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INSIDE The Risks ofUpper Respiratory Infedions Short Takes 2 Ocean-going farewells; ahealth They're often ultimately harmless, but are especially bene~\t \)~ \)\fm~C)h\p. vulnerable, and secondary diseases can have serious effects ADeadly Threat to Outdoor 3 Hypothermia can cause adrop in igns that your • The infections can be blood pressure and cardiac arrest. Shas an infection of highly communicable in his upper respiratory multi-cat households. The first Oue: a Persistent Cough 4 tract can mimic the Unfortunately, vac­ Wheezing and breathing through the ones you suffer with cines for respiratory tract mouth are also hallmarks of . a cold: watery eyes, infections don't provide Ask Elizabeth 8 runny nose, wheezing, total protection, although sneezing and coughing. they can reduce the illness' Chewing and scratching hot spots Just as you're likely to length and severity. About will perpetuate the damage. rebound in a few days, 80 percent of feline up­ ------4 in most instances a cat per respiratory infections IN THE NEWS ••• will, too. ~ are caused by one of two In some cases, how­ ~ viruses: feline herpesvirus 'Kitty cams' reveal ever, bacterial and viral in (FRV), also known as their hidden world respiratory infections can carry Significant risks: feline rhinotracheitis virus (FRV), and feline • Complications such as pneumonia, calicivirus (FCV). A third and far less fre­ Two thousand hours of video blindness or chronic breathing problems quent cause of upper respiratory infections in recorded by "kitty cams" from the can develop. cats is the bacteria Chlamydophilia . National Geographic Society have • Cats can become carriers for two viruses "All three of these organisms are very uncovered the lives of indoor cats and spread the disease but not show any specific to cats," says Richard Goldstein, who are allowed outdoors. The outward signs of illness. (continued on page 6) surprising results that University of Georgia researchers found in tracking 60 cats wearing the light­ weight cameras in Athens, Ga.: The mysterious eludes translation • 44 percent hunted prey, with 30 percent preying Learning how to interpret their vocalizations upon , , , chipmunks and the can help you understand and meet their needs occasional vole. Only 28 percent of them ate prey, onventional wisdom has long held that Health Benefits? Complete understand­ however. Cpurring is a sign of contentment, a ing of purring remains a mystery, though, • 85 percent risked danger cat purring on a sunny windowsill by the at least for the time being. Reports of its by crossing two-lane streets owner's side being a perfect example. How­ possible health benefits have surfaced and exploring tight spaces ever, researchers have found that cats also recently in mainstream media, suggest­ such as storm drains. purr in other, often surprising situations ing the behavior might promote increased • Four cats went into other - when giving birth and nursing, when bone density and the healing of muscles houses, where families under duress and even when dying. and tendons in cats. The hypothesis goes petted and fed them, Learning how to interpret your cat's like this: "basically cheating on their vocalizations can help you understand and Low frequenCies - those between 20 original owners," says lead meet his needs, whether he wants to eat, and 50 hertz - have been shown to be researcher Kerrie Anne go out or have his litter box changed, says helpful in pain relief, bone growth and Loyd, a ecologist. Katherine A. Houpt, VMD, Ph.D., diplo­ healing muscles and tendons in other ani­ The findings were presented mate of the American College of Veteri­ mals and people. at the Ecological Society of nary Behaviorists and emeritus James Law Cats' purring registers between 20 to 50 America's annual conference Professor of Behavior at Cornell Hz and occaSionally up to ISO Hz. in Portland, Ore.