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INSIDE ShortTake, 2 The Trigger for FISS Remains aMystery Astudy finds alink between dry food and the risk of diabetes. Cornell researchers work to improve chemotherapy's Lesser Delights of Summer 3 Be on alert for skunks, bees and effectiveness in treatingfeline injection site sarcomas wasps that can spray, sting and bite. The Stats on Shelter Cats 7 espite the recog­ says oncologist Kelly less than five percent of stray> taken in D nition nearly 30 Hume, DVM, ACVIM, annually are reunited with their owners. years ago that malignant at Cornell University Ask Elizabeth 8 tumors can develop at College ofVeterinary Dealing with lO-year-old Max vaccination or injection Medicine. «We don't the cat's inappropriate elimination. sites in cats, a deflni· know the exact mecha­ tive explanation for the nism of the trigger IN THE NEWS ... cause remains elusive. and how it progresses A'Breathalyzer' May Feline Injection in FISS." Help Diagnose Asthma Site Sarcomas (F1SS) - It's been hypoth­ Asthma affects nearly 5 per­ which can grow in con­ esized that something cent of cats and can be difficult nective tissue months about the injection in­ to diagnose. The gold standard or years after an injec- Veterinarians and owners should assess. ~ cites an inflammatory hasbeen to sample airways, but tion ­ continue to vacc,n.;mon schedule's risks and bene t5 response. Dr. Hume thisrequires anesthesia, posing concern ownerSdespite says. "That's the purpose some ri sk to patients and delay­ reports oftow incidence. The reason for their of the vaccine ­ to build up the immune ing therapy in some cases. development is the mtHion dollar question, system. However, in some cats something

A new, non-invasive tool may fcol/limud 011 p U&,1' 4} hasten identification of asthma and potentially prevent attacks. University of Missouri resea rch­ What to Know Before Adopting aStray ers collected exhaled breath coodpnsale (ffiC) frout.eats.wbO­ He may be lost, abandoned or born to a feral cat, so be exhaled into a cooling devi ce - much like the test for alcohol be patient, stay safe and lookfor signs he wants a home concentrati on in humans. The researchers, with a mall plates and bowls sit on some front Just a Mooche.r? "You also don't know if grant from the Morris Animal Sporches in a Dallas neighborhood ofmod­ that cat belongs to another neighbor and is Foundation, collected EBC from est older homes. Like clockwork, a handful of an indoor-outdoor cat who is a moocher who cats with signs of asthma and homeless cats come out of hiding and hustle makes his rounds getting breakfast at one compared it to condensate from to the porches at dawn and dusk in anticipa­ house and lunch at another," says Katherine ca ts withou t the disease. They tion of being fed . A. Houpt, VMD, Ph.D., former president found differing components Feeding these cats is the easy part. of the America n College of Veterinary between the samples that may Determining if any would welcome being Behavior ist s and professor emeritus at help identify cats with asthma. converted into indoor pets is the challenge. Cornell University College ofVeterinary For more information Questions abound. Is this a feral cat or an Medicine. "This cat may be lost, abandoned on the disease please see abandoned stray seeking a new horne? Does or born in the streets to a feral cat. That's why ' Respiratory Issues' at the this cat have contagious diseases that could it is important to be patient, keep yourself Corne ll Feline Health Center, harm my resident cat' Will they get along' safe and look for signs that this cat needs and wwwvet.comell.edu/ fhc. -:0 Will this cat be affectionate toward me? wants a horne," (wnillwed on page: 6) CatWatch SHORT TAKES Study Finds Higher Risk co nfu sing due to the lac k of similar Irends ( DITDR II< CH IE F Bruce G. Kornreich, DVM, Ph.D., of Diabetes in Dry Food across groups." D'pIACVIM The debate over whether dry cat food 's The essen tia l ques tion to explore, Dr. EDITOR hi gh ca rbohydate count ca uses diab ete s Wakshl ag say s, is whether cat s on dry food Betty Liddick con tinues. In th e latest development, are farrer due 10 the nutrient density of dry ART DIRECTOR a study at the Swedish University of versus wet. "When feeding equal ca lories Mary Francis McGavlc Ag ricul tura l Sc iences found an incre ased and substrate in dry and wet in obese ca ts,

