Hi, I’m Dr. Lauren! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my two adventurous cats, Pancake and Tiller.

On a recent hike/scramble up one of the tallest regional mountains, it was not exactly what I expected. But the first rule of the mountains is to expect the unexpected. And, to be fair, it was generally a wonderful experience.

It’s a great day, out in nature, with the elements. Being outdoors has been shown to improve blood pressure, mood, and generally be stress relieving. What’s not to enjoy?

But, too, the mountains can be unforgiving. Even a short hike can turn deadly. A lack of preparation can turn a day outing into something that quickly becomes all too real if weather conditions change, or a member of the group injures themselves. And that’s just for humans. But what about pets? Where do they fit into this equation?

Adventure Calls!

As more and more people are jumping onto social trends and getting their adventure cats and adventure pups outside, in many ways, it is to be applauded. The bond that is created, not to mention the exercise, are all very positive items that arise from getting your pet out and about. As a vet, I also have a secret evil pleasure in seeing the stigma of cats being indoor-only pets, or homebodies, absolutely vanquished.

But this recent hike really got me thinking: what are the limits on what we should ask pets to endure? In particular, this hike involved technical scrambles, white-out conditions, winds 50+ knots, and near-freezing temperatures. And did I mention the rain? The absolutely bone-chilling, strength-zapping, wind-driven rain? And if it is all for a social media image, or worse, pure ignorance of the severity of the conditions, why take the risk? We all love our pets, but surely that also means knowing when to say no, as well.

Know Your Limits

To put it bluntly, about 30 minutes from the summit, we encountered multiple adults and children literally yelling, sobbing, or both, that they could not go on. The conditions had taken their toll. These people were done, defeated. They knew their limits, and they were drawing the line in the sand. Yet, the number of animals I saw, going up the mountain, seemed unreal. Certainly a small number seemed to be enjoying the rather blustery outing. But most dogs looked wary, and uncertain, if not outright terrorized.

I get it, we love them. They are family. But just as not all people should be hiking tough climbs, nor should all animals. Pad cuts, dehydration, injuries- were these people prepared for first aid for their pets? Many barely had waterproofs and themselves were soaked through, looked miserable, and were ardently complaining. If that had been the prep they’d done for themselves, you had to wonder: what failsafes did they have for their pet?

Avoid the Risk

Just as we do a mountain risk assessment with ourselves, I strongly advocate that we need to do the same for our pets before we head outdoors. Even the risk they present to others—I saw more than one dog attempting to get away from the winds that could possibly blow them over the edge, and almost trip a number of hikers with their leash in the process. The decision to take these pets up a mountain in inclement weather was now putting multiple lives at risk.

In my opinion, very few, if any, pets (feline or otherwise) belong on a mountain. Instagram may make it look lovely, but the reality can be harsh, and both human and animal lives can be put at risk.

The post Please Don’t Force Your Cat Up a Mountain by Dr. Lauren Demos DVM (Veterinarian) appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

Hi, I’m Dr. Lauren! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my two adventurous cats, Pancake and Tiller.

Have you ever gone to your own doctor, and they’ve said quite simply “I don’t know what is wrong with you.” Well, it happens with vets, too. Obviously, no one wants this to happen, but it can for a variety of reasons: the issue is outside a person’s area of expertise, the disease can mimic a variety of complicated issues and be difficult if not downright impossible to workup without specific advanced testing modalities, or sometimes, simply, the answers and right tests have not yet been invented.

In these situations in human medicine, you might elect to seek a second opinion from another doctor, or you might even be referred to a specialist. Did you know that this is also possible in veterinary medicine?

What Is a Referral?

In cats, as a vet, I’ve seen referrals and second opinions throughout my career. I’ve also sent patients of mine for a referral, or second opinions. So what are they? Does your cat need one? And how do you make the visit as successful as possible? Read on.

A primary veterinarian or general practitioner sees routine appointments, as well as appointments for ill cats. They give vaccines, prescribe medications, and do various surgeries. However, for patients who have multiple illnesses, or severe illnesses, or lots of clinical signs and no diagnosis, then they might get referred to another vet. If that vet is a specialist, then this is generally called a referral. This specialist can then proceed to do necessary diagnostics to try and identify the underlying issue and how to best treat it. Referrals must come through your own vet.

