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'Tail Vaccinations Save Lives' 2 Pursuing Drugs for Mammary Cancer New research finds that they make it easier to deal with . Cornell researchers identify an inhibitor that seems to The Power ofTouch 2 Stroking anxious shelter can kill cancer cells while leaving healthy cells unaffected ease their stress and increase immunity. How to Handle a Fainting Episode 3 n esearchers studying feline Baker Institute for Animal Health, An immediate veterinary visit is a ftmammary cancer at Cornell have identified a promising chemical, must to uncover the underlying cause. University College of Veterinary BB-CI-amidine, that seems to kill off Should Their (at Drink Milk? 8 Medicine have set an ambitious feline mammary cancer cells while They may love it, but it offers few agenda. They hope that their leaving healthy cells unaffected. benefits and some potential harm. ongoing work will lead to better diagnosis. treatment and preven­ Malignant Tumors. The chemi­ IN THE NEWS ••• tion of breast tumors in cats and cal inhibits certain enzymes, Raising Awareness About humans. Much of their interest called peptidylarginine deimi­ Obesity's Risks and Solutions lies in how a novel class of drugs nase (PAD), which tend to be Despite the potential con­ affects breast cell tumors. over expressed (increased) in sequences of obesity, up to 59 In a study funded by the Cor­ feline mammary tumors. The percent of cats are overweight, nell Feline Health Center. As­ ~- majority 0 f t hese tumors are .2> according to the American sistant Professor Gerlinde Van '" malignant, and they're the Anima l Hospital Association. It lists de Walle. DVM, Ph.D .• and As­ Siamese have twice the most frequently diagnosed can- risk of mammary cancer a, some of the effects in "Weight sociate Professor Scott Coon­ other breeds. cer in female cats greater than Management Guidelines for rod, Ph.D., both working at the 10 years ofage. The cancer can

