or flops to the floor for no apparent them safe from stairs, etc. reason may have neurological damage In senior cats, cancer is a concern. Meningiomas are the most common brain tumor in cats. This hen your cat develops Most kittens are quite tumor develops in the a problem that might agile and purposeful membranous cover of the Wbe neurologic, get her in their play. One who brain. Luckily, it is generally right to your veterinarian. is oddly clumsy might cured by surgical removal. A There’s no time to waste. have neurological wide range of clinical signs Your cat will likely receive issues. may be noted, depending on a general physical exam, what part of the brain this blood work, a thorough cancer grows in. eye and ear exam, and also a specialized neurologic Hyperesthesia physical examination. In adult cats, two common Your veterinarian will neurologic problems are check for proprioception hyperesthesia and epilepsy (awareness of body position (seizures). Hyperesthesia is in space) by flipping your an extreme sensitivity in an cat’s paws over to see if she area of your cat’s skin. This recognizes the paw is upside is almost always on the back, down. Your cat may do right in front of the tail. some “hopping” exercises This is usually noticed to see how each foot and when you go to pet that

leg responds to movement PhotoStock lalalululala |Adobe area and suddenly your cat challenges. These tests may reacts. The response may be look silly, but they can relay head tilt and balance problems as a result as benign as simply going to serious information about how your of an ear infection. scratch the area herself or it may be a bite cat’s body provides feedback to the brain The first neurologic problems seen headed your way. Pupils may be dilated, about its position in space and the brain’s in cats can show up in young kittens. and there may be drooling. You may response to changes in body position. The kitten that is adorably clumsy may notice intensive scratching and digging Some neurologic problems are actually have a congenital (present at the spot. Some cats may vocalize or secondary to other problems, such as a at birth) defect in his cerebellum. urinate. While your cat’s response may buildup of toxins due to liver damage or a The cerebellum controls balance and be unpleasant, the real problems are the potentially self-mutilating behaviors and, of course, the underlying sensations (i.e. Idiopathic Vestibular Problems discomfort) that cause this behavior. While some veterinarians feel this is The term “idiopathic” means of unknown cause related to obsessive-compulsive disorders, An idiopathic vestibular problem is a fairly benign neurologic Dr. Alexander (Sandy) de Lahunta, condition often noted in late summer or early fall. You may emeritus professor at Cornell University notice your cat walking as if drunk, tilting her head to one College of Veterinary Medicine and side, rolling, or falling. Often her eyes will move back and forth teracreonte|AdobeStock a renowned pioneer in veterinary rapidly (nystagmus). She may vomit or cry out. neurology, says it could be representative of a seizure-type problem. Siamese cats Your veterinarian will do a careful exam to rule out potential causes, such as an ear may have a genetic predisposition, so cats infection. Once it appears that this is truly vestibular disease, your cat will be treated showing this disorder should probably symptomatically with medications to help with nausea and balance. not be bred. To diagnose hyperesthesia, other Your nursing care is important. You will need to keep her confined and safe, so she causes need to be ruled out. That means can’t hurt herself wandering or rolling around. Encourage her to eat and drink. looking for any cause of pain in the Fortunately, this syndrome tends to be short-lived, and most cats are back to normal sensitive area, such as spinal arthritis within a week to 10 days. and skin problems, including parasites, allergies, and fungal infections.

4 CatWatch March 2018  DISEASE

Dr. Emma Davies BVSc MSc, lecturer imaging) or CAT (computer- in neurology in the Cornell University assisted tomography) map of Hospital for Animals, emphasizes that your cat’s brain may be done underlying causes need to be evaluated. to rule out any problems, such “The most important thing in cats with as tumors. Just as with dogs, hyperesthesia is making sure that there however, an underlying cause is nothing causing the hyperesthesia for a cat’s brain “short circuits” that we can identify and treat. Cats can and seizure activity is often not have intervertebral disc extrusions and identified. In these cases, the many other disorders that can result seizures are termed “idiopathic in hyperesthesia. If we cannot identify epilepsy.” With epilepsy, it is a cause then we can certainly treat it important that you keep a record symptomatically. Gabapentin (a drug of when your cat experiences

