THE FELINE HEALTH CENTER • CORNELL COLLEGE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE

March 2019 - Vol. 23, No. 3

Expert information on medicine, behavior, and health in collaboration with a world leader in veterinary medicine  THIS JUST IN Catnip May Help With Cancer Drugs Great Tree-Climber The process by which catnip produces the chemical This man rescues cats that makes cats crazy may help develop cancer meds ccording to the Atlanta Journal- Constitution (AJC), Normer Adams, esearchers at John Innes Centre in Norwich, England, have learned how catnip Aa retired social worker, is a “treed- produces the chemical that sends cats into a state of wanton abandon, and this cat rescuer on a rampage.” He rescues Rinformation may apply to developing cancer treatments. an average of one cat a week from “We have made significant progress in understanding how catnip makes trees. Over the last two years, that’s nepetalactones, the chemicals that makes cats crazy. Catnip is performing unusual and 91 cats. He doesn’t charge, and he has unique chemical processes, and we plan to use these to help us create compounds that a YouTube channel (https://tinyurl.com/ can be used in the treatment of diseases such as cancer,” says study cattreerescue) where you can watch him lead author Dr. Benjamin Lichman, who is now a lecturer at the rescue each cat. Some of the cats were in University of York. the tree for days. Once he reaches the cat, The researchers believe that understanding the production of Adams places the cat in a bag to safely these nepetalactones could help them recreate the way that plants bring him back down the tree. synthesize other chemicals like vinblastine, which is used for “During a rescue, Adams arrives on chemotherapy. This could lead to the ability to create these useful the scene, aims for a sturdy branch above medicines more efficiently and more quickly. the cats (he doesn’t want them climbing Usually in plants, terpenes are formed by a single enzyme. In higher than him) and uses a tall slingshot their paper published in Nature Chemical Biology, the researchers to launch a beanbag with attached rope report that, in catnip, terpenes are formed in a two-step process: An to the preferred spot. He then tugs the enzyme activates a precursor compound that is then modified by a

climbing rope over the branch and ties second enzyme to produce the substance of interest. The researchers | Deposit Photos haraldmuc Catnip one end to the bottom of the tree. Then suspect something similar occurs in the synthesis of anti-cancer he scurries up with the help of knee drugs vincristine and vinblastine from Madagascan periwinkle, Catharanthus roseus, and foot ascenders, contraptions that and elsewhere in olive and snapdragon plants. n basically allow Lichman, BR, et al. Uncoupled activation and cyclization in catmint reductive terpenoid biosynthesis. Nature you to ‘walk’ Chemical Biology, 2018; 15 (1): 71 DOI: 10.1038/s41589-018-0185-2 (Science Daily release) up a hanging rope in mid-  5 THINGS air,” reported AJC.com. Tree Feline Food Facts You Need to Know climbing is a growing sport. Diets must include nutrients that a cat cannot get elsewhere Learn more about it at Cats are obligate carnivores. They need meat protein in their diet. Vegetarian treeclimbing. udiets are not safe for cats. com. n Sentavio | Deposit Photos Arginine is an amino acid. Cats naturally lack the enzyme to create the arginine INSIDE THIS ISSUE vso they need to have it in their diet. Meat is an excellent source. Implement a Simple, Safe Feline Diet...... 2 A lack of dietary taurine can lead to vision and heart conditions. Cat foods are Can’t Wait for an Ask Elizabeth Reply?...... 2 wsupplemented with taurine to provide necessary levels for healthy cats. Mammary Cancer Often Spreads...... 3 Cats need vitamin A and the animal form of vitamin D (D3) in their diet as they When Is It Time to Go to the ER?...... 4 xare not capable of efficiently producing enough of these important vitamins Bloodwork for Liver Problems...... 5 on their own. Cats also require niacin, or vitamin B3, in their diet to have adequate Why Do Cats Eat Grass?...... 6 amounts for good health. Normal vs Excessive Shedding...... 7 Dog food lacks essential nutrients for cats. Do not feed your cat dog food or she When Your Cat Demands Attention...... 8 ywill develop some serious and potentially life-threatening deficiencies.n Happening Now...... 8 vetnutrition.tufts.edu/2018/12/cats-are-not-small-dogs-unique-nutritional-needs-of-cats  SHORT TAKES Implement a Simple, Safe Feline Diet Study shows it can be a simple reduction in food EDITOR IN CHIEF Bruce G. Kornreich, DVM, martBrief tells us that “Overweight, sedentary cats will lose weight if the size of Ph.D., Dipl ACVIM their daily meals is gradually reduced, according to research published in the SAmerican Journal of Veterinary Research, and although there was no statistically EXECUTIVE EDITOR significant change in activity, it’s possible some cats will become more active as Cynthia Foley the weight comes off.” The report says, “The researchers reduced the cats’ food consumption by 20 percent initially, then continued with regular reductions, and TECHNICAL EDITOR the cats in the study lost weight and experienced changes in their gastrointestinal Debra M. Eldredge, DVM bacteria.” ADVISORY BOARD The guidelines we shared from the American Association of Feline Practitioners James A. Flanders, DVM, Dipl ACVS, in our January 2019 issue (catwatchnewsletter.com) offer ways to make your cat’s Associate Professor, Clinical Sciences mealtimes more natural, including “hunting” for food, which can help with both exercise and behavioral problems. Margaret C. McEntee, DVM, According to a report in Pet Product News, Nationwide pet insurance states that Dipl ACVIM, DACVR, Professor of Oncology pet obesity has risen 24 percent over the last eight years. Nearly a fifth of Nationwide pet insurance claims in 2017 were related to pet obesity—equaling a sum of more than William H. Miller, Jr., VMD, Dipl ACVD, $69 million in veterinary expenses. Professor, Clinical Sciences According to Nationwide, the top 10 conditions related to or made worse by obesity are: Pamela J. Perry, DVM, Ph.D. � Bladder/urinary tract disease Lecturer, Clinical Sciences, ACVB Behavior Resident � Chronic kidney (renal) disease � Diabetes CatWatch is an independent � Asthma newsletter produced in collaboration � with the Cornell College of Veterinary Liver disease Medicine Feline Health Center � Arthritis � High blood pressure � Heart failure � Gall bladder disorder � n

