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INSIDE Understanding the Elderly Cat Short Takes 2 Dietary help for constipation; protein Happily, our pets are living longer, But that means we and kidney function; facial dermatitis and feline herpesvirus. need to be prepared for some behavioral changes, too. Cats and Separation Anxiety 3 Felines can experience stress when hanks to ad­ tooth loss may alter there's achange in the household. Tvances in all its eating habits; and fields of veterinary progressive hearing Is Your Cat's Hearing Failing? 4 medicine, it is not problems may make lhe cause {ould be arampant over­ uncommon these a cat decreasingly growth of yeast in the ear {anals. days for a cat to live responsive to its en­ to the very ripe old vironment. Movies to Entertain Our Cats 5 age of20 ­ roughly In some cases, lhey can be agreat daytime babysitter the physiologic however, an elderly for the bored feline in your home. equivalent of age 93 eat's behavioral pe­ Ask Elizabeth: 8 in a human. That's culiarities will Can aromatherapy be potentially the good news. - despite thorough harmful to our cats? The bad news is veterinaryexamina­ that cats, like humans, become increasingly tion and laboratory testing ­ remain unat­ IN THE NEWS '" susceptible to age-related disease conditions tributable to any underlying disease condi­ as they grow old, and most of these disorders tion. In such a case, the animal is apt to be Grants to Study FIP are bound to have an effect on an animal's diagnosed as "senile," a vague term used to and Other Diseases behavior. Arthritis, for example, is likely to describe an animal that exhibits phYSiologi­ Investi gations into potential cause a formerly rambunctious cat to slow cally inexplicable cognitive dysfunction, the treatments for feline infectious down dramatically as it transitions through outward signs of which somewhat resemble peritonitis (FIP), hypertrophic its so-called golden years; kidney and urinary those associated with age-related dementia cardiomyopathy and chronic tract disease may severely affect its litter box and Alzheimer's disease in humans. kidney disease were among behavior; progressive periodontal disease and (continlled on page 7) ten projects selected by the Winn Feline Foundation from 44 proposals to receive Safeguard Your Pets Against Ticks $174,018 in funding. Th~ investigation by They're dangerous and disgusting: H-ere'-s-whatyon (;arrdlrt Belgium researchers to evaluate the efficacy of a protect your cat ­ and how to recognize the warning signs. treatment for feline infectious peritonitis recei ved the icks are tenacious. They creep up tall ehrlichiosis (similar to Rocky Mountain Spot­ most funding at $24,962. Tgrass, weeds and fences ­ waiting until a ted Fever) and tularemia (Rabbit Fever) to A study led by Kathryn passing shadow, a vibration, an odor or even cats. Contact your veterinarian immediately Meurs, DVM, PhD, of the North a whiff of exhaled carbon dioxide tells them a ifyou see any of the warning signs that your Carolina State Uni versity possible host might be passing by. Then they pet has contracted a tick-transmitted disease, College of Veterinary let go of their perch and fall, or reach out with such as fever, lameness, swelling in the joints Medicine received $24,674 their front legs to snag hold of a furry coat (or or glands, listlessness, loss of appetite, loss to focus on identifyi ng the a pant leg). Once on board, they insert their of coordination, or difficulty with breathing, gene responsible for feline mouths into their prey and begin their meal. cheWing or swallowing. hypertrophic cardiomyopathy During this feeding, tick saliva mixes with the Carolyn McDaniel, DVM, a Clinical Sci­ in the Sphynx cat. Identificat ion host's blood. ences lecturer at Cornell University's Col­ of the gene could lead to a lege of Veterinary Medicine says that "tick reduction in the prevalence of Disease Carriers. As a result of this trans­ control is a very important part of preventive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy fer of fluids, ticks rival mosquitoes as car­ medicine for dogs and cats in areas with in the Sphynx cat and provide riers of disease to both human and animal. ticks." Because a vast number of tick control information on the disease Although ticks are most often associated products are available, with some of them in other breeds, as well. .:. with Lyme Disease, they can also transmit (continued on page 6) CatWatch 5HORTTAKE5 Constipation and Dietary Help cats ("Effects of dietary protein content EDITOR IN CHIEF Elizabeth Vecsi Owners often bring their cats on renal parameters in normal cats," to the veterinarian due to a bout Journal ofFeline Medicine and Surgery, CONSULTANTS Paul Maza, DVM, Lecturer in of constipation, which can have a 2011). The objective was to determine Anatomy, Co-Director variety of causes. Veterinary treatment if cats eating diets high in protein of Feline Health Center includes determining and eliminating would have higher serum urea nitrogen ADVISORY BOARD the cause, if possible, along with (UN) and creatinine values without a James A. Flanders, DVM, Dipl medical and sometimes surgical detectable change in kidney function. ACVS, Associate Professor, Clinical Sciences management. Medical