•:. UniverSity College of Veterinary Medicine. (continued on page 5) CatWatch SHORT TAKES Ocean-going farewells EDITOR IN CHIEF A sea service, begun in Bruce G. Kornreich, DVM, PhD., Marshfield, Mass., with one boat, Dipl ACVIM now has 48 vessels operating EDITOR Betty Liddick from Maine to Miami and from San Francisco to San Diego. Since ART DIRECTOR Mary Francis McGavic he expanded the company in 2007 to include cremated , ADVISORY BOARD James A. Flanders, DVM, Dipl founder Capt. Brad White says his ACVS, Associate Professor, New England at Sea has Clinical Scien ces provided memorials for hundreds Marc S. Kraus, DVM, Dipl ACVIM, Senior Lecturer, Cl inica l Sciences of . The company, one of a handful in the Margaret C. McEntee, DVM, Dipl ACVIM, DACVR, offering the service on both Professor of Oncology coasts, is billed as the most requested. Its dust from homes with a cat or is distinct William H. Miller, Jr.,VMD, ACVD, memorials offer the scattering of ashes, sea in composition from homes without pets. Professor, Clininical Sciences wreaths or rose petals, and music. In comparing the homes, researchers say Ilona Rodan, DVM, Dipl ABVP Dispatching cremains into the deep is "bacterial community richness was notably Wisconsin Cat Care Clinic, Mad ison, WI environmentally safe because of the high increased in all dog-owning and a subset of temperatures used in cremation, White cat-owning households." The study is the first says, adding - no surprise to pet lovers ­ step toward identifying the microbial species mourners typically "cry more about Fluffy and that offer protection against the asthmagenic Cornell University College of Fido than they do about their grandmothers." pathogen RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), Veterinary Medicine says researcher Kei Fujimura, PhD. Emergency help for pets RSV, a common infection in infants, can For information on your cat's health, When the worst wildfires in Colorado cause mild to severe respiratory symptoms. visit the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell Feline history swept the state, causing thousands A severe infection is associated with a higher Health Center website at of evacuations, the American Humane risk of developing childhood asthma. The www.vet.comell.edu/fhcl Association sprang into action. It deployed disease is highly communicable, spread personnel, volunteers, supplies and its through droplets containing the virus in a 16-wheel, 82-foot-long Red Star Rescue Rig cough or sneeze. It also can live on surfaces, to help animal victims. hands and clothing . Red Star Rescue Service was a state­ The researchers presented their findings approved first-responder, with the rig at this year's annual meeting of the CatWatch' (lSSN: 1095-9092) providing emergency operations, sheltering American Society for Microbiology. _ is published monthly and care to lost pets. The effort achieved 100 for $39 per year by _ Belvoir Media Group, percent success . "During this deployment, Warning on stainless bowls -=1 LLC, 800 Con necticut we helped 124 animals and reunited every A foreign supplier mistakenly used Belvoir Ave, Norwalk, CT 06854­ 1631. Robert England er, single one of them with their families," says small quantities of radioactive Cobalt-60 in Chairman and CEO; Timothy H. Co le, spokesman Mark Stubis. making certain stainless Exec utive Vice PreSident, Editoria l Director; Ph ilip L. Penny, Ch ief The service and the rig - complete with steel pet bowls for Operating Officer; Greg King, Exec utive a mobile operating room - have saved Petco, the com pa ny says. Vice Presiden t, Marke ting Director; Ron Goldberg, Chief Financial Officer; Tom more than 64,000 animals in major relief "The affected products Ca nfield, Vice President, Circu lation. efforts in the past five years. The rig's work were found to emit low ©20 12 Belvoir Media Group, LLC. in Colorado and in the year to come is made levels of radiation." Pos tmaster: Se nd address co rrecti ons possible in part by a $200,000 pledge from Testing of the products indicates there to Ca tWa tch, PO Box 8535, Big Sandy, TX 75755-8535. MarsPetcare US, makers of Pedigree Food is no health risk to the public, employees for and Whiskas Food for Cats, among For Customer Service and pets, Petco says, adding that U.S. or Subscription information, visit other brands. Customs and Border Protection agents wvvw.ca twatchnewsletter.comlcs discovered the problem during routine or call toll free 800 -829 -8893. Benefits of pet ownership screening of a cargo container. Express written permission is required to reproduce, in any Another study has emerged, indicating The few customers who bought the manner, the contents of this issue, that dog and cat ownership can protect bowls between May 31 and June 20 are either in full or in part. For more information, write to Permi SS ions, children from developing asthma. entitled to refunds, the company says. CatWatc h, 800 Connecticut Ave, Researchers at the University of California in Product numbers are listed on labels on the Norwalk, Connecticut 06854-163 1. San Francisco found that bacteria in house bowls: 1047493, 1386956 and 1047477. •:.