Immobility of spine | Deposit Photos TopVectors For information on your cat’s health, visit the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell Feline Health Center Can’t Wait for an Ask Elizabeth Reply? website at www.vet.cornell.edu/fhc/. Send Ask Elizabeth questions and letters to the editor: You can try Cornell’s Camuti Consultation Service CatWatch® 535 Connecticut Ave. ur Elizabeth loves answering reader questions in her column every month, but Norwalk, CT 06854-1713 she wants to be sure you know that Cornell’s Camuti Consultation Service also [email protected] can help you out. The service puts you in contact with a Cornell veterinary O Subscriptions: $39 per year (U.S.) • $49 consultant who will discuss your cat’s condition and/or care with you. per year (Canada). For subscription and Of course, just as Elizabeth reminds us each month, the service cannot diagnose or customer service information, visit treat a disease because the consultants don’t have direct access to your cat. Instead, the www.catwatchnewsletter.com/cs service is a source of information and support for cat owners and can provide you with or write to: CatWatch, P.O. Box 8535, current, comprehensive information that you can use to discuss your cat with your Big Sandy, TX 75755-8535. 800-829-8893 own veterinarian. Calls are returned within 48 hours. Fees range from $44 to $115, depending upon the topic. CatWatch® (ISSN: 1095-9092) is published monthly for $39 per Visit https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell- year by Belvoir Media Group, LLC, feline-health-center/health-information/camuti-consultation-service for more 535 Connecticut Ave., Norwalk, information. CT 06854-1713. Robert Englander, Chairman and CEO; Timothy H. Cole, Elizabeth wants you to know that the Dr. Louis J. Camuti Memorial Feline Executive Vice President, Editorial Consultation Service was established to honor the memory of the Director; Philip L. Penny, Chief Operating Officer; late Dr. Louis J. Camuti. Known affectionately to many as “The Cat Greg King, Executive Vice President, Marketing Director; Ron Goldberg, Chief Financial Officer; Doctor,” Dr. Camuti was the first veterinarian in the United States to Tom Canfield, Vice President, Circulation. devote his entire practice to cats, making house calls for his feline ©2019 Belvoir Media Group, LLC. patients for more than 60 years. Postmaster: Send address corrections to Since his death in 1981, friends have sought to honor his CatWatch, P.O. Box 8535, Big Sandy, TX 75755-8535. lifework through the Dr. Louis J. Camuti Memorial Endowment Express written permission is required to Fund, which continues his tradition of compassion, reproduce, in any manner, the contents of this issue, either in full or in part. For more information: dedication, and a pioneering professional commitment Permissions, CatWatch, 535 Connecticut Ave., to the health and well-being of cats. n Norwalk, Connecticut 06854-1713.

