Cat Tips

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Health & Wellness
Silent killer: Get your cat checked for heart disease
July 2nd, 2009
by Kelly Modzelewski, Dog and Cat Writer

   Four years ago, our cat Schmeckie (unique name, I know) suddenly became paralyzed in her back legs. She started screaming, obviously very much in pain. There was no known trauma – she had been healthy moments before. It turned out Schmeckie had Saddle Thrombosis. In S.T., a blood clot sticks at the split in the aorta by the hind legs. Sometimes, if immediately rushed into surgery, the cat can be saved but paralysis will probably remain. About 1/3 of cats with S.T. die. Schmeckie was one of them.

There is no certain prevention for S.T. but having your cat checked for heart disease on a regular basis may help. If it does strike, don’t blame yourself. It is known as the “silent killer in cats” for a reason.
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Food & Nutrition
Crash diet: Talk to your vet before you switch foods with your cat
March 24th, 2009
by Tracie Hotchner, Author & Radio Show Host

   Before starting a new diet, talk to your vet if you have any doubts about your cat’s health and whether or not she can safely go a day where she might refuse the new food. Cats with cancer, diabetes, thyroid issues, or kidney damage – or very old cats – cannot run the risk of going without food. Your vet will tell you if your cat needs to make that diet switchover very swiftly. The issue isn’t whether your cat can benefit from the better diet, but how to make the transition to the new improved food quickly, without putting strain on her system during the switchover that might entail fasting as a reaction to the new food.
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