Welcome to Tittle-Tattle,  an online notebook about cats.  Please understand, these articles are not meant to be used as medical advice.  Always talk to your vet about what is best for your kitty. 

PHOTO OF THE MONTH!

"Grace" - Pashmina White Persian

Sent to us by Gaby in Colorado.

PET FOOD RECALL LIST

     Learn more about the foods that can make your cat sick...(Click HERE)

Tip of the Month

     Cat food can go bad quickly when left outside on a hot day.  This is a common source of food poisoning.  Never leave moist food out for more than half an hour. Leftovers should be discarded or refrigerated.

Cat Dental Care

   You may not believe this, but cats get cavities too.  Just like humans, a cat can acquire tarter build up thus leading to gum disease and tooth loss.  What can you do to take "a bite" out of feline dental problems?  Here are a few suggestions.

     Brush you kitty's teeth.  Wow - did I just say that?  Yes you can brush your cat's teeth once a week.  This can be accomplished by using a cat toothbrush or even a child size tooth brush.  Of course you can't brush without toothpaste, so you can use an edible cat toothpaste often found at pet specialty stores.  Cats do not usually want to cooperate with this procedure, so an extra pair of hands might help.

     Cavities just below the gum line are often a dental problem with cats.  Your vet will be able to determine if this is an issue.  Root work is often a necessity.  This procedure will include x-rays.

    Remember all feline dental hygiene should be  conducted under a vet's direction.  Starting early is your best bet to avoid serious problems. 

how to Cope with the loss of your cat

     The pain can be both emotional and physical.  Your home feels empty and strange.  There is a huge void that was once filled with laughter and love.  Your cat has passed, and you simply can't cope with the pain.  But there is hope - you can find happiness again.

     The first thing to remember is that you are not alone.  There are others out there just like you who are grieving for the loss of their cat.  Take the time to find an online support group where you can share your feelings with others.  Talk to a close and understanding friend.  Expressing your feelings to others can be the first step to feeling better.

     Allow yourself to cry - don't hold back.  Keeping these feeling inside will only cause your emotions to fester.  And then, after you've had a good cry, focus on the beauty around you - the good things you have.  Take a walk, or spend some quality time with family and friends.

     Help yourself find closure by creating a memorial for your cat.  Perhaps a shadow box filled with memories.  If you're computer savvy, build a web page dedicated to your kitty.  Something as simple as a small photo album can help you begin to find the closure you need to move forward.

     Don't dismiss getting another cat.  Of course it is important that you allow yourself ample time to make that commitment.  Remember, you will never replace your cat, but you can once again find the same happiness and closeness once enjoyed.  By doing so, the memory of your special kitty can live on forever.

Obesity - the skinny on fat cats

     We've all seen it - the silly cartoon about a fat cat.  He can really make us laugh. Fat cats have been the butt of many jokes.  There is even a slang "fat cat" meaning a wealthy and highly privileged person.  Some might even believe that a fat cat is a  content cat.  But all of this could not be further from the truth.  Obesity in cats is a very serious problem that can lead to many illnesses including diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, skin problems, and even premature death.  So what should you do if your cat is obese?

     The first step includes determining whether your cat is indeed overweight.  The best place to get that answer is from your vet.  Cats can come in various shapes and sizes, so let your vet determine the proper weight for the breed of cat.  To give you a rough idea, feel along the sides of your cat.  You should be able to feel each individual rib.  Stand above your cat to observe his waist.  Does he have an hourglass figure?  He should.  Do you notice a bulge on each side of the tail.  This could be an indicator of an overweight cat.  Of course you should always consult with your vet for proper verification. But once you've determined that your cat should lose a few pounds, then what?

     One important measure to feline weight loss is increased exercise.  Keep you cat busy with lots of stimulating toys mimicking prey.  Consider the idea of adopting a playmate for your cat.  Many people believe that two cats are more fun and entertaining with very little added work.

     It is also very important to examine your cat's calorie intake - how much food is your cat eating?  Of course it is important to remember that feeding too little can cause just as many problems as feeding too much.  And sometimes it is not how much food - it's the kind of food. Talk to your vet about what brand is best for your cat.

     Weight loss, even in cats, should not take place quickly.  It is healthier for your cat to lose his weight in a slow steady manner - no crash diets!  More importantly, keep your cat under a vet's monitoring.  With proper exercise and food intake management, your kitty will soon shed the pounds regaining that sleek figure of yesteryear.

Feline diseases - "the big 4"

     There are many varieties of feline diseases; however, upon visiting your vet, he will most likely offer a vaccine covering the "Big 4" which are briefly described below:

     1.  Feline Distemper aka Feline Panleukopenia:  This is a viral infection causing, but not limited to, bloody stool, high fever, vomiting, and decreased appetite.  Although Panleukopenia primarily affects kittens, adults are not immune.  The disease lowers a cat's immune defenses by decreasing white blood cell production.

     2.  Rhinotracheitis aka The Kitty Cold:  This is probably one of the most widespread viruses found among cats today causing severe cold-like symptoms.  Unfortunately, once infected with this virus, a cat can suffer with life-long upper respiratory problems.  Coughing, sneezing, fever, discharge from the nose, and poor appetite are all symptoms indicative of this disease.  If not treated properly, Rhino can actually cause death in young kittens.  It is believed that over 95% of cats have been exposed to this virus.

     3.  Calicivirus:  Another nasty upper respiratory virus causing fever, poor appetite, and ulcerations of the tongue.  Infected cats can become carriers being the source of infection to others.  Death is a possibility in the young and old.

     4.  Feline Leukemia aka FeLV:   This virus, transmitted via cat to cat contact, severely limits the immune system's ability to ward off infections.  Cats can be carriers without displaying any signs of the disease.  Stress can play a major role in the disease's affect on the body.  Unfortunately, death is usually the final outcome of this disease.  If a cat remains indoors away from possible carriers, this vaccine may not be necessary.  Your vet will know what is best.

     Remember, once a cat has been exposed to these diseases, a vaccine is essentially worthless.  It is important to keep your cat up-to-date on all boosters.  A vaccine does not protect your cat from infection; however, it can give your cat's body the ability to deal with the virus successfully.  Always talk to your vet about the best vaccination schedule for your kitty.    

Upcoming Articles

Bathing your cat

Litter Box Maintenance - The real scoop!

Hairballs - Coughing up the truth

Traveling with your cat

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Fleas- Summer Battle Plan

Finicky Felines - How To Deal With Fussy Eaters.

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