and Cats," published in the Journal (continued O~l page 4) of the AAHA: chronic inAamma­ tion caused by fat tissue releasing hormones and proteins called So You Want to Add One More CaOt? cytokines, skin and respiratory disorders, renal dysfunction, dia­ Consider expense, time and the real determinant; betes and orthopedic disease. The association acknowledges the impact on your household's current pet population that weight management is achal­ lenge, made more difficult because f you're debating whether to bring home that a new kitten could enliven an old . but it must be individualized and I a new cat, you may stop and wonder: Do Dr. Houpt cautions, "If you have a cat, there lifelong. The guidelines offer practi­ I dare add one more? We love animals, but are lots of things you can do to improve the cal advice, such as solutions for the point comes when we should stop adding quality of his life ­ but getting another cat is cats' night-time vocalizing for food: them to our households and hearts, whether not one of them." Set automatic feeders for night. due to our current pet population, expense, Provide toys with hidden food. time involved in caring for multiple pets or Her Reason: If you look at natural Aging is a significant factor in this basic point about feline nature: populations. it's the mothers and their daugh­ obesity, affecting metabolism "Cats are mostly happy as only cats," ters who live more or less in harmony. They and activity level, the guidelines says animal behaviorist Katherine A. Houpt, drive away anyone else. Females usually don't say, adding that adult cats "may VMD, Ph.D., emeritus professor at Cornell have friendly relationships with non-Siblings. benefit from increased vigilance University College of Veterinary Medicine. They will fight. So if you dearly want more and perhaps a diet change to a It may seem that a second cat could pro­ than one cat, Dr. Houpt suggests getting lit­ less calorie-dense food ." .:. vide companionship for your lone feline or termates. Most likely they'll get along until (continued on page 6) CatWatch SHORT TAKES Tail Vaccinations (an develops near the tip, the cancer can be EDITOR IN CHIEF completely removed with If a cancer Bruce G. Kornreich, DVM , Ph .D., Save Lives, aStudy Says develops at the base of the tail close to the Dipl ACVI Vaccinations administered at the tip of body, complete removal may not be possible." EDITOR cats' tails seem to be as effective as those Betty Liddick given at traditional sites, according to a University of Florida study. What's more, ART DIRECTOR Mar y Francis McGavic researchers say, it can save lives. More owners would be encouraged to ADVISORY BOARD treat cats' injection-site sarcomas when they James A. Flanders, DVM. Dipl ACVS, As~oclo e ProfessO!, occur because surgical intervention would Cl,nicel Sdf.'nces be easier and less invasive, researchers say. Margaret C. McEntee, DVM, usually vaccinate cats DI I ACVIM. DACVR, below the elbow or knee in the leg. If Plolessor of Oncology cancer develops in those areas, it can force William H. Miller, Jr., VMD, D,pl A VD, Professor, Clinical Scien es owners into making difi lLult decisions about subjecting their pet to surgery or Pamela J. Perry, DVM, PhD Researchers found that gentling, the process Lecturer, Clinical Sciences, of a limb, says researcher Julie Levy, DVM, of s raking and vocalizing, increased imrnunlty In ACVA Behavior Residen t PhD, Maddie's Professor of Shelter Medicine shelter ca s. at tne UF College of Veterinary Medicine. Cornell University "Many owners elect not to pursue The Power of Touch =:= College of the most effective treatment - radical I) Veterinary Medicine The benefits of gentling - the use of surgical excision of the tumor - because stroking and vocalization - have been to! information on your cat's health, excision of tumors in the limbs and torso ViSit the Cornell University College of documented in several species, but studies is often disfiguring, painful and expensive," Veterinary Medicine, Cornell Feline on cats have emerged only recently. The Health Cenrer website at Or. Lev y says. www.ver.comell.edulfhcl. latest is from the University of Queensland, No definitive cause for this relatively Australia, funded by the Morris Animal rare cancer, which affects between 1 and Foundation and published by Isevier. 10 cats of every 10,000 cats vaccinated, "Emotional stress can compromise the has been identified. health of cats in shelters, leading to immune UF researchers surveyed oncologists suppression and upper respiratory infections about preferred injection sites, considering the (orWarLh' (ISSN 1095-9092) (URis)," the foundation says, adding that URI is a _ is published mOfl\hly surgical treatment of sarcomas. The tail was a common cause for euthanasia in shelter cats. fOl $,39 per year by :]_ Bel VOir Media Grouo, favored site, and the team studied 60 cats in a Queensland researchers iden ifi ed 139 LLC 535 Connecticut UF trap-neuter-return program. Results show Ik I \ l)ir Ave, Norwalk CT 06854­ cats as anxious when admitted to a shelter 1713 Robert [nglander, that the cats accepted tail vaccinations, and and divided them into a control group and Ch~j[ an and CCO; Timothy H. Cole, Execu ive VIce President, Editorial they effectively provided immunity. a group to receive gentling. The second Dlre( or; Philip L Penny, (I"ef Dr. Levy and national experts in infectious Oper"!1 g Officer; Greg K,ng, Execurive group was stroked on the head and neck V'ce PreSident, Marke In9 Di,eclO r' Ron disea se and v ccinology co llaborated for 10 m inutes fou r rimes a day for 10 days. Goldberg, Chlel FinanCial Ofker;T no em leld,Vice Presldenl, Clfcula!lon. on tne study, published in the Journal of The results: Gentled cats w ere less likely to Q2 015 Beivoir Media Group, LLC. Feline Medicine and Surgery. Among them be anxious. They also had increased levels Postmaster Send address COrreCtions was Edward Dubovi, PhD, Director of the of secretory immunoglobulin A (S-lg A), to latWatch PO. Box 8535, Bi Sandy, 1 X 75 755·8 35. Virology Laboratory at Cornell's Animal Health which plays a vital role in immunity. In For Customer Service Diagnostic Center, who tested serum samples other species, emotional stress has been or Subscription information, visit collected for feline parvovirus antibodies. shown to inhibit S-lgA production. www.catwatchnewslener.com/cs vi (011 toll free 800-829-8893. Cheryl Balkman, DVM, ACVIM, Chief of Cats in the control group were more Express WI i!len permiSSion .s Oncology at Cornell, says tail vaccinations are than two times more likely to develop required 0 reproduce, In any a great idea that owners should discuss with URI, while gentled cats had lower rates. mann-=r, the contents of thi~ Issue, ellher In full 0 in pa.l. For more their eat's . "The key is to vaccinate A number of hostile and aggreSSive cats Informalion, wri te to Permissions, (atW~tch, 535 ConnectIcut Ave., toward the tip of the tail and not the base responded so well to gentling that they Norwalk, C nnectlcu t 06854· 17l J where it meets the body because, if a cancer were adopted in less than a week. .)