ADVIS ORY BOARD ri sk of diabetes mellitus (Type 2) - which stud ies have shown there is no difference James A. Flanders. DVM, Dip\ resembles the sa me type found in people in overall sugar absorption, but ca ts tend to ACVS. A))OU.1te Professor. C:lnlcal SOf"OCes - in normal-weight cat s on dry food. eat less wet food calories when given Ihe The researchers also attributed the ri sks wet matrix versus dry in mdny si tuations. In Margaret C. McEntee, DVM, Dipl ACVIM. DACYR. largely to environmental factors such as tha t vein, We t food is usually higher In fa t ProfQS501' ofO" cology indoor confi nement, being a greed y eater and protein, so th e ca rbs are often higher In William H. Miller, Jr., VMD, [)pl and being overweight. "T hrough Dur dry diets. Th erefore, YDU may be more likely ACVD, Prof!;,5s,or, CiIt ' I C~ SCiences research we fou nd to ca tch diabetes in cats fed dry perhaps Pamela J. Perry, DVM. Ph.D. that while obesi ty beca use they are ea sie r to diagnose due \.ectult!r, OIIYlGil Sciences, ACVB BehdV!(')( Resident is a very important the spike in blood suga r." and prominent risk Researchers used an online su rvey Cornell Un iversity factor for diabetes of owners of 1,369 diabetic cats and College of f) Veterina ry Medicine mellitus in ca ts, 5363 control ca ts, asking about breed, there is also an age, sex, neutering status, For Information on your cat 's health, viSI t the Cornell UniverSit yCollege of increased risk of body condition, hous­ Veterin ,.,ry Mcdid ne, CDrnell Felme diabetes among ing, outdoor ac· HeJlth Center we ~ l e tlr wwwv€' t ( ornel l. edu/ftic/ normal- cess, activity, d'et, weight ca ts ea ting behavior, consuming feeding routine, a dry food Research on the effect of dry food diets on dldt::J.e.. genera l health, It'1i WiJffiJnl5 fUllher ~ t-ud>,. OI'P tnv~i igatQ( says. d!. diet," says Malin dry food dje~ die fed 10 cats around the world , stressful events, Oh lund. DVM, a other household pets, CC'~ W(lf(H IISSN' lM·9092) _ IS Dubl'»f1E'Omonthly Ph .D. ca ndidate in the department of medications and va cc ination status. They fOI S 39~ r yea r by Clinical Services and lea d researche r. "This received responses of 35 cent from th e dia­ :]_ B ~I '/0/r MediCI Group, LlC, 5J~ L OOf\eC IICUI correlation, CDmpared to normal-weig ht cats betic group and 32 percent for th e control. \\ h r A'V@. N Olw,}\~ Ct 0081).<1 ­ 1713 Huben Englanaer, on a wet food diet, is a new and Interesting In the final analysis, when the Investigators ChJlrman and CI:O; Tlmorny H. CO'E', l )(t'(ull"'e Vice P l e~jrk nl . &1110(101 finding that warra nts fu rther research: loOked at the data from a breed, gender and DlleClO I; ptrll,p l Penny Chd Correlation versus cau sati on is indeed age matched examina tion of control versusdia­ Oput',)tlng Qflicer;Gteog Kin g, G ccu tlve Vlll' P'I·_-s