2 CatWatch March 2019  DISEASE

metastasis. After weighing the results, Mammary Cancer Often Spreads the next option is often a lumpectomy, which is surgically removing the lump A lump requires immediate veterinary action and sending the sample for a biopsy. If surgery is a concern, a mammary tumor, needle biopsy (removing only aka “breast cancer,” some cells from the lump) Ais the third most may be done.In the biopsy, common type of cancer in a pathologist examines the cats. Generally, mammary removed tissues, looking cancer is found in cats for signs of metastasis. If 10 years of age and over the margins (outer edges) of and usually in females. the removed tissue are not However, Siamese and “clean,” i.e. free from cancer Persian cats have a higher Cats have two chains of mammary glands running down their cells, a more drastic surgery risk compared to other abdomen. Each side has four glands, so a female cat can usually may be required to remove an breeds and may develop nurse up to eight kittens without any problems. Glands are extra margin of tissue. tumors at an earlier age. numbered from front to back, with the first gland being #1 and The best surgical option the last one in the chain #4. Over 85 percent of paulmckinnon | Deposit Photos to treat feline mammary mammary lumps in cats adenocarcinoma is a radical are malignant. These are While the differences are dramatic, mastectomy, in which all often adenocarcinomas, which tend to they make sense when you understand the mammary glands in one chain are spread. About 25 percent of cats show the influence of hormones. During removed. The tissue that is removed metastasis (spread) to local lymph nodes a heat, the hormones estrogen and is then microscopically evaluated by a at the time of diagnosis. Although cancer progesterone cause the epithelial cells pathologist. Several studies suggest that can spread to any organ, in cats, the of the mammary glands to enlarge in the use of chemotherapy in combination most common site of metastasis is the preparation for nursing. It’s believed with surgery improves prognosis and lungs. Affected cats may show difficulty that, with no pregnancy and therefore no often provides relief from discomfort. breathing and weight loss. need for lactation, these cells continue Palliative radiation therapy may provide to enlarge, possibly to a pre-cancerous some relief from discomfort. Spaying state (remember, cancer is out-of- Spaying reduces the risk of a cat control, abnormal growth). Adding to the Prognosis developing mammary cancer. If you spay problem, cats are seasonally polyestrous, Prognosis depends upon any metastasis your cat before 6 months of age (before which means they cycle almost and the size of the original mass. For her first heat) you reduce her risk by continuously during the breeding season tumors less than two centimeters in about 90 percent. Spaying before a year (January until November). diameter (about ¾ of an inch), survival of age, but after a heat period, lowers the is normally three years or more. Cats risk to about 85 percent. Spaying after 2 Signs of Cancer with masses larger than three centimeters years old has little influence on the risk. Mammary cancer is usually found have expected survival times of four to when you’re petting your cat. It may six months. If obvious metastatic disease be just a single lump, or it could be is found at the time of diagnosis, such multiple lumps along the mammary as masses present on radiographs in the chain. The individual mammary glands lungs, the prognosis is grave. Surgery is are connected via lymphatic and blood not recommended in these cases. vessels, so there is the possibility of Although systemic chemotherapy has spread along the mammary chain via not been well studied in cats, available these vessels. The first and last glands in a research shows some benefit with chain have a slightly higher risk of cancer increased survival times.n than the middle two glands. Initially, lumps may be about the Benign Mammary Lumps size of a BB pellet. They are not painful and are usually associated with the Drastically enlarged mammary glands nipples. Any lump in this area should in young cats or older kittens may be be evaluated by your veterinarian. Early mammary fibroepithelial hyperplasia. vvvita | Deposit Photos diagnosis substantially improves the While unusual, this benign condition prognosis. If the cancer has progressed, tends to appear suddenly and affect all Cat estrus or heat periods are influenced by glands at once. Some young cats show temperature and day length. A cat may be in ulcerated areas may be visible. “full heat” for a day or for a week. If she is not this simply from their repeated cycling bred, she will then recycle back in one to two Diagnosis and Treatment while others have received progestin weeks. Signs of heat include: Excessive rubbing, Most veterinarians begin with a full therapy. To cure this condition, the meowing, restlessness, attempts to “escape,” examination, bloodwork, and chest cat should be spayed and progestin and licking the genital area. radiographs (x-rays) to check for treatment discontinued, if being used.