therapy often The cats were fed in two phases: in includes the use of laxatives, enemas the first phase, they were randomly Richard R. Goldstein, DVM, DACVI M, DECVIM -CA, Associate and prokinetic agents (like cisapride). assigned either a (HP) or low protein Professor of Clinical Sciences Psyllium is a soluble fiber that produces diet. For the second phase, the cats were Marc S_ Kraus, DVM, Dipl ACVIM, a mUCilaginous gel that helps to increase fed whichever diet they were not fed in Lecture r, Clinical Sciences fecal bulk, It also adds to stool bulk the first phase. Blood and urine samples Margaret C. McEntee, DVM, by other water-holding properties. were collected every two weeks during Dipl ACVIM, DACVR, Psyllium has been found to increase the lO-week study period. The study Professo r of Oncology stool frequency and consistency in results noted that dietary intake could William H. Miller, Jr., DVM, ABVP, humans with idiopathic constipation. result in statistically significant changes Professo r, Clininical Sciences This study involved asseSSing the in UN and several other biochemical Ilona Rodan, DVM, Dipl ABVP use of a highly digestible dry food analytes, although all analytes stayed Wisconsin Cat Care Clinic, formula, with added psyllium, in within normal reference intervals. This Madison, WI two field trials involving 66 cats with information illustrates a need to obtain constipation ("Uncontrolled study an accurate dietary history in cat patients assessing the impact of a psyllium­ in order to account for dietary influences Cornell University enriched dry diet on fecal consistency on renal parameters, especially UN. _ College of in cats with constipation," Journal of (I. Veterinary Medicine Feline Medicine and Surgery, 2011). Fadal Dermatitis and Herpesvirus For information on your cat 's health, Th e authors concluded from both Ulcerative dermatitis secondary to visit the Cornell University Col lege of trials that the test diet was palatable feline herpesvirus (FHV) infection is an Veterinary Medicine, Cornell Feline and well-accepted, clinical remission uncommon disease that can sometimes Health Center, website at was noted in the majority of the resemble other cutaneous diseases, such www.vet.comell.edu/fhc/ patients, and that other sym ptomatic as eosinophilic granuloma and mosquito therapy was either not needed in bite hypersensitivity. The researchers clinica l management or could often compared two methods for diagnosis of be discontinued or reduced without FHV-associated dermatitis - polymerase recurrence of clinical signs. chain reaction (peR) for amplification The authors also noted that and detection of viral genetic material both surgical management and and immunohistochemistry (IHC) for euthanasia were being considered detection of viral protein ("Detection of in a smal l number of cats, but were feline herpes virus 1 via polymerase cha in Cat Watch' (ISSN: 1095-9092) is publ is hed mont Iy for 539 subsequently not required due to rea ction and immunohistochemistry per year by Belvoir Media the success of dietary therapy. in cats with ulcerative facial dermatitis, Group, LLC 800 Connec ti cut Ave , Norwalk,CT 06854-1631 . eosinophilic granuloma complex Hl.l \ 0 II Robert Englander. Chairman Protein and Kidney Function reaction patterns and mosquito bite and CEO; TImothy H. Cole, Executive Vice President, Editorial Director; High dietary protein levels are very sensitivity," Veterinary Dermatology, 2011). Philip L. Penny, Chief Operating Officer; important for kittens during the Skin biopsy specimens from 62 Greg King, Exec utive Vice President, Marketing Director; Ron Goldberg, Chief growth phase, and are also considered cats with ulcerative skin lesions FinanCIal Officer; Tom Canfield, Vice beneficial for cats throughout all life were tested by both methods. President, Circulation. (:)201 2BelVOir Media Group, LLC stages. With more attention being Immunohistochemistry for viral paid to obesity and diabetes in cats in protein is considered the best form of ~os tmaster: Send address corrections to latWatch, p.o. Box8535, Big Sa ndy,TX re cent decades, there has also been diagnosis. peR detected the presence 75755-8535. a growing awareness of high protein of FHV genetic material in 12 samples, For Customer Service (HP) diets in the management of both while IHe was positive in on ly two. or Subscription information, vi Sit diseases. Meat is the major source of Because of its high sensitivity and www.catwatchnewsletter.com/cs or call toll free: 800-829-8893 protein in HP diets and this contributes ability to detect latent or vaccinal Express written permission is to increased intake of creatine and virus, the authors concluded that peR required to reproduce, in any creatinine, which can result in increased alone could result in misdiagnosis manner, the contents of this is sue, serum creatinine concentrations. of FHV-associated dermatitis. They either in fu ll or in part. For more information, write to Permissions, This study evaluated the effect recommend peR as an initial screening CatW3tch', 800 Connecticut Ave., of dietary protein content on renal test, and, if positive, confirmation testing Norwalk, Con necticut 0685 4-1631. parameters in 23 healthy spayed female should be performed using IHe. +)