frequently used to control epileptic seizures and any factors that Robert Petrovic|AdobeStock seizures) works well, but otherwise it might have contributed. Record Outdoor cats have a higher risk of head trauma, depends where they are hyperesthetic. We the time and duration of the such as from slipping and falling, which could cause have worked with anesthesia to perform seizure, how it started, and neurologic problems. a local epidural injection in animals with any possible factors that might lumbosacral or tail pain.” contribute to seizure activity. Cats with breakthrough, even though she is Anxiety and stress seem to add idiopathic epilepsy may cry and urinate normally well controlled on her to a cat’s hyperesthetic reaction, so a or defecate while seizing. Once they come medications. If your cat goes into “status treatment plan will often include some out of the seizure and have a period of epilepticus,” or recurring seizures, behavioral aspects. This might include recovery (since seizures are physically you need to contact your veterinarian medications to affect behavior and/or exhausting), they will commonly return immediately. Your cat will require establishing a routine to minimize stress to perfectly normal behavior. emergency treatment to keep his brain associated with change for your cat. Seizures are usually controlled from overloading and to prevent him Luckily, most cats can be managed and medically. “I feel that phenobarbital from developing a potentially fatal rise in continue to lead happy, active lives. works very well to control seizures in body temperature. cats, especially as they do not seem to For more information, visit http:// Epilepsy demonstrate many of the side effects www.vet.cornell.edu/fhc/health_ Epilepsy is not as common in cats as it that afflict dogs,” says Dr. Davies. information/neurologicdisorders.cfm. n is in dogs, but it can be devastating to Phenobarbital is often the first drug of affected pets and their owners. Epilepsy, choice, as it is relatively inexpensive. If or seizures, can be secondary to other this does not control your cat’s seizures, medical problems. Trauma, such as being other medications can be tried. In hit by a car, may lead to seizures. some stubborn cases, a combination of What You Can Do A brain tumor or a metabolic medications may be required. The Cornell University College of disorder, such as liver damage with a Seizure medications need to be given Veterinary Medicine Feline Health buildup of toxins or diabetes with a consistently, the same time of day and Center shares suggestions to help blood glucose irregularity, can lead to every day. Stopping medications can you protect your cat: seizures. Dr. Davies notes, “The cause of lead to the onset of seizures. Each time seizures in cats varies. In young cats, it your cat has a seizure, the abnormal XX Keep your cat indoors as much as may be infectious causes, such as FIP or pattern of electrical activity in the brain possible to reduce her chances toxoplasma, and rarely an inflammatory is reinforced, increasing the likelihood of of being hit by a car or being cause, or in older cats it may be future seizures. The goal of administering infected with a virus hypertension (high blood pressure), seizure medications is to control, not XX Be sure any new cats are neoplasia (cancer), or metabolic causes.” cure, seizures. vaccinated An MRI (magnetic resonance Occasionally a cat may have a XX Immediately take a cat with a head injury to the nearest emergency veterinary facility Seizures are Multi-Faceted Events XX If your cat experiences seizures that occur less than 10 or 15 From start to finish, learn the different stages of a seizure minutes apart, seek immediate Pre-ictal or aura: Usually within minutes to an hour before a seizure, your cat may veterinary consultation act nervous, lick her lips, or drool. Some cats will hide. XX Watch for signs your cat may Seizure or ictus: Your cat loses consciousness, generally falls to one side, legs may be suffering from a neurologic move, urination or defecation may occur, there may be vocalization. This description disorder, such as a reluctance fits a grand mal seizure. or refusal to use her litter box, Post-ictal: After the seizure activity stops, your cat may be very tired or do some altering the way she interacts nervous pacing. Her appetite may be increased. This period can last up to a day, but with others, or changes in her gait is generally only a few hours long. or balance www.catwatchnewsletter.com March 2018 5  KNOW-HOW