www.catwatchnewsletter.com March 2019 3  EMERGENCY

bladder obstruction, especially in male When Is It Time to Go to the ER? cats. The signs are usually multiple trips to the litterbox, straining in the box or They’re expensive and have veterinarians you don’t lying down, bloody urine, producing only small drops, or excessive vocalization always know, and yet they’re a godsend for saving lives while urinating. These clinical signs signal an emergency. e’re all grateful for veterinary emergency clinics, but we’d all Poison Patrol Wrather avoid visiting one. They can Known ingestion of a toxic substance be costly and frequently busy, just like is an emergency. Many medications, any emergency room. Still, it is important plants, and chemicals pose an immediate to have the contact information for your threat to feline health. Any time that you local emergency/after-hours veterinary suspect your cat has ingested a poisonous clinic at hand, so that if your feline needs material, do not wait to get treatment. rapid medical attention, you have a plan. Well-known toxins for cats include These clinics are, quite literally, lifesavers. lilies, antifreeze, and acetaminophen. It can be challenging to know when With an unknown substance, consulting to obtain emergency care for your cat. a poison control hotline such the One feline mechanism of dealing with ASPCA’s poison help line (888-426-4435), illness is hiding. It’s a vague sign, though, the Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661), as cats also hide when they are stressed. or an emergency veterinary clinic by If your cat is spending more time than phone are good options. usual under the bed, it might be time for a veterinary visit. But is it an emergency? | Deposit Photos SimpleFoto Injury Obvious instances of heavy bleeding, Immediate emergency treatment may make Trauma is an emergency, even if there trauma, or non-responsiveness are clear, both you and your cat feel better. is no obvious external injury. Cats are but otherwise, cats can be tricky. stoic, and even though injuries may not Respiratory distress should not be be outwardly visible, internal injury is Respiratory Problems confused with sneezing and congestion, possible. This is particularly true of falls Difficulty breathing is an emergency. which are typical in feline upper from even a few feet or being hit by a Cats can manifest this in several ways. respiratory tract infections. These car. Internal injuries can sometimes take They may be reluctant to lie down and symptoms are rarely an emergency. several hours to two or three days to may sit in the typical “Sphinx” position. If your cat is eating, drinking, and manifest. Don’t wait for that. When in Sometimes, they will hold their elbows otherwise seems OK, waiting for your doubt, a physical examination is always out away from their bodies to improve veterinarian is likely fine, but a call to the most prudent course of action. chest expansion (this is called orthopnea) your veterinarian to make sure can’t hurt. or breathe with their mouths open. A cat Lameness should never use its abdominal muscles Urinary Difficulty Limping is not always an emergency, to breathe, so if you see the abdomen Any signs of urinary difficulty should except with severe pain, crying out, or moving in and out with breaths, this is prompt an immediate examination. not using or dragging a limb. If a cat is a sign of distress. Do not wait to seek Often urinary problems are cystitis, an weight-bearing but limping, there’s pain, medical attention if your general practice inflammatory condition of the bladder, but it may be able to wait until regular veterinarian is not open. This requires or a urinary tract infection. In some hours. If your cat seems otherwise immediate assessment. instances, however, they can indicate comfortable and can walk, it is generally safe to wait for your general veterinarian. However, do not administer any over- Payment Problems the-counter medications, as very few are Emergency care is more expensive than regular veterinary care, safe for felines. and it’s not just the initial evaluation (office call). Costs escalate quickly due to the intensity of diagnostics, monitoring, and Decisions treatment required (two to three times the cost of regular care, In general, if your cat is eating, drinking, according to pet insurer Healthy Paws). and acting normally, you can wait for ahasoft | Deposit Photos an appointment with your regular Even if your cat is insured for veterinary care, most clinics require payment upfront, veterinarian. In cases where a cat stops leaving you to be reimbursed by the insurance company. Do not be surprised if eating and drinking, begins hiding, you’re asked to leave a deposit or billable credit card before your cat is seen. exhibits signs of pain or distress, is profoundly lethargic or collapsing, is If this could be a problem for you, it may be wise to either dedicate an empty credit experiencing seizure-like activity, or has card or funded savings account to pet care, or apply in advance for a “medical credit protracted vomiting or diarrhea, do not card,” which is a credit card that usually offers deferred or low interest for medical wait to have them evaluated. When in expenses, which may include veterinary fees. doubt, sooner is always better. n