CatWatch NOVEMBER 2012 SAFETY

to the touch. Iflow body temperature is ADeadly Threat to Outdoor Cats suspected, the owner should place a bare hand on the animal's groin - the pOint at Hypothermia can cause a drop in blood pressure, which the hind legs meet the torso. If the skin feels cold, the animal's temperature a lowered heart rate and the potential for cardiac arrest should be taken with a rectal thermom­ eter - a device that all cat owners should have on hand. "In extreme cases," says Dr. Schoeffler, "the temperature may be so low that it won't even register on a standard thermometer." All cases ofsuspected hypothermia need prompt treatment, regardless of whether the condition is thought to be mild, moderate or severe.

Warming Up. Treatment in all cases of hypothermia entails efforts to warm the cat. If he has very mild hypothermia, he should simply be confined to a warm indoor area and covered loosely with blankets. This will stop further heat loss ~ and allow his body to reheat naturally l and gradually. "Ifthe cat is responsive to en treatment," Dr. Schoeffler, "this is prob­ Hypothermia's prognosis depends upon age, physica l condition and the abili ty to reg ul ate ably not an emergency situation." body temperature. However, ifthe cat's temperature falls below 97 degrees, rewarming can be con­ siderably more complicated. In general, a ats whose breed developed in frigid priate body temperature or to restore it to cat experiencing significant hypothermia Careas of the world are likely to toler­ normal after it suddenly plummets. should be wrapped in towels that have ate cold weather better than cats whose been warmed in a clothes dryer, and he origins can be traced to more temper­ Mild, Moderate, Severe. A cat's should then be rushed to a veterinary ate regions. But even the fattest, furriest normal temperature, taken rectally, clinic, says Dr. Schoeffler. will have only a slight edge ranges between 100 and 102 degrees. Ac­ Any cat experiencing severe hypo­ over a trim, thin-coated Siamese when it cording to Dr. Schoeffler, hypothermia thermia should receive emergency veteri­ comes to prolonged exposure to the bit­ may be defined as any decrease in body nary care. This is likely to require internal ing winds, ice, snow and sleet that come temperature to a level below 100 degrees as well as external warming techniques, with winter. Fahrenheit. The severity of the condition such as warm water enemas, warm intra­ Indeed, any cat left outside for extend­ is ranked in three categories: venous fluid , oxygen support and ed periods oftime when the temperature is • Mild is between 90 and 99 degrees. constant monitoring ofheart rate, blood below freezing - not to mention any poor • Moderate is between 82 and 90 degrees. pressure and respiration. The treatment's creature who happens to tumble into an • Severe is lower than 82 degrees. success will depend on a wide variety of ice-cold pond - will be at risk for a poten­ Most cats can tolerate a tempera­ factors, such as the cat's body temperature tially deadly drop in body temperature. ture drop offive or six degrees (mild at the time that treatment is initiated, the The chances that this condition ­ hypothermia) for a short period of time length of time that he has been exposed to cal1ed hypothermia - will prove fatal without serious or lasting damage. If the frigid temperatures, whether he was wet depend largely upon the animal's age, decline persists, however, the animal's or dry when the condition was discov­ overall physical condition and ability to oxygen requirements will decrease and ered, whether he has lost consciousness regulate body temperature, says Gretch­ its blood circulation will decline cor­ and his general health status and ability en Schoeffler, DVM, DACVECC, chief of respondingly. If untreated, the decreased to heal naturally. emergency and critical care services at flow of oxygenated blood will eventually To lessen the risk of hypothermia, the Cornell University Hospital for Ani­ inhibit the cat's metabolic functioning owners should avoid allowing their cats mals. The prognosis may be especially and will result in progressively severe and to remain outdoors during cold weather, poor for kittens, elderly cats and those widespread damage to the tissues of its especially at night when temperatures who have sustained an injury such as a internal organs. tend to plummet, Dr. Schoeffler says. "By broken limb, she says. Meanwhile, his blood pressure will minimizing or carefully supervising your Moreover, certain disease conditions, drop, his heart rate will slow, and the cat's outdoor experience, you are likely to such as hypothyroidism, can also interfere cat will be at risk for cardiac arrest. The increase his lifespan, giving you more time with a cat's ability to maintain an appro­ surface of his skin will be noticeably cold to enjoy your special feline companion." .:.