be compatible. “Though there are OTC Avoid Common OTC Medicines medications that can be safely used in cats, no medications should be used Be wary about giving your cat drugs made for unless directed by a veterinarian,” says Dr. Kaplan. “If an owner is considering humans, no matter what “Dr. Google” tells you to do using an OTC medication for their cat, they should call t can be tempting when The wrong pill choice or see a veterinarian first to your cat seems to feel could do her far more make sure the product is truly Ijust a “bit off”—maybe harm than good. safe, its use is indicated for sniffling or a little sore— the given ailment, and to find to use an over-the-counter out the appropriate dose for (OTC) medication to give her that patient. ‘Safe’ medications some relief. Is this OK? The can have untoward effects in response of veterinary experts a given patient even when is a resounding “NO!” used at appropriate doses; Cats have a somewhat inappropriate doses can unique system for produce toxic side effects.” metabolizing drugs in their livers. Cats lack certain Getting Proper Help enzymes, which means that So what do you do if your cat

some medications are either ajn|DepositPhotos has a minor problem that you processed very slowly by the feel an OTC medication you liver or virtually not at all. have on hand might help? Call As a result, toxic concentrations of those medications including, but not limited your veterinarian. A clear description medications can build up in your cat’s to, Tylenol (acetaminophen), Advil of the problem, along with an accurate system fairly quickly. (ibuprofen), and Aleve (naproxen).” weight of your cat plus a thorough While many owners have gotten the word history of your cat’s health and a listing Better Safe Than Sorry on acetaminophen, Dr. Kaplan points out of any medications or supplements she Leni K. Kaplan, MS, DVM, of the that almost any common pain medication is currently taking might lead to a handy Community Practice Service at the can have harmful effects on your cat. choice. Or your veterinarian may need Cornell University College of Veterinary Other problems also can result from to call in a prescription for a safer, more Medicine, stresses that some common using OTC medications in your pets effective choice. medications can be harmful to cats. “I without veterinary guidance, including Don’t count on “Dr. Google!” For would recommend avoiding all OTC that the medication may not be beneficial one thing, many OTC formulations have medications unless otherwise directed for the problem your cat has. In addition, changed in recent years. An example is by a veterinarian. Owners should if your cat is on other medications or the standard Kaopectate. This medication absolutely avoid pain and fever-relieving supplements, the OTC drug may not now contains a salicylate (think aspirin). This is not a suitable option for your cat. While aspirin is occasionally used for  5 THINGS pain and to prevent blood-clot formation in cats, the dose is carefully monitored. Five Reasons Cats Are Natural Carnivores For example, in people, aspirin can be taken up to every six to eight hours. In These points come to us from the Baker Institute of Health at cats, it should only be given every 48 the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine hours and at a very low dose. Cats on aspirin require close monitoring for Protein. Cats’ dietary protein requirement is 20 g/kg DM or 5 g/100 kcals, twice gastric irritation and liver problems. uas much as dogs. If your cat is sick enough to warrant medication, she is probably sick enough No taurine conversion. Unlike other mammals, cats cannot convert other amino for a veterinary visit. “If an owner feels vacids into taurine, without which blindness, cardiomyopathy, and reproductive their cat needs an OTC medication, the problems can occur. cat should be seen by a veterinarian. Delaying diagnosis and treatment by Vitamins A and D. Cats lack the enzyme that converts beta- attempting at-home remedies with OTC wcarotene into vitamin A, and they cannot synthesize vitamin D. medications will often impact treatment options and the pet’s response to therapy. Arachidonic acid. Cats cannot metabolize the essential amino Depending on the pet’s condition, the xacid arachidonic acid from linoleinic acid, like dogs can. use of prescription medication may be warranted,” says Dr. Kaplan. Early No liver glucokinase or oral amylase. These enzymes diagnosis and treatment mean lower yare necessary for efficient digestion of carbohydrates n veterinary bills in the long run. n 6 CatWatch March 2018  BEHAVIOR