2 MAY IU 17 SAFETY The Lesser Delights of Summer Skunks, bees and wasps can spray, sting and bite

ith the arrival of warm weather, have a severe allergic reaction to insect Wyour cat's curiosity and need to stings. Ifyour cat's throat swell s, cut­ tap his inner hunter could land him on ting otfhis air supply, and he begins the losing end in a confrontation with breathing rapidly, wheezes, vomits; bees, wasps, skunks and other critters trembles, displays pale gums or col­ making their way onto your property lapses, immediately take him to the or inside your home. veterinarian. He could be going into Don't try to train your indoor cat ­ anaphylactic shock. who is hardwired to pursue prey - not "An aUergic animal who receives mul­ to chase, swat or eat a wayward stinging tiple stings can develop a life-threatening insect. As for a skunk encounter, your reaction," Dr. Miller says. "Be prepared indoor-outdoor cat may try to duel a to do CPR if necessary, especially with hungry skunk over a bowl of kibble left swelling around the throat that may on your porch . This can put your cat at block breathing. And get to the clinic risk of being bitten, sprayed in the face as quickly as pOSSible." To r@movlI!! skunk odor, rr.hc 13 quart of hydrlJ(~11 and exposed to rabies. peroxide.' Quarter-cup of bakn'9 !>Od. dod d teaspoon of dishw13shing soap. but don', ~ II "The real issue is the number ofstings Cornell offers online Pel CPR Cfalnlng {he mix Ture in a sealed container 1\ can ferease the animal gets and whether he or she open fa al/. Information Is at www. oxygen and expkJde. is allergic to the sting; says dermatolo­ ecome/l.com/courseslvereIinory-courses/ gist William H. Miller, VMD, a director pet-<:pr/. The fee for the one-hour course of the Companion Animal Hospital at Is 545. wildlife like skunks. They will bite, claw Cornell University School of Veterinary and release their eye-stinging spray in Medicine. "The skunk can fight as well If a bee enters your home, shuttle fLghts with cats. as spray and create Significant damage. your cat into a closed room and try to If your cat was sprayed but not bit­ Depending on the region, the skunk may usher the bee out a door. Restrict access to ten, remove the foul odor on him with have rabies to add to that problem." popular bee areas: flowerbeds with pollen­ the home remedy in the caption on this producing plants and yards with clover. page. Put on rubber gloves and work this 111e Bllzz on Bees mixture into your eat's coat, being care­ Honey bees are work-driven insects on The Word on Wasps ful not to get it into his eyes. You may pollinating missions. They are out in the Unlike honey bees, members of the need to repeat this process a few times heat of the day, flying from flowers and wasp family - inclu~ing yellow jackets, before the odor has mitigated and you ground covers to collect pollen. They tend . paper wasps and hornets - tend to can wash your cat with pet shampoo to sting only when protecting their hives be aggressive attackers that repeatedly and towel dry. or when cats aggressively stalk them. sting their targets. Heed the same care "Normal skunks tend to be noctur­ However, killer bees can be provoked advice for bees. nal, but if a skunk ha s rabies, its normal to swarm attack on cats. "Most bees Wasps tend to make nests in holes behaviors are altered," says Dr. Miller. don't leave their stingers in the skin of in the ground, eaves, porches, sheds and "Contact your animal warden if you see an animal. but if they do. you can care­ fenCing. Regularly inspect these areas for a skunk in your yard acting funny, as it fully remove the venom sac so it does signs of nests, especially in summer. Con­ may have rabies." Normal skunks walk not rupture and spread the venom," says tact a pest control company ifyou find in a straight line and move away from Dr. Miller. multiple nests or a large one. For a small pets or people. If the skunk is staggering Slide the edge ofyour driver's license nest, don long sleeves and pants, follow like it's drunk or is heading toward you or credit card against it to push it out. the instructions on the pesticide contain­ or yo ur pet, leave the area immediately. Monitor your cat, and if necessary. con­ er and spray at night when wasps are less If the skunk bites your cat, aside from sult his veterinarian about a pet-safe anti­ active and apt to be inside the nest. taking him for medical attention, contact histamine to reduce mild swelling. the local health department immediately. It can take hours for an oral over­ 111c Story on Sk'lllks Regulations regarding wild animal bites the-counter medication to be effective, Bowls of kibble on porches attract both vary, especially if the cat is not up-to-date Dr, Miller says. However, some cats can friendly feline strays and bold, hungry on his rabies vaccination, ~