JUNE 2012 BEHAVIOR

IT'S NOT VENGEANCE . Bad behavior upon our return is regarded by experts as stress-related, so try to understand your cat's perspective.

carries lots of new smells. It may even smell of other animals, Therefore, your cat sprays those odors with his own scent to reclaim his property, which, in this case, includes your suitcase. Your cat may even spray your luggage because he perceives the unusual smells as a threat.

Preventing Unwanted Behavior. Whenever you feel that your cat is act­ ing out of revenge, remember that your cat is more likely reacting emotionally to whatever he or she is feeling at that moment. The way to prevent this sce­ nario from playing out is to do what you can to lower your cat's anxiety level. Be­ fore you go on a trip, try to spend some extra time with your cat. You can even leave some special treats or new toys for your cat to discover in your absence. Cats and Separation Anxiety Ifyou have a neighbor or pet sitter who is going to care for your cat while Felines can experience stress when there's a change you're away, arrange for that individual to come over before your trip. iE ncour­ in the household. Here's what you should know. age your cat and your caretaker to spend some time together - involving play, acations are wonderful, but there's havior that looks like feline vengeance? grooming and feeding. This way, when Vnothing like home sweet home. You Take the situation ofyour cat urinating your pet sitter arrives, your cat won't see drive home from the airport, excited in your suitcase after you return from a him as a threat. While you're away, your at the thought of sleeping in your own trip. One reason a cat urinates outside cat's anxiety may not rise as excessively. bed, and seeing your beloved cat. And his litter box is stress. Your cat may ex­ And when you return, your cat probably she does seem happy to see you at first, perience stress when you disappear one won't feel as nervous when you come in and you greet each other and cuddle day and then reappear after a prolonged the door from your vacation. Hopefully, several times. Then you go off to unpack absence . this will help prevent a nervous reaction .. .. and there she goes - right into your This stress may actually be a I'eflec­ in your cat, such as urinating outside suitcase, urinating all over your folded tion of your cat's separation anxiety. the litter box. clothes. To you, it may feel like your Cats and'dogs can bet:ome very attached Y0u'll notice when you come in cat is angry because you left her - and to individual people or other house pets, from being away how happy your cat is this is the way she's making her feel­ and may experience separation anxiety to see you. So when you do return, take ings known. But can a cat really hold a syndrome when that attachment figure this opportunity to spend a few extra grudge? leaves. With cats and dogs, separation minutes playing with and soothing your anxiety can sometimes even be worse cat. Bring your cat a new toy to play Cats and Vengeance. Ask many cat than it is in humans. Therefore, when with; this may distract her and lower her owners, and they will say "yes." They you return with your suitcase and leave anxiety level. (This tactic can also work swear that cats can and will be vengeful, it open, your cat may release his or her in cases where you cat seems to "seek at times. Besides suitcase antics, people anxiety by marking your clothes with revenge" against your ankles after a nec­ point out the times their cats bite them urine. (Your suitcase may even resemble essary but unpleasant bath or grooming minutes, or even hours, after they did a big litter box.) Ifyour cat urinates in session.) something their cat disliked - such as your suitcase when you first bring it Whether or not you attribute your grooming it. But animal behaviorists out to pack for a trip, the animal may cat's behavior to anxiety or a grudge disagree. Anger involVing grudges or be associating your luggage with your (despite the scientific evidence that sug­ revenge is solely a human emotion, ex­ absence. gests otherwise), your best bet when you plain experts. A cat may become aggres­ Some experts offer another expla­ return from a trip is to let your cat wel­ sive, but not angry and vengeful in the nation for this behavior. The suitcase, come you home - and leave the suitcase human sense. So what accounts for be­ which you have taken to another place, closed until the coast is clear. •)

