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All AbotIt Whisllen 2 They Climb Curtains, Scratch the Sofa Among other attributes, they allow ~ to land in tight spaces. What we label destructive is their way ofexploring and Help fer the Hurt 2 communicating 'I, Sid, was here. Look how big I am!' Rese.wdI begiIs 00 alutIIIOIIihlr to """" (~ orr pate 6) CatWatch SHORT TAKES 'Whiskers Are All About EDITOR IN CHIEF Bruce G. Kornreich, DVM, PhD., . Vibration, Airflow, Touch' Dipl ACVIM If you've ever been tempted to trim EDITOR your cat 's whiskers, it would be best to Betty Liddick resist the impulse. Whiskers are essential ART DIRECTOR to ca ts' navigation. They also serve as ea rly Mary Francis MeG.vlc warning systems and barometers of mood, ADVISORY BOARD says Leonie Richards, BVSC, head of general James A. Flanders, DVM, Dipl practice at the University of Melbourne ACVS, Associate Profe sso r, Cats use their whiskers, ttl d~terrn rot' If th~' can Qlnical SC iencE's Veterinary Hospital. squ('{\zp - Ot' I~p - jn \ IJ srn 111 r,p.3(~ nnrl a'.~ hnd An artic le in the university journal Pursuit ' heir WiN Irl (I'ttl dar k Margaret C. McEntee. DVM. D'pl ACVIM, DACVR, explores this remarkable feature, starting Professor of Oncology with the basics: Ca ts generally have a dozen ' It makes them disoriented. It 's harder for WIlliam H. Miller, Jr., VMD, Dlpl whiskers arranged in four neat lines on them to assess where their su rrou ndings ACVD, Profpssor, Clinical SCIences each cheek, a few more where they have are: Dr. Richards says, noting that whiskers Pamela J. Perry. DJM, Ph.D. eyebrows, and some under Iheir chin and help cat s safely leap large distances onto lecture r, (hnical Sciences. ACVB Behavior Residenl behind their front paws. narrow landing areas. "All of them basica ll y serve the same Sometimes veterinarians ha ve to cut , Cornell University purpose: Dr. Richards says. "They're the wh iskers when, for example, they find CoUegeof sensory. They help cats work out where an abscess in the cheek, Dr. Richards says. I) Veterinary Medicine they are spatia ll y. Th e whiskers on the back "The whi skers will grow back in a couple of j:or mformation on you r cat's health, V I SI ~ [he Cornell University College of of their paws are arranged to make up for months, and the actual cutting isn't painful Veteri nary Medicine, Cornell Feli ne short-si ghtedness. If they've caught prey, it becau se whiskers don't have nerve endings Health Center website at www.vet.comell .edu /fhcl. gives them an idea of where the prey is [in in them ." But cats may feel somewhat relation} to the ir feet.' frightened until the whiskers grow back. Whiskersare made of keratin, a protein found in the outer casing of horns in cows and Help for the Heart other animals. They don't feel sensation, but The Winn Feline Foundation hasawarded at the point where they're embedded in the a grant to research at-home use of Hol ter CO/Walch' (lSSN ' 1095.9(92) _ IS published monthly anima l, they're packed with nerve endings fed monitoring in cats with hypertrophic cardio for 539 per year by by a strong bl ood supply. That makes whiskers myopathy (HCM). Cardiologist Katherine Scol .. Gelvolr Media Group, -=1 LLc' 535 Conn eCt icu t an ideal sensory organ, Dr Richards says. "It's lan, DVM, ACVIM, at Oregon State University l~ll\'( , j r Ave., Norwalk, CT 06854 1713 Robert Englilnder. all about vibration,airnow and touch." Cats use wi ll be th e prinCipal inves tigator reseerchlng ( halrn)dn dlld eto: 'Ji mothy H. Cole, EXI:.'Cutive Vice Pr es!dent. Editorial the follicular feelersto determine if they can arrhythmias and the effects of structural heart Director, Philip i. Penny, Chief squeeze themselves into small spaces and find changes on cardiac rhythm. Operat ing Officer; Greg King, heclJtlve Vice President, Marketing CluE'c lor; Ron their way in the dark. Cats wear the small monitors, also called Goldberg, Chief FlnanClai Officer, Tom Canfield, Vice PreSident, Clfculalion Dr. Richards offers this guide to reading ambulatory electrocardiography devices, to Q2017 BelVOir Me(ha G!OUP, LlC. whiskers as clues to emotion: record the heart rate typica lly for 24 hours. Pos tmaster Send address ( OHe(tlons to CatWatCh. P.O 80]( 8535. Oi9 S.lI!dy. Once the device is removed, the data can be TX 75755-8535. • If the whiskers are relaxed and downloaded to a computer for analySiS. For Customer S.rvlc. droopy: That's a calm, happy cat. HCM, the most common heart disea se or Subscription Information, visit wvvw catwatchnewsletter.com/cs • Pinned back against the face: in cats, is characte rized by thi ckened wa ll s or ca ll toll free: 800-829- 8893. He's