NOVEMBER 2012 Visit us at www .catwatchnewsletter.com HEALTH The First Clue: a Persistent Cough Wheezing and breathing through the mouth are also hallmarks ofasthma and warrant a veterinary visit

OU may be accustomed to hearing susceptible to asthma. Once the genes Y your healthy and usually demure cat are identified, the particular mecha­ making hacking noises to try to bring up nism they control that has gone awry a hairball. But you'd be wise not to ignore can be addressed. these sounds. They could be an indicator Although it's likely to be many of asthma, an inflammation of the air­ years before genetic research shows ways that can make breathing difficult. practical results, searches for more A persistent cough warrants a veterinary immediate treatments are under way. exam as soon as possible. For example, a study at the University As with , the chronic condition of Missouri is investigating a potential The AeroKat Feline Aerosol Chamber, used with is manageable in felines, especially if dis­ therapy called allergen-specific immu­ an inhaler, delivers medication to the lungs . covered early. "Once you've ruled out other notherapy (ASIT), which could be deliv­ potential diseases, getting your cat on a ered as an inoculation - similar to the are going to immunosuppress the cats to therapy plan is very important because of type of shots that humans get to treat hay some degree, and we don't want to have an the life-threatening nature of respiratory fever and other . underlying infection at the same time." distress," says Andrea N. Johnston, DVM, Meanwhile, administering steroids DACVIM, a Clinical Instructor in small and removing environmental triggers Emergency Treatment. The treatment animal medicine at Cornell University have been the usual way to deal with the your cat's will choose depends College of Veterinary Medicine. disease in the long term. on the severity and persistence of the symp­ In addition to the cough - the most Symptoms of asthma can mimic those toms. In emergency situations, when your common clinical sign of the disease ­ of other diseases, from heartworm and cat can't catch his breath, he'll need a bron­ affected cats will wheeze and breathe pneumonia to cancer. For a definitive chodilator - a medication that opens up through the mouth. An estimated 1 to 5 diagnosis, Dr. Johnston recommends a the breathing passages - such as albuterol, percent ofcats have asthma, the result of chest X-ray, complete blood workup, uri­ often administered through an inhaler. an abnormal immune reaction to inhaled nalysis and fecal flotation. In addition, she Maintenance therapy in moderate allergens. It's typically seen in those 2 to 8 usually suggests a tracheal wash, which cases ofasthma usually involves medica­ years of age, with Persian and Himalayan provides a sample offluids and cells in the tions that reduce airway inflammation or breeds particularly predisposed. lungs, in part to make sure that no bacte­ modify the cat's immune response, usu­ Researchers are trying to identify rial infections are present. "Even though ally steroids such as fluticasone propionate the genes in these breeds - as well as in that's rare," she says, "we have to rule it out and prednisone, which can be inhaled or other cats - that might make them more before we do steroid therapy, because we taken orally. The AeroKat Feline Aerosol Chamber, a cat-sized mask with an inhaler that deliv­ CONTROL THE ENVIRONMENT, CONTROL THE ASTHMA ers a metered dose of the prescribed medi­ cation, was developed specifically to treat Andrea N. Johnston, DVM, DACVIM, at Cornell stresses the importance of feline respiratory diseases. The cost of the trying to remove as many allergens as possible from your home to pre­ chamber varies from about $80 to $100. vent your cat's asthma attacks. Because this is more difficult with indoor/ Dr. Johnston recommends inhaled outdoor cats, she suggests keeping them inside to have more control steroids whenever possible because they over environmental triggers. go directly to the lungs, and side effects of long-term systemic usage such as diabetes Among the steps to take: mellitus can be minimized. "Often cats can be on a higher dose of steroids for a • Remove carpeting or, if that's not an option, avoid carpet deodorizers. short term and then get on extremely low • Eliminate perfumes, air fresheners, hairsprays, aerosol cleaners and, doses, but they do need to stay on them especially, cigarette smoke. because we can't knock out the inflamma­ tion completely," she says. • Change filters in air conditioners and air purifiers often. Because cats and humans get similar • Consider a humidifier when the air is dry. forms of asthma and research is being done on the disease in both species, it's • Avoid dusty or scented cat litter. only a question of time before new treat­ ments are found. •:.

