http://mysmelly.com/Archive/CatHealthAndBehaviour/Forum66.htmCat health and behaviour discussions from usenet group <a href="news://rec.pets.cats.health+behav">rec.pets.cats.health+behav</a>en-gbxC 7.1.24326http://mysmelly.com/Archive/CatInDangerOnBalconyLedge/cgkqk/post.htmMon, 19 Nov 2012 17:06:54 GMThttp://mysmelly.com/Archive/CatInDangerOnBalconyLedge/cgkqk/post.htmUsenethttp://mysmelly.com/Archive/CatInDangerOnBalconyLedge/cgkqk/post.htmMartha, my 5 year old domestic long hair mix likes to hang out on the balcony, and specifically perched on the 4 inch ledge. The ledge she prefers is over concrete, about 12 feet to the ground. She is not calm while hanging out on the ledge, but restless, looking over the edge like she is planning to jump (there are many birds in the area). First, will a cat put itself in danger by jumping from a height like this? Second, is this dangerously high for a cat, i.e. can the fall kill or injure her? She is not an athletic cat, but more of a lap cat. For now, I don't tolerate her jumping up on the ledge, and shoo her off as soon as I see her jump on it. Am I being paranoid, or is this a real danger? P.S. sorry for such a noob question, if...http://mysmelly.com/Archive/FoodSensitiveRevisited/cglcg/post.htmWed, 19 Dec 2012 17:06:54 GMThttp://mysmelly.com/Archive/FoodSensitiveRevisited/cglcg/post.htmUsenethttp://mysmelly.com/Archive/FoodSensitiveRevisited/cglcg/post.htmThe probiotics didn't help after a week - made her a bit worse. Broke down and ordered a case of Wellness canned - chicken. Here's hoping. First feeding in an hour and a half. I'm praying for no vomiting and/or abnormal BMs. Otherwise I hope I like the taste because someone will have to eat all of that ~$30 cat food! I'd love, after the past six months, to have a reliably available food she can eat with no problems. I've sure tried. "When you choose the lesser of two evils, always remember that it is still an evil." - Max Lernerhttp://mysmelly.com/Archive/SighAndSheWasDoingSoWell/cglrw/post.htmWed, 19 Dec 2012 17:06:54 GMThttp://mysmelly.com/Archive/SighAndSheWasDoingSoWell/cglrw/post.htmUsenethttp://mysmelly.com/Archive/SighAndSheWasDoingSoWell/cglrw/post.htmSo, right at the point I was posting in a different group about the emergency vet we'd have to go to, Meep had an acute cystitis attack and there I was 20 minutes later, when I should have been in bed. Why oh why do they never get sick during business hours? Got her painkiller shot, and another to give her in the AM, so she's feeling better but I'm a wreck. Long story short I brought a yearling colt home a week ago, he was sick with various things (like bringing home a rescue), and just today he's finally seemed to turn the corner. And now Meep's sick again. And, if the emergency vet's scale is correct, she's lost 1/4# in two weeks! I think it's wrong, she doesn't have that much to lose, and she's been eating better with the new meds...http://mysmelly.com/Archive/FrontlineOkayStockpile/cgkzw/post.htmFri, 19 Oct 2012 17:06:54 GMThttp://mysmelly.com/Archive/FrontlineOkayStockpile/cgkzw/post.htmUsenethttp://mysmelly.com/Archive/FrontlineOkayStockpile/cgkzw/post.htmWith the vet's approval, Milo is going to become an indoor-outdoor cat starting a few weeks from now. So of course I'll be applying Frontline. The local Petsmart wants $60 for Frontline or, rather, that's the price marked on an empty shelf. I expect I can do much better by ordering on line, but I don't want to have shipping charges eat into my savings, so I'm thinking of buying say a year's supply. My question is, what kind of shelf life does it have? It would be a false economy to buy a year's worth and then find six months later that the stuff no longer works. Please understand, I'm asking about shelf life. I know that once it's applied to the cat you're supposed to repeat it every month. Stan Brown, Oak Road Systems, Tompkins...http://mysmelly.com/Archive/RattyTails/cglrx/post.htmWed, 19 Dec 2012 17:06:54 GMThttp://mysmelly.com/Archive/RattyTails/cglrx/post.htmUsenethttp://mysmelly.com/Archive/RattyTails/cglrx/post.htmHello, All my females have ratty tails, and the males sport