Health

“Do you want Gracee microchipped?” inquires my veterinarian.  “What?”  I inquire.  I have had cats all of my life and no one has ever asked me that question before.  The indoor cats that I did have existed before they put microchips in cats.  But Gracee was just a kitten.  I had questions:  “How does the chip work, how do you put it in her, does it hurt and is it dangerous?”

Is your precious kitty a predator?  Yes.  Even if our cats are domesticated, kept indoors and called house cats, they are still predators.  And, ALL predators – from polar bears to ladybugs – instinctively clean/groom themselves after they eat.  Please note:  If your cat stops grooming, consult with a veterinarian immediately.  He might be very ill.

            The above picture shows six month old Sophee, one of the Cat Authors, on her first evening in our home.  Sophee is a calico.  Calico is NOT a breed. It is a color, a pattern.  Calico cats have a coat of white fur with distinct patches of colors, usually orange and black.  In contrast, tortoiseshell cats (not to be confused with calico cats) have red, black, brown, yellow and/or orange colors woven throughout their coats.  They do not have the distinct colorful patches of the calico.  Some torties do have white fur with the mottled or woven coats but do not have the distinct calico patches.

The above picture shows Tigger (who is no longer with us) following the removal of his third and last tumor.

What are mast cells?   Mast cells are a normal, white blood cell that forms in the bone marrow and matures in adjoining tissues.  These cells produce chemicals, including histamine.  Their purpose is to combine with other cells to fight invading material.  They are important in fighting allergic responses,  non-allergic skin diseases and assisting in wound healing.

What is a neck cone?  It is a strip of plastic that fastens together to form a cone as shown on my cat, Tigger, who has since 'crossed over the bridge."   Note that the cone was secured to his collar to keep him from slipping out of it or taking it off. Cones now come in all shapes, colors, textures and sizes to fit the smallest kitten or puppy to the largest dog.  The problem with this traditional kind of neck cone is that it surrounds and disables the whiskers.  It also partially blocks the cats peripheral vision.

Where did the word whisker come from?  The word ‘whisker” originally derived in the 1600’s from the word ‘wisker’ meaning anything that whisks or sweeps.  Your cat’s whiskers are like little brooms. 

What are whiskers?  Whiskers are thick, stiff, hair-like projections and are called ‘vibrissae’ because they vibrate when a current of air passes over them.  

How do whiskers work?  The base of each whisker is connected under the skin to a network of tiny nerves that transmit signals to the brain in nano-seconds.  The whisker vibrates in response to a mere current of air and/or touch.  The nerves notify the brain of the vibration.  Whiskers, responding to air currents and touch, guide your cat through the maze of objects in their 'jungle' inside and outside your home. 

Does purring benefit us, the ‘cat parents?’  YES!   Studies show that when we hold or pet our purring cats, not only is our mood uplifted but our blood pressure is lowered.  In most cases, when our cats purr, they are exuding contentment.  However, there are many exceptions as noted in the Mews ‘N News Article, ‘CATS PURR WHEN?’

Hairballs?  Floating, flying cat hair?  Hair stuck to your fabric furniture?  Sound familiar?  My friend said:  "You have to try the FURminator."  I found it at Petco.  It looks like a short metal comb mounted on a thick, sturdy handle that is easy to grip.  It is called a 'DeShedding Tool."  I tried it on the cat authors and got tons of loose hair. But, most important, I used it on the cat trees, all of the fabric furniture that I have...and, guess what?  It removed the cat hair that the vacuum could not remove.  It was a miracle.

JUST SAY NO TO DECLAWING

From the "Paw Project"