can be used for feline anxiety, including Cats Mourn Losses Just as We Do fluoxetine and clomiprimine. Knowing the signs of feline grief can help you develop What You Can Do How can owners help? There are a the right strategies to help your cat overcome her loss variety of things that you can do to help your cat if she is showing signs of grief. Pet her and interact with her. ike us, cats can mourn the loss Try to alleviate stress by keeping of a loved one, such as a feline her routine as close to normal as Lfriend or their owner. They possible. For a cat who has lost her also experience stress over major owner, see if other family members life changes, like the loss of their know her usual feeding schedule. home and moving to a new one. Cats don’t like change, so in the Each cat handles big changes in a face of a major life disruption, it different way, and while some cats is beneficial to keep as many of will seem to go about their lives the smaller details consistent as with no issue, others can exhibit possible. dramatic behavior changes. Play is a great way to keep your “Vocalizations and loss of cat busy and active. As we know appetite are the most common from human research, exercise signs,” says Katherine Houpt, helps to reduce stress and anxiety.

VMD, PhD, DACVB, Cornell margo_soulxray|DepositPhotos Playing will also distract your cat James Law Professor of Behavior We all know cats own us, we don’t own them. So, when a cat from thinking about her lost friend. Medicine, emeritus. Cats can also loses her person, it can be a difficult transition. Feathers and toy mice on strings exhibit signs of depression by are a great option, and rolling food- “not playing or being as active as usual.” lipidosis, also known as fatty liver disease, dispensing treats are excellent aids for Other behavioral changes may also occur a life-threatening condition that requires encouraging predatory behavior and that indicate the cat is greatly saddened. immediate veterinary intervention tuning in to your cat’s natural hunting Dr. Houpt recalls a client who owned (see our August 2017 issue for more instincts. several Siamese cats that grew up and information). Don’t hesitate to ask your veterinarian lived together. Gradually, each of the Try to entice the cat with tasty foods, about anti-anxiety medications if your cats aged and died. One of the last two such as canned food warmed up in the cat’s behavior changes persist or are cats was blind and the other cat acted microwave to bring out its scent or bits potentially endangering her health. as a seeing-eye cat to guide the blind of meat mixed in with her regular diet. If cat around the house. When the blind these methods don’t work, schedule an Time to Adjust cat passed away, the seeing-eye cat was appointment with your veterinarian, who For a cat unhappy about moving to a new distraught and clearly mourned by can prescribe medications to stimulate home, patience is in order. “Cats often meowing excessively, as if calling for the your cat’s appetite and will make sure that take several weeks to adjust to a new lost friend. there aren’t any other underlying medical home,” says Dr. Houpt. conditions. Keep feeding schedules the same as in Not Eating is Cause for Concern Behavioral changes that last longer the previous house and encourage your When should owners be concerned? than 10 days also call for veterinary cat to play and be active. Keep all of her The most dangerous symptom of feline attention. Stress has a variety of old beds and cat trees rather than getting grief is anorexia, especially if the cat is detrimental effects on the body, so a new ones right away so that she has all of overweight. When a cat stops eating, medication may be necessary to break her things that smell familiar. Over time the cat’s body starts to break down fat the cycle and alleviate the cat’s anxiety. she will explore the new house and claim stores for energy. This can lead to hepatic There are a variety of medications that it as her own. n

Ways to Help Your Cat Adjust Think about what the loss caused to change in her life A cat who is lonely after the loss of an elderly owner might be happiest in a similar household because she is used to having a person around all day long as opposed to moving in with a working couple. While Dr. Houpt doesn’t generally recommend this approach, sometimes getting another cat is the best solution for a cat who has lost a friend. For the Siamese seeing- eye cat in our story, having a new buddy to interact with made a huge difference and resolved her loneliness. A new friend can help with grief, but it needs to be one your cat will accept, whether another cat, human, or a sweet dog.