2 CatWlltch MAY 2015 MEDICINE How to Handle a Fainting Episode An immediate veterinary visit is a must to uncover the underlying cause ofthe loss ofconsciousness

ne minute your cat seems fine. The in insufficient pressure to pump blood 24-hour electro­ Onext he's passed out on the floor. to the brain. cardiogram. This What should you do? Fainting, or clini­ • Neurologic problems such as epilep­ monitor checks cally speaking, syncope, is the temporary tic seizures. the heart's electri­ loss of consciousness followed by a spon­ • A drop in blood pressure due to cer­ cal function. taneous rapid recovery. tain heart medications, such as beta "Veterinary re­ "Rather than an illness in itself, fainting blockers, ACE inhibitors and calcium searchers are cur­ is a symptom of illness caused by a lack of channel blockers, which are also used rently looking into sufficient flow ofoxygenated blood to the to treat a variety of other conditions. what causes both Certain breeds. such as RagdoUs. are brain," says cardiologist Bruce Kornreich, • Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), seizures and ar­ prone to hypertrophic DVM, Ph.D., ACVIM, Associate Director of sometimes seen in kittens who lack rhythmias, and the cardiomyopathy, a the Feline Health Center at Cornell. His ad­ adequate nutrition and fat reserves. . best means to treat heart disease with vice during an episode: "Carefully monitor • System-wide infections. them," says Dr. Ko­ symptoms that can resemble fainting. your cat, never put your hand in his mouth, • disease. rnreich. "Inappro­ and contact a veterinarian immediately." • A malfunction of the parasympathetic priately rapid heart Syncope (SING-kuh-pee) can occur nervous system (a branch of the auto­ rates can be treated with drugs, while in­ in cats ofany breed and age, although it nomic nervous system), causing a drop appropriately slow heart rates - although is a rare symptom of disease in them. Be in blood pressure, heart rate and blood uncommon in cats - can be corrected aware, however, that certain breeds, such flow to the brain. Excitement, stress with pacemakers. Central nervous system as Maine Coons and Ragdolls, are more and pain can be triggers. disease and idiopathic [of unknown cause] prone to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy epilepsy often can be controlled with one (HCM), a heart disease which may cause Ifyour cat has a fainting spell of any or several anti-seizure medications. If a tu­ fainting or, more commonly, symptoms sort, make a note of the time, its length, any mor is detected, surgery to remove it may that can resemble fainting. HCM is the precipitating event and other symptoms. help, depending upon its location." most common heart disease in cats. If pOSSible, ta ke a video of the episode. Because the underlying condition may Alternative MedicationS. lfthe side Blocked Blood Flow_ "Cats with HCM be chronic, progressive or even life threat­ effects of medication are responSible for tend to have problems with blood clot ening, diagnosis is essential, Dr. Kornreich the fainting episodes, your cat's veterinar­ formation and may experience blockage says. "Your eat's veterinarian will review ian may stop those them and prescribe of blood flow to different parts of the body, your cat's health history and perform a alternatives. While the prognosis for most commonly tfie hind limbs," Dr. thorough pHysical examination. Baseline fainting because of heart disease is often Kornreich says. "Cats who experience such blood work, including an evaluation of guarded, the prognosis for other cats may blockage often demonstrate acute paral­ serum biochemistry and glucose levels, be more favorable. ysis of the hind limbs, which may cause will also often be recommended." Fainting in cats is usually not the result them to stumble, fall or drag their hind Low blood glucose (hypoglycemia) of owner negligence, but you can take steps limbs. This syndrome may be confused may be a cause offainting, particularly in to avoid it, Dr. Kornreich says. "Schedule with fainting. Cats with HCM may also be kittens. Ifbrain disease is suspected, your regular wellness checks with your cat's vet­ more prone to cardiac arrhythmias." veterinarian might recommend a CAT erinarian, and closely monitor drugs that In general, cats with cardiac or central scan or MRI imaging to evaluate the brain could cause blood pressure to drop." nervous system diseases - both more structure. A sample of cerebrospinal fluid To avoid stressing your eat's heart, common in older pets - are more likely to (the fluid that bathes the brain and spinal restrict his activity and keep him as quiet experience syncope. Among other causes: cord) may also be obtained to rule out in­ as possible until you and his veterinarian flammation and/or infection in the central determine the cause, Dr. Kornreich says. • Cardic arrhythmia, or irregular nervous system. Because arrhythmias may "And even if your cat has fainted only one heartbeat. be a cause of fainting, the veterinarian may time - and even though it might never • Cardiomyopathy (HCM) and other recommend a device called a Holter moni­ happen again - he should be checked out diseases of the heart muscle, resulting tor that your cat wears at home to obtain a by a veterinarian." +>