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CAN C£R ..(e,m'lO"" I/ro m c•• "') goes wrong during that inflammatory response that triggers the cells in the area to become neoplastic [experience uncon­ trolled growth]." A number of factors challenge reo searchers, Dr. Hume says. "It's difficult to track cats over time and to account for interactions of multjple injections over a cat's lifetime. There are also regional variations in epidemiology It he science concerned with the frequency and distri­ bution of disease], underl yi ng cat genetics and the multiple products implicated." All cats can be vulnerable to the dis· • ease, without rega rd to breed. age or sex. We do know that cats who experience an eye injury when they're young have a Researchers worldwide are pursuing greater understanding ofl-elme Injection Site 5arcoma, including new drug~. sa~ onwloglSt Ke-Ily Hume, DVM, ACVlM, at (ornel' 5heand r.er calleaqua. higher risk of ocular sarcoma, Dr. Hume rlIf' 'ilur:lyiog way. Illlrnprrtve> chemOlbE'rapy's efjet.ll~ness. says. "There is something about the injec­ tion that ultimately triggers a change in the cells at that site to become cancerous." revealed that DNA damage is a common Veterinarians diagnose FISS by Researchers around the world are attribute of FI SS. "We found some tu· taking a biopsy. Treatment may con· pursuing this perplexing cancer from mors had Significant DNA damage while sist of surgery, andlor radiation and difrerent perspectives, Dr. Hume says. others had very little," Dr. Hume says. chemotherapy, depending the tumor's Interleukin-2, a drug used to treat cancer The researchers grew tUInor cells location and other features. The effi· in human medicine, has shown promise. in the lab and learned that tumors cacy of chemotherapy for FI SS remains "IL ·2 immunotherapy treatment is designed with a higher level of DNA damage unclear. In some cases, it has been to stimulate the cat's immune system to the only option when tumor size or help kill cancer cells," Dr. Hume says. location has meant surgery or surgery "It's recom mended to give it at the time of Even with surgery combined with radiation was n't fea­ surgica l remova l ofFISS, injecting it in sible. "Sometimes the tumor shrinks the area where the tum or was removed. It and radiation, there's with chemotherapy and so metimes it sounds odd that you're giving an injection still a relatively high doesn't," Dr. Hume says. to treat something that was triggered by risk of reClirrence, an injection, but preliminary results have Risk of Recurrence, In other cases, prompted additional clinical trials." oncologists will use chemotherapy after seemed to be less responsive to the surgery if the patient has a high risk of Evaluating Drugs. At Cornell, chemotherapy drug carboplatin. When the disease spreading. "This particular researchers are fOCUSing their efforts on DNA da mage was low, however, the cancer in cats has what's considered a ways to improve chemotherapy efficacy tumor cells were more likely to reo relatively low metastatic rate of around 25 and predict its success. "Other groups spond to carbopJatin. The response to percent or so, wh ereas a high rate is con­ are looking into a new class of drugs doxorubiCin, another chemotherapy sidered upward of 50 percent to 90 per· called tyrosine kinase inhibitors that drug, was much more variable. cent," Dr. Hume says. "Sometimes even if affect some of the self-signaling path­ "However, we learned that if we used you do surgery and radiation, there's still ways present in the cancer cells ," Dr. the drug salinomycin in combination a relatively high risk of recurrence, so we Hume says, "a nd ot her groups are try­ with doxorubicin, we could overcome add chemotherapy in an attempt to pre· ing to understand mo re about the cat's resistance to doxorubicin alone," Dr. vent or slow the recurrence ." response to injections and why they're Hume says. "With the combination, we In studies of cats who received various getting the tumors in the first place." saw the cells start to die, making the combinations of therapies, the patients Ongoing research at Cornell, sup· doxorubicin more effective. Now we're who were treated with chemotherapy ported by the Cornell Feline Health Cen· trying to figure out why that might be did not always do better, Dr. Hume says. tef and the Winn Feline Foundation, has and how to try and evaluate that in ca ts." "We would love to say, 'Your cat is going