4 CatWatch NOVEMBER 2012 BEHAVIOR

VOCAL ... (continued from cover) BEYOND AND Therefore, purring must provide "a biomechanical healing mechanism," proponents say. Intriguing though this theory is, it presents a problem: No scientific studies support it. "This cat purring question has been buzzing around for a while," says Clinton T. Rubin, Ph.D., chair of the Department of Biomedical En­ gineering at New York University at Stony Brook. He published a paper more than a decade ago showing that low-magnitude mechanical signals, induced at high frequency, stimulated bone to grow. "While we have since been working on this as the basis of a non-drug ther­ apy for osteoporosis, including several clinical trials, others have extrapolated There's no mistaking the meaning of a hiss. It's a warning to stand back, or clawing or fighting may ensue. that this mechano-sensitivity of the musculoskeletal system, including the acceleration of healing bones, could These are the likely translations of popular feline vocalizations: reflect a physiologic 'benefit' of a cat purring," Dr. Rubin says. • The chirp used in : "It's actually counterproductive because it alerts a or to the cat's presence," says behaviorist Nine Lives Lore. The signals he Katherine A. Houpt. VMD, at Cornell. "I think they do it in frustration uses are vibrations in the realm of a of a situation because the cat is looking at prey and can't get to it." cat purring. "Conceivably - although I know of no one who has actually • The caterwaul, a wail you can't miss: "Cats caterwaul when hunt­ tested it - a purring cat could be a ing and have prey or are looking for prey," Dr. Houpt says. "Most 'source' of such mechanical signals, cats at night will caterwaul and we're not sure what that means either to themselves or to those hold­ except perhaps, 'I'm on the prowL'" Females will caterwaul when in ing a purring cat in their lap," Dr. estrus, or heat, and scream after mating when the male withdraws Rubin says, adding that perhaps, "It is part of the lore of nine lives of a his penis - male cats have barbed penises. happy cat." • The hiss: It signals fear, a warning with the possibility of clawing. The cat who insistently purrs at daybreak to awaken his owner for • Growls and shrieks: These are aggressive cries of alarm. breakfast may be another matter, ac­ cording to research that emerged in the spring. This "solicitation" purr has When they studied responses embedded cry ... the urgency ratings for an unpleasant, high-frequency cry or to recorded purrs, even people without these purrs decreased significantly," the "embedded" in it that creates a exposure to cats found the purrs with researchers say. sense of urgency in owners to comply, embedded messages annoying and Meows can also evoke a sense of say psychologists at the University of difficult to ignore. "When the team urgency for food or attention. We know Sussex in the U.K. re-synthesized purrs to remove the kittens meow to get their mothers' attention. "From that developmental reason, cats then meow a great deal EXCESSIVE VOCALIZING CAN BE ASIGN OF PAIN when they want something from us, their surrogate mothers," Dr. Houpt If your cat vocalizes excessively or compulsively, schedule a veterinary visit says. "It can be a problem." Siamese for a thorough examination. He may be ill, in pain, or suffering from a dis­ and the hybrid breed, the Oriental, are ease such as hyperthyroidism. especially adept at vocalizing. One solution for repetitive meowing: Cognitive dysfunction, the feline equivalent of Alzheimer's, can cause Reply to your cat, Dr. Houpt says. "Make howling and screeching late at night, possibly due to anxiety. Medication an 'MMMM' sound like a low hum, then may help if a cat has no underlying medical condition. a soft meow. That's what the mother would do. It's comforting." .:.