MAY 2015 Visit us at www.catwalch newslett er.(om RESEARCH

MAMMARY. .. (colltinued from co ver) also develop in younger cats and, in rare cases, male cats. "If you can identify certain enzymes that are over- or under-expressed in tumors, those can be targets for the de­ velopment of both diagnostics and treat­ ments," Dr. Van de Walle says. "These studies are all still in vitro (occurring in a laboratory setting), but the effects of the PAD inhibitors seem consistent and definitely have potentia!." Drs. Van de Walle and Coonrod have also undertaken related studies, funded by the Morris Animal Foundation, in which they are investigating a different enzyme, tyrosine kinase (SYK), and its role in feline and human . They Gerlinde Van de Walle, DVM, Ph.D., here with Scott Coonrod, Ph.D., examine' ~tainln9s on mammary tissues [0 evaluate the eifec of enzymes in their (ili1( er research found that the SYK gene is turned off in mammary cancer cells from cats as well as humans. If researchers can uncover why causes and indicators of breast cancer to eat's nipple. "The most important thing and how the gene is suppressed, they could apply the knowledge from one species to for owners to know is that pets have a devise a way to turn it back on. another. Such cross-species comparisons better prognosis when the tumors are In this regard, Dr. Van de Walle eval­ are possible because breast ca ncer oc­ small - under two centimeters [less than uated the drug 5-Azacytidine, marketed curs naturally in cats and is similar in an inch) in cats," Dr. Balkman says. "It is under the name Vidaza and already some ways to the disease in humans. important to for owners to take their pets used in the treatment ofcertain human An estimated 30 to 40 percent ofcats to a veterinarian if they notice any lumps cancers. It could successfully increase are afflicted with cancer in their life­ in the region ofthe mammary glands. the expression ofSYK in both feline and times, and nearly one-third of these cases It's also important to have a veterinarian human mammary cancer cells, at least involve in the mammary examine their pet every six to 12 months under laboratory conditions. glands. More than 85 percent of feline as they get older." These studies and others across mammary tumors are malignant. They're Owners can playa valuable role in North America (see sidebar on Page 7) very aggressive, eaSily spreading to sur­ early detection of mammary tumors by seek to better understand the underlying rounding tissue, lymph nodes and . routinely screening for lumps on their tumors are a di­ pets' underSides, particularly around the verse group of tumors with a wide range nipples. In some cases, cats might exces­ of biologic behaviors, says Cheryl Balk­ sively lick or groom small mammary man, DVM, ACVIM, senior lecturer and tumors, which can become infected and Chiefof Oncology at Cornell UniverSity begin to emit a strong odor. College of Veterinary Med icine. That Often, cats with small tumors show makes their diagnosis and treatment no other symptoms of disease, but as the all the more challenging. "Researchers tumor grows and the spreads, continue to work on classifying these general signs of poor health, like weight tumors to better predict their behavior loss or lethargy, will become evident. in the patient by investigating molecular The underlying causes of feline ~ profiles and receptor expression of these mammary gland cancer are unknown. § tumors, as is done in people," she says. An evaluation ofVidaza at Cornell showed "But as of yet, there isn't a commercial No External Links. While research­ lhat the drug can increase the expression of test available, and work continues." ers like Drs. Van de Walle and Coonrod the WK gene. which is turned off in human and continue to try to better understand the feline mammary cancer cell , a least in I he labo­ Better Prognosis. Like breast tumors genetic abnormalities that lead to vari­ ratory. Researchers wan 0 k ow why the gene is suppressed and devise a way to turn It on. in humans, feline mammary tumors ous forms of cancer, no clear link has start as small lumps beneath or next to a been established between known external

