Expert information on medicine, behavior and health from a world leader in veterinary medicine Feline Upper Respiratory Infedions Short Takes 2 Feedback from TNR groups; anew These pernicious disorders can be traced to just two oral NSAID for cats; genetic testing to help the Burmese breed. viruses. Here's what you need to know to protect your cat. The Risk of Glaucoma 3 Treatment can be difficult and costly, our seven-year-old affecting her nose, so prompt care is very important. Ycat is a generally sinuses, pharynx and healthy animal. In fact, larynx. Why is it, you Broken Bones: All Cats At Risk 4 she's never had a really wonder, that your cat Fortunately, most feline fractures can serious sick-day in her never experiences this be repaired by aveterinary surgeon. life. But your neighbor's problem, while the cat An At-Home Health Exam S cat always seems to be next door can't seem to Here's how you can be the eyes and ill. Indeed, every few shake it? ears of your vet in just afew minutes. months she shows up on The answer, most your doorstep wheezing, probably, is that you've Ask Elizabeth: 8 sneezing and coughing. taken your cat to your What feline purring is all about. Her eyes are red and wa­ veterinarian for period­ ------1 tery, and she acts lethar­ ic booster vaccination IN THE NEWS '" gic. These disturbing signs persist for a week to protect her against the infectious agents or 10 days, but then she seems to be all right responsible for most feline upper respiratory Let Them Eat Cake! (Just again - for a while. infections. Your neighbor's cat, on the other Don't Invite Your Cat.) It's quite likely that the cat next door is hand, hasn't seen a vet in years. I suffering from a deeply rooted upper respira­ Sweetness is detected by a tory infection, a highly contagious disease (continued on page 6) specific receptor protein (what we commonly refer to as a 'taste bud') in the tongue. Cats are known to be insensitive to sweet Is Your Cat Afraid of Strange Noises? tastes, but the specific reason was not known until recently. Personality, experience and genetic makeup will help create Researchers analyzed the genes encoding the taste buds afearless tiger, or a confirmed scaredy cat. Here's why. Tn tWelve dffferent carnivorous species, including cats ("Major "' A Jhenever cat owner Susan Lomond turns or a hair dryer. "But thunder and fireworks taste loss in carnivorous V V on her printer, her cat Sylvester dashes don't seem to bother cats," says Katherine A. mammals," in Proceedings ofthe over to sit on it, lie on it and watch in fascina­ Houpt, VMD, PhD, the emeritus James Law National Academy ofSciences, US, tion as the paper comes out. But when Susan's Professor of Animal Behavior at Cornell Uni­ 2012 ). They found that those friend Diana turns on her printer, her cat, Petra, versity's College ofVeterinary Medicine. "I have species such as cats - whose flees in terror. never seen fireworks or thunder phobia in cats," diet is exclUSively meat-based Cats respond differently to noise depending she says. - had lost the gene encoding on their personalities and experiences - and Genetics playa strong role with cats. "Some the taste bud for sweetness. even their genetics. When cats get scared of cats are genetically afraid of almost everything. Other affected species noise, we often feel the need to soothe them. These are the ones we call 'scaredy cats,'" says included dolphins, sea lions, Actually, that may not be helpful. Dr. Houpt. "They not only run from noises, but seals, otters and hyenas.An also from visitors." While frightened dogs may animal with a diet devoid of How to Help Your Cat. Cats differ from try to run away, cats are more likely to retreat vegetables may have little dogs when it comes to being frightened by and find a place within the house to hide, such need to detect sugars, explains noise. Dogs are notoriously afraid of thunder as in a closet, under the bed or high up on a Gary Beauchamp, director of and fireworks, and will often try to escape from kitchen cabinet. the Monell Chemical Senses the house in a panic. Cats are more likely to be But not all noise is bad. Take Susan's printer, Center in Philadelphia, PA, and scared of unexpected noises around the house, for example. If your cat associates a noise with the lead author of the study. (. such as the vacuum cleaner, construction work (continu ed on page 7) CatWatch SHORTTAKES sites, lethargy, vomiting and inappetence. EDITOR IN CHIEF Feedback from TNR Groups Elizabeth Vecsi Most "trap-neuter-return" feral cat groups The drug is indicated for cats weigh­ CONSULTANTS provide vaccines and other veterinary ser­ ing 5.5 pounds or heavier, and at least six Bruce G. Kornreich, DVM, PhD, vices prior to releasing them, according to months old, for a maximum of three days. DACVIM. Cardiology a sur vey of 120 such groups conducted by The drug should not be used in cats that ADVISORY BOARD Alley Cat Rescue, a feral cat TNR advocacy have a hypersensitivity to robenacoxib or James A. Flanders, DVM, Dipl ACVS. Associate Professo r. group. known intolerance to NSAIDs. The drug Clinical Sciences Ninety-six percent of the groups provide should not be administered in conjunction Richard