NOVEMBER 2012 Visit us at www.catwatchnewsletter.com 5 INFECTIONS ... (continuedfrom cover) Persians and other flat-faced breeds when they lick or groom one another, such as Himalayans, British Shorthairs or share food and water bowls. They DVM, former Associate Professor of and Scottish Folds have a predisposition also can become airborne: when sneez­ Small Animal Medicine at Cornell to upper respiratory infections because ing, an infected cat may blow the virus University College of Veterinary oftheir facial anatomy. out into the environment, and cats a Medicine and currently Chief Medical few feet away may inhale it. The viral Officer at the Animal Medical Center Serious Consequences. The com­ secretions on clothing, bedding, toys, in New York City. None of these dis­ mon clinical signs of feline upper re­ litter boxes and floors make the spread ease agents is transmissible to humans spiratory infection - which can affect of the disease a particular problem to or dogs. the nose, sinuses, pharynx and control in animal shelters. - may vary from very mild to severe A virus can also be transmitted from and are, in themselves, usually self­ an unvaccinated, acutely infected queen limiting and ultimately harmless, says to her kittens during pregnancy or Dr. Goldstein. through grooming after they are born. Secondary diseases may occur, however, with long-lasting and po­ Ongoing Presence. Once present in a tentially severe consequences. In cat's system, no medication can make the addition to pneumonia, these viruses simply disappear. Cats recovered include conjunctivitis or cor­ from FCV infection will often continue neal ulcers (a vision-impairing to shed small amounts ofvirus from their eye condition) and a host of mouths or nose. In time - perhaps after other bacteria- and virus­ many months or even years - the calici­ borne illnesses, resulting from virus will vanish. the entry of infectious micro­ On the other hand, says Dr. ­ organism into an afflicted cat's stein, the herpesvirus, once present system. The most common re­ in the feline system, remains there. sults are chronic sinus infections Recovered cats will intermittently shed and chronic nasal discharge after small quantities of virus from their The facial anatomy of Scottish Folds, along with Pers ians and other fl at-faced breeds, pred isposes them an FHV infection. throat or nose. "For the remainder of to upper respiratory infections. Moreover, these bacteria and the animal's life," he says, "the herpes­ viruses can pass from cat to cat virus will flare up repeatedly. In cats,

THE SCHEDULE FOR VACCINATIONS WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

To significantly reduce the spread of feline upper respiratory infection, These are among the signs of Richard Goldstein, DVM, advises owners to make sure their cats are feline upper respiratory infection: vaccinated according to schedules recommended by their cat's veteri­ Coughing narian. In general, a single vaccine designed to protect against both • herpesvirus and calicivirus should be administered when a is • Sneezing between 6 and 8 weeks of age, when the natural immunity they have Drooling received through colostrum-rich mother's is diminishing. • Lack of appetite and anorexia One or two follow-up shots are then recommended at three- to four-week • lethargy intervals until a kitten is 16 weeks old, after which a single booster vaccina­ • tion should be given one year later and every three years thereafter. • Depression A vaccine to protect against the Chlamydophilia organism is available, • Fever although it is not as urgently recommended because these bacterial Ocular and nasal discharge infections are less common and can be treated with antibiotics. • Open-mouth and rapid No vaccine is 100 percent effective, Dr. Goldstein says. Although all • breathing existing vaccines are apt to reduce the severity of viral infection, none can be guaranteed to immunize all cats against the organisms that Squinting or rubbing the • eyes cause upper respiratory disease. Also, he points out, new strains of the calicivirus are continually emerging and, therefore, the efficacy of A dry mouth, indicating a current vaccine may diminish. • dehydration

6 CatWatch NOVEMBER 2012 MEDICINE these eruptions can be brought on by such things as stress, bad weather, the outbreak of some other illness or medications that suppress the im­ mune system." For the past several decades, vac­ cines have been available that, to a great extent, protect cats against herpesvirus. Discuss with your cat's veterinarian a vaccination protocol that will work best for your pet. Vaccines for calicivirus and the Chlamydophilia bacterium vac­ cines have, over the years, proven gener­ ally successful in significantly reducing the occurrence and severity of feline respiratory infections.

