Number 1 tip for feline weight management: switch to a raw fur/feathers diet (or at least a grain-free, high quality canned food). Cats are obligate carnivores with bodies evolved to process small animals such as rats, rabbits, and birds (e.g. chicken) – including the (raw) bones and organs. A grind of whole (flesh, bones, and…
Category: Companion Animals
Cocoa Care 2020
2020 June – A course of Marbofloxacin (1/2 tablet per day for six days) appears to have stopped the sneezing fits.
Emergency Preparation
Pet Emergency Forms, courtesy of FAAS: wallet card, pet care instructions, owner consent form, pet disaster kit checklist. Fire safety: Petplan, American Red Cross, pet rescue notice. Disaster preparedness: PetCareRx. Estate planning – wills and trusts: Nolo Press, PetMD, Forbes. Pet insurance: Consumer Reports review, Consumer Reports video. Microchip Helpful infographics.
Diabetes
Cats suffer from Type II diabetes but not Type I. A small percentage develop insulin resistance. Rapid weight loss, increased thirst and urination, dehydration, dizziness, vomiting, and staggering are all symptoms which may be associated with diabetes. A blood test at the vet’s will determine if diabetes is the cause or if further testing should…
Fleas and Mites
Some cats and dogs are extremely sensitive to fleas; an afflicted cat will chew off large swatches of fur – and even skin in some cases. Mites of various types can also cause chewing, allergic reactions, and hair loss. They include Sarcoptes scabiei canis (mange; the human form of scabies is caused by a different…