R. Goldstein. DVM. rabies vaccinations, while 64 percent provide with any other oral or injectable NSAID or DACVIM DECVIM-CA, Associate distemper vaccinations. Twelve percent corticosteroid, according to Novartis. Professor of Chnical Sciences provide feline leukemia shots, 62 percent Marc S. Kraus, DVM. Dipl ACVIM. deworm feral cats and 64 percent provide Lecture r. Clinical Sciences Help for the Burmese Breed Aea treatment. Burmese cats can inherit a muscle weak­ Margaret C. McEntee, DVM, Diol ACVIM, DACVR. The majority (96 percent) of feral cat ness - called Burmese hypokalaemia ­ Professor of Oncol ogy groups neuter stray cats before placing them which is caused by low levels of blood potas­ William H. Miller, Jr.. DVM. ABVP. in homes, and most groups also provide sium. However, with the identification of the PI fessor, Cllnlnical SCiences spay and neuter services to owned cats to genetic mutation responsible for the disease, Ilona Rodan, DVM, DipJ ABVP prevent future colonies from forming, ac­ a genetic test has been developed. Wisconsin Cat Care Clinic, Madison. WI cording to Alley Cat Rescue. The researchers hope that, by genetic Feral cat groups' efforts to educate the testing and selective breeding, the disease public about trap-neuter-release programs can eventually be eradicated in the Burmese have been productive, with 65 percent of breed. Cornell University College of respondents calling their education efforts This genetic disease - also known as Fa­ f) Veterinary Medicir "somewhat" effective, and 18 percent finding milial Episodic Hypokalaemic Pol ymyopathy their efforts extremely successful. - is characterized by skeletal muscle weak­ For information on your eat's health, Most animal control agencies do not offer ness, which is episodic in nature and can ei­ visit the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Corn ell Feline trap-neuter-release programs (61 percent), ther impact the animal's entire body or may Hea lth Center, website at and one in three agencies have trapped and be localized to the neck or limb muscles. As www.v et.comell.edulfhcl killed whole colonies, according to re spon­ a result, affected cats usually have problems dents. walking and holding their head correctly. Respondents had some luck working with The new genetic test for Burmese hypo­ the animal control agencies, with a fairly kalaemia allows cat breeders, ow ners and even split between "difficult" and "somewhat veterinarians to test for this disease. Burmese successful" responses and 21 percent of re­ hypokalaemia is an autosomal recess ive CotWorch· (lSSN: 1095-9092) spondents reporting a "positive" experience. disease, which means that carrier cats do not IS published r nr hly for show signs of d isease. However, mating two 539 p<' r year by BelvOir :j_ Media Group, LLC, 800 ANew Oral NSAID for Cats cats carrying the mutation has a 25 percent (onnee leur Ave. Norwalk. Novartis Animal Health has recently un­ chance of producing kittens that w ill be He\vol r cr06854-1631 Roben Englander. Chairman veiled its Onsior (robenacoxib) tablets affected. and CEO; Timothy H. Cole. ecutive - a three-day non-steroidal anti-inAamma­ According to Dr. Chris Helps, Head of the Vi ce President. Editorial Director; Philip L Penny.ChiefOperating Officer; Gr _ tory drug for postoperative cats. The drug Molecular Diagnostic Unit at Langford Veteri ­ King. Executive Vice PreSident, Marketing is indicated for the control of postopera­ nary Services (LVS): "It is possible to continue Dile<:ror; Ron Goldberg. Chier Finandaf Office'; Tom Canfield.Vice President, tive pain and inAammation associated with to use carrier cats in breeding programmes Circulation.<02012 BelVOir Media Group, orthopedic surgery, ovariohysterectomy to retain important breeding lines and to LLC. and castration. It is the first multidose oral avoid reducing the size of the Burmese gene Postmaster: Send address corrections NSAID to be approved for cats, according to pool. As long as carrier cats are mated to to CatWatch, p.o. Box 8535, Big Sandy. TX 75755-8535. Novartis. normal cats, no affected kittens will be pro­ For Customer Service The drug's short blood half-life causes the duced. This mating is likely to produce kit­ or Subscription information. visit active ingredient to be quickly eliminated tens that are carriers, which can be identified www.catwatchnewsletter.comlcs from the blood while persisting longer at the by genetic testing and, if necessary, future or call toll free 800-829-8893 site of inAamed tissue, allowing for once-a­ matings arranged with normal cats ." Expres s wri tten pe rmi SSIon is required to reprodu ce. In any day administration for up to three days, the Clinical signs in cats affected by the ma nner, he contents of this issu e. company reported. disease can usually be managed by adding either rn full or in part. For more Side effects observed during a clinical potassium supplements to their diet. In some inform ation. write (0 Perm issions. CatWarch·, 800 Connecticut Ave., field trial and six-month safety study includ­ affected cats, clinical signs disappear when Norwalk. Connecticut 06854-163 1. ed surgical site bleeding, infected surgery the cats reach the ages of one or two. •:.