Threat to Kittens. However, out­ breaks of these infections continue to threaten unvaccinated kittens and the cat population. And since the vaccines produce only partial Respiratory infections can pass from cat to cat when they lick or groo m one another, or protection, some domestic cats can share food and water bowls. become ill despite being properly vaccinated, and others may fail to infected naturally in the past - con­ tion even if exposed to a viral agent. receive their shots according to a rec­ tains colostrum, a substance rich in And even if this kitten does become ommended schedule. antibodies that will provide a kitten ill, it will usually be a mild type last­ The infections are generally rarely temporary protection against viral ing only a few days. However, this fatal; nevertheless, they're especially infection. Kittens who for some reason immunity will eventually wear off, at threatening to some cats. "Any cat can are deprived of that protection tend which point a young cat will become become infected at any age," says Dr. to get the disease in its severest form. susceptible to infection. Goldstein, "but we see the really severe "They can lose their eyes because of infections in kittens born to queens ulcers, they may not be able to breathe, Treating Infection. Diagnosis is who have not been inoculated and are and they may die from pneumonia or achieved by observing the clinical left to fend for themselves in cold wet another secondary infection that goes signs, Dr. Goldstein says. "When you weather. That's when their resistance is into their blood," Dr. Goldstein says. see it, you know it's an upper respira­ impaired and they are apt to get sick." On the other hand, a kitten born tory problem, but you don't know for The first milk of a queen that has to a vaccinated queen and living in a sure which virus has caused it or what been inoculated against one of the dry, warm environment is unlikely to kind of bacteria are responsible for a disease-causing viruses - or has been contract an upper respiratory infec­ secondary infection. So we most often treat the cat symptomatically, giving antibiotics for a secondary infection, FOUR SIMPLE TIPS FOR AT-HOME CARE and keeping the animal hydrated, fed and comfortable." If your cat has a respiratory infection, his veterinarian will recommend In severe cases, a cat might be at-home care appropriate for his case. usually recommend hospitalized for treatment, including that you: intravenous fluids. Ifthe veterinarian identifies herpesvirus, he may admin­ • Offer plenty of water to prevent dehydration. ister an antiviral medication that may shorten the time that the virus is ac­ • Encourage him to eat. Affected cats will often have a diminished tive in some cases. No such treatment sense of smell and disinterest in eating. A flavorful canned food may exists for the calicivirus. "It just has to tempt him. go away by itself," Dr. Goldstein says. The best way to prevent the disease • Take him into a steamy bathroom for 10 minutes two or three times a is to make sure that your cat is vacci­ day to help ease his congestion. nated on schedule and that his environ­ ment is clean, dry and warm, Dr. Gold­ • Use moist tissues to wipe the discharge from his nose and eyes to stein says. "This is especially important reduce irritation. for kittens. And keep cats of any age indoors as much as possible." .:.