www.catwatchnewsletter.com March 2018 7  ASK ELIZABETH

choice) than cats that did not. My Ragdoll Snacks on Paper Management of pica for which a medical cause is not identified generally “Pica” is the proper term for cats who eat non- involves taking measures to remove from the environment non-food nutritional items, and it can be a worrisome habit items that cats may show a preference for ingesting, feeding a well- My 10-year-old Ragdoll loves balanced and complete diet, paper, especially newspaper offering acceptable alternatives Q and cheap paperbacks. She’s for chewing/swallowing, reducing been eating paper since I brought stress by establishing a routine for her home at 4 months of age from feeding, sleeping, grooming, and the breeder. other activities, and minimizing I try to limit her eating, but she boredom by dedicating specific purrs when she sees paper and while times to interacte play with eating it. I am concerned about appropriate cat-safe toys. the chemicals she is ingesting with The major risks of pica in paper and print. cats are the possibility of a kitty Can you please advise if you ingesting something that can know of this type of behavior and its obstruct the gastrointestinal consequences for kitty’s health? tract and/or that is toxic. For this reason, any cat demonstrating karepa |Adobe PhotoStock |Adobe karepa Hmmm . . . gives new Odd habits like eating paper occur more frequently in indoor pica that shows signs of vomiting, meaning to the term “food cats, possibly as a result of boredom. diarrhea, lack of appetite, lethargy, A for thought”! Just kidding . . . I or avoidance of contact with their know that this behavior can be quite owner/other pets should be evaluated disconcerting to owners. disorder have been proposed, no by a veterinarian promptly. While I am Thank you for getting in touch definitive cause has been identified. not aware of any specific risks to cats about your baby’s odd behavior, that It’s important to make sure that there eating paper with print on it with respect may not be as odd as you might think. is not a medical cause for any cat that to toxicity, it is certainly possible for Pica is the term used for the ingestion demonstrates this behavior, so taking paper to obstruct the GI tract, so I think of non-nutritive items, and it has been your kitty to the veterinarian for an working toward resolving this behavior recognized as a feline phenomenon examination is a good idea. Of course, if as best you can is a good idea. In some in veterinary literature for at least 50 a medical issue is identified, the first step cases, consultation with a veterinary years. While the definitive cause for is to appropriately treat that condition. behaviorist may be beneficial. this behavior is a subject of debate, a In many, if not most cases, though, no I hope that this is helpful, and please few points about proposed causes and medical cause of pica is identified in cats. drop me a line to let me know how things management warrant review. It is of interest to note that some are going when you have the chance. Cats with pica may eat a wide variety studies suggest that pica is more common Many cats that show this behavior live of items, including plastic, wood, rubber, in cats housed solely indoors, raising happy and healthy lives, so do not be wool, paper, and items of clothing; and the possibility of boredom, lack of social dismayed. An ounce of prevention can be while a number of potential causes, interaction, and redirection of hunting worth a pound of cure, though, so being including boredom, premature separation behavior playing a role. Another study as proactive as possible certainly can’t from the queen, anxiety, nutritional found that cats that demonstrated pica hurt the situation! deficiencies, and obsessive-compulsive were less commonly fed ad libitum (free All my best, Elizabeth

 HAPPENING NOW…

New in Kitty Litter: Move over, clay. buildup to diagnostic litters that monitor You’re boring. PetAge, a pet-industry cat health to neon-colored litter to gel- business journal, reports that kitty litter based litter to reduce tracking, we can options are changing rapidly in 2018. choose almost any attribute, assuming From litters that claim to stop ammonia we’re willing to pay more for, well, litter. We recommend you make any changes to your cat’s current litter Coming Up … gradually and monitor carefully. Cats are XX Arthritis Supplements for Cats pretty picky about their litter, Elizabeth XX reminds us. That neon litter choice? Well, Senior Cats and Loss of Cognitive Function Elizabeth works with the Cornell Feline XX Can I Just Buy Whatever Cat Food is on Sale? Elizabeth says, it all depends upon your Health Center in providing the answer on decor; it’s only available in purple, pink, XX Systemic Fungal Infections this page (vet.cornell.edu/fhc/). green, and orange.n

8 CatWatch March 2018