fearful. primarily the heart's left ventricle, which can Express Wfltt t" n permission is reqUired to reproduce, in any • Facing straight forward: angry. affect the heart'S ability to pump oxygenated mannt'r. the contents of thiSI ssue, eltht'"~ In full or in part. For more blood to th e body. Breeds prone to HCM Infcrmation, write to Permissi ons, About trimming the whiskers: That will include Maine Coons, American Shor thai rs Ca tWatch, 535 Connec ticut Ave., Norwalk, Connecticu t 06854- 1713 reduce cat s' sense of spatial awareness. and Ragdolls. .;. JAIIUARY 1011 HEALTH Cat Scratch Fever Spikes in January The CDC reports a higher incidence ofoverall cases, but there's no need to paniC - the disease is preventable and-wrestling your kttten or newly of this disease is to keep them indoors Hadopted cat may seem like harmless and practice good flea prevention. In ad play, but if either would happen to scratch dition, keeping cats away from other cats you)you could develop an infection requir who spend time outdoors andlor who ing treatment for cat scratch disease (CSD). have fleas is important." This rare but potentially serious condi The Centers for Disease Control tion is estimated to affect about 12,500 found the incidence of cat scratch dis Cuddling Is OK. No evidencE' eXlsti that Simply (uddll ng (au Increases your chance of 'nf«1ion people annually in the U.S., including 500 ease in the U.S. to be highest among cation and Outreach at the Cornell Feline • Impaired vision and I in severe instances) systemic infec Health Center. "The best way owners can • Excessive blinking, closing of the eyes tions. Although rare, untreated systemic prevent their cats from becoming carriers or sensitivity to light infections can lead to encephalopathy, or abnormality of brain function; neuro HOW TO REDUCE THE RISK retinitis) inflammation of the optic nerve and retina in the eye; and osteomyelitis. a While cat scratch disease is not common, cat owners should be aware of bacterial infection in the bones. the health concern and that they can take steps to minimize the likelihood Importantly, severe complications of contracting it, says Bruce G. Kornreich, DVM, Ph.D. at Cornell. Preventive of CSD are rare in people who have measures Include: normally functioning immune systems. Those at greatest risk are people with • Providing year-found flea control. compromised immune systems, such • Keeping cats indoors. as the very young and the elderly, those receiving immunosuppressive chemo • Not letting cats bite or scretch or lick your open wounds. therapy, and those with HIV infections. • Supervising/limiting interactions between cats (especially kittens) and In addition to transmission via bites immunosuppressed individuals. or scratches, exposure of a person's • Washing your hands w ith soap and warm water after Interacting with open wound to infected flea feces or cats, and immediate ly washing any cuts or scratches with soap and to the saliva of an infected cat is also warm water. a risk factor. "While 1he.possibility of infection occurring via the saliva of (cOfl/jflutd on page 5) JAN UARY 1017 IJhlt us.1 www.ca l w.tl lchnf.wsltHet .CO m l BEHAVIOR DESTRUCTIVE ... (,.",i"",dJro.. '" ' ~r) glands release chemical signals un· noticed by humans but readily recog· nized by other cats. We dOD't have a "Mewsetta" stone to tell us what a eat's scratches mean, but experts have some theories. Cats could be delineating their territory: "Sid lives here. Keep out!" Or they could be communicating about them· selves as individuals. "Scratching prominent objects may convey a terri torial familiarity," Dr. Perry says. Sucking or chewing on fabric can be soothing or relaxing. In some cases, it can be a response to fear. frustration or anxiety - the result ofenvironmental and likstyle changes. A cal may scratch ifhe's stressed by the presence ofanother If your cat fa vors sharpening hi.s claws on the sofa, pLJI hi\ ~ r dtchlfl(J r.<:l'it next to It Art enll;,ll:, ca~ a dog who's tormenting him or the accepltlblp awa to ~ra:t(h wlil enllCe him to hon~ hiS {laws rhere. arrival ofa new baby or significant other. Whatever the case. you can take steps to save your furnishings. sanity and. most creative thinking and home rearrange· post next to it so he has an acceptable impo~ your rdatioosh.ip with your ment. Cats scratch in areas where their place to scratch that is equally enticing. cal Scratching can become destructive handiwork can be seen and appreciated. You needn't worry if this will ruin when it's practiced on furniture. door They want their message to be visibl£ and your decor. Pet product manufacturers ways, windowsills or personal belongings potentially communicated to others. That produce cat trees and scratching posts to instead ofa scratching post,log or other means no hiding the scratching post in suit almost any decorating scheme. from acceptable target. It's more than unsightly. an out-of-the-way corner or room. contemporary to traditional Some cat It can have serious conS<.' 