Top Five Cat Toxins Of 2010

The Pet Poison Helpline has revealed the five most common causes of calls regarding potential cat poisoning.

The most common cause of cat poisonings in 2010, accounting for almost 40% of cases, involved cats that improperly ingested human or veterinary drugs. Cats are far less able to metabolize certain drugs than humans and dogs, and common drugs such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDS) are some of the most deadly to cats. Other drugs causing poisoning included acetaminophen and antidepressants such as Effexor. The Pet Poison Helpline stresses that with any accidental medication ingestion, immediate veterinary care is imperative.

About 14% of calls regarding cat poisonings related to ingestion of poisonous plants. True lilies (Lilium and Hemerocallis spp.), including the Tiger, Day, Asiatic, Easter and Japanese Show lilies, are among the most deadly and cause kidney failure in cats. Because these flowers are fragrant, inexpensive and long-lasting, florists often include them in arrangements.


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Warning over cat antifreeze threat

The RSPCA is urging the public to be aware of the dangers posed to cats by antifreeze. Hundreds of cases of antifreeze poisoning have been reported to the society in the last few years. Now the RSPCA is appealing to the public to take extra care when using the product after five cats died in Norwich on December 30.

Dr Kerry Westwood, RSPCA scientific officer for companion animals, said: "Many of us are not aware of just how toxic antifreeze is so it's really important that we all take care when using, storing and disposing of it. It could save an animal from an incredibly painful death."


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Declawing Cats: Far Worse Than a Manicure by The Humane Society of the United States

Declawing is a topic that arouses strong feelings. Some people believe it's cruel and unnecessary, while others think it has its place.

Why people declaw cats
People often mistakenly believe that declawing their cats is a harmless "quick fix" for unwanted scratching. They don't realize that declawing can make a cat less likely to use the litter box or more likely to bite.

What is declawing?
Too often, people think that declawing is a simple surgery that removes a cat's nails—the equivalent of having your fingernails trimmed. Sadly, this is far from the truth. Declawing traditionally involves the amputation of the last bone of each toe. If performed on a human being, it would be like cutting off each finger at the last knuckle.

 What you can do
    * Keep his claws trimmed to minimize damage to household items.
    * Provide several stable scratching posts and boards around your home. Offer different materials like carpet, sisal, wood, and cardboard, as well as different styles (vertical and horizontal). Use toys and catnip to entice your cat to use the posts and boards.
    * Ask your veterinarian about soft plastic caps (such as Soft Paws) that are glued to the cat's nails. They need to be replaced about every six weeks.
    * Use a special tape (such as Sticky Paws) on furniture to deter your cat from unwanted scratching.


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Even Healthy Cats Act Sick When Their Routine Is Disrupted by Science Daily

A cat regularly vomiting hairballs or refusing to eat probably isn't being finicky or otherwise "cat-like," despite what conventional wisdom might say. There is a good chance that the cat is acting sick because of the stress caused by changes in its environment, new research suggests.

Healthy cats were just as likely as chronically ill cats to refuse food, vomit frequently and leave waste outside their litter box in response to changes in their routine, according to the Ohio State University study. Veterinary clinicians refer to these acts as sickness behaviors.

When the cats experienced what were called "unusual external events," such as a change in feeding schedule or caretaker, the healthy cats were just as likely to exhibit sickness behaviors as were the chronically ill cats. The two groups had the same number of sickness behaviors in response to unusual events, and both groups were at more than three times the risk of acting sick when their routines were disrupted.

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Yoga meditation music 'helps cats relax'

A study shows that when they are unwell, cats became less stressed when they listen to relaxing music. Student veterinary nurse Sian Barr carried out the research on cats being treated at a vet's surgery. She found that those who were played yoga meditation music and Om Shanti tunes calmed down and began to breathe more slowly while in cages at the practice in Powys, Wales.

Miss Barr, who has just graduated from veterinary school with a first class honours degree thanks to her research, said: "Stress in small doses can be a good thing, such as if a cat is under stress to eat, then it can perform better. 

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WebMD - Pet Health

WebMD has recently launched a new extension of their website devoted to the health of pets. Check it out here