tails of grandeur to match their overall stature. Maybe farmers shouldnot go into breeding of kitties. Ihave done breeding all my life: this means I started out with my parents who practiced, recessive-gene breeding of GermanShepherds: for short legs, pure, silver coloring w/blackish saddle and muzzle, bony structure, BitBull instinct, intelligence, uncanny hearing and unbridled loyalty and obedience to his master, originally designed by Herr VonStephanits, of the original GermanShepherd, which had been wiped out due to money-mongering hucksters, Since leaving home, I went into general truck farming, and of course continued the breeding (I wound up with top-o-the-blood-lines of...http://mysmelly.com/Archive/ArmHammerEssentialsLitter/cgwkb/post.htmWed, 19 Sep 2012 17:06:54 GMThttp://mysmelly.com/Archive/ArmHammerEssentialsLitter/cgwkb/post.htmUsenethttp://mysmelly.com/Archive/ArmHammerEssentialsLitter/cgwkb/post.htmAvailable at the local megastore here. Just started using it. If you have been around grain silos, you might notice a strong distinct odor from the corn, but it goes away. Seems to do a good job. Does not clump as hard as clay. Probably not nearly as much dust, but I cannot imagine how anything can be as dusty as clay litter. Much lighter. They say it absorbs twice the liquid, but I doubt it. Will update later, especially if it turns out to be unsatisfactory.http://mysmelly.com/Archive/HowToReadBarCodes/cgkqm/post.htmMon, 19 Nov 2012 17:06:54 GMThttp://mysmelly.com/Archive/HowToReadBarCodes/cgkqm/post.htmUsenethttp://mysmelly.com/Archive/HowToReadBarCodes/cgkqm/post.htmHello, How to read Bar Codes With all the food and pet products now coming from China , it is best to make sure you read labels at the grocery store and especially Walmart when buying food products. Many products no longer show where they were made, only give where the distributor is located. It is important to read the bar code to track it's origin. How to read Bar Codes ... interesting! This is really interesting. GREAT WAY TO "BUY USA & CANADA AND NOT FROM CHINA!! This may be useful to know when grocery shopping, if it's a concern to you. The whole world is afraid of China-made "black hearted goods". Can you differentiate which one is made in Taiwan or China ? If the first 3 digits of the barcode are 690, 691 or 692, the product is...http://mysmelly.com/Archive/UpdateOnCatsEatingDirt/cgkmc/post.htmFri, 19 Oct 2012 17:06:54 GMThttp://mysmelly.com/Archive/UpdateOnCatsEatingDirt/cgkmc/post.htmUsenethttp://mysmelly.com/Archive/UpdateOnCatsEatingDirt/cgkmc/post.htmVet called me back today she was very nice asked what potting soil I used, looked it up for me said it's supposed to be non-toxic and like someone said here they may be lacking something in their diet not likely though given I only use band name cat food even told thier vet maybe once a month they get 1/4 of spoonful of yougurt (they love it) she said not a problem, did they ack when eating grass (indoor guys) she suggested using more catnip and there a product out you put in the siol that will deter them from eating it, costs $11 right now I can't afford it but even in NY State I thnk safely put that one plant outside on my balconey only other plants I have are catci (sp) ensoul thankshttp://mysmelly.com/Archive/SeniorFoodWeightNeeded/cgklm/post.htmFri, 19 Oct 2012 17:06:54 GMThttp://mysmelly.com/Archive/SeniorFoodWeightNeeded/cgklm/post.htmUsenethttp://mysmelly.com/Archive/SeniorFoodWeightNeeded/cgklm/post.htmI have an 18 / 19 years old indoor only tortie that weighs about 5 pounds. She weighed about 4 when we had her spayed (Female) after having kittens when she was about 3 years old. She eats well and has no problem with the litter box. She pees and poops fine. I can not feel her ribs or bones but she just looks skinny and always has. I pick her up and it is like picking up a feather. The other 4 all are in their mid teens weight wise and from 9 to 11 years old. She runs and jumps and plays with toys though not like when she was younger. Now when she walks it is like watching an 80 year old human walk compared to a teenagers walk. If interested a