CatWatch MAY 20 15 RESEARCH cancer-causing agents - like environ­ ing before 1 year of age resulted in an mental carcinogens and sunlight expo­ 86 percent reduction. sure - and mammary . When a small lump is identified, Breed, however, does seem to playa veterinarians typically use a fine-needle role. For unknown reasons, Siamese cats aspirate to determine if the mass is a have twice the risk of mammary cancer . If cancer is suspected as other breeds and tend to develop the or confirmed, they might also perform disease earlier in life. a fine-needle aspirate of nearby lymph Hormones also seem to be a sig­ nodes to determine if the mass has nificant factor. Dr. Balkman notes that spread. Because such tumors can spread it is very rare for mammary gland tu­ to the lungs or other organs, chest x­ mors to develop in cats who have been rays are often taken to check for that spayed early in life, such as before the possibility. Blood work might also be first heat cycle, which usually occurs recommended as a health screen before A veterinary appointment is warranted If you notice lumps near you r cat's mammary around 6 months of age. "This is one of anesthesia for surgery. glands. An examination I~ also Important every he best ways.to prevent these tumors Treatment will depend-on the size me to 1-2monttrs-asocat'"age>. from developing," she says. In fact, one of the tumor, the extent to which it has study found that spaying a cat before spread and the cat's overall health. If 6 months of age reduced the risk of the tumor is confined to the mammary mend remova I of the tumor or even the mammary cancer by 91 percent. Spay­ glands, a veterinarian will likely recom- entire breast (mastectomy). "Because mammary tumors in cats YOU CAN HElP WITH RESEARCH are highly aggressive and have a high risk of , treatment with che­ motherapy is often discussed to try to To further her research into feline mammary cancer, Gerlinde Van de Walle, DVM, Ph.D., an Assistant Professor at the Baker Institute for Animal Health slow down the spread of the cancer," Dr. at Cornell, is seeking tissue samples from cats diagnosed with mammary Balkman says. "However, further studies cancer, as well as healthy mammary gland tissue from cats who died of are needed to determine the appropriate other causes. Learn more at the Cornell Feline Health Center website: that can provide a strong survival advantage, as currently this data www.vet.comell.edu/fhc/health_discovery/citizenscience.cfm is limited." The expense of diagnosis and treat­ ment related to mammary tumors varies OTHER CANCER STUDIES UNDERWAY IN NORTH AMERICA with each patient. Evaluation typically costs $200 to $600, and the cost ofsurgery, depending on how extensive it needs to be In addition to ongoing research into feline mammary tumors at Cornell, to completely remove the tumor, ranges researchers across North America are ev..a luating potential diagnostic and treatment options for cats with the disease. Ongoing studies include: from $1,500 to $3,000 at Cornell. As in humans, the prognosis for • Researchers at University of Guelph's Ontario Veterinary College and cats treated for mammary gland cancer McMaster University's Immunology Research Centre launched a clinical depends heavily on how soon the dis­ trial last fall to test the effectiveness of new vaccines in treating mam­ ease is caught. The outlook is guarded mary gland cancer in cats. The vaccines, designed to stimulate a cat's for cats with large tumors with a high and kill tumor cells without harming healthy tissue, degree of malignancy, especially if the could be a groundbreaking step in treatment. cancer has spread. • Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary However, if treatment begins early, Medicine are testing two human cancer drugs on cats with mammary cats have a much better survival, which cancer in hopes that they might decrease rates of tumor recurrence can range from one to four-and-a half and metastasis, and increase survival time. years if the tumor is smaller than two • A researcher at the North Carolina State University College of Veterinary centimeters in diameter. As research Medicine is seeking to categorize the subtypes of feline mammary continues at Cornell and other institu­ tumors based on abnormalities in their DNA in hopes of better predict­ tions, new advanced diagnostics and ing how tumors are likely to progress. treatments could be on the horizon to improve the outlook even further. .:.