What is a Second Opinion?

Second opinions, however, can be seen by any vet—specialist or not. And they can be self-referred, meaning your vet does not need to direct the booking and appointment process. Second opinions in some countries mean that the new vet seeing your cat cannot do diagnostics or provide treatment- they simply review the case, and then give you feedback that you can take to your own vet.

Tips For Getting Referrals and Second Opinions

If you are thinking of getting a referral, or a second opinion, here’s how you can best go about booking this process:

• Ensure that your cat’s complete medical records, including imaging, lab results, and the medical history, have been sent in toto to the new vet. And, ensure this is done well in advance because often there is little or no time set aside on the day of the appointment to review what can sometimes be a very complicated history! In an ideal world, a week prior would be perfect, in my humble opinion!
• I’ll tell you a secret: honestly, we don’t mind if you want a referral or a second opinion! Many people I have worked with are afraid of retaliation from their vet, some to the point that they won’t even ask for their cat’s medical records to be sent beforehand. This only undermines the entire process, as it’s very difficult for me to give accurate information with only partial facts. And, I promise, we want the best for your cat, just like you do. If that means going to another clinic or vet, by all means, do so!
• Call the referral clinic a day or two ahead of your appointment. This confirms the appointment time and also acts as a reminder to them to obtain any further information from you or your vet that they might need beforehand.
• Arrive early for the referral or second opinion appointment. Often there is extra paperwork to fill out, or possible questions. And, the vet might even be able to see you early, if their schedule allows. Too, traveling to a new place can often mean new traffic hazards and other things that may slow down your travel. Better to arrive early, rather than late, and cut into your appointment time.

So next time you take your cat to your vet, and if the answer ever comes back with “I don’t know what is going on here” then know that you have options. Those can be scary words, but there is also light at the end of a second tunnel- it just might take a bit of extra time to get there!

The post Referrals & Second Opinions For Your Cat: Everything to Know by Dr. Lauren Demos DVM (Veterinarian) appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

Hi, I’m Dr. Lauren! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my two adventurous cats, Pancake and Tiller.

Most cats like catnip, or valerian root. Or feather toys. Or something remotely cat-like.

But leave it to Tiller to have a unique trait.

I only found out, as I have recently been forced to uptake a certain daily number of cups of tea, due to a distinct lack of summer weather, and an attempt to stave off the cold. Since I prefer black tea cold, and with lemon, I had to find a substitute. Enter: green tea. Some say it looks and tastes like grass, but grass is healthy, right?

So, little did I expect when Tiller took a sudden interest in me one evening while I was sitting on the couch, I got all excited for some cuddles, and maybe even some lap time.

How wrong was I?

Instead, she walked over to my cup of tea, and calmly, deliberate, stuck her foot in it. Then pulled it out. And drank the tea from her foot. Repeatedly. I figured this was a fluke. But every time since, if a cup of green tea comes out, so does Tiller. To what end?

Green tea, I was curious, what about it would attract cats?

Perhaps green tea is similar in some way to catnip. I can’t find any scientific research to support this, and certainly some suggest that the caffeine in green tea isn’t ideal for cats.  Or perhaps green tea simply tastes good to Tiller. After all, cats, just like humans, have individual taste preferences. Many of my feline patients refuse tuna but love poultry foods, and vice versa.

In the end, I’ll probably never know why Tiller loves a good cup of tea. Maybe deep down, she’s part British Shorthair? Or maybe I just chalk it up to her being… a cat.

The post Tiller’s Cup of Tea: It’s Not Everyone’s (Just Mine) by Dr. Lauren Demos DVM (Veterinarian) appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

Hi, I’m Dr. Lauren! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my two adventurous cats, Pancake and Tiller.

Unlike dogs, it’s not all that common for cats to eat things they shouldn’t. But just like one of my friends shoved a Lego up their nose as a child to prove it was possible, and ended up in the ER with some very amused docs, cats, also, sometimes do things they shouldn’t.

