FASCINATING FACTS BEHIND THE TINY CAT PARASITE THAT CAUSES TOXOPLASMOSIS. CAN THIS SMALL ORGANISM TURN YOU INTO A “CRAZY CAT LADY”?

Crazy cat ladies. We’ve all heard the term, but what does it mean? According to the Urban Dictionary, a crazy cat lady is “A woman who loves her cats more than people”. There are other, more pejorative definitions, but I prefer this one which signifies a deep affection for felines. But, is it possible that a parasite common to cats can cause changes to behavior when a human is infected? Surprisingly, current research shows that it can. WHAT IS TOXOPLASMOSIS Toxoplasmosis is a parasite which affects cats. These little critters are ingested when a cat eats an infected rodent, excreted by cats in their feces, and often infects humans as well. It’s the reason pregnant women are told not to clean their cat’s litter boxes, for fear of infecting their unborn child. In healthy adult humans, however, infection with the toxoplasma gondii parasite may briefly cause mild, flu-like symptoms, but often produces no symptoms at all. At least, not physical ones. CAN I AVOID GETTING INFECTED? If you're concerned that your cat may be infected, your veterinarian can perform a simple…

Post author:abbey
Post published:June 26, 2019

EASTER SAFETY TIPS FOR PETS – ENJOY THE HOLIDAY!

It’s finally spring – and with that comes Easter. Warm breezes are replacing the chilly winds of winter, and we’re getting ready for the Easter holiday. Below are some Easter safety tips for your pets that will allow you to enjoy the season while keeping your furry companions safe. NOTE: Dietary comments below are meant for healthy animals only. If your dog or cat suffers from a medical condition, please check with your vet before offering treats. CATS - SOME EASTER SAFETY TIPS LILIES These traditional Easter flowers are poisonous to cats – even in very small doses. Merely licking the pollen from a lily off its fur can cause vomiting, lack of appetite, and lethargy. Kidney damage can occur rapidly if not promptly treated. So, please, leave the Easter lilies in the store and bring in some of the plastic or silk variety to brighten your home. HARD-BOILED EGGS Cats CAN eat hard-boiled eggs, peeled, of course. As long as the eggs are completely cooked, an occasional hard-boiled egg adds protein and variety to your cat’s diet. Be aware, though, that…

Post author:abbey
Post published:April 1, 2019

HOW TO CHOOSE A VETERINARIAN

So, you need to choose a veterinarian. You’re new to the area, or you’re a first-time pet owner. There are lots of veterinary practices within a reasonable distance from you – how do you pick? WORD OF MOUTH If you already know pet-owners nearby, ask. Don’t just ask what practice, ask why. Everyone looks for different things in a veterinarian – something that is very important to you may not be particularly important to your neighbor. Vets and their staff come in all types – curt, but efficient; friendly, but scattered; working to the client’s convenience instead of their own. And, from my personal experience, veterinarians can be an ego-driven lot, so make sure to ask about the vet’s personality as well. HOURS This can be very important, both for routine and emergency visits. When I moved into my current home, I chose a practice which advertised that they were open until 7:00 PM two nights a week. I commute to work every day, and having these two days where I could make an appointment after my work hours were complete…

Post author:abbey
Post published:January 21, 2019

12 PLANTS THAT CAN MAKE YOUR PET SICK

Household pets come in contact with lots of dangerous items every day. Although they have lived in our homes for many centuries, they are still animals, and need us to protect them from the hazards of our world. More than 100,000 companion animals are treated each year for some type of poisoning. One of the biggest reasons for this is toxic plants - either house plants, or items we've planted in our yards or gardens. Here are some of the most common ones: COMMON AT CHRISTMAS Poinsettia – Causes irritation in the stomach and mouth if ingested. Not generally life-threatening. Affects both dogs and cats. American Holly - Vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, low heart rate. Toxic to both dogs and cats. Mistletoe - cardiovascular collapse, difficulty breathing, erratic behavior, vomiting, and diarrhea. Toxic to both cats and dogs. COMMON HOUSE PLANTS Aloe Vera – Vomiting, lethargy, diarrhea. Poisonous to both dogs and cats. Ivies - Vomiting, abdominal pain, drooling, diarrhea. Foliage is more toxic than berries. Toxic to both cats and dogs. Lillies – Kidney failure – toxic to cats, non-toxic…

Post author:abbey
Post published:December 17, 2018

WINTER SHELTERS FOR FERAL CATS

It's mid-winter and cat colonies are suffering from the cold and wet - make some winter shelters for your feral cats. Below are some DIY ideas to help protect vulnerable felines from the bitter winter weather. The two most important things in creating any shelter are that it is waterproof, and that it is sheltered from the wind. I’ve drawn these shelters from many different sources, which I will credit here – please check out the links for complete directions on construction. Of course, you can always purchase shelters online, but there is great satisfaction in building one from scratch. One word of caution, however. If the cat colony is not on your property, please make sure you have the landowner’s permission before setting up shelters. Some people consider a feral cat colony to be a nuisance and will object to any outside interference. So, here are a few ideas: STYROFOAM SHIPPING BOXES Styrofoam shipping boxes can be found at supermarkets, fish stores and butcher shops. Even vaccines are packed in them, so your veterinarian might be a good source as well. These…

Post author:abbey
Post published:November 14, 2018