MA! 2011 MEDICINE

shifting vaccines from the shoulder blade area to other locations, such as the hip and rear legs to help better track or identify what product might be impli­ cated, Dr. Hume says. A follow-up study showed a shift in the distribution of the tumors to these other injection sites rec­ ommended by the task force . Subsequent studies have shown that FISS is less frequent with non-adjuvanted or recombinant vaccines (Le., those that use artificially produced proteins to in­ duce an immune response). Not zero, but less, says Dr. Hume. "Other injections that have also been implicated include long­ acting antibiotics,long-acting steroids, the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug meloxicam, non-absorbable sutures and, Treatment for Feline Injection Site Sarcoma illvolves sorqery. and/or rndiatloo and chPmotherapy, in some rare cases, microchips. dependJng()n 'hE" IlJmm 's IOCdtlOn and otOO (actors,

Early Signs. The most common sign to benefit from chemotherapy.' However, In the late 1980 to early 1990s, vet­ owners will notice in their cats is a swell­ if the response rate is only 30 percent, we erinarians noticed an increase in the ing, small growth or lump at an injection don't want to put a cat through treatment frequency of tumors in cats associated site. Dr. Hume recommends keeping that's not going to help." with vaccination sites, often between the track of the injection location and check­ Injection site sarcoma cases have been shoulder blades. The increased incidence ing the site periodically, paying dose reported most often in cats but also in also correlated with the increased use of attention to shoulder and hip areas. other species, including rabbits, ferrets rabies and feline leukemia vaccinations. "Treatment for FISS is aggressive and less often in dogs. The tumors are The occurrences coincided with laws re­ - a thorough surgical resection with estimated to occur in about one case per quiring rabies vaccinations and the use very wide margins, even if the tumor 10,000 to 30,000 vaccinations, accord­ of "killed" vaccine products containi ng is smail, to rna ke sure you get all of the ing to the American Veterinary Medical adjuvants (a substance added to vaccines cancer cells in the area," says Dr. Hume. Association. While the true incidence is to increase their effectiveness). "If there's not a surgical possibility, the unknown, Dr. Hume averages the rate at In 1996 the Vaccine Associated Feline chance of being able to control it long around 8 in 10,000, which she acknowl­ Sarcoma Task Force was created to study term is very low. Chemotherapy and ra­ ed~s sounds low until you consider that the correlation between vaccinations diation by themselves can help slow the the u.s. cat population is 70 to 80 miJJion. and sarcomas in cats. It recommended progression but not make it go away." Life expectancy is highly variable, CONSIDERATIONS IN AVACCINATION PLAN from many months to many years. "The best prognosis for the patient occurs Vaccines help strengthen the immune system to protect from diseases when we catch the tumor when it is very and infections whos... occurrenc... far outwe.ighs the rare risk of injection small and can do an aggressive surgery site tumors. It's Important to work with your Ult's veterinarian to develop like an amputation," Dr. Hume says. a vaccination plan best suited to you r individual ca l's needs. Prevention is three-fold: Give vac­ "The veterinarian should undertake a cllniUlI risk/benefit assessment for each cines as low on the leg as possible, so animal and discuss recommended vaccination schedules with the owne~ that aggreSSive surgery (if needed), in­ so that they can make an Informed choice; say the American Association cluding amputation, could offer the best of Feline Practitioners' vaccination guidelines covering risk-benefits. prognosis; opt for oral or nasal products The extensive assessment Is tailored for each individual cat's needs if possible - they do not protect against based on factors such as age, health, likelihood of exposure to disease, all Significant feline diseases - and vac­ environment (Indoo rs, outdoors, boarding, breeding and other consider­ cinate only as frequently as is necessary. ations) and type of vaccine, the guidelines say. "The common goal is for all cats to live longer, healthier lives," Dr. Hume says. "