As a vet, I’ve seen all sorts. A cat that ate a small plastic toy carrot; another that ate the head off a child’s doll (whole), one that swallowed part of a straw, and another that had a small pinecone lodged in his trachea, they can always keep you guessing! But, far and away, there are a few consistent items that Pancake and Tiller either aren’t allowed to be around, or I simply don’t keep them in the house, for the very reason that they commonly show up in clinics as a foreign body.

So, let’s look at some of the more popular items cats eat that they shouldn’t.

The 6 Inappropriate Things Cats Eat:

Thread

Thread, sometimes attached to a needle, is very common as a foreign body in cats. It can get wrapped around the tongue, and become anchored, which can cause lots of issues, as the intestines try to digest the thread, becoming bunched. In turn, the thread can more or less saw through the intestines, creating secondary issues such as infection and inflammation in the abdominal cavity, as intestinal contents leak out. As a vet, I saw one poor patient that had eaten thread 3-4 weeks before I met her, and had been suffering for that length of time with something stuck on her tongue, and the thread damaging her intestines. Ouch!

Fishing Lures

These often include fun feathers, they may seem to the unaware feline to be a perfect toy. But I have seen more cats than I’d care to admit, who have eaten a fish hook as part of the deal, and it’s stuck in their mouth, their tongue, or their cheek.

Human Toys

Human toys. Squishy things that are small like bouncy balls are a feline favorite, and are nicely sized to get stuck right in the small intestine!

Foam

I’ve seen patients chew on foam, including ear plugs, and chewing up bits of a flip-flop. Or maybe some of the scent of these items that spend their time in more unusual places, also adds some irresistibleness?

Hair Ties

Fun to chase but can be easily ingested!

Christmas Tinsel

The perfect holiday cat toy, until they eat it!

What To Do About It

Obviously, cats can, and do, sometimes eat foreign objects other than the above. But, it’s a common list of items to be wary of, and keep well away from curious cats!

So, if your cat does get into any of these, what are the next steps? Well, invariably, they all involve a trip to your cat’s vet! For things like thread, only an anesthetized exam can truly decide if your cat may have string trapped under their tongue. And fishhooks stuck in cats’ mouths also generally need sedation to be properly assessed and removed. A small item may end up passing on its own without intervention, but I still recommend a veterinary checkup, so you can make a plan, together, about any lingering concerns the item may cause.

Ultimately, it’s always better to try and prevent any issues far before they occur! Worst case scenario, your cat may require surgery to remove the ingested item. (Have you seen my article on why cats need pet insurance, recently?)

At the end of the day, we love these furry creatures. But definitely be on the lookout for any items that your cat might get into, or rather, that could end up getting into your cat!

The post Please Don’t Put That In Your Mouth! Inappropriate Items Cats Eat by Dr. Lauren Demos DVM (Veterinarian) appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

Hi, I’m Dr. Lauren! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my two adventurous cats, Pancake and Tiller.

Love biters. No, not that kind…cat love biters.

We’ve all probably met them: the loveable cat that gets excited, then bites you. Or the one that comes up to you and gets a pat, and gives you a gentle bite.

Tiller is one of the world’s great love biters. In fact, it’s far more likely you’ll get a love bite than a pur if you interact with her. Even Pancake is not immune- a few licks, and then a good bite. No wonder Pancake no longer shares the bed with Tiller-zilla.

And Tiller is not alone.

I’ve met a variety of different types of cats in my work: dog cats, people cats, cat cats, and biters. Clients often come in saying: my cat bites me. You might think that people are talking about a cat that is an aggressive or fear biter, but that is rarely the case. Most clients that talk about their biter cats, refer to those cats that intermittently exchange a friendly pat for an equally friendly bite. They don’t break the skin, they cause surprise more than pain, and they are sometimes adorable, when they do it slowly, gently, and just hang there.

But just why do cats do this familiar, gentle, persistent biting?