CatWatch AUGUST 2012 HEALTH

SCHEDULE REGULAR VETERINARY EXAMS . The best defense against glaucoma is preventa­ tive care and early detection.

(FeLV), feline immunodeficiency virus (FlV), feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) and toxoplasmosis all affect the immune system's ability to ward off infection, thereby making it much easier for a cat to develop uveitis (inflammation of the eye). Lens luxations (dislocations) gener­ ally occur in tandem with chronic uve­ itis. Chronic inflammation can cause the fibers that hold the lens in place to break down; if the lens falls into the front chamber of the eye, it can disrupt the drainage of fluid from the eye. Tumors within the eye can block the filtration angle. And injury to the eye can cause blood to pool inside, plugging the filtra­ tion angle.

How It's Treated. Treatment ofglau­ coma can be difficult and expensive and may be necessary throughout the cat's remaining lifetime. However, vision can sometimes be saved if the treatment begins soon enough. When treating glaucoma, it is important to eliminate any underlying disorders that may be causing a problem within the eye. Secondly, pressure must be reduced Understand the Risk of Glaucoma to avoid further damage to the optic nerve. Treatment can be medical or Treatment can be difficult and expensive, so it's surgical. Medical treatment is often used in cases where inflammation is important to get prompt veterinary care for your cat. the culprit. Medications that reduce inflammation and decrease the produc­ he eye is an amazing, delicate or­ mology at Cornell University's College tion of fluid are typically administered. Tgan. Cells within the eye normaIly of Veterinary Medicine who is board­ Surgical treatment may be necessary if produce a clear fluid (aqueous humor) certified by the American College of the cat is unresponsive to medical treat­ that serves to nourish and maintain the Veterinary Ophthalmologists, primary ment or if the glaucoma is caused by shape of the eye. When the balance be­ (inherited) glaucoma is uncommon in lens luxation, a tumor or trauma. In the tween the production and the drainage cats; it involves a structural problem case of a dislocated lens, the lens may be of fluid is upset, glaucoma can result. with the filtration (drainage) angle. Sec­ removed manually. Goniovalve inser­ Decreased drainage of fluid causes in­ ondary glaucoma develops because of tion - surgical implantation of a tube to creased pressure (and pain) within the another disorder already present in the allow proper fluid drainage - may also eye, often resulting in damage to the eye; that is, there is a problem within be an option in order to relieve pressure optic nerve and, consequently, loss of the eye which causes a disruption in the within the eye. vision. necessary drainage of fluid. The most Unfortunately, once a tumor is pres­ While glaucoma is much less com­ common causes of secondary glaucoma ent or vision has already been lost, it mon in cats than in dogs, it still poses are inflammation, lens luxation, tumors is often necessary to remove the eye, a the same high risk of blindness ifleft un­ and trauma. Inflammation inside the procedure called enucleation. However, treated. In fact, even if diagnosed early eye becomes a problem because protein cats are extremely adaptable and can on, treatment is not always successful. and debris begin circulating in the aque­ continue to lead happy, satisfying lives ous humor and can plug the filtration even without perfect vision. The Two Types. There are two main angle. Many things can cause the eye to categories of glaucoma: primary and become inflamed - some of which are What You Shoul Look For. Many secondary. According to Thomas Kern, never identified. signs of glaucoma may be either barely DVM, an associate professor of ophthal­ However, feline leukemia virus (continued on page 5)