MAY LO I7 5 BEHAVIOR

STRAY... (nmH""od from ,o ' ~r) being inside when my Be aware that it may not be all smooth so n, Chuck, adopted sa iling in deciding to adopt a cat who him. The overwhelm­ has been living on th e streets. He could ing reason cats are become aggressive with you or your other abandoned by owners pets. He could take weeks, even months - whether taken to a to stop hiding under beds or being skit­ shelter or let out the tish, unwilUng to be petted. He may doo r - is not using boycott the litter box or attempt to shred the litter box. Garth your sofa. He may even try to find a way was that way in the to escape back outside. beginning." Most kittens and cats - about 46 rfyou're con­ percent - are adopted from animal sidering bringing shelters or resc ue groups, according a homeless cat into to the latest pet ownership survey by your home, Dr. th e American Pet Products Associa­ Houpt offers these tion. About 27 percent are taken in as tips in this order: strays, 28 percent come from friends or rel atives and about five percent are pur­ Study tI,e Cal chased from a professional breeder or for Clites pet store. While th eir pasts may rem ain If he shows up on a mystery, adopters can safely observe your doorstep or back shelter cats. Th e cats receive thorough porch, observe his veterinary exams, vacc inations and manner and analyze Garth, a Persian Mlleved to ~ about 18, Wd~ discov~r(!rI "the temperament te sting befo re being made his appearance for sm:et5, matted and su ffenng from dental d i ~!ie. Today:n hIS new available for adoption. clues to determine if hom~ he'>.a devored -lap sitter and frequpnr VISOtOC' at hIS en(k>~ catico. Dr. Houpt shares her home with he is feral, stray or a Garth, a purebred Persian believed to beloved pet who is simply lost. A feral outdoor cat belonging to a neighbor may be about 18 years old. Garth wa s found cat, by definition, has had little to no be more confident, boldly waiting for about six years ago on the streets of human contact and lives on his own you to put down the food bowl and ac­ Buffalo, N.Y. No one knows how long or in a feral cat colony. Feral cats will cepting the presence of other pets while he was outside, but all but one of his accept fo od but on their terms. They will eating. His coat will be well-groomed teeth had to be pulled and his severely wait to eat until after you're back in the and he even may sport a belly. matted coat had to be shaved," says Dr. house and th ey assess the surroundings "A cat who may be missing or aban­ Houpt. "He mu st have been fending for to make suce no predators are lurking doned and wants to be inside will try to himselffor a while, but he clearly liked around. Look for a notched ear tip that pu sh his way inside your house," says indicates this is a feral Dr. Houpt. "The neighborhood mooch­ cat who lives in a er will be friendly but just wants th e colony and has been fo od on your porch becau se he prefers spayed or neutered to being in his own home," prevent overpopula­ tion of feral cats in Build Tnlst Slowly the neighborhood. Even if the cat appears friendly, protect A stray or aban­ yourself, Do not reach down and stroke doned cat who previ­ his coat or, worse. attempt to pick him ously lived in a home up. Cats have flexible spines, sbarp teeth 1may be friendlier but and claws and ca n lash out at you. caus­ ~ still Jeery of your ap­ ing severe bite and scratch wounds. You ! proach or touch. If he could develop cat scratch disease. caused • is not skilled at living by the bacteria, Bartonela henselae, which let !II stray cat make the first move. Wear Ihick glC)Ve5 and sklwly outside, his coat may can cause bli sters, swelling. low-grade eAteod your hand for him lO sru ff AvoId direci f:'YE comact. which can be rnallpnglng 01 fnghren1f19 to him be matted and he may fever, headaches, fatigue and require hos­ be skinny. An indoor- pitalization and antibiotic treatment.

