MAH Q&A: Know the Truth about your Cat- Myths Uncovered

MAH Q&A:  Know the Truth about your Cat: Myths Uncovered

Q:  Are table scraps Ok for my cat?

A:  No.  A piece of cheese for a 10lb. cat is like eating almost 3 full chocolate bars!  They are empty calories and often hard to digest for cats.  They can not only contribute to weight and nutrition problems, but cause serious health risks as well.

Additional Foods harmful to Cats:

Onions, garlic, and chives- in any form can be toxic to cats and lead to severe anemia. 

Grapes and raisins- have been know to cause kidney failure if ingested.

Chocolate- has been found to be potentially lethal in cats.

Xylitol in candy and gum- has been found to effect insulin levels and can cause a blood sugar drop if ingested.  It can also lead to liver failure.

Dog food- A steady diet of dog food can cause your cat to be undernourished.  Cat food is especially formulated with extra protein, vitamins and fatty acids that are essential to its well-being.

Raw meats- As in humans, they contain bacteria that can cause food poisoning.  In addition an enzyme in raw fish destroys thiamine, which is an essential B vitamin.   A lack of it can cause serious neurological problems including seizures and coma.

Q: Can you give cats milk?  I have heard conflicting stories.

A: Despite the pictures of a typical adorable cat lapping at a bowl of milk, milk is not recommended.  It is very hard for them to digest and may cause bouts of vomiting and/or diarrhea. Its high calorie content is also a major contributor to feline obesity.  Your cat can get all the nutrients and protein it needs from a reputable cat food.

Q: Why does my Cat’s tail have so many  “quirky” movements? Is she mad?

A:  Your Cat’s tail can often be good indicators of mood.  Take a little time out and observe your cat's behavior along with her tail movements.  You will see a consistent pattern.

High position:  often said they are expressing confidence and contentment.  A Tail sticking straight up signals happiness and friendliness.

Curved like a question mark:  Often signals a playful mood. Get ready to have some play time!

Low Position:  Watch out! This may be a sign of aggression or a very serious mood. (except  Persians, who tend to keep their tails low for no reason)

Tucked Away: May be a sign of fear or submission.  Something is making the cat nervous.

Puffed up:  Is often the sign of an agitated or frightened cat.  Making the tail bigger is  an attempt to ward off danger.

Whipping Tail:  a tail that snaps back and forth quickly is a cat that is both fearful and aggressive.  It is a sign to “back off”

Swishing tail:  Slow side to side movement is often the sign that your cat is focused on an object and is about to pounce.

Q: My cat often leaves dead mice and birds by the front door. Is this normal?  I feel so bad.

A:  Hunting for cats is an entirely natural and strong instinct.  Even when the cat is

well fed at home they will often leave you “presents”.  If the cat leaves you her kill you might want to congratulate her on her hunting prowess!  Punishing your cat so it will not “kill" is often fruitless, since it is such a deep seeded instinct, and will only cause her lots of confusion. 

A couple of suggestions to thwart hunting:

1.Playing catch with some toys may relieve some of the urge to hunt.

2. Placing a bell on her collar will alert potential victims that the cat is coming

Q: Are pregnant Women allowed to be around cats?  I heard that they can get Toxoplasmosis.

A: Pregnant women can interact with cats.  It is their litter box that is the problem.  Toxoplasmosis is a disease that can be carried by Cats most often transmitted by killing and eating infected prey.  The disease is spread through contaminated feces in the litter box.

Q: Cats Have 9 Lives, but are they immune to Rabies?

A: Cats can definitely carry rabies and should be vaccinated according to NY state Law ( annually or every 3 years depending on the type of vaccine).

It is important to immunize your pets for their protection as well as for the safety of your family and loved ones. The law requires that dogs, cats and ferrets be immunized against rabies.

Rabies is a deadly disease caused by a virus that attacks the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). Infected mammals can transmit rabies virus to humans and other mammals. It is almost always fatal once symptoms appear. It is transmitted by the bite of a rabid animal. However, the virus may also be transmitted when the saliva of a rabid animal comes into contact with cut, open, or scratched skin lesions.

If an unvaccinated pet or one that's overdue on its vaccination comes in contact with a rabid or suspected rabid animal, the pet must either be destroyed or strictly quarantined for six months. However, if a vaccinated animal comes into contact with a wild animal, it needs only a booster vaccination, but this immunization must be administered within five days of exposure.

To protect your family and pets, it is absolutely essential that your animals have up-to-date rabies vaccinations!

Give Us a Call at 516-627-0057 to make sure your cat is up to date on his/her vaccinations!

Dr. Robert Henrickson, D.V.M.