JUNE 20 12 Vi sit us at www.ca t watc hnewslette r. ( om HEALTH

FOl lOW VETERINARY INSTR UCTION. Only clean you r cat's ears If it's warranted. Don't do it on a regular basis without a heallh reason .

climate in the ear, the organisms begin to multiply and become too numerous - and you end up with infection."

Contributing Factors. Several fac­ tors can precipitate the proliferation of Malessezia, which tends to live in a warm, damp environment, Dr. Miller points out. An allergic disease of some sort, for example, can make the surface of the ear canal abnormally moist and thus foster yeast growth. The excessive accumulation of wax in the canal may also be responsible, since yeast organ­ isms feed on that gooey substance. A cat that likes to go swimming would be at greater risk, of course, but this would be an extremely rare cause of yeast growth, since, as Dr. Miller dryly observes, "Most cats, unlike dogs, fail to take pleasure in swimming." Among all causes, he observes, the most typical is the prolonged and inap­ propriately routine use of liquid ear cleaners by overzealous owners who are unaware that the constant lubrica­ tion of an animal's ear canals is bound to be counterproductive. Says Dr. Mill­ Your Cat's Hearing: Is It Failing? er, "Some owners just can't keep them­ selves from futzing around with their The cause could be a rampant overgrowth ofyeast cats' ears." (See sidebar on this page.) All cats are susceptible to Malessezia in the ear canals. Here's whatyou should know. proliferation in their ears, he notes, al­ though animals living in warm, humid climates are at greater risk. mong all acquired feline ear dis­ Medicine. "It's just part of the natural Aorders, the most common by far is flora . But if something changes the Clear Indications. The signs of what otitis externa, an infection of the outer ear canal that, if left untreated, can LEAVING WElL ENOUGH ALONE progress to the inner ear, damage the ear drum and seriously compromise "Some people want to clean their cats' ears just because they're there," an animal's hearing as well as its sense says Dr, William Miller. "Don't do that! The only reason to dean an ani­ of balance. The most common cause mal's ears is if there is a specific medical condition and your veterinarian of this unpleasant condition and its has prescribed the appropriate medication and has carefully instructed potentially deafening consequences you on how to use it." is an assault on the ear by an outside Often, he laments, an owner will routinely clean a eat's ears with water or invader, the ear mite. In some cases, alcohol. "If you do this too often or if you use too much of these liquids," however, the culprit is an organism he points out, "you're likely to upset the natural microclimate within the that normally resides harmlessly with­ cat's ears and damage the flora - the funguses and bacteria - that exist in a eat's ear - a one-celled fungus, or there. yeast, known as Malessezia. "All feline ears have Malassezia in If you destroy the natural yeast, you may be making the animal suscepti­ them," explains William Miller, VMD, ble to other fungal invasions in the ear canal. Normal cats don't need ear a board-certified veterinary derma­ care. If you think there's a problem, see a veterinarian. Otherwise, leave tologist and medical director at Cor­ well enough alone!" nell University's College of Veterinary