MA Y 2015 Vis it us at WWW .Cdtwdtch new sl etteT.(om BEHAVIOR

ONE MORE? ... (co ntinuedJrom cover) they're l8 months old, and then they may begin to fight. Of course, occaSionally unrelated cats can get along. How many cats are too many? It's impos­ sible to a name spe­ "If one cat hides, fights or urinates outside the litter box, there are too many cats," says behav­ cific number iorist Ka t~1erine A. Houpt, VMD. Ph D ., at Cornell 'More than two is oflen too many." because of all the variables, but there is this expert advice: "If one cat is hiding, fighting or urinating outside the litter under a bed. Instead of working with escapes. Or keep the tops of bookcases box, there are too many cats," Dr. Houpt him to become more social, the owner clear so that a cat can move along on a says. "More than two is often too many." takes in a second cat. This cat is bold trail up high. The average cat-owning household has and smart, but he also beats up on the Some cats divide up territory among 2.l cats. original cat. themselves. At the extreme, however, Here's a typical scenario that Dr. You have several ways to deal with your current cat might urinate in the Houpt sees: An owner has one cat who such problems. You can increase verti­ house if he's upset about a newcomer. purrs when they're alone together, but cal space in the home, for example, when company arrives, the pet vanishes by setting up several cat trees for easy Evaluate Personalities. 'The first step when conSidering adding a pet is to evaluate the ones you have now. Acat and a , or even two dogs, can coexist happily, but How social or shy are they? Sometimes lhe cat will need vertical space.s to you don't know until you try to bring escape when necessa ry another animal home. The next step is to consider your lifestyle: The more animals you have, the more time you'll need to tend to and play with them, says Holly Putnam, DVM, program clinician in Maddie's Shelter Medicine Program at Cornell. DOING THE MATH: 1 (AT + 2 DOG5 = HARMONY How much free time do you have? How long are you away from home each day? When it comes to household harmony, animal behaviorist Katherine A. While owners may want to rely on Houpt, VMD, Ph.D., emeritus professor at Cornell, offers these rules of pets entertaining each other, that isn't thumb: One cat per household works best. a substitute. In Dr. Putnam's house­ Beyond that, she says that one cat and a dog or two dogs in a household hold, which she shares with four cats can live together harmoniously, but you need to provide vertical space for and a dog, "None of my cats will lie the cat to escape t he dogs as needed. Often a kitten gets along happily together or groom each other. They tol­ with dogs, and some cats and dogs do, too. But there are exceptions. Dr. erate each other." Mickey, her sensitive Houpt knows of a dog who didn't leave the bedroom out of fear of the cat, l2-year-old domestic shorthair, doesn't for example_Far more common, though, are cats living upstairs out of fear get along with the other cats and will of encountering the household dog. spray urine around the house when he's upset. Dr. Putnam has concluded that An adult cat living with a new puppy is a potentially bad situation, says Dr. she won't add more cats to her home to Houpt. She has a puppy and a Lynx Point Ragdoll cat named Hadley Who Behaves Badly, a former client's cat she couldn't cure. Hadley is aggressive avoid upsetting Mickey further. - you can't go near one corner of the guest room's bed because appar­ Cost is another factor when weigh­ ently she believes it is her corner. To encourage harmony among her pets ing whether to take in another cat who and practice good manners between them, one thing Dr. Houpt does is may live up to 20 years. By one esti­ hold salami sessions. As the cat and puppy sit nearby, she gives both small mate, it costs more than $l,200 a year treats of cotto salami. to care for at least one cat. (See sidebar on Page 7). The ASPCA estimates the