NOVEMBER 2012 Visi t us at www .c atwa t chnewsletter.com My wonderful rescued cat scratches hot may occur when they are left for long periods spots occasionally. They look just awful of time without enrichment or when the owner Qbut heal nicely and the hair comes back moves to a new house. and I s the spot in. I keep an eye on them for The prevention of hot spots focuses on infections, but none has ever become infected. removing the inciting cause. The use of What on earth causes my cat to do this to herself? appropriate products to prevent and She's an only cat and there has not been any infestation is important in this regard, as is change in the food I feed her. minimizing exposure to mosquitoes or other Sincerely, biting by keeping cats indoors when Hot Under the possible. Cats with inhalant allergies may require antihistamines and/or corticosteroids to stop their itchiness, and shots may Hot spots, otherwise known as acute be helpful in some cats. Those with food Elizabeth moist dermatitis, may develop in cats allergies may benefit from dietary modifica­ Ain a number of circumstances. These tion, most commonly by having the protein lesions are usually characterized by loss of hair, source in their food changed. Addressing any redness, swelling, and sometimes oozing. Cats other medical issues (i.e., an infected anal PLEASE SHARE who have them will often chew at these spots gland) that incite the cat to scratch or chew YOUR QUESTIONS aggressively and incessantly. In fact, the trauma is important. induced by chewing or scratching at the spot Cats who chew and scratch because of stress We welcome questions is the primary cause and perpetuating factor in may benefit from behavior modifications that on health, medicine and this often frustrating dermatologic condition, minimize it, such as introducing new cats to a behavior, but regret that with more chewing causing more damage to household gradually and carefully, spending we cannot comment on the skin, with resultant increased inflammation dedicated quality time with your kitty to show prior diagnoses and and irritation, and a motivating factor to chew her that you love and support her, and keep­ specific products. the area even more. ing familiar things in the environment when The initiating factor in cats that develop hot moving. Bored cats can have their lives perked spots is variable. Ectoparasites such as , up by providing toys and spending play time Please write or mites may irritate your kitty's skin to with them. A veterinary behaviorist is an excel­ CatWatch Editor the point where she will start the vicious cycle lent resource to assist with cats who may be 800 Connecticut Ave. of trauma, inflammation, irritation and more stressed or bored. Norwalk, CT, 06854 chewing and trauma. The bites of other insects, The treatment of hot spots usually involves or email such as mosquitoes, may also begin the vicious shaving the affected area, preventing further catwatcheditor@ cycle that ultimately leads to a hot spot, as can trauma (by removing the inciting cause and, cornell.edu. poor grooming that may led to matting of hair in extreme cases, by having the kitty wear an and chewing and licking by the kitty. Elizabethan collar), keeping the area dry, and Inhalant allergies (also known as atopy) to in some cases by applying anti-inflammatory things like grasses or dust mites, or allergies to ointments. Antibiotics may be prescribed if the COMING UP •.• an ingredient in your cat's diet may also make skin is infected. Consultation with your veteri­ her itch, which can make her scratch and chew narian and/or a veterinary dermatologist is rec­ her skin as well. Importantly, some cats may ommended in dealing with hot spots as early develop allergies to things (such as food) that as possible to prevent the vicious cycle from they have previously had no problem with. Hot advancing too far. spots may also form when a cat scratches or I hope this information is helpful, and thank chews an area of her body because of some you for rescuing and taking such good care problem in that specific spot, as when a cat of your kitty. Hot spots can be frustrating, but chews at the base of her tail because of an with appropriate care and prevention, they infected anal gland. can be cured or considerably minimized in Finally, some cats appear to predispose them­ most cases . •:. selves to hot spots by chewing or scratching Best regards, incessantly when they are bored or stressed, as Elizabeth

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8 CatWatch NOVEMBER 2012