4 (atWatch JUN E 2012 NOTEWORTHY

Dr. Miller refers to as "yeast otitis" MOVIES FOR CATS: AGOOD DAYTIME BABY SITTER are the same as those associated with otitis externa in general: The eat's A bored cat is often an unhappy cat. Just like humans, cats need stimula­ outer ear is likely to be inflamed, tion; when left on their own too long, they can experience loneliness and and the animal will hold its ears even depression. An unhappy cat may lose or gain weight, stop groom­ flat back against its head, scratch at ing itself or even become destructive. And a cat with nothing to do will them incessantly and shake its head often sleep the day away instead of getting needed exercise. frequently - as if trying to dislodge a bothersome object. The cat may For those of us who must leave our pets alone for long hours while at walk unsteadily, behave in an un­ work or elsewhere, the solution could be just a click away: Turn on the TV characteristically lethargic m anner and put on a movie designed just for cats. and respond as if in pain if its ears Even a cat who has shown no interest in Brad Pitt's charms or Jay Leno's are touched. jokes may lose Its nonchalance when shown a movie specially produced Otitis externa caused by vari­ for cats. The difference lies in the camera work. Cat videos are scaled for ous other infections can potentially feline sensibilities and shot from a cat's-eye-vlewpoint. The camera focus­ spread to the middle ear, eardrum es on prey just as a cat on the hunt's gaze would be, with no superfluous and inner ear and cause deafness. car chases or bubbling fountains to distract attention. Because cat eyes However, Malessezia is eminently have evolved to perceive movement more acutely than detail, cats usu­ treatable, Dr. Miller says, n{)ting that ally find the simple moving images on screen captivating. he has never seen a yeast infection that progressed beyond the outer Videos and DVDs for cats feature birds, squirrels, chipmunks, fish, insects, ear, even though the natural flora in butterflies - all the creatures cats love to stalk. The creatures flit, creep, a eat's ears normally thrive as far as hop and fly across the screen, an almost irresistible lure to feline hunt­ the ear drum and even beyond. "The ing instincts; and many will watch for hours, focused and intent, just as if yeast can cause irritation in the ear they were tracking live prey. canal," he says, "and there can be a Hunting Instinct. Videos are a harmless way for cats to satisfy their natu­ lot of debris and goo in there that ral instinct to hunt. They can stalk the prey prancing across the screen can affect a eat's ability to hear; but a and paw the images without harm either to live animals or your televi­ yeast infection will rarely cause per­ sion set. As a side benefit, the sight of your cat leaping at a cinematic manent deafness." butterfly can provide plenty of human amusement, too.

Relieving the Blockage. Diag­ One owner marveled at her eat's determination to catch the flying insect nosis will usually entail a review that had appeared on the video: When the insect disappeared from the of an animal's medical history and (co ntinued Ott page 6) a thorough phYSical examination, with special attention given to the affected ear or ears. For this, the vet­ erinarian is likely to use an otoscope - a flashlight-like instrument that provides a magnified view of the ear's inner depths. Also, says Dr. Miller, "We'll clean out the ear and use a microscope to examine a sample of the debris in the ear canal - and with Malessezia infection, there will be lots of it. If we determine that a yeast overgrowth and nothing more is the problem, we'll institute antiyeast therapy - eardrops or pills. The clinical signs will usually disappear entirely within two to four weeks. If they don't, we'll try to find out what other ear condition is causing the problem." Dr. Miller strongly cautions owners against trying to relieve a eat's ear problems on their own. If the signs of a hearing disorder in an animal become apparent, it's impor­ tant to seek veterinary consultation, he advises . .:.

JU NE 2012 Visit us at www.catwatchnews letler.com 5 HEALTH

TiCKS .... (continuedfrom cover) showing any efficacy of many of them, ears, mouth area and genitals, although and they have their own potential risks. ticks can attach anywhere. Sometimes containing dangerous pesticides, includ­ Unfortunately, they are often used by your pet's behavior will indicate where ing pyrethrin (pyrethroid), organophos­ well-meaning owners without the benefit a tick is hiding, as in the case when a cat phate insecticides and carbamates, Dr. of first receiving veterinary advice." chews at its paw because of a tick between McDaniel urges pet owners to consult Checking your pet daily for ticks can the pads. with their veterinarians to come up with make all the difference, since a tick has Many of the folk methods for getting a tick prevention program tailored to to be feeding for longer than 24 hours to a tick to release its hold can do far more their animals. "For animals at risk of tick transmit Lyme Disease. Ifyour cat likes harm than good. For the sake of you and exposure this will always include a tick to be groomed, make the tick check part your cat's health, play it safe and carefully prevention product along with avoiding of its daily grooming. You should pay follow the directions of your veterinarian high risk natural areas when possible, and particular attention to the paws, face, for tick removal. .:. daily tick checks," she says. The ideal tick prevention method for cats is to keep them indoors. If your cat does go outside, always consult a veteri­ narian before using any tick product on your pet. Never use a product intended for a dog on a cat. Cats will ingest more of topical products because of their fre­ quent grooming, so it's essential to follow instructions exactly. And don't use pesti­ cides on a pet that is elderly, pregnant, ill or very young unless your veterinarian has instructed you to do so. Natural tick deterrents exist, such as Geranium, American Pennyroyal or Neem seed oil, but Dr. McDaniel notes that there are "are no dependable studies

OUTDOOR CATS AT RISK. You need to take extra precautions to keep you r pets safe from Aeas and ticks if you allow them outdoors.

