Askelizabeth

Every once in a while, my cats eyes water for no reason. They clear up on their own, so I havent been to the veterinarian about it, but Im wondering. Should I get her checked?

My cat is 2 years old and is having a problem urinating. He has been on a daily antibiotic for a month and has recurring bladder infections every month or two. One of my concerns is that hes on antibiotics so often that they will kill his immune system. My other concern is whether theres any hope for him. Can you help us?

I am a Tortie-colored chunky girl who tips the scales at almost 15 pounds. I have long hair that gets matted on my lower spine area, and I become wild and aggressive when someone tries to brush me there.

My cat likes to lick himself on both shoulder blades, shortening the hair to the skin in some places. The areas are 2 by 5 inches. He used to have several smaller spots that hed licked until the hair was totally gone and the skin was getting raw from all of the licking. Now its just two bigger patches on the shoulders, but not down to the bare skin all of the time.

My 10-year-old Ragdoll loves paper, especially newspaper and cheap paperbacks. Shes been eating paper since I brought her home at 4 months of age from the breeder.

My one-year-old domestic shorthair spayed female cat seems perfectly normal and then, without warning, shes passed out on the floor. Shes not out for long, but I dont think this is normal. What would cause such a thing?

My 12-year-old female spayed cat has chronic constipation that we have been having difficulty treating. I want her to be happy, comfortable, and healthy, and Im concerned that if we are not able to provide her with relief, her condition will progress and her quality of life will diminish. Can you provide any insight into how we may best achieve relief for her?

My 7-year-old male domestic shorthaired cat has recently begun to bite me, not on a regular basis, but at times when I least exect it. The last bite became infected and required antibiotics, and I am concerned about this odd new behavior. Why does a cat start biting like this?

Q Im alone and somewhat lonely, especially since Phoebe, my cat of 16 years, passed away a month ago. I miss her terribly. I have no children, just a couple of nieces I rarely see. My husband passed away a decade ago. Im 83, but in good health. Is it right for me to adopt a cat at my age? I asked my veterinarian, but he said it was my decision. I would be happy to accept an older cat, because I realize its unlikely I would outlive a kitten. I wouldnt want my new cat to fall on bad times because I passed away. Elizabeth, do you think I would be allowed to adopt?

My 11-year-old domestic shorthaired cat was just diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, and we are trying to decide the best way to treat him. Weve been told that he is otherwise healthy, and our veterinarian has told us about the possibility of radioiodine therapy, but were concerned about the effects of the radiation on him and our family.

Q Is it OK that we planted lilies in our garden? A friend of mine said were poisoning the neighborhood cats. I certainly dont want to do that! Ive had cats all my life and never heard of a cat poisoned by eating a lily. Weve even had lily plants inside. My cat stays strictly indoors so Im not worried about her in our garden, but I do see our neighbors cats out and about.…

Q Is it OK that we planted lilies in our garden? A friend of mine said we’re poisoning the neighborhood cats. I certainly don’t want to do that! I’ve had cats all my life and never heard of a cat poisoned by eating a lily. We’ve even had lily plants inside. My cat stays strictly indoors so I’m not worried about her in our garden, but I do see our neighbors’ cats out and about.…