pic of her is at or She goes to vet and was checked and found everything within normal...http://mysmelly.com/Archive/TipsOnKeepingAHouseCat/cgkjn/post.htmWed, 19 Sep 2012 17:06:54 GMThttp://mysmelly.com/Archive/TipsOnKeepingAHouseCat/cgkjn/post.htmUsenethttp://mysmelly.com/Archive/TipsOnKeepingAHouseCat/cgkjn/post.htmHello, i've been thinking recently about getting a cat, but i stay in a second floor flat, and just want a few tips and ideas about keeping a house cat. I want to make sure that he/she has a good time, not just feels like its whole life is based in 3 rooms,http://mysmelly.com/Archive/AskingForDiagnosis/cgjnm/post.htmWed, 19 Sep 2012 17:06:54 GMThttp://mysmelly.com/Archive/AskingForDiagnosis/cgjnm/post.htmUsenethttp://mysmelly.com/Archive/AskingForDiagnosis/cgjnm/post.htmMomo, my cat, is sneezing and acting like he is trying to get rid of something in his throat/nostrils. The vet took an X-ray of his lungs and chest and found "shadows" around them, and concluded that there is infection. So now my cat is on medication from the vet but isn't getting better (or may be not getting better fast enough). He has been on antibiotics for a week. Now the vet has given him another kind of antibiotics plus an expectorant but I feel he is as clueless as I am about what is happening. Anyone has had similar cat problems? What could be happening?http://mysmelly.com/Archive/EatingDirt/cgkgl/post.htmWed, 19 Dec 2012 17:06:54 GMThttp://mysmelly.com/Archive/EatingDirt/cgkgl/post.htmUsenethttp://mysmelly.com/Archive/EatingDirt/cgkgl/post.htmtwo males, Moe & Rudy (brothers) indor & nutered...first I had to get rid all of my plants because thye were eating the plants then I found they didn't bother my cati and succlents...then my grandaughters who's only 5 asked why Moe was eating dirt, then today I find Rudy eating the dirt..it'd the dirt from my potted plants ensoulhttp://mysmelly.com/Archive/DoesSpayedFemaleStillIntoHeat/cgjnz/post.htmWed, 19 Dec 2012 17:06:54 GMThttp://mysmelly.com/Archive/DoesSpayedFemaleStillIntoHeat/cgjnz/post.htmUsenethttp://mysmelly.com/Archive/DoesSpayedFemaleStillIntoHeat/cgjnz/post.htmx-posted to alt.pets.cats, free.uk.pets.cats, rec.pets.cats.health+behav (follow-ups set to rec.pets.cats.health+behav) Hello A question demonstrating rather a lot of ignorance - sorry - but in the case of neutered males in some animals, the various biological processes of coming into season still apply. This makes me wonder: does the same hold true for pet cats? Background: our 3 year old spayed Tabby is acting quite frisky and has been doing so for the last couple of weeks since spring has arrived here in England. We notice two unusual (and possibly concerning) symptoms which have also appeared: 1) A small amount of blood has been seen coming from her rear end - possiblya symptom of constipation 2) She seems to produce small round...http://mysmelly.com/Archive/Help/cgkhg/post.htmWed, 19 Sep 2012 17:06:54 GMThttp://mysmelly.com/Archive/Help/cgkhg/post.htmUsenethttp://mysmelly.com/Archive/Help/cgkhg/post.htmIf you live in or near Bergen or Passaic County, NJ or southern Rockland County, NY and you're interested in fostering cats and kittens, please email me. We're in desperate need of foster homes. We're filled to the rafters with cats (literally) and all our fosterers are doubled, tripled, and quadrupled-up- and kitten season is just beginning! If you only interested in fostering adult or young adult cats - no problem. We're loaded with adult and young adult "economic surrenders" Thanks, Philhttp://mysmelly.com/Archive/IsThisNormalBehavour/cgkzk/post.htmFri, 19 Oct 2012 17:06:54 GMThttp://mysmelly.com/Archive/IsThisNormalBehavour/cgkzk/post.htmUsenethttp://mysmelly.com/Archive/IsThisNormalBehavour/cgkzk/post.htmOur cat loves iceberg lettuce. But only if it's served cold covered in thousand island dressing with a couple of saltine crackers on the side. We know he constantly tries to mimic our behavior, but this is kind of ridicules. Anybody else's cat like lettuce?http://mysmelly.com/Archive/AgeTermProtectiveImmunityDogs-Cats/cgkgm/post.htmFri, 19 Oct 2012 17:06:54 