MOVIES FOR CATS (CONTINUED FROM PAGE S)

screen, the cat leaped on top of the television set to catch it as it came out the other side. The first videos intended specifically for cats were produced a couple of decades ago. Since then, dozens of videos have hit the market. Some, like "Catnip for Cats," emphasize a Nnatural soundtrack"; Kitty Show claims its productions use a special "sepia filter" which "enhances the colors cats see best on TV." But judging from the enthusiastic testimonials of cat owners, it hardly matters which video or DVD you choose. Elissa Wolfson, author of 101 Cool Games for Cool Cats, says its best to start with your cat about three feet away from the TV, at eye level. She suggests putting a chair or stool at "pawing distance" from the TV, in case your cat wants to get closer to the action later - although your cat may ignore the stool in order to get as close as pos­ sible to the TV. The first time you play the video, focus your cat's attention on the screen by darkening the room, turning off radios or other sources of sound, and minimizing the number of people present. Turn on the video and gently tap the TV screen. But, says Wolfson, "don't make a fuss about the video or try to force your cat to watch it." Not every cat will find the moving images compelling. Wolfson says she tried everything "short of rubbing catnip on the TV screen" to get her three-year-old cat inter­ ested, but she refused to watch. Her one-year-old cat, on the other hand, was almost immediately "mesmerized." Cats recuperating from illness or injury are particularly good candidates for becoming "kitty couch potatoes." Just like with humans, watching a good movie can distract cats from their pain and provide entertainment without the need for physical exertion. Most of the videos are designed to operate on an endless loop, providing hours of entertainment without the need for human intervention. Most cats delight in watching the videos over and over. Like small children, some cats apparently even memorize their favorite parts. Turn off the TV and some cats will continue to stare at the empty grayness, clearly determined not to miss whatever might appear next. ·:-