AUGUST 2012 Visi t us at www .catwatchn ewsletter.com HEALTH

seEK PROMPT VETERINARY CARE. This is not a time to practice any at-home techniques. Your cat needs to be seen by an expert.

to show for the unpleasant experience, typically in the pelvis. hind legs, or tail. The second most frequently seen feline fractures are those sustained by cats who fall to earth from a significant height - from a lofty tree branch, say, or from the windowsill of a house or apartment building. A cat can also suffer a fracture in a fight with another animal (a coyote or hostile dog, for example) or by getting tangled up in gardening or farming equipment or - if it is lucky enough to survive - by being shot at by a trigger­ happy hunter. The threat of bone fracture. how­ ever, is by no means confined to those animals that spend most of their lives outdoors. "A cat can break a bone indoors by leaping to the floor from a high shelf or the top of a refrigera­ tor," notes Dr. Krotscheck. "A bone can even snap if it gets caught between couch cushions or between a mattress and a bed frame. In fact, that's quite common."

Vulnerable Bones. Feline fractures occur most frequently in the long Broken Bones: All Cats Are at Risk bones of the front or hind limbs, the femur, tibia, humerus, radius. or ulna. Fortunately, most feline fractures can be repaired by Broken pelvises and jaws may occur, though less frequently. And spinal a veterinary surgeon. Here's what you should know. fractures can also happen, but they are extremely rare. Rib fractures are com­ espite their typically strong, agile, quently in felines than they do in dogs, paratively rare in cats - much rarer D and resilient bodies, cats are sub­ cats with broken bones are treated than in dogs, Dr. Krotscheck points ject to a wide variety of musculoskel­ once or twice each month at the Cor­ out - because the feline ribcage is etal disorders - diseases and injuries nell University Hospital for Animals "very pliable." affecting the complex structure of (CUHA), according to Ursula Krots­ As is true of dogs and humans, a bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments check, DVM, an assistant professor cat is prone to two broadly defined that give shape to their bodies and en­ of clinical sciences at the University's types of bone fracture - closed and able them to move about. Fortunately, College of Veterinary Medicine. open. Within each category, breaks of most of these disorders - such as con­ A 11 fractures are treated with great varying severity may occur. genital malformations, inflammatory care, regardless of their severity, since Closed fractures are those in which diseases and tumorous growths - are any broken bone - if not treated im­ a broken bone has not penetrated the relatively rare in cats. mediately and appropriately - can skin and, therefore, has no communi­ Less rare by comparison are bone conceivably result in a permanent mal­ cation with the outside environment. fractures that result from traumatic function or the loss of a limb. The least serious of these is a hairline events, such as when a cat is hit by a fracture, in which there is a crack in car, for example, or falls from a tree. Traumatic Injuries. Getting hit by a the bone, but the bone doesn't change A fracture can occur when any physi­ car or truck is by far the greatest single shape or position. cal force applies sudden and excessive cause of feline bone fractures, says Dr. Open fractures are those in which pressure on a bone until it snaps at its Krotscheck. Cats fortunate to have a broken bone has penetrated the skin weakest point. survived such a traumatic event will surface, resulting in damage to sur­ Although fractures occur less fre­ usually have one or more broken bones rounding muscle and other soft tissues.