To be honest, no one really knows! If only cats could talk… But here are a few theories:

• Mother/kitten instinct and nursing: It’s possible that this instinct which involves oral stimulation by the kitten on the queen along with the release of bonding hormones, extends into biting, in adult life, and the adult cat’s human family.
• Biting is a way that many feline emotions are expressed – not just anger. Sexual desires, play, social boundaries and more are all developed via biting. Potentially cats are using the biting to communicate more than we realize?
• The vomeronasal organ: In cats, the roof of their mouth holds the vomeronasal organ, which is able to detect various pheromones. Pheromones are chemical signatures that can be “smelled” by this organ (humans have all but lost theirs). It’s possible that biting puts a cat into a better position to use their vomeronasal organ to “flesh out” (pardon the pun) the situation when interacting with familiar humans.

But, in the end, we simply don’t know. Tiller will remain the household “carpet shark” and her “shark bites” will remain a fun and endearing danger whenever we traverse up or downstairs. Such is the risk of owning cats.

The post Carpet Sharks & Their Shark Bites: Biting Cats by Dr. Lauren Demos DVM (Veterinarian) appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

Hi, I’m Dr. Lauren! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my two adventurous cats, Pancake and Tiller.

Having your cat spayed or neutered can lead to many complicated feelings. Worry over the procedure, worry about the anesthetic, concerns about how to help with their recovery process, and guilt over making the decision to do it in the first place. I know just how difficult it can be, as I spayed both of my own cats, and the worry, before, during and after, was real!

This article is designed to help you, as an owner, make informed decisions about the importance of these procedures, and what actions you can take to make them smooth, safe, and guilt-free.

Spaying and Neutering 101

Spaying and neutering, in short, are surgeries designed to remove the reproductive organs from a female, or male, cat, respectively. They can colloquially be referred to as desexing, or castration, as well. Technically, they can be performed on cats of any age; however, there are compelling reasons to do this while cats are still young, which we will look at shortly.

So why do we, as vets, strongly recommend that you spay or neuter your cat?

• There is a significant reduction in breast cancer in female cats when they are spayed before their first heat cycle. Breast cancer in cats tends to be very aggressive, and ultimately deadly, so any opportunity to reduce this risk is an important opportunity
• In males and females, desexing leads to a reduction of unwanted behaviors for pet cats, including indoor marking, yowling during heat, and roaming.  And intact male cat urine is undoubtedly pungent!
• Unowned cat numbers are staggering. Spaying or neutering cats reduces unowned cat numbers.

Ways To Decrease Your Guilt

Guilt. It can be a strong emotion, and has no single root cause. Often it involves a feeling of self-consciousness, and reflection upon oneself or one’s action. When choosing to have your cat desexed, guilt can arise from a variety of thoughts. You may feel guilty about the stress caused to your cat, guilt that you have removed their ability to procreate, guilt about potential changes that may occur to your cat after surgery, or guilt that they will be “upset” with you..

• If you are feeling guilty, one of the most important things you can do is to talk about it. The farther in advance of the surgery, the better, as you want to be as comfortable as possible on the day your cat will be having their procedure. Talk with your vet, to start; if needed, make an appointment, specifically that reason, so they can alleviate your concerns. Discuss with family, as well, since they can often factor into the decision, and hence the guilt. Worry can also sometimes present as guilt, so take time to reflect on any concerns you have.
• Try not to anthropomorphize; cats don’t have the same emotional experience we do. That’s not to say they don’t have emotions- but they don’t worry or stress (as far as we know) in the same ways that we do. What you are worrying about, is likely insignificant to your cat, who is more concerned about when dinner is coming, and less concerned about what is happening tomorrow.
• If one of your worries is post-op guilt, then rest assured. Many of the things that people worry about, such as a perception that a cat will become less cuddly or be angry with you for electing the surgery, are generally not founded.
• Take action. See steps below to find ways to help you take action, and gain more control of the situation, which can help lessen your sense of helplessness, and therefore guilt. Also, read the Owner’s Manual on Pain that I wrote a few articles back, to better understand what you can look for post-op to help keep your cat as comfortable as possible!