4 CatWatch March 2019  DIAGNOSTICS

found in the blood. Jaundice is often Bloodwork for Liver Problems associated with high levels of bilirubin. Diseases that a high total bilirubin Interpretation of these tests provides your veterinarian may indicate include hepatic lipidosis, lymphoma, pancreatitis, parasites, and with important diagnostic information bile-flow obstruction. Cholesterol is produced by the iver (hepatic) diseases are common in liver from components in the diet. cats, especially seniors. While clinical Cholesterol levels can indicate problems Lsigns and symptoms are important with hepatic function, gastrointestinal (is your cat drinking more than usual or disease, or some metabolic disorders. not eating?), bloodwork is the backbone Cholesterol is normally excreted via of diagnosis. Usually, this will be several bile, so any problem that interferes with tests grouped as a small-animal liver bile processing can cause increased (hepatic) function panel. cholesterol in cats. Cats with multiple Your veterinarian will look at the myeloma, other cancers, and protein blood results in conjunction with clinical losing enteropathies can have low evaluations and possibly radiographs, cholesterol counts. ultrasounds, or a biopsy. Bile acids are made by the liver from In this article, we look at tests cholesterol and excreted via bile. Bile typically included in the bloodwork to acid levels are generally evaluated to look understand what the results may mean in at possible portosystemic shunts, which regard to your cat’s liver health. occur as abnormal vasculature between Albumin is a protein made in the the intestines and the liver. With these liver that acts as a carrier molecule for shunts, nutrients get shunted around other substances, such as bilirubin. With the liver and avoid processing. Bile acid chronic liver disease, especially if liver benschonewille | Deposit Photos values are not generally included in liver A common symptom of liver diseases is function has reduced to less than 75 to jaundice, a yellowing of the gums, whites of screening as they require a set pattern 80 percent, the liver cannot manufacture the eyes, and skin. for feeding, then testing, and most blood normal amounts of albumin. Low chemistries rely on fasted samples. n albumin levels also can result from Urea is a waste product of protein malnutrition, gastrointestinal (GI) tract being metabolized by the liver. Urea diseases, and kidney disease. Albumin formation decreases with some liver Symptoms of Liver concentration may increase if your cat is diseases (portosystemic shunts, synthetic Disease dehydrated. liver failure) and with liver damage. X AST (aspartate aminotransferase) Since urea is excreted via the kidneys, an X Jaundice is an enzyme found in the liver and abnormal level could indicate either liver in muscles. While elevated levels may or renal (kidney) disease. XX Ascites (accumulation of indicate liver damage, increased AST ALP (alkaline phosphatase) is a liver abdominal fluid) also may be seen with hyperthyroidism, enzyme associated with bone growth muscle trauma, and granulomatous in young cats and kittens. Recently XX Abdominal pain hepatitis, which may occur secondary to pregnant cats also may have an increased feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). AST ALP. However, in normal adult cats, a XX Spontaneous bleeding is rarely run without ALT, due to the high ALP may indicate liver damage or (stomach, intestines, urine) importance of the AST-ALT ratio, which disease. Hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver) can can help your veterinarian determine if lead to high levels of this enzyme in cats, XX Increased thirst liver injury or disease is the cause. With as can hyperthyroidism. liver damage, AST often continues to rise. GGT (γ-glutamyl transferase) is XX Weakness ALT (alanine aminotransferase), similar to ALP. What sets this enzyme another enzyme, may spike in the event apart, though, is that it is considered XX Lethargy of a liver injury, although it can rise highly accurate for pinpointing the liver with liver disease and/or the presence as the cause of disease in cats, except XX Weight loss of certain toxins, such as tetracycline or with hepatic lipidosis (see ALP). Beyond acetaminophen. As with AST, ALT may that, GGT is not well understood, widely XX Lack of appetite increase in cats with hyperthyroidism. believed to be involved in metabolizing Glucose is the main energy source amino acids. XX Head pressing for the cells in your cat’s body. While the T bilirubin elevation can be an body obtains much of its glucose through indicator of liver disease. Bilirubin XX Seizures the breakdown of dietary carbohydrates, is formed in the liver through the glucose is also made in the liver. Low breakdown of hemoglobin in the blood XX Vomiting levels of blood glucose may indicate and myoglobin from muscles. A T severe liver damage. bilirubin test measures any bilirubin XX Diarrhea