GMThttp://mysmelly.com/Archive/AgeTermProtectiveImmunityDogs-Cats/cgkgm/post.htmUsenethttp://mysmelly.com/Archive/AgeTermProtectiveImmunityDogs-Cats/cgkgm/post.htm*Age and Long-term Protective Immunity in Dogs and Cats*, Dr. Ronald Schultz et als., Journal of Comparative Pathology January 2010 [link] "Old dogs and cats rarely die from vaccine-preventable infectious disease, especially when they have been vaccinated and immunized as young adults (i.e. between 16 weeks and 1 year of age). However, young animals do die, often because vaccines were either not given or not given at an appropriate age (e.g. too early in life in the presence of maternally derived antibody (MDA)).. The present study examines the DOI for core viral vaccines in dogs that had not been revaccinated for as long as 9 years. These animals had serum antibody to canine distemper virus (CDV), canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV-2) and...http://mysmelly.com/Archive/AspcaInsuranceQuestion/cgjnj/post.htmWed, 19 Dec 2012 17:06:54 GMThttp://mysmelly.com/Archive/AspcaInsuranceQuestion/cgjnj/post.htmUsenethttp://mysmelly.com/Archive/AspcaInsuranceQuestion/cgjnj/post.htmDerek and I thought we were being very clever to take out a health insurance policy on Pemberton and Ebenezer, especially now with a kitten in the family (Ebenezer). ASPCA seemed to be the way to go, and were generous in arranging a "Level 3" policy on each cat. This translates too about $70 per month to pay for the policy on BOTH cats, with a $100 deductible per cat per year. This was arranged back in late January, shortly after we adopted Ebenezer. As of right now, we have submitted bills to them totaling about $1000, which includes neutering Ebenezer and taking care of various eye problems that he had, and medications for parasites that he had but for which our vet insisted (correctly) that we also treat Pemberton. The ASPCA has paid...http://mysmelly.com/Archive/CatWithLymphangiectasia/cgjxp/post.htmWed, 19 Dec 2012 17:06:54 GMThttp://mysmelly.com/Archive/CatWithLymphangiectasia/cgjxp/post.htmUsenethttp://mysmelly.com/Archive/CatWithLymphangiectasia/cgjxp/post.htmMy year old cat, Mittens, has lymphangiectasia (very rare in cats). He is on prednisone at the moment, but I am unsure what to feed him. I know he needs a low fat, high protein, grain free diet, but is there one that works? I know switching him to the raw food diet might be best, but I want to know what type of raw diet as well. I would really appreciate any help. He also has haemobartonella as a result of this lymphangiectasia, so we are hoping the medication and new, strict diet will be the best way forward. I appreciate your thoughts on this. Jennie Edsallhttp://mysmelly.com/Archive/OlderCatBreathingProblems/cghgq/post.htmFri, 19 Oct 2012 17:06:54 GMThttp://mysmelly.com/Archive/OlderCatBreathingProblems/cghgq/post.htmUsenethttp://mysmelly.com/Archive/OlderCatBreathingProblems/cghgq/post.htmI have an older cat who just turned 19 this month. He gradually began developing some breathing problems over the last few months. It appears that he can no longer purr, but wheezes instead. I took him to the vet a few months ago, they x-rayed his lungs and said that they were fine and showed no sign of asthma. They gave him an combination antibiotic and steriod shot but that really didn't seem to make any difference. I've seen some postings on the net regarding other cats with this condition but haven't seen any diagnoses or solutions. He sleeps a lot these days, but doesn't seem to be in any kind of stress except for when he begins to wheeze. Then if he sits by himself for a few minutes and relaxes he stops and starts breathing...http://mysmelly.com/Archive/FoodForSensitiveCatLong/cgjmb/post.htmWed, 19 Dec 2012 17:06:54 GMThttp://mysmelly.com/Archive/FoodForSensitiveCatLong/cgjmb/post.htmUsenethttp://mysmelly.com/Archive/FoodForSensitiveCatLong/cgjmb/post.htmMy cat Emily has been having more and more problems with diarrhea and occasional vomiting of her food as the years go on, especially this past year. She's fourteen now. I've had her to three vets. The only food I've found so far she can eat is Fancy