Ways to Prep to Make Yourself Feel Less Guilty

Taking action helps many people to feel less guilty. The first thing is to know what to expect for surgery. Asking for a checklist, doing background reading, and having a plan for the day before, of, and after surgery, helps. Knowing is half the battle, as a famous 80s slogan said.

Day Before Surgery

• Your vet will often want your cat fasted at some point; ask for confirmation. Generally, however, water is still allowed.
• Don’t wait until today to get the carrier out- this often signals change to your cat! Instead have it out for a few days prior. Get a favorite toy or blanket that smells of home, and put that in the carrier, as well.
• Decide if you will be having your cat microchipped at the time of surgery. This is a great time to have the procedure done, as your cat will be anesthetized. It’s a highly recommended procedure within the veterinary community, as unfortunately, lost cats can’t tell us where they’ve come from.

Day of Surgery

• Know techniques for putting your cat into the carrier, and use these instead of just stuffing your cat in, which adds stress to everyone involved.
• If you have sibling cats, consider having their surgeries on the same day. That way, they smell similarly strange, which can sometimes cause tension when one cat smells differently than the other, after being at the vet for a day.
• Write down any questions you may have, and ask these at the time of dropping off, or picking them up.
• Know the best number to contact you today, and times you aren’t available, and let your vet know.
• Know what is normal, and to be expected the days after surgery, before taking your cat home. Have phone numbers to call if you have any concerns. Does your cat have sutures to take care of, or are they all internal?

Day After Surgery

• Know what medications to give, and what day, and time of day, they start
• Know when re-checks are needed
• If ever in doubt, ask

Guilt doesn’t have to be a part of choosing to do what, most professionals would agree, spaying or neutering is the right choice for your cat.

There’s an old surgical saying: “To cut is a chance to cure.” In the case of desexing your cat, there is nothing truer.

The post An Owner’s Manual on Spaying or Neutering Your Cat: Why Not to Feel Guilt by Dr. Lauren Demos DVM (Veterinarian) appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

Hi, I’m Dr. Lauren! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my two adventurous cats, Pancake and Tiller.

I caught Pancake in the middle of a dramatic grooming session last night. It involved lots of splayed legs, and a determined effort to reach something near her perineum, that actually entailed what I’m pretty sure was an inverted split. Earlier in the week, I’d watched a similarly determined grooming session play out- this time with Tiller making a valiant effort to groom Pancake into sporting a Mohawk. Luckily, “The Pancake” who is a bit Al Pacino Godfather-esque about the bed and sharing it with other cats, tolerated the session well and no blows ensued.

If eating and sleeping are two of the most common activities I see both cats engaged in, then grooming is probably a close third. Multiple times daily, after eating, and definitely before sleeping, sometimes at 3:00 am between their various sleep modes, they groom. But just why do cats love grooming so much?

Why Cats Groom: Speculation and Theories

Cats have always been considered fairly clean animals, due to their inherent grooming tendencies. Here are some theories as to why cats groom:

1. The idea that groomers are placed socially higher than groomees. And furthermore, that grooming is a way in social settings to allow cats to act out on aggression issues, without the need for overt violence. This theory comes from a slightly older paper, but interesting nonetheless…
2. A newer paper on a similar topic found that familiarity and genetic relations improved grooming activities from one cat to another. Again suggesting a social or bonding function.
3. Function. To remove external parasites, such as fleas. In one study, grooming activity helped to significantly decrease the numbers of fleas, compared to control cats who wore e-collars and could not groom for the study period. Other theories have proposed the removal of odors, such as after eating, to reduce the risk of being predated.
4. It’s worth noting that grooming can (unintentionally?) spread anal gland secretions on the haircoat. The anal glands contain extremely high quantities of Fel d 1, one of the main feline allergens that contribute to human cat allergies.
5. Don’t forget that grooming can also indicate abnormalities, as well. Flea allergy dermatitis, for instance, can result in large quantities of grooming. So can Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome. And urinary tract infections or urinary crystals can lead to localized, excessive grooming of the perineum.