www.catwatchnewsletter.com March 2019 5  BEHAVIOR

and in the meantime, move the plant to a Why Do Cats Eat Grass? location that he can’t access. Urban legend is that cats eat grass when They Just Like It! Many cats just enjoy grass and plants. “If they feel sick to induce vomiting your cat craves vegetable matter in her diet, you can provide alternatives, such as enjamin L. Hart, DVM, PhD, at the oat grass, catnip, and catmint, although School of Veterinary Medicine at the she may still continue to snack on BUniversity of California at Davis, houseplants. You can also try adding conducted a series of surveys with dog lettuce or parsley to her food bowl or owners on grass-eating behaviors and switching to a cat food with a higher fiber published an article in the December content, advises the Cornell Feline Health 2008 Veterinary Medicine. He found that Center. Most pet stores now sell grass- most dogs do not show signs of illness growing kits for at-home use. before eating grass and that only 22 percent vomited afterward. As for cats, Toxicity Risks Dr. Hart said that, “Cats typically do not Many common houseplants are toxic to appear to be ill before eating plants nor cats, including but not limited to lilies, do they regularly vomit afterward.” poinsettia, hibiscus, tulips, and ficus. For

One theory behind feline grass-eating Amvorsuf | Deposit Photos a complete listing, see the ASPCA’s lists is that the plants make it easier for cats Cats seem to simply enjoy a bite of grass now of toxic and non-toxic plants at: aspca. to vomit up things that are not easily and then. For inside-only cats, you can grow org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/ digested, such as hairballs and bits of grass inside. cats-plant-list. bone from prey. The grass irritates the You can make houseplants less stomach, triggering vomiting. Behavioral Issue appealing by using a pet repellent or by Plant material has been found in Plant eating can be a behavioral issue due wetting the plant leaves and sprinkling the stomach contents of wild felines, to curiosity or boredom, or something cayenne pepper on them. Alternatively, such as cougars. This could be due to more involved, such as a compulsive advises the Feline Health Center, a tower intentionally eating grass or from the disorder or a displacement behavior in of unbreakable, light cups booby trap food that their prey had been eating. response to anxiety. may be placed around the pot to startle Wild cats also have been observed eating If you think your cat is snacking on your cat when she begins to chew. grass, including after consuming prey. grass or other houseplants because he Many pesticides and herbicides are is bored, try introducing some new toys harmful to your cat, so avoid bringing in Combat Constipation or a cat tree for him to interact with and greenery from unknown lawns as a snack Cats lack the enzymes needed to properly make a point of working playtime into for your cat. If you walk your cat, prevent digest plant materials, so grasses that your daily routine. You also can break him from eating grass away from home, get past the stomach usually go through his meals into smaller portions that are as you don’t know if it has been sprayed. the gastrointestinal tract intact. Some hidden throughout the house either in If you know or suspect that your cat veterinarians recommend growing some bowls or in cat toys. Mental stimulation has eaten a toxic plant or are concerned grass as a snack at home for cats with and physical activity will keep him about pesticide/herbicide exposure, call chronic constipation issues. occupied, which will cut down on your veterinarian and/or a pet poison undesirable behaviors. helpline immediately to determine the Excessive munching on grass or best course of action for your situation. Plants and Grasses Safe houseplants, especially if it is a particular Exact treatment may vary depending for Cats to Eat plant that the cat keeps coming back on the particular plant consumed or the to, may be a compulsive behavior. chemical that was used on the lawn. XX Commercial “cat grass” growing kits See “When Cats Get a Little Crazy,” September 2018, at catwatchnewsletter. Foreign Body Potential XX Catmint com. Cats sometimes get blades of grass lodged Stressful situations in their nasal passages, either from XX Catnip such as moving, inhaling the grass directly or from it renovations, or adding going the wrong way during swallowing XX Lettuce a new pet can cause and working its way up over the soft your cat to behave palate. The cat may have discharge from XX Oat grass abnormally. Chewing one or both nostrils, sneeze, swallow releases endorphins, so repeatedly, or snore. This is less common XX Parsley your anxious cat may than upper respiratory infections but is chew on plants to make a possibility if either you know that your XX Rye grass himself feel better. Try cat has been eating and/or playing in to address the cause grass a lot lately or if respiratory signs are XX Wheat grass msavoia | Deposit Photos of your cat’s anxiety, persisting even after treatment. n