6 MA Y lGlI BEHAVIOR

"With cats you don't know, you need Cat-proof Your Home the house, Dr. Houpt says. A new cat to build trust," says Dr. Houpt. "It is im· Before adopting the cat, make sure you can provoke aggression in yo ur resi­ portant for them to make the first move do a room ~by ~room inspection to pro· dent cat if you force an introduction and come to you." Ifthe cat willingly tect him from harm. Store medications too has tily. "[t is important to consider approaches you, initially put on thick in drawers to prevent accidental toxic­ the wants of your current cat;' she says. gloves and slowly extend your hand for ity; remove poisonous plants such as "Ju st because you would like another the cat to sniff and even rub. "Move slow lilies and have necessit ies - litter box, cat, doesn't mean your cat does:' and steady and avoid direct eye contact as water and food bowls, several toys and For at least a week, separate the these can be challenging or frightening a sturdy scratching post in place. two cats physically. Let them sniff one to a cat." another under a closed door. Rub the Encourage a Sense ofSecurity same towel on both cats to exchange C/,eck lIis Physical Appearallce Initially keep the cat in a closed room. scents. At mealtime, have the new cat Look for signs of ill health, including Jf possible, give him access to a win~ eat in a closed carrier in the presence of watery eyes or mucous discharge, dirty dow perch to view outdoor activities. your re sident cat. The goal is to create a ears, runny nose, wheezing and itching, When he is released from his room, positive association with the presence suggesting rhe possible presence of fleas or let him e",plore the kitchen and living of the new cat during the pleasant ex· a skin condition. Cats can spread anum· room and o nly gradually give access to perie-nee of mealtime. ber ofdiseases to people, including rabies the rest of the house. During your vis· Once the new cat starts to feel safe and the parasitic infection toxoplasmosis. its with him, sit on the floor to appear and develops a friendship with you, Diseases that cats can transmit to other less threatening and let the cat come his full personality will emerge. You cats, induding your resident cats, include to you. may discover that this once-quiet cat fcline leukemia virus, feline immullode· is now quite chatty or athletic or a ficiency virus and feline panleukopenia. Time for a Vel Visit happy cuddler. Alway' thoroughly wash your hands with Once the cat allows you to handle him, "Garth may be about 18, but he is disinfectant soap after handling an out· put him in a pet carrier - after feeding now very demanding," says Dr. Houpt door cat of unknown status and before him in the carrier for a few days - and with a laugh. "He eats eight smail you touch any pets Jiving with you. take him to the veterinarian for a com~ meals a day and when you sit down, plete phYS ical examination, spaying or he wants to sit on your lap for about Qmlac./ Neig/'bors andSlielters neutering and vaccinations. 10 minutes at a time. He meows for us Post "Found Cat" posters in your neigh· to come to him and to Jet him out into borhood if this seems to be an indoor Meetillg the Otllers the catio [enclosed cat patio/. We will cat. Provide photos of him and infor· Offer slow, supervised introductions. never know his true past but are glad mation about when he first showed up. Some cats prefer to be the only cat in we adopted him." ~

THE STATS ON SHELTER CATS AIloUt l!.bM community animal s e lers operate In the u.s. While no federal agency or national animal group is mandated to compile nationa l statistics on cats In shelters or Identified as strays, the American Pet Products Association reports these findings: • About 13 million cats are adopted from shelters each year. • Of cats entering shelters, about 37 percent are adopted and 41 percent are euthanlzed . • Less than five percent of cats brought In as strays to shel­ ters (or about 100,000) are reunited with their owners each year. • The most common reasons cats are surrendered to shelters are allergies and regulations against cat Less than five percent of she-Ite.r cab brooghl m~ 'Stra)'\ 0 1 ownership in residences. Other surveys have cited litter abou t 100,000, are reuMed with thek OWnel'l e3Ch yea! box problems as a compelling reason.