Feast trout feast. I've unsuccessfully tried about ten other Fancy Feast flavors. What I do is feed her the food I'm testing exclusively for two days, one food a week, watching her BMs up to two days afterwards. Usually the diarrhea shows up the second or third day after introducing it. The problem is, I'm not sure of whether it's the new food or change in diet. Very frustrating. I'm pretty sure it's the food as reactions vary. Maybe I should try another brand but I trust Purina - they...http://mysmelly.com/Archive/MarthaPlayingCoquetteTom/cgjxw/post.htmFri, 19 Oct 2012 17:06:54 GMThttp://mysmelly.com/Archive/MarthaPlayingCoquetteTom/cgjxw/post.htmUsenethttp://mysmelly.com/Archive/MarthaPlayingCoquetteTom/cgjxw/post.htmMartha came to me from the local pound around Christmas, and has been a wonderful companion. She has some wildness in her still, in spite of being fixed before I picked her up. Specifically, she has a fondness for being out of doors. We have an arrangement where I take her for a walk when I get home from work, and sometimes before I leave. We don't use a halter, but she doesn't stray very far. Last night on one of our jaunts, there was a large gray Tom waiting for us at the bottom of the stair that leads from our apartment to the common area. He was looking at Martha with wide eyes, and emitting an alto call, like he was very interested in my Martha. Martha was very pleased with the attention and crouched facing the Tom, and emitted...http://mysmelly.com/Archive/NonItchyEarHairLoss/cgjnw/post.htmMon, 19 Nov 2012 17:06:54 GMThttp://mysmelly.com/Archive/NonItchyEarHairLoss/cgjnw/post.htmUsenethttp://mysmelly.com/Archive/NonItchyEarHairLoss/cgjnw/post.htmOne of my two cats is losing hair on the back of his ears BUT it does not seem to be caused by mites. First, the veterinarian says mites typically cause hair loss on the tips of the ears but in this case the tips are fine - it is the backs of the ears only that are affected. Second, the cat is NOT scratching the ears at all. I live in a small apartment, generally work from home, and this is a lap cat. I would have noticed unusual behavior and I haven't seen him scratch even once or bathe the area excessively. In fact he exhibits no other strange symptoms at all and seems to be oblivious to the problem. And finally, I have treated for mites with a strong medication I received from the vet and the hair loss has only spread since then. ...http://mysmelly.com/Archive/PurrsForMeep/cgjwc/post.htmWed, 19 Dec 2012 17:06:54 GMThttp://mysmelly.com/Archive/PurrsForMeep/cgjwc/post.htmUsenethttp://mysmelly.com/Archive/PurrsForMeep/cgjwc/post.htmWe don't know if anything's actually wrong yet, but at her vet visit yesterday the vet thought she felt a lump near Meep's cecum. Might be a tumor, Vet's not sure. Meep is also slowly but surely losing weight, despite eating (somewhat) better over the last couple of months - she gets two small cans or one big (tuna can sized) per day, more if she finishes that off. Most days she eats 75% or more of that. She should weigh around 8.5 lbs, she's down to 7lb 6oz. Vet commented on her slightly elevated BUN but normal creatnine at her last blood test (Nov), saying this might indicate something wrong with her gut (I think). Meep's demeanor hasn't really changed, but there's just something I can't quite put my finger on - and don't know if it's...http://mysmelly.com/Archive/AnyoneSeenDrinkingWaterVideo/cgjgk/post.htmMon, 19 Nov 2012 17:06:54 GMThttp://mysmelly.com/Archive/AnyoneSeenDrinkingWaterVideo/cgjgk/post.htmUsenethttp://mysmelly.com/Archive/AnyoneSeenDrinkingWaterVideo/cgjgk/post.htmIf not, you should. I've never seen anything like it. Woody the cat seems to be quite the water waster.http://mysmelly.com/Archive/CatScratcherEmeryBoardClipping/cgjgg/post.htmWed, 19 Sep 2012 17:06:54 GMThttp://mysmelly.com/Archive/CatScratcherEmeryBoardClipping/cgjgg/post.htmUsenethttp://mysmelly.com/Archive/CatScratcherEmeryBoardClipping/cgjgg/post.htmHas anyone tried the new curved cat scratcher on a wooden base? Supposedly it files their nails down so you don't have to clip. One of my cats hates to be clipped. Barb