6 CatWatch MAY 201 5 BEHAVIOR

ANNUAL EXPENSES TOP $1,200 minimum cost is $1,035 for the fir st can rise in a pet's senior years, when, FOR STARTERS year a nd a round $670 yearly thereafter, for example, periodontal problems can though its figures don't include kennel require expensive treatment. According to the 2013-2014 boarding or surgica l veterinary visits. Of course, all these factors are moot American Pet Products "You shouldn't expect to pay less if you want a third cat and your apart­ Association's National Pet than this," according to ASPCA.org, ment bUilding, condo board or other "and you should housing situation forbids more than Owners Survey, basic definitely be one or two pets. Knowing this, animal annual expenses for prepared to pay shelters commonly call la ndlords to cat owners include: more." Dr. check rules before signing offon an Surgical Vet Visits ...... $382 Putnam notes adoption for renters, Dr. Putnam says. Routine Vet ...... $193 that health­ In the end, no matter how much you care costs plan, chances are that life circumstances Food ...... $203 could dictate additional pets, thanks to Food Treats ...... $36 blending two households through mar­ riage, inheritance oLMom's two cats or L Kennel Boarding ...... $337 a stray no one seems to want. Ifit turns Vitamins ...... $77 out that you need help bringing harmo­ ny among your pets, know that you're Groomer/Grooming Aids .. .$20 not alone and seek advice from your Toys...... $23 pets' veterinarian. Owners spend Multiple cats can be a challenge, but ·Note: These expenses aren't all inclusive. $23 annually often, as in the case ofadoptions, on cat toys, For example, they don't include litter or you'll enrich their lives, and they according to pet health insurance. a na ional survey. can do the same for you. (.

STUDIES SUGGEST BOTH BIOLOGY AND MENTAL HEALTH FIGURE IN HOARDING

You want a fifth or 10th cat, so does that make you an An imal hoarders also seem to process some perceptual animal hoarder? Actually, hoarding is not related to information differently from the genera l public. They the absolute number of animals, despite the common don't see that their animals are in poor condition or perception, says Randall Lockwood, Ph.D., the ASPCA's even dead, "even though these are people who are oth­ senior vice president of forensic sciences and anti­ erwise functioning at a high level," Dr. Lockwood says. cruelty projects. Someone with 50 animals may provide Doctors, lawyers, teachers and people of all t ypes have perfectly adequate daily ca re and veterinary care. Theirs been found to be an imal hoarders. Is- not an anImal cruelty-case. However, living with hoarder can be "w orse than Hoarding cases emerge in the news because of neglect death" for the animals, says Holly Putnam, DVM, pro­ and animal cruelty. Recent studies on animal hoarding gram clinician in Maddie's Shelter Medicine Program in other countries indicate that it's found in many cu l­ at Cornell. "Animals have been known to starve to tures, suggesting a potentially strong biological compo­ death, feeding on each others ' carcasses, living on nent and at least pa rtly a mental health issue. "Hoarding waste. And then you have to wonder, too, about their does seem to run in families," Dr. Lockwood says. social interactions. Dogs can be aggressive and pick on the poor timid ones." The current thinking is that hoarding is a complex issue, perhaps related to obsessive-compulsive dis­ Each year brings an estimated 3,000 to 5,000 new cases order, though hoarders don't have impulses to, say, of animal hoarding, Dr. Lockwood says. The agency touch a doorknob eight times and they're not willing monitors about 100 cases at any given t ime. The latest to change. Animal hoarders see themselves as rescuers, Di agnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Dr. Lockwood says. "However, they will be in complete added a classification of hoardihg disorder, although it denial of their inability to provide minimal care for provides no special recognition of animal hoarding, Dr. these anima ls, and meanwhile it is clear that the animals Lockwood says. The manual estimates that 2 to 5 per­ are suffering." cent of the general population has hoarding disorders.

MAY 2015 Vi si t us at www .catwatchnewsletler.com 7 ASK ELIZABETH

Should They Regularly Feed Failure of the breakdown of lactose in milk can lead to undigested lactose drawing fluid Their Adult Cat Cow'sMilk? into the GI tract and production of gas second­ ary to bacteria in the gut fermenting undi­ I have a 12-year-old calico kitty who eats gested lactose. These processes can lead to a regular diet ofcommercial fish Q the symptoms of lactose intolerance, including and some assorted cat food pates. She also loves diarrhea, gas production, nausea, and vomiting. whole milk, and we give it to her after her meals A kitty with diarrhea, bloating and nausea is an on a daily basis. A friend of mine told me that I unhappy kitty, so this problem in and of itself should not give her milk, as this can be harmful. is enough to recommend avoiding the regular Is this true? feeding of cow's milk to cats . El izabeth The other major problem with feeding cats I understand your kitty's craving for milk, cow's milk is that it is relatively calorie dense. filL ih,~rI' J~ oiJanr.llt1 for as I love it, too. I also realize that popular r e'J

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CatWatch MAY 2015