MAY 2017 VI s!! I.I~ i t www . (a l wll t (hnfW 5 1 {!1I~L(O m 1 ASK ELIZABETH

Dealing with Max the (at's variety of reaso ns, including owners not keeping Inappropriate Elimination the litter boxes clean enough to a cat's liking, a dislike ofa particular type of litter or litter box, Max is an overweight domestic shorthaired competition for litter boxes by other cats in the Qcat who is lOY, years ofage. About a year household and the location of the litter box, ago, he started to leave feces in non-litter box which may be too exposed (perhaps making a areas. While he stiff used the litter box, he would cat vulnerable to attack by another animal in the also leave feces right next to the box and also in house during or after defecation) not exposed an area by the front door. Any idea what started enough, too cold/hot, or too dark and dingy. this behavior? In contrast to the development of aversions to litter boxes, cats may also develop inappropriate Elizabeth Thanks for getting in touch, and I am sorry preferences for eliminating on certain types of E,"I.:JI"J,r/11 i'flr'l!~fl;' (,II rt'L' A to hear that Max has been having this prob­ surfaces (hard versus soft surfaces, for example). a\\l\~,7n(eo.·l! 1(' (~""1t:'1,1 Ff!hn-; lem, which is, unfortunately, not uncommon. Some cats prefer to eliminate on soft surfaces, h'6J1r/' erNt'1 ,(1 VI'O'YiJlr>1i rt.•" urlWlerO() [I}~ p.:J~ Inappropriate elimination can be caused by a while others may prefer hard/smooth surfaces . number of factors, so perhaps a brief discussion Determining these subs trate preferences can of these would be helpful. be challenging, but once this is done, this prefer­ The first thing to rule out is a medical condition. ence can be used to gradually retrain a cat to Taking your cat to a veterinarian is an important eliminate appropriately in his litter box. nrst step toward figuring out what's going on. Another potential cause of inappropriate def­ Whether a medical issue is causing an abnormal­ ecation in elderly cats is cognitive dysfunction, ity in the frequency, consistency and/or urgency similar to senility seen in elderly people. Cats of defecation is a vital piece of information. with this condition may demonstrate a number PLEASE In some cases, conditions that cause discomfort of other behavioral changes, including increased SHARE YOUR while defecating, such as constipation or arthritis vocalization, changes in sleeping patterns, and QUESTIONS (which may cause pain when a kitty postures to an increased or decreased desire for attention. We welcome questions defecate), can cause a cat to develop a negative If no medical problem has been identified, the on health, medidne and association between the litter box where he nor­ next step is to figure out if one of these other fac­ beha... ior, but regret 'nat we carmol commen, mally defecates and the discomfort experienced tors may be contributing to your kitty's inappro­ on prior diagnoses and during defecation, and this may drive him to avoid priate defecation. If necessary, you can consult a spedfic pro ducts. Please write CatWmch Editor, the litter box in an effort to avoid the discomfort. veterinary behaviorist to find the root of the prob­ 535 Conn.:!'Chcul A... r:" Arthritic cats may also have a problem step­ lem and to develop strategies to retrain your boy. Norwalk. CT 06854 -171 1or ping over high-walled litter boxes that were not In most cases, this issue can be corrected with email catwatcheditor@ a problem when they were younger and not patience and appropriate consultation. I know c.omell.edu_ experiencing pain from arthritis. Your eat 's vet­ that this must be very frustrating, but hang in erinarian will likely ask you questions about the there and seek the right help. I know that you consistency of your kitty's stool, the frequency and Max can solve this problem. COMING UP ... of defecation and whether you have observed For more information on how to address any blood in the stool. Testing your cat's stool inappropriate elimination in cats, visit the for parasites such as intestinal worms may also Cornell Feline Health Center's website at: be a good idea, and the veterinarian may ask www.ve t.comell.edu/ FHClhealth you to bring a stool sample to facilitate this. information/b roch u re_ house soi lin g.c fm. Once a medical condition has been ruled out, Best of luck, and please let us know how other behavioral causes can be investigated. Cats things are going when you can. -l' can develop aversions to their litter boxes for a -Sincerely, Elizabeth

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I MAY 2017