6 CatWatch March 2019  GROOMING

Normal vs Excessive Shedding Common Causes of Excessive Shedding Localized bald spots are a cause for concern XX Flea infestation: bald spots often hedding is a normal part of life throughout the evening and night. appear on the cat’s rear end for mammals—old hairs fall out, Stress can cause excessive shedding. allowing new hair to grow in. “Nervous animals will shed more than XX Mange: a mite infestation, typically S starting over the head and ears, and “Animals shed year-round with typically your happy-go-lucky cat,” says Dr. two heavy periods in spring and fall— Miller. Cats are notorious for shedding can spread to the rest of the body building up and getting rid of a winter copious amounts of hair in veterinary coat,” says William Miller, VMD, exam rooms and may shed during other XX Ringworm or other fungal DACVD, Dermatology Section Chief stressful events such as thunderstorms, infections: round areas of hair loss at the Cornell University School of travel, or after a move. While this hair that can occur anywhere on the Veterinary Medicine. During these times loss does indicate that your cat is anxious, body of the year, it may seem like there is more it is not problematic as long as it stops hair on the floor than on the cat. once your cat is comfortable again. XX Flea allergy dermatitis: hair loss and But sometimes shedding and coat red, angry skin, usually on the rear quality can be indicators of illness, stress, Changes in Coat Quality of the cat or other problems. Watch for changes in Be wary if your cat’s normally shiny, shedding cycles, coat quality and texture, silky coat looks dull or greasy. “If the XX Allergies (environmental or food): and localized areas of hair loss. apparent normal shedding leaves the cat can be anywhere on the body, with “Normal shedding is a whole body with a horrible coat then it’s not normal paws and legs being a common site event not restricted to one small area shedding but an indication of internal or a region of the body,” says Dr. Miller. or external disease,” Dr. Miller warns. XX Bacterial infection: can occur “If you run a comb over the normally Hormonal changes and/or nutritional anywhere on the body shedding cat’s body you collect hairs imbalances can be the cause. from all over the body and not just one Senior cats may stop grooming XX Cushing’s disease: symmetrical hair area. Normal shedding does not leave because they don’t feel well due to illness loss and thinning hair and skin bald spots or sparsely haired areas on or because arthritis prevents them from the cat’s body.” Patches of very thin or bending easily. Obesity will impede XX Having kittens: queens may have missing hair are a cause for concern. normal grooming. If not addressed, this recently had a litter also go through ungroomed hair can form mats that a dramatic shed Changes in Shedding Cycles become painful. Mats should be clipped, “Seasonal shedding can be influenced and the cat should be groomed daily or XX Systemic disease: thyroid disease, by the local climate, whether the cat is kept shaved to prevent more mats from irritable bowel disease (IBD), kidney strictly an indoor cat, and the owner’s forming while any underlying issues are failure, Cushing’s disease, cancer lifestyle,” says Dr. Miller. “If the owner being treated. Once the cat begins to is a night owl in a home where the light feel better, she usually resumes normal XX Spaying, neutering: due to bulbs approach the frequency of natural grooming behaviors. hormonal changes sunlight, the natural shedding pattern will be disrupted.” Diet and Coat Health XX Baths: if use you use a shampoo Cats living in homes that don’t follow What you feed your cat matters, but not formulated for cats, it may dry the natural daylight patterns of the it doesn’t have to be pricey food. “In out or irritate the skin and cause seasons may not shed at the usual points my opinion, a healthy cat eating a shedding and hair loss in the year. This can explain atypical good quality food (most grocery- shedding patterns, especially if you have store foods are good quality) needs no just switched to a more nocturnal lifestyle supplements because the food has all the Feline Members of Hair or moved to a house that is brighter ingredients in the correct proportions,” Bands says Dr. Miller. “The cat’s fatty acid metabolism is special so fat content is The American Shorthair, Maine Coon, important. Fortunately, those ingredients Persian, and Russian Blue have a are inexpensive, so they rarely are too reputation for shedding more than low. When one wanders off into the very other cats. cheap foods or the bizarre exotic ones that may or may not be true.” Medication Side Effects Supplementation can be necessary if your cat has a health condition or “As a rule, drugs, other than hormones, requires a special diet. Dr. Miller says, “If don’t cause hair loss,” says Dr. Miller. the cat has allergies, supplementation “Glucocorticoid steroids are the drugs with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid most likely to cause hair loss if used at high doses for long periods.” theblackrhino | Deposit Photos supplements can be beneficial.” n