4 JAN UARY lOl7 B£HAVIOR Whatever you choose-or build to put a stop to it. Cats who ingest says. "Fabric chewing in cats also may make sure it is sturdy and stable. Your cat syntbetic fabrics instead of real wool be due to a compulsive or dietary disor will never want to use a scratching post can develop intestinal blockages or der." One oftbe easiest treatruents is to again ifit falls over with or on ttinL En swallow other dangerous items such provide food free choice; obesity is less courage your cat to use the post by treat as buttons, pins, rubber bands or ofa risk tban a blockage. ing it witb fresb catnip. Run your fingers needles. Put items your cat likes She suggests using a • cat cam" to up and down it so be's attracted by the to cbew well determine your cat's activities when motion and sound. Place it on or near the out of reach. you're not around. You may find area he likes to scratch. Give treats and Offer alterna tbat anotber pet is bullying tbe cat. praise when you see him using it. tives such as for instance. It's also important to Never punish a cat for scratching by food-dispensing make sure basic needs are mel. 1hese squirting him witb water or yelling at toys or rubber include easy access to food and wa hillL He has no idea why you're attacking toys rubbed ter, tays and playtime. and appro him for what is a perfectly natural behav witb tasty priate amounts ofattention from ior. Punishment may work temporarily salmon the humans in !be bowchoId. bul make your cat afraid ofyou. Plus, oil. Enrichingyour cat'unviron he will probably learn to scralch when ment witb toys, window perches you're Dot around. One simple way to and otber items to engage him discourage scratching is by setting barm may help. Give him a few minutes of less booby traps such as a pile ofpaper playtime witb a fishing-pole toy or cups tbat will fall over onto him ifbe peacock featber. Some cats like to scratches !be forbidden item. chase small balls. Puzzle toys can Some cats find comfort in sucking keep their brains stimula:te HEALTH SCRATCH ... r«",t/,,",d from p"gtJ) tact witb cats and tbe symptoms listed cat ownership far outweigh tbe risks of an infected cat getting into the eye of above. In some instances, a blood test CSD provided that tbese precautions a person exists~ I cannot find a docu may be performed to see ifa person has are taken.- (J. mented case of tbis occurring in the developed antibodies to Bartonella (sug scientific literatnre," says Dr. Korn gesting exposure to tbe bacteria), and FOR MORE INFORMATION reicb. "This is nol to say tbat tbe eyes in very rare cases, swollen lymph nodes cannot be affected in people witb CSD, may be aspirated to look for the presence The Cornell Feline Health as this can happen in very rare cases. ofthe bacteria. A number ofeffective Center has more Information but documentation ofinfection occur antibiotics are available for treatment. on cat scratch disease under ring via this route is lacking." Dr. Kornreich's parting advice: "It's Health Topics/Zoonotic Disease, CSD is diagnosed in people based important to realize tbat CSD is not at www,corneilledulfhc, on a health history tbat includes con- a new disease and tbat the benefits of I~NUARY 20 17 MEDICINE STEROl os. ,.("""1,,,,«1 from WI.") tial and long-term changes. Among the CALMING AN OVERACTIVE Due to their anti·jnflammatory early effects are: IMMUNE SYSTEM properties. corticosteroids are a valu able class of medications typically used • Increased thirst and urination Steroids have strong anti-allergic to suppress the inflammation associated • Increased appetite with weight gain and anti-Inflammatory effects with allergies. In higher doses, they can • Loss ofenergy and can help calm an overactive suppress the body's immune system • Development or worsening of Immune system, Among other when a disease causes it to wrongfully infections, especially bacterial diseases and conditions, they attack healthy cells (called autoimmune skin infections can treat the follOWing: disease). Most corticosteroids are syn • In rare instances, vomiting thetic and more potent and longer.last. and diarrhea Allergies: ing than t.he naturally occurring forms. • Environmental allergic These include: Cats undergoing Iong·term use of reactions steroids may fa ce an even longer list of • Allergic reactions to flea bites, Prednisone possible effects, including: • bee stings or spider bites • Prednisolone • Dexamethasone • Internal metabolic changes, such as • Allergic bronchitis Triamcinolone increased cholesterol, altered liver Inflammatory conditions: • Methylprednisolone enzymes and changes in the ability to • process glucose • Osteoarthritis "Steroids address the symptoms • Altered appearance of the coat and • Trau ma, espedally to the head of medical conditions rather than the skin, such as a dull coat, hair loss and • Soft tissue Injuries like conditions themselves," Dr. Miller says. increased frequency of skin infections sprains or strains "'They don't cure anything. They just con • Altered appearance of the body, such as trol signs of disease," fat pads over the hips or a pot belly due • Gingivitis, a common form Side effects can include increased to weakening ofthe abdominal muscles of gum disease infection rates and the development of • Loss of muscle mass, especially on Autoimmune dlsordl!rs: diabetes. According to VCA Animal the head • Stomatitis, inflammation in Hospitals. about 30 percent of cats on • Weakened ligaments the mouth long-term steroid treatment suffer a uri • Thinning of the skin to the point nary tract infection. where it can tear easily • Pemphigus, a skin disease in Cats tend to be more resilient than • Development of diabetes in some which numerous pustules dogs when it comes to steroid side ef pre-diabetic cats fDrm on the skin fects, but they may experience both ini· • Autoimmune hemolytic ane Older cats are more susceptible to ste mia, a condition associated roids' effects than young ones. The changes' with an abnormal break type and severity depend on the patient's down of red blood cells health, the drug used, its dosage and route • Certain kidney diseases of administration (oral, topical or inject able), and - most important - the length of administration, Dr. Miller says. organ systems like the bone marrow," he Lowering the dosage can often mini says. "Many neurologic conditions also mize side effects. Alternately, the veteri· require the prolonged use ofsteroids." narian might prescribe another type of Before nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory corticosteroid. Many newer drugs like drugs (NSAIDs) became available for cats, cyclosporine and treatments are available steroids were typical1y used to control ar as alternatives, but their considerable ex thritis and other orthopedic disorders, but pensive might deter owners their use in these conditions has declined as NSAIDs have proven to be effective and Most Common Use, In cats, itchy skin relatively safer for long-term treatment disease is the No.1 reason for chronic use than most sterOids, Dr. Miller says. Inc:reased thirst lIInd urination rife among the early haltmalks. of stefoid use ofsteroids, Dr. Miller says. "Next come "In most animals, two weeks ofste autoimmune disorders of the skin or other roid administration isn't likely to cause 6 )A~UARY 2017 MEDICINE Likewise. various neurologic diseases often require steroidal therapy.These can Because steroids suppress the include brain tumors and trauma to the immune system, cats taking brain, as well as spina! cord injury and them can be vulnerable to virus disease. However. surgical options that can es, bacteria and other infections. correct some of them are becoming in While healthy cats should see creasinglyavailable. Owners should con· their veterinarians for checkups sider these surgeries as a means of avoiding twice a year, those taking long· chronic steroid administration in their term steroids should see their pets. However. like certain drug alterna veterinarians more often. tives to steroids. surgical costs can be pro hibitive, leaving steroids the only option. During these visits, veterinarians Owners should work with their cats' vet· erinatlan to mOl'lltQr the effects of long-term "If steroids are the only acceptable way will conduct urine and blood tests "",old use and make adjustment> as "e""",fY. to manage a condition. the animal should to screen for infections or 5igns of receive the lowest dosage possible, as infre· damage and make sure the cat is quently as possible," Dr. Miller says. "In skin bandllng the steroJd medication well. They might decidato alter the dosage disease.Tfs DefteTfo leave mosTailerglc pets or switch to an alternative medication If certain side effects become evident. alittle itchy rather than increase the drug dosage to completely eliminate the itching." any long.lasting damage," he says. ·With treatment can quiCkly tally into the While corticosteroids can be life· longer