4 AU GUST 2012 HEALTH

These are obviously far more danger­ ous than closed fractures because of WHAT YOU SHOULD DO IMMEDIATELY: SEEK VETERINARY ATTENTION their complexity and the risk of infec­ tion stemming from the exposure of Cat owners should consider any fracture as a medical emergency that bone and soft tissues to the environ­ requires immediate veterinary attention, says Dr. Ursula Krotscheck. "Don't ment. There are three categories - or attempt any f irst aid," she advises. "Don't try to bandage the wounded "grades" - of open-fracture severity: area or try to strap the animal to a board. And don't try to ice the wound • Grade One open fracture. It's the - stressed cats don't like to be touched - and you're apt to be bitten or most common and least severe. Essen­ scratched. Simply put the animal in its carrier, call the veteri narian to say tially, a piece of bone breaks through that you're on your way, and get to the clinic as soon as possible." the skin and immediately retreats back into the body, leaving a small wound in At the cl inic, a fracture - or at least the skin surface. the area of injury - is like ly to be • Grade Two open fracture. There clearly apparent. Nevertheless, an is significant trauma to the skin and experienced veterinarian will post­ underlying tissue, and a portion of the broken bone remains exposed to the pone repairing the injury pending ell1o;4.QI1 D1 en t. a period of observation and a series • Grade Three Op€ll fracture. The of laboratory tests for a minimum of most serious, it involves severe trauma 12 hours and possibly two or three to the bone, skin, and underlying tis­ days, during which time the cat sue and may include significant loss of will be given pain-killing medica­ bone tissue. tions. "Before any type of surgery Fractures may also be character­ is done," says Dr. Krotscheck, "we ized according to whether a bone has want to ma ke sure that the animal broken cleanly in one or more places (a simple fracture) or has shattered hasn't experienced any other kind of into many pieces (called a comminuted trauma - to its lungs or heart, for fracture). exa mple - that would put it at risk under anesthesia." Damage Control. Most broken bones can be successfully repaired by an expert The observation period will also veterinary surgeon; the choice of meth­ serve to give the an imal some sorely ods depends primarily on which bone needed rest, she points out. A cat t hat has just fallen from a tree or been is broken and which type of fracture struck by a car needs time for its body to recover from the trauma. has occurred. A hairline fracture, for instance, may simply require only the use of bandages or splints, since the bone In the case of a broken femur, a sur­ heal when a plate is involved will depend has not been displaced. The majority of geon would probably opt to use some largely on the cat's age. fractures, however, will require surgery type of internal fixation, such as plating. As in humans, young cats tend to entailing the repositioning of the bone In this procedure, a stainless steel plate is heal more quickly than significantly old­ parts an their stabilization wit a vari­ screwed onto the injured bone, keeping er cats, Dr. Krotscheck points out, so ety of plates, rods, wires and other ortho­ it aligned so that it can heal straight. The healing can take anywhere from eight pedic devices. length of time necessary for a fracture to weeks to several months. (0 A fracture is diagnosed by means of a thorough physical examination and X-rays of the injured area. Specific treat­ GLAUCOMA... (continuedjronl page 3) • vision loss; ment will be based on the location of the • lethargy, irritability and a decrease in break and the type of fracture revealed perceptible or easily confused with other appetite, which may be responses to the by the X-ray images. For example, says disorders. If any of the following symp­ discomfort or pain ofincreased pressure Dr. Krotscheck: "Ifwe see a minimally toms are observed, it is important to within the eye. displaced fracture or just a hairline frac­ seek veterinary care as soon as possible: ture in the bone, we might use external The best defense against glaucoma coaptation - a simple splint or cast that • a bloodshot eye; and vision loss is preventative care and stabilizes the limb until the bone heals. • a very squinty, apparently painful eye early detection. According to Dr. Kern, it But that's not usually a good option if • excessive tearing; may be beneficial, especially for geriatric there's a break with Significant bone • a dilated pupil that is unresponsive to cats, to have regular ophthalmic exami­ displacement. And external coaptation changes in light; nations. As with any health issue, it pays is generally not used for fractures of the • a cloudy cornea; to be finely attuned to your cat's behav­ humerus or femur." • an enlarged appearance ofthe eye ior and appearance. +

