December 2007
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In this issue:
Holiday Opeing Hours
Welcome Dr. Amy Lingard
Case of the Month
Indoor Cat Needs
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Site of the Month
www.indoorcat.org
Great website with information about enriching your cats life - especially those who are indoor cats.
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Cats don't like change without their consent.
- Roger A. Caras
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Cat whispers is a special e-mewsletter for our valued clients. Each edition we bring you up to date on what's happening at the hospital as well as interesting information and facts on pets and pet healthcare.
Visit our website at www.catdoctor.com.au
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Happy Holidays
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The Staff at the Cat Clinic would like to wish all you cat families a safe a happy holidays. For those of you holidaying with us over Christmas and New Year, there will be plenty of special treats during the Christmas period to make it feel more like home.
Christmas and New Year Opening Hours
Saturday 22nd - 8.30am – 1.00pm
Sunday 23rd - CLOSED
Monday 24th - 8.00am – 1.00pm
** (NO VETERINARY APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE) **
Tuesday 25th - CLOSED
Wednesday 26th - CLOSED
Tuesday 1st - CLOSED
If your cat requires any Veterinary attention over the holiday break, Please contact one of the following:
Southern Animal Emergency Centre
Highett – 9532 5261
The Animal Emergency Centre
Mount Waverley – 9803 8122
Advanced Vetcare
Kensington – 9092 0400
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Welcome to Dr. Amy Lingard
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Amy Lingard BVSc (Hons), MACVSc (Feline Medicine)
Amy has recently joined our practice from the University of Sydney Valentine Charlton Cat Centre. During her time at the University of Sydney, Amy completed a two-year feline medicine residency-training program and accepted the position of Feline Medicine Registrar.
Amy has also worked at the Creek Road Cat Clinic in Brisbane, a large cat-only hospital in Brisbane. She is now excited by the prospect of returning to Melbourne to work with her partner Richard Gowan at the Cat Clinic.
In 2006, Amy passed her membership board exams in Feline Medicine and has worked in exclusive feline practice for the last 6 years.
Amy is lucky enough to share her life with an eccentric oriental cat named “Sabi” and a wool-eating Tonkinese named “Soy” (and Gordon & Harper)!
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Case of the Month
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Introducing “Mooch”, a beautiful 5 year old male Burmese, who presented to the Cat Clinic a couple of weeks ago. “Mooch” had been off his food and vomiting for the past 2 days. On physical examination, he had a firm section of intestine that was painful to touch. Blood tests revealed mild dehydration, but no other significant abnormalities. An x-ray of his abdomen revealed pockets of gas within his intestines and a round opaque structure suggestive of a foreign body.
“Mooch” underwent emergency surgery, which revealed a piece of rubber resin obstructing his small intestine. The rubber was removed and “Mooch” made a complete recovery from surgery. By the following day, his appetite had returned and he had no further vomiting. His owner, Sandra, recalled picking up similar pieces of rubber in the garden a few months ago, so the foreign body had been present in his intestine for a few months before becoming lodged!
The ingestion of household items, such as rubber toys, elastic hair bands, bread ties, string, wool and socks, can be a relatively common problem in young, inquisitive cats. Such items should be kept out of reach of young cats, especially known offenders! (Remember August’s Newsletter about household dangers)
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“Mooch”
X-ray showing pockets of gas within the intestine and a round opaque foreign body (arrow).
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Indoor Cat Needs
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Many owners are now deciding to keep their feline companions completely indoors. Indeed, indoor cats have longer, physically healthier lives than cats allowed outdoors, because they are kept away from outdoor risks, such as cat fights, road traffic and diseases. However, indoor cats are more likely to develop behavioural problems than those allowed outside. To enrich the lives of indoor cats, we have compiled a “resource checklist!”
Litter boxes
Cats eliminate to fulfil a fundamental need. However, they may also use eliminations as a way to mark their territory. To ensure that cats eliminate in their litter box, there are 4 main things to consider:
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Litter tray hygiene – Clean the litter tray daily and wash the litter tray weekly with a mild detergent and rinse thoroughly.
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Litter tray type and size – Most cats prefer large, uncovered litter trays. Trays with higher sides can be useful for cats that tend to scatter litter over the side whilst digging. Trays with lower sides should be provided to kittens and older cats.
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Litter type – Once you find a litter that your cat likes, don’t change types! Cats often have individual preferences for certain litter types.
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Litter tray location and number – The general rule with litter trays is one per cat and an additional tray for the house. Litter trays need to be kept in a quiet, but accessible location.
Scratching poles
Scratching is a natural behaviour for cats. Scratching poles provide an alternative option for cats to scratch, saving your furniture and carpets! Scratching poles are available in a variety of styles and materials. Cats that scratch chair legs may prefer a vertical scratching pole. Just ensure that it is tall enough for them to stretch out. Cats that scratch carpets may prefer horizontal scratching poles. Scratching poles should be placed near sleeping areas or room entrances, so that they can leave scent marks defining their territory. Nail clipping can be easily performed to reduce damage done by scratching.
Toys
The cat is a natural hunter. Therefore, toys should be available which allow the cat to simulate this hunting activity. Most cats prefer to hunt specific creatures. By identifying your cats “prey” preference, it will enable you to find toys that your cat will be more likely to play with. Try both “bird” and “mouse” toys at the same time to see which toy they prefer. Sometimes even the simplest toys, such as scrunched up paper, can provide hours of entertainment. Toys can be rotated to maintain interest.
Outdoor Cat Enclosures
Outdoor cat enclosures provide the best of both worlds, enabling your cat to enjoy the sights and sounds of the outside world without exposing them to outdoor risks. There are many options available, including purpose built “Catmax” enclosures, or do-it-yourself high fencing with angled returns and Elizabethan collars on trees. Some cats can also be trained to walk on a harness and lead.
Indoor plants
Cats sometimes like to graze on grass and herbs. Potted plants can be placed indoors to allow them access. Plants, such as catnip, catmint, thyme, sage and parsley, can all be grown indoors.
Some cats will adapt more readily to an indoor lifestyle than others. Cats which have spent years outdoors may not accept an indoor lifestyle. It is up to the owner and their cat to assess the advantages and disadvantages of the different lifestyles.
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