6 CatWatch JU NE 1012 HEALTH

THE AGING CAT .,. (CQ II/irluedfrom cover) terns. "Certainly," says Dr. Houpt, "senile Probably the only cognition problem cats do tend to withdraw from other cats. that a cat owner would pick up would Feline senility is by no means uncom­ For instance, a cat that may have always be an animal's inability to find its food mon. Indeed, one study has shown that as slept with another cat may stop doing dish. And this, of course, could simply many as 80 percent of cats over the age of that. On the other hand, while senile dogs be due to a lack of perception. Maybe the 16 years show signs of the condition, often tend to become less affectionate with their old cat's eyeSight is weak. Or if it doesn't associated with post mortem changes owners, old cats usually become more respond to you, maybe that's because it in their brains (such as beta amyloid affectionate." As they age, she points out, can't really hear you anymore." plaques) that are seen in the brains of hu­ they tend to become increasingly "clingy," mans with Alzheimer's disease and senile increasingly willing to lie purring in an Giving Comfort. Certain measures dementia. owner's lap for extended periods of time. might help prevent or delay the onset of Erratic litter box behavior is a confus­ senility, says Dr. Houpt, while others will Signs of Senility. The clinical signs ing issue, says Dr. Houpt, because it often ease the discomfort of an already affected of feline senility - which can become occurs in geriatric cats with diagnosed cat. For example, she suggests that cats 15 noticeable in cats as young as 10 years of diseases as well as in those for which years of age and older be fed a diet rich in age - vary from animal to animal and this behavior may be a sign of senility. vitamin E, carnitine (found in meat, dairy are not exclusively associated with age­ "House-soiling due to cognitive dysfunc­ products and seeds) and antioxidants, related dementia. They include spatial tion in old cats almost always involves substances that are known to retard the disorientatiOfl">,wandering in unfamiliar defecation," she points-out. "They'll often effects of aging, SU€fl diets a·re rewily territory; diminished playfulness; exces­ go to their box to urinate, and they'll do available without a prescription. "These sive sleeping; shifting patterns in cycles that. But then they'll defecate outside the substances seem to be protective and to of sleep and wakefulness; long periods of box. We don't know why they do this. Ob­ some extent curative," she says. "I would staring into space or at walls; indifference viously, it's not an arthritic problem, since certainly feed them to an old cat as long to food and water; sudden, prolonged and they're able to get into the box to urinate." as there is no medical reason for its hav­ seemingly unprompted vocalization; and ing to be on a different kind of diet." elimination outside the litter box. Cognitive Oysfunction1 1t may be Also, she advises, owners should try According to Katherine Houpt, VMD, presumed that older cats, like hu­ to reduce stress in an aging cat's daily life. PhD, the emeritus James Law Professor mans, can experience a decline in "Don't bring another cat or a dog into the of Animal Behavior and director of the their mental processes due to age-re­ household," she says. "This can be very Behavior Clinic at Cornell University's lated degeneration of their brain tis­ stressful during this period of an animal's College of Veterinary Medicine, the most sue. But feline senility remains largely a life." If the aging cat has trouble going up dramatic and most frequently reported mystery. While an old cat may show signs stairs or jumping onto a bed, she suggests behavioral indication of feline senility of confusion, lack of interest and odd providing a ramp to help the animal. And is an elderly cat's persistent vocalization behavior, there is no way objectively to make sure that its litter box is readily ac­ during the night. "They howl and screech assess a decline in its cognitive functions cessible and that the animal can get in constantly between midnight and dawn," - that is, there are no standards compa­ and out of it easily. says Dr. Houpt. "That's the behavior that rable to those that are used for assessing Take the cat to the vet for routine owners complain about the most. People creativity and the use of language as a checkups. If its unusual behavior is due usually don't mind if a cat is just active means of diagnosing human cognitive to an underlying illness, the veterinarian at night. But the constant yowling keeps dysfunction. can recommend treatment. If senility is them awake, and that's why we hear about "The problem," says Dr. Houpt, "is diagnosed, the veterinarian may recom­ it so often." that we don't train cats to do anything. mend medications to ease the signs . .:. Why-wcruld thi s srrangc-vocahzing behavior occur in elderly cats that have no apparent underlying health issue, like hyperthyroidism? "It's probably anxiety," Dr. Houpt surmises. "There may be some­ thing like the fear of death at the base of it. They don't feel quite right, and they can't do anything about it. We don't know why this occurs at night, but that's when old dogs and, for that matter, old people also become anxious." Another behavioral indication that may, in the absence of an underlying disease, be considered a sign of senility is a change in the animal's SOCializing pat-

LITTER BOX BEHAVIOR. Try to hel p you r agi ng cat by keeping boxes In convenient locations th roughout your house.

JUNE 2012 Vis it us at www.catwatchnewsl eller.com 7

------=-­ ASK ELIZABETH

oear Elizabeth: For the past year, my wife of the time, trouble arises when certain essential and I have used a scent diffuser, a little oils are accidentally ingested by, for example, a Qdevice that sprays a gentle, lavender-scent­cat that has accidentally stepped in an oil and ed mist into the air. For some reason, the diffuser then grooms its paws. Several essential oils ­ stopped working a while back, so we checked online including, but not limited to eucalyptus, fennel, to see where we could obtain a new one. In the hyssop, pennyroyal, rosemary and sage - can, if course ofour research however, we read that the ingested, adversely affect a cat's nervous system fumes released into the air by aroma therapy-based and cause it to have convulsions. Pleose send your behavior machines can be quite dangerous - possibly fatal Lavender can also be toxic - primarily to a (lnd hea/rh 7lles ionl 10: - to cats. Is this true? cat's skin and gastrointestinal tract. For example, "Ask fhlobeth' (arWa/ch. Box 13. lavender-scented litter, which has been commer­ rornell lim venl1y Aromatherapy, for readers who may cially available, can potentially cause irritation of College of Verer;nary Medlone, not be acquainted with the term, is the a cat's paw pads. If ingested, it can cause vomit­ Ilhoco, New York practice of releasing the essences of vari­ 14853-6401 A ing, anorexia and depression. This is because ous botanicals into the air for beneficial effects. the feline liver lacks certain detoxifying enzymes Some essences are utilized as a form of alterna­ that are present in other species. As a result, cats We regrel rhor we cannor tive medicine and are said to ease pain, diminish respond 10 individual ifl

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8 CatWatdl JUNE 2012