AUGUST 2012 Visit us at www .catwalchnewslettH.com s DISEASE

UPPER RESPIRATORY INFECTIONS feline leukemia virus (FeLV) - although however, herpesvirus remains forever (contin ued from cover) not directly associated with upper respi­ and clinical signs continue to flare up ratory disease - may compromise an repeatedly, with recurrences brought on Potential Problems. Although the animal's immune system and thus make it by such things as stress, bad weather, the primary clinical signs of upper respira­ more susceptible to respiratory infection. outbreak of some other illness or medica­ tory infection are troublesome and often These viruses are usually passed from tions that suppress the immune system." debilitating, they are generally transitory cat to cat when they lick or groom one "It's a very common infection in ma­ and self-limiting - they just come and another, notes Dr. Scott, or through other ture cats that have not been vaccinated go without causing enduring harm. How­ direct physical contact. These viruses against it," says Dr. Scott, "and almost all ever, they can sometimes progress to sec­ can also be airborne. "During the acute of these affected animals will recover. But ondary complications with long-lasting stage of in fection," he says, "there's a lot it can kill very young kittens or those that consequences. of sneezing going on. An infected cat have been infected in the uterus, because These include pneumonia, conjuncti­ will blow the virus out into the environ­ the infection can easily develop into a vitis or corneal ulcers (vision-impairing ment, and cats a few feet away will inhale serious systemic disease." eye conditions), and a host of other virus­ it. A virus can also be transmitted from The signs and progression of a calici­ and bacteria-borne illnesses resulting an infected queen to her kittens during virus infection are "entirely different," Dr. from the entry of infectious microorgan­ pregnancy or through grooming them Scott points out. "There is less sneezing isms into an afflicted cat's system via the after they are born." and not as much eye involvement. But open sores that often break out inside its you may see ulcers on the affected cat's mouth and on its nose, lips and tongue. Disease Progression. Once present in tongue, lips and sometimes around its In addition, some cats may refuse to eat a cat's system, no medication can make claws. And some strains of this virus can because of the painful ulcerations in their the viruses simply disappear. Herpesvi­ cause fatal pneumonia." mouths and may consequently become rus will remain in an infected cat's sys­ The signs progress for about a week, systemically ill as the result of a nutri­ tem forever, resurfacing periodically to he says, noting that "the calicivirus dis­ tional deficiency. cause recurring episodes of fever, ocular ease comes on a little faster than the ill­ inflammation, nasal discharge, sneez­ ness caused by herpesvirus infection, and Major Offenders. "About four out of ing and other signs of rhinotracheitis. the disease course is a little shorter. Most five upper respiratory infections are As for calicivirus, it will typically vanish cats will survive the initial infection, but caused by one of two viruses," says Fred from an affected animal's system within the real danger is pneumonia, which can Scott, DVM, PhD, former professor emeri­ a year or so after the initial infection, but come on very fast and be fata\." tus ofvirology at Cornell University's Col­ in some cases not until after it has done As with herpesvirus, he says, kittens lege of Veterinary Medicine and the significant damage to the cat's upper are significantly more susceptible to seri­ founding director of Cornell's Feline respiratory system and has opened the ous systemic disease - especially pneu­ Health Center. An estimated 40 percent of pathways for secondary infection. monia - resulting from a calicivirus cases are caused by feline herpesvirus Herpesvirus, explains Dr. Scott, ini­ infection. "Kittens are protected for a few (FHV), which is also known as feline rhi­ tially announces its presence by causing weeks by the natural immunity they've notracheitis virus (FRV), and about 40 acute sneezing attacks in its host. But gotten from their mothers," says Dr. percent are caused by feline calicivirus its impact is felt beyond the respiratory Scott, "but they become susceptible after (FCV). "The remainder, notes Dr. Scott, system components. "The virus starts to that immunity wears off." "are caused by a bacterial agent called replicate and destroy cells in the animal's Chlamydophilia felis and other micro­ nose," he explains. "This will typically be Effective Vaccines. For the past sev­ organisms." followed by a discharge of fluid from the eral decades, vaccines have been available To complicate matters, infection with cat's eyes. It may be noticeable initially in that, to a great extent, protect cats against feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and just one eye, but both eyes will soon be herpesvirus and calicivirus, and these involved. And the discharge will be watery vaccines have proven successful over the at first , but it may become progressively years in Significantly redUCing the occur­ purulent. This is often followed by con­ rence of upper respiratory disease. junctivitis - inflammation of the mucous Dr. Scott urges all cat owners to make membrane that lines the inner surface of sure that their cats are vaccinated ac­ the eyelid. And in a small percentage of cording to the schedules recommended cats, you may see signs of corneal ulcer­ by veterinarians. Unfortunately, no vac­ ation." The length of time it takes for the cine is 100-percent effective. Although disease to run its course and for the clini­ all existing vaccines are apt to reduce the cal signs to subside ranges, he notes, "any­ severity of viral infections, none can be where from a day to a week or so." guaranteed to immunize all cats against Once present in the feline system, the organisms that cause upper respira­ tory disease. Also, new strains of feline VACCINATION PROTOCOLS. You should spea k calicivirus are continually evolving; with your veterinarian about what vacdnes are therefore, the efficacy of current vac­ appropriate for your cat. cines may diminish as time goes by. •;.

