Lifestyle

Many unverified websites spout all kinds of feline health advice. We want to keep your kitties safe, so we are sharing our five favorites.

Yes, you can teach your cat to let you brush her teeth! Choose a pet-friendly toothpaste in a flavor that your cat likes, such as tuna or chicken. Start by allowing her to lick the toothpaste off your finger or a toothbrush. Try to do this at the same time every day, such as when you brush your teeth, so it becomes a daily routine.

The first signs of a hind-end problem can be subtle. You probably will not see an obvious limp. You might suddenly realize that you have not had to scold the cat off the counter in a week or more. Or you might notice that the first-floor litter box is getting all the action while the one up (or down) the stairs is pristine. These are often indications that your cat is experiencing some degree of arthritis, possibly even hip dysplasia (see also Cats Hide Signs of Hip Dysplasia from our May 2018 issue at catwatchnewsletter.com).

We want the best for our cats, and nutrition plays a vital role in any animals health. But advertising and lay opinions can leave a cat owner wondering whether to feed canned food or dry foods.

Things just got easier for cat owners everywhere. We now have an FDA-approved ointment that targets unintentional weight loss in cats.

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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?

Incisions are delicate. Even if your veterinarian has opted to use stainless steel suture to prevent a pet from ripping the suture material, the skin itself can be torn. If your cat rips open her incision, she may be allowing things that should be inside her body to get out and allowing things from the outside world to get in.

From the ASPCA, the top five toxins of 2017

Did you know that what you type into that search-engine box can make a world of difference when it comes to veterinary information? A 2010 study proved what most of us already knew: The quality of Internet information varies widely.

While studies have looked at the connection between periodontal disease and kidney failure in dogs, it is only recently that such a connection has been evaluated for cats. In the March 2018 issue of the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, a cooperative study between the Banfield Pet Hospitals centered in Vancouver, Washington, and the University of Minnesota looked at associations of these two health problems in cats.

According to Fox 8 in Cleveland, Ohio, Squad 51 was started by Yalanda Medina after a life-and-death health scare with her dog. Her 24-hour emergency response and transport company provides emergency triage-like veterinary paramedics-and transportation to the nearest veterinary emergency clinic.