administration, changes can be hundreds of dollars. "To treat the auto· saving medications for many cats. owners identified. Some will disappear quickly immune conditions, the immune system need to work with their cats' veterinarian when the drug is stopped, while others has to be suppressed," Dr. Miller says. to ensure that these drugs are administered will persist long term or permanently." "There are many drugs that can do this, as safely as possible and should seek alter· The best way to counter or avoid the but they can be more expensive and natives that could potentially improve their effects of long-term steroid use in cats is dangerous for the animaL" pet's long-term quality oflife. ~ to explore alternate means of treating the underlying condition. The faster a eat's THIS IS NOT YOUR WEIGHT·lIFTERS' STEROID underlying health problems are treated, the fewer steroids he'll have to take. Many of the most common steroids prescribed for cats - including prednl· sone, prednisolone, dexamethasone, mamdnolone and methylprednisolone Possible Altematives, For example, - are a class of synthetic corticosteroids known as glucocorticoid steroids. if your cat is taking a steroid for skin disease. you and his veterinarian should These are vastly different from anabolic sterOids, which are synthetic investigate all possible causes for the itch· variations of the male sex hormone testosterone that are often abused to ing. "If the cause can be identified and Increase muscle mass in people. Glucocorticoid steroids are not linked to _ elimin..ated...the..need for steroids wJII dis the behavioral development of aggression, which is typically associated With anabolic steroid use in people. l- appear," Or. Millersays. "If the condition can't be 'cured' - as in a case of chronic environmental allergies such as atopic dermatitis - ask to try SOme medications THE RARE RISK OF (USHING'S DISEASE or treatments other than steroids." In ra re cases, excessive corticosteroid production by the adrenal glands For example, Atopica for Cats is a may cause hyperadrenocorticism, or Cushing's disease, In cats. When a cat common nonsteroidal drug used to con is on long-term, high·dose steroid therapy, the risk that he will develop trol allergic skin disease. However, its medication-induced, or iatrogenic, Cushing's disease Increases. cost can be more than four times that of steroid treatment. with prices varying Signs of this condition can include increased thirst and urination, an considerably from practice to practice. increase in skin or urinary tract Infections, a pot-bellied appearance and Many nonsteroidal methods can thinning skin and hair loss. manage chronic itching in cats. Allergy To minimize the risk, veterinarians will try to gradually reduce corticoste testing and immunotherapy are options roid doses over time. If Iatrogenic hyperadrenocorticism does occur, It's in some cases. However. the expense also usually managed by gradual withdrawal of the corticosteroid. for this type of testing and subsequent JANU'RY 2011 1 ASK ELIZABETH Will Ionic Air Cleaners Pose is that in the process of producing ions, the units Safety Risks for her Kittens] produce small amounts of ozone. Ozone is a m0l ecule composed ofthree oxygen atoms, and many Ilive in a three-room apartment with three people are familiar with the importance ofatmo Qbeautiful, adorable kitties. I have two ionic spheriC ozone in protecting the earth from the air cleaners, a large one next to my kitties' litpotentially damaging ultraviolet rays of the sun. ter box and a smaller one in the living/dining/ While the ozone layer in the atmosphere is kitchen area. There is a warning on them not to benefical to us all, ozone at ground level may breathe the air that comes out ofthem. Is there cause irritation and damage to mucOlls mem any potential for harm to my beloved kirties from branes and respiratory tissues. This effect is these units? dependent upon the concentration of ozone molecules in inhaled air, with greater potential E!4~ifl1 ,f,!, (5 t"Of,",)!' !,Jf ,tflf I understand why you may want to use for negative health impacts expected with high (iSIHilr: . ' ()t rheCOr"l?t: I h'lln~ these devices for cleaning the air with three er concentrations of ozone. The amount of ozone ~"<'Ql/" G:,"!.', ,II rJlfJllid,1l1) r/ll' (i!lS~l'(;r or rhr 1-l CORA ESPON.OENCE SUBSCAIPTlOr-lS The Editor $39 pe.-yeao- (lJ5.)· S49pe.-yeao-{canada) CofWatdI· For subscription and customer service infonnation. 535 Connecticut Ave. viM www.CdtwatchnewsletterLom/cs _I<.CT06854-1713 or write to: CotWatdJ. P.e. Box 8535, Big Sandy, TX 7S7Ss-8S35. c.atwdtdw:dltoilfi(JJlnefl...edu CALL TOlLFREE:~3 8 JANUARY 20"