6 CatWatch AUGUST 2012 HEALTH

NOISE ANXIETY ... (contilluedfrom cover) THE AT-HOME HEALTH EXAM THAT YOU CAN GIVE YOUR CAT something pleasant, such as finding her fa­ The conscientious pet owner is essentially the veterinarian's eyes and hands vorite person at the printer, that noise will attract her. Likely the most common noise away from the office. For this reason, it is important to be fa miliar with the that is music to a cat's ears is the sound of steps involved in doing an at-home mini-physical examination on your cat. the electric can opener, which means tasty This should supplement your cat's twice yearly trips to the veterinarian. food may soon appear. Easier Than You Think. Performing an at-home physical examination is much easier than you might think; in fact, the examination should be a How You Should React. When your normal extension of the regular attention you give your cat. Here are some cat gets scared of a noise, your first instinct may be to hold and soothe her. "This is easy-to-follow ground rules: controversial among behaviorists," ex­ • Don't restr~in your cat when you do the examination. She should be com­ plains Dr. Houp t. "I recommend not com­ fortably nestled in your lap or, if she's not a lap cat, you can place her on a forting your cat, because she may interpret raised surface. this as a reason to really be afraid of the noise." By never punish your cat for her • No fighting. If she starts to struggle, take a break. fear, as this will only increase her anxiety. • Never attempt an examination after a play session. Do it when your cat is The best thing to do is let your cat quiet and rel axed. hide in a place of her choosing. Let her stay there as long as she needs to. This is • It's not necessary to do the whole examination at once. You can do a little natural and what cats do in the wild when at a time over the course of a week. they're scared. Ifyour cat hides for a long Getting Started. If you have a weekly grooming ritual, that's a great time to time, "try luring him out with a treat or his look at the condition of your feline friend's skin and coat. First, look for any favorite toy," says Dr. Houpt. "But never hair loss (which could indicate fleas or another skin disorder), patchy spots, drag a cat out of his hiding place - unless lumps and bumps. Be sure to observe your cat's belly, as mammary cancer he's in some danger." Another way to help your cat cope with is a concern with cats, especially unspayed females. Check for swellings and scary noises is through the behavioral tech­ asymmetrical and/or painful areas. nique of desensitization. First, you need to Next, look at your cat's rear end. Lift her tail and check for t apeworm infec­ recreate the noise - perhaps the vacuum tion, which will appear as rice-like segments stuck in the hair. Al so, if your cleaner - by taping it onto a CD. Start by cat has long hair, make sure she doesn't have feces matted in the hair on playing the CD at a very low volume. Your cat w1\l hear it, but he should not show signs her bottom. of fear at this level. You should increase the Inspect her toes to make sure she doesn't have any ingrown toenails. This is volume very gradually until your cat is used a special concern with older cats, and may be an issue with polydactyl cats to hearing the sound at a normal level. Ifhe (cats w ith extra toes). shows fear at any point, decrease the vol­ ume and proceed a little more slowly. Look in her ears: They should be light pink (unless they're pigmented) and This method should work if you com­ there should not be any odor or discharge. To look down into the ear, you bine it with a favorite reward for not hiding. can gently pull the top of the ear upward. While you play the CD, engage your cat in some of his favorite games. Ofcourse, Next, check your cat's eyes to ensure that the pupils are the same size, that shower your kitty with affection and some there is no teari ng and that the third eyelid (nictitating membrane) isn't treats when he accomplishes this feat. Re­ drawn over the eye. Also, your cat shouldn't be squinting. If she tolerates it, member, this technique will require both you can pull out the lower eyelid, which should be pink, not red or white. time and patience. Finally, it's time to look in her mouth. Gums (like other tissue) should be a Soothing Medicine. Some cats become . healthy pink, and teeth should not be too tartar encrusted. Familiarize your­ overly agitated by noise. In this situation, self with your cat's normal breath: Although it's never exactly lovely to sniff, your vet may suggest a product called Feli­ it shouldn't be fetid. Make sure she isn't drooling. way. Available at your veterinarian's office In a short amount of time, you will have covered all the basics. It's impor­ or from a pet supply shop, this product is synthesized from a naturally occurring tant to watch for slight changes in behavior, as well as any physiological feline phernome that appears to calm cats problems. Subtle signs of illness include lethargy, change in appetite and down. Use it as a spray or diffuser when water consumption (eating or drinking more or less than usual), changes there's a lot of noise going on in your in grooming behavior (oily coat or overgrooming are red flags), weight loss home, sllch as construction. "Your cat may and any changes in litter box behavior. If you have any concerns, a visit to just come Ollt to eat and use the litter box, the veterinarian is in order. 0) but that's okay," says Dr. Houpt. .)