www.catwatchnewsletter.com March 2019 7  ASK ELIZABETH

may be causing subtle pain. Any sudden When Your Cat Demands Attention change in behavior should trigger a checkup with your veterinarian. The trick is to work with your cat, recognizing If the cause isn’t physical, it comes down to training. You can try these steps: that he just wants your company Time Out. Consider putting your cat in a safe room. Cats can meow for a long My cat is driving me crazy. Put a cat tree near your desk or time (it doesn’t take much effort). Be sure I love him, but he won’t chair, so your cat can perch and his nails are clipped and he has a spot for Q leave me alone, even in still be near you. sleeping, food, and water. the middle of the night. If Make Play Time. A five- or I’m sitting, he’ll be in my lap, walking 10-minute daily play session can go a around it, kneading my legs, meowing. long way toward making your cat feel Sometimes, he’ll just meow wherever he better. Use a laser pointer (never let it is until I respond to him. My veterinarian shine in his eyes), a feather wand toy, a said that he’s healthy, so I know it’s not catnip toy, or just crinkle paper up that a pain issue. I think he’s bored. Maybe you can toss down a hallway or stairs for lonely. What can I do to decrease this your cat to play and hunt. increasingly annoying behavior? Stay in the Area When He Eats. Remember, cats feel vulnerable lowering Demanding attention is belchonock | Deposit Photos their heads into their bowls to eat. one of the most frequent is triggering the demanding behavior. Feed the Nighttime Meal Later in the A frustrations owners mention Cats like routine, so if you’re late serving Evening. You don’t have to feed at 5 p.m. about cats (after urinating dinner, cleaning the litterbox, or going Go ahead and stretch it to 9 p.m. or put outside the litterbox and cat aggression). to bed, they will let you know. And, yes, your cat’s food in an automatic feeder set In addition to constant meowing, cats they have an internal clock. They’re most to deliver food later in the evening. have a variety of effective methods for active around sunrise and sunset. Compromise a Bit. Put a cozy bed getting an owner’s attention: Some cats feel vulnerable when on your desk, so he doesn’t block your � Always being wherever their person is they’re eating, because they can’t take computer monitor. Some cats like cat � Standing between the person and their bowl to what they would consider trees, which would free up desk space. whatever is getting the attention a safe hiding spot. They want you to stay The goal is to work with your cat, so � Rubbing on a person’s legs close during mealtime. he feels content, happy, and is near you. � Sitting on a book being read I’m glad you had your kitty checked Remember, he enjoys company, just as � Jumping up as soon as the owner sits by your veterinarian because health you enjoy his. He also may like to have � Nipping or patting arms for attention problems can cause insistent behavior. another pet in the house for company. � Pacing or circling Hyperthyroidism, which is common in All my best, First see if you can find out what cats, can cause hyperactivity. An injury Elizabeth

 HAPPENING NOW…

Restricted pet sales increasing - California from a museum staff-run Twitter page pet stores can now only sell dogs, cats, that shows nearly every movement that and rabbits if they come from shelters or the cats make. It also shows the patient non-profit rescue groups. The law became guard gently blocking the cats’ entry, says effective January 1. Under the law, a report from TravelandLeisure.com. You individuals are still allowed to buy from can watch a video of them at tinyurl.com/ private breeders, but stores are prohibited japanesecats. from doing so. In Great Britain, pet stores are no March Special Dates - Kristen Levine’s longer allowed to sell pets. They have Pet Living 2019 calendar (kristenlevine. Elizabeth works with the Cornell Feline banned all third-party sales to protect the com) lists these significant days in March Health Center in providing the answer on animals. for cat lovers: this page (vet.cornell.edu/fhc/). Feb 24-March 2 - National Justice for Museum-Loving Cats - Two cats have Animals Week been trying for over two years to make March 3 - If Pets Had Thumbs Day Coming Up … their way into a museum in and International Ear Care Day XX Physical Therapy for Cats Japan. A guard at the Hiroshima March 3-10 - Professional Pet XX Urethral Ruptures Onomichi City Museum actually Sitters Week XX Indoor Cat Food or “Regular” Cat Food spends most of his day shooing March 20 - Cuddly Kitten Day the cats away from the automatic March 28 - Respect Your Cat XX More on Emergency Care doors. There is a video footage Dayn Naddya | Deposit Photos

8 CatWatch March 2019