So, next time you catch your cat in a grooming session, consider for a moment if there may be more occurring than meets the eye. It could be a simple lick, relieving an itch, removing an external parasite, or adhering to social structure. But needless to say, cats, as always, are never quite as simple as they may first appear!

The post Why Do Cats Groom? Pancake, Tiller & the Latest Theories by Dr. Lauren Demos DVM (Veterinarian) appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

Hi, I’m Dr. Lauren! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my two adventurous cats, Pancake and Tiller.

Slip, slop, slap goes the famous Aussie saying, encouraging the use of sunscreen. As humans, thanks in part to large public awareness campaigns such as this one, we’ve become eminently aware of the risks of sun exposure, and most people these days go to great lengths to ensure they use appropriate sun protection.

But what about cats, some of whom spend marked quantities of time outside? Have you ever thought about your cat, and sun protection?

Most pet owners don’t really spend much time considering their cat’s sun exposure. And that in part might arise from the fact that sun exposure in cats can look very different than sunburn in people. Also, they’ve got fur, so many assume that it will be fully protective.

In clinics during the summer months, many clients bring in cats with scabby ears, asking what has brought this on. Or the top of their nose pad, or the bridge of their nose has dark dried crusty debris, and similarly, a pet owner wants to know what has caused it, as it’s only recently shown up, in the last month or two. Would you know that these can be signs of sun exposure and skin damage in cats? Well, they are probably two of the most common signs of actinic or solar keratitis in cats: i.e. pathological sun exposure.

As we head into the hottest and sunniest months of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, it’s great to be able to increase awareness that indeed- cats can get sun damage to their skin, and even skin cancer. Because this skin cancer is quick-growing and locally invasive, it can necessitate fast surgical responses, including removal of a cat’s ears, or even their nose. Light-haired cats, or those with light haircoats in sensitive areas such as the ears and face, seem to be particularly at risk.

As a cat owner, what can you do to help? Well, consider keeping your cat indoors during the hours of the most direct sun to limit their UV exposure. When they are outside, offer them places outside where they can have shade, such as cubbies. Pet-safe sunscreen is also becoming more readily available, so consider applying it to your cat’s sensitive areas, especially if they are at risk.

Easy solutions and an ounce of prevention are worth a pound of cure- especially in the case of feline sunburn. So next time you slip, slop, slap, don’t forget that your feline friend might benefit from some of the same sun awareness!

The post Slip, Slop, Slap: Feline Sunburn at a Glance by Dr. Lauren Demos DVM (Veterinarian) appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

Hi, I’m Dr. Lauren! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my two adventurous cats, Pancake and Tiller.

As a vet, this is a common time of year that I get all sorts of complaints about itchy cats. The warm weather leads to plants and trees that blossom, increasing the number of pollens and other allergens, insect levels skyrocket, and cats become itchy. But a cat doesn’t have to lose hair or be actively scratching to mean they are itchy. Sometimes cats show itching in very unexpected ways… let’s take a look.

Signs of an Itchy Cat

Typical signs of itchiness include the obvious like the physical act of scratching and hair loss. A less well known sign is the “itch response” -something we were commonly taught about in vet school in relation to sheep, but that I also observe in many itchy cats in clinics. If a cat has general itchiness (the Latin term is pruritus) then scratching them or petting them on the top of their butt can elicit a chewing response. Odd one!

Hair loss, and scabs, can also indicate that physical scratching is traumatizing the hair coat and skin. But you may not realize that an itchy cat might also only present as a cat that is frequently grooming. Now, certainly most cats will spend a fair amount of time grooming their haircoat. But itchy cats often lick or groom when they are itchy, rather than outright scratching, like a dog may do. Try to look at the times your cat is grooming, if you are trying to decide if it is normal or not.

Normal grooming behavior happens after meals, or before a nap. Itchy cats often groom at random times- they will be walking through a room, and then stop to do a brief grooming session. Or you pet them, and they suddenly have a frenetic cleaning session. They will also groom in front of strangers or in unusual places- where they otherwise wouldn’t and shouldn’t feel entirely relaxed.

