Entirely Pets.com has a Cat Quiz that you and your cat might want to fill out. You answer a few questions, then they e-mail you your cat’s “profile.” It’s not 100% accurate, though – for example, they said that “Prissy the ancient” was 24 in human years, making her a young adult. Apparently their system misread something, because – at 18, my Prissy (unfortunately) is nowhere near a young anything.
However, the e-mail did have some great words of advice and suggestions on keeping my girl healthy. Prissy’s strutting around here like she’s the cat’s pajamas as well as the cat – she’s obviously buying into the “young adult” assessment. I’ll never tell.
The website also has a Health Quiz for dogs.
Joi
Tagged as:
Cat Health,
Cat Safety
The diva above is our much, much, much beloved Prissy. She’ll be 18 in September – and, yes, I know how old that is in human years but won’t allow myself to think about it.
I was reading a few online articles and forum threads this morning about senior cats and dogs. Not only do we have Prissy, when my mom unexpectedly passed away in March, we got full custody of her much loved dog, Wednesday. He, himself is kind of long in the tooth – at least 12.
I learned a few things and thought I’d pass them along, in case any0ne else has a baby or babies that are “getting up there.” If you do, you know full well how it is to go searching for them when they’re out of sight for even a minute – I think I probably drive poor little Prissy crazy! I feel better after reading the following:
- There are lots of stories of cats living into their 20s.
- I found an account of a veterinarian who said that the oldest cat he ever treated was 31, and doing nicely!
- I read about a lady with a cat who, at 19, still ran and played with much younger cats.
Prissy moves a little bit slower – especially after she wakes up – and she’d rather be lifted than jump (but she will and can jump if a human isn’t handy), but otherwise she’s healthy, has a huge appetite and absolutely loves attention. She even “acts out stories” like she’s always liked to do: She’ll take off running through the house, then turn suddenly like something’s after her – then she’ll take off in the other direction. She had a good “rip” yesterday….she hit nearly every room, then collapsed in the office floor looking at me like I’d done something ridiculous.
As a matter of fact, she’s looking at me now. I think she knows she’s getting blogged up….. I just hope she doesn’t find out I gave her real age away. She lies, you know.
Shhhhh…
Joi
Tagged as:
Articles,
Cat Health,
Cat Safety,
Cat Shop,
old cats,
older cats
From the ASPCA News Alert Wire:
Each year as flea season approaches, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) receives thousands of calls from pet owners who have accidentally misused flea control products on their cats. There are almost 20 brands of products containing permethrin currently available that are labeled “for dogs only.” When used on cats—even in small amounts—these products can spell big trouble.
“The misuse of flea and tick products can be extremely harmful and even deadly to our companion animals,” says Dr. Steven Hansen, APCC Senior Vice President. Signs commonly seen with permethrin toxicity in cats include tremors, muscle fasciculation and seizures. These symptoms can develop within just hours, or may be delayed up to two days. Most cats have a good chance of recovering with prompt and aggressive veterinary treatment, which may include medication, IV fluids, bathing and other supportive care.
APCC experts urge you to consult with your veterinarian before purchasing products to control fleas on your pet or in your home—and always read the product instructions completely before using any product on your pet. Adds Hansen, “By simply taking the time to read a product label carefully, a pet owner could save his or her animal’s life.”
If you have used a flea control product and notice that your cat is exhibiting any of the above symptoms, call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center’s emergency hotline at (888) 426-4435 for round-the-clock telephone assistance. For more pet poison prevention tips, please visit APCC online.
When you go to the link mentioned above (and you really, really should go to the link mentioned above!), get a load of the adorable kitten in the top banner – Those eyes!!!
Have a great, safe, fun weekend – especially all you fathers!
Joi
Tagged as:
Cat Safety,
dangers of flea control,
flea control,
pet safety
My Mouse Pad is officially Prissy free, for now, so I’ll try to finish up yesterday’s post!
- Touch. Due to arthritis, an older cat may be very sensitive, so she should be handled with care. If she has begun to his or bite when picked up or handled, don’t take it personally – it simply may hurt and she knows of no other way to react. If she has lost weight, you have to be very careful and gentle as there will be bones protruding.
We also have to be extra careful when grooming an older cat. It would be a good idea to switch to a much softer brush, and to go about the procedure more gently than ever.
I’ve noticed that everyone in our household handles Prissy like fine china. She’s quite taken with the whole thing.
Here are some other great tips the book recommended:
- Older cats aren’t as fastidious about cleaning themselves as they once were. Help her out by (softly) brushing her each day.
- Elderly catslove to sleep in the sun’s rays, so provide a comfortable spot near a sunny window.
- Keep her away from drafts.
- Be very tolerant of an older cat’s litter box habits. It’s totally a hit and miss thing. Low-sided boxes are best, and unless you live in a really small house, several litter boxes would be a great idea.
- Have your cat examined by the vet several times a year.
- Use Spring or distilled water only.
- If your cat used to jump onto a favorite spot that she’s no longer able to get to on her own, provide her with some steps or even a few pillows.
- You may find you older cat seeking you out more than she once did. (Like lying right on a mouse pad!) This is the time to give her the comfort and security she’s looking for. Let her curl up in your lap, greeting her with warmth in your voice and show her just how much she’s loved and cherished. I’ve found that with Prissy, the time benefits me as much as it does her. It’s the perfect way to relax and unwind!
- You may notice that your cat has started calling out for you, especially at night. She may just be a little disoriented, wondering, “Where did everybody go?” Then again, she may just want a little bit more of that extra attention she’s coming to love so much!
Joi
Tagged as:
caring for an older cat,
Cat Health,
Cat Safety
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