AUGUST 2012 Visit us at www .catwatchn ews letter.com 7 Dear Elizabeth: I was sitting on the couch You may know a cat who does more than purr in with my cat watching the news last night the presence of its human 'mother' - some also Qand, as usual, her purring nearly drowned knead their humans during times of contended out the reporter! I stopped thinking about the news interaction. I've even known cats who drool as and started wondering about purring. I remember their humans pet them, as if they are remember­ reading something about people having their blood ing nursing! pressure lowered by a purring cat. What can you tell This idea of cats purring in the presence of their me about your motor? stand-in moms would explain why cats purr when contended and happy - just as they did when Please send your behavior and health questions to' I have been purring nearly my whole life they were kittens with their real, furry moms. "Ask Eliloberh' so I should be an expert! However, like More difficult to explain is the observation made CarWoKh, Box 13, many feline characteristics, purring is by many veterinarians and cat owners that purr­ Cornell University A mysterious - even to me! Let me share what my ing also occurs when a cat is anxious or fearful. College ofVeterinory MedIcine, l[haca, New York friends at the Cornell Feline Health Center have to Hmm ... behaviorists have some ideas, but they 14853-6401 say about purring. don't really understand the purpose of purring in At its core, purring is a means of communication these situations. One idea is that the 'anxious cat - but cats purr in a variety of situations: when purr' may be similar to a human's nervous smile. We regrerrhot we cannot respond to individual Inqumes they are comfortable and content, of course, but Another idea is that cat's purr to calm themselves. about feline health matrers, also when they are anxlious, injured or ill. What, As you wrote in your question, it is known that exactly, a cat is communicating in these various humans show lowered blood pressure and a sense Elizabeth is thankful for the situations is open to interpretation. of well-being when in contact with a purring cat; assi.ltance of Ryane Eng/or, The most straightforward purring is done by perhaps the cat benefits, too! DVM, a vetermary consultant baby kittens. Starting at about two days of age, Finally there is the question of HOW cats purr. at the Cornell Feline Health kittens purr in the presence of their mother, and Another mystery, I'm afraid, but there is good Center, in answering your questiOns. in response to nursing. This early purring is likely evidence that purring emanates from the larynx, to be an 'I'm OK' signal to the queen, and along or voice box. Electromyographic studies have with kneading movement of the front paws on the revealed that the vocal folds vibrate at set frequen­ mammary gland area, may serve as a stimulus for cies during purring. During respiration, oscillation milk letdown. of the laryngeal soft tissue structures results in As kittens mature, purring continues in the turbulent airflow. Scientists term the audible result presence of humans; this is one piece of evidence of this turbulent airflow a 'tonal buzz', but the rest used by those behaviorists who suggest that cats of us call it .... purring! think of their human friends as mother figures. Love, Elizabeth .:.

COMING UP •• .

CORRESPONDENCE SUBSCRIPTIONS For subscription and customer service The Editor $39 per year (U.s.) information. visit www.catwatchnewsletter.com/ CatWatch' $49 per year (Canada) cs or write to: CatWatch. p,O, Box 8535, 800 Connecticut Ave. Big Sandy, TX 75755-8535, Norwalk, CT 06854 Single copies of back issues are available evcornell@rcn ,com for $5,00 each. Call 800-571-1555 to order, CALL TOLL FREE: 800-829-8893

8 CatWatch AUG UST 2012