Common Causes of Feline Itch

Just like people, cats can also get allergies. Fleas are a common one that many cats experience. Food is another, especially to proteins like beef and fish. But ectoparasites, like fleas, and skin mites, can also cause itch even in non-allergic cats.

Ways to Help an Itchy Cat

It’s always best to start with a visit to your cat’s vet. Bring photos and videos of anything questionable, as sometimes they can be hard to see in the clinic, or your pet may not display the behavior.

Ensure, too, that your cat is up to date on flea and worm treatments. (Some tapeworms can cause extremely itchy behinds for some patients! And fleas are a main cause of feline tapeworms!) Also remember that even a small amount of fleas can cause some cats to be very itchy, if they are allergic. And if that itchy cat has a tendency to groom, they may ingest all evidence of fleas before they can be detected. Therefore, an ounce of prevention really is worth a pound of cure!

Your vet can also guide you on other treatments that may help your cat, which can include diet trials to detect food allergies, and itch suppressing medications.

Generally, itch is very treatable in cats, so never be afraid to scratch that itch, so to speak, and dig deeper into the issue by seeking professional help.

The post I’ll Scratch Your Back if You Scratch Mine: Itchy Cats by Dr. Lauren Demos DVM (Veterinarian) appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

Hi, I’m Dr. Lauren! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my two adventurous cats, Pancake and Tiller.

When the 4th of July holiday rolls around, it’s a good time to remember that not all of us enjoy these celebrations that include loud noises and aerial explosions. In recent years, as various municipalities attempt to schedule 4th of July celebrations on appropriate weekend evenings, it is more common that fireworks now span two, three or even four weeks. Which means what was once one day of unexpected fireworks, now becomes many.

Therefore, it’s important to remember that our cats are not immune to the effects of fireworks, and what you can do as a cat owner to help your furry family.

Pancake will sleep through pretty much anything. In fact, I’m pretty sure she once slept through a local power transformer that exploded, sounding a bit like a bomb had gone off in the backyard. Tiller, on the other hand, runs off the second anything seems amiss.

For instance, we bought a new tennis racket the other day, and Tiller still won’t go near the closet where it is kept. Why? I have absolutely no idea. And if you get the racket out of the closet, you won’t see her for at least an hour. She’s been with me pretty much since the day she was found under a bush with a bad eye, she’s never had any run-ins with tennis or rackets or any other odd inanimate objects, but there you go. And fireworks are even worse- one bang, and she’s hiding for the rest of the night.

Cat Safety Tips for the Fourth of July

So, what steps can you take to help keep your cats safe on the 4th? There are a number of easy options:

• Keep cats indoors during times of fireworks or other outdoor activities.
• Ensure your cat is microchipped, and that the information is up to date
• Consider using feline pheromone diffusers that can help enforce calm and reassurance in a cat’s environment. Try to plug the diffusers in for a few days prior to the festivities, for best effect
• Close windows and doors, if possible, to help block outside noise. If they are left open, ensure screens are in place, to prevent your cat from accidentally escaping
• Play white noise, or similar masking sounds, to help diminish background noise
• Give your cat a space to feel secure in the house- maybe a nice box with some blankets and toys, or their bed placed into a closet where they might want to hide. Also shut off access to parts of the house they don’t use, so that you can monitor their whereabouts, occasionally, and won’t have to tear apart the house to find them
• If there are specific things that give your cat comfort- a stuffed toy, a certain shirt from their favorite human, a blanket fort in the laundry closet that you’re always trying to keep them out of, try to find a way to provide that little bit extra on these stressful days
• If your cat is extra nervous, speak with your vet and see if any medical therapies might be useful, such as a medication to calm or sedate your cat for a few hours around the festivities

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As we recognize more and more the impact that celebrations such as the 4th of July can have on native animals, as well as our own beloved pets, hopefully the future will still be bright but also a little bit less noisy! In the meantime, some simple steps above can help to keep things a bit calmer for our feline friends.

The post Having a (Not So) Blast on the Fourth of July: Dr. Lauren’s Tips by Dr. Lauren Demos DVM (Veterinarian) appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.