Monday February 13, 2012
I wrote earlier that my 9 year-old Billy will be undergoing dental cleaning this month. He will have to be under anesthesia for this procedure, which causes me some concerns, as it does for other cat parents. The blood tests recommended by veterinarians can help to ameliorate certain worries, and should not be skipped in the interests of saving money. Pictured here is a cat under anesthesia for spaying.
Photo Credit: © iStock Photo/Mark Coffey
A better understanding of some of the commonly-used types of anesthetics and analgesics (pain relievers), how they work, and their potential drawbacks, will help us make the best decisions when it comes to sedating our cats. Read more for a better understanding about anesthesia for cats.
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Sunday February 12, 2012
Skittle looks pretty big in this photo, but when you see her next to her co-shelter-adoptee, Tonto, she looks half his size. Skittle is 11 years young and she and Tonto were adopted at the same time four years go from the SPCA. Like many cats, she naps during the day, and delights in keeping the humans awake at night with her noisy play.
Photo Credit: © About.com Member DSSKTO
Skittle is featured in the Life With a White Cat Show and Tell gallery, as will be all the Cats of the Week in February. (We celebrate white cats this month, because they remind us of the pristine snow in Winter.) Read more of her story and find out how you can submit your own white cat to that gallery.
Sunday February 12, 2012
One immutable link among people who love cats is our lifelong bond with cats. In fact, that bond is so strong that it lasts beyond life itself. One of the strongest ways this bond presents itself is that our cats provide us with therapy when we need it most. Even the smallest thing, such as the way feel of a purring, vibrating warm body under a hand at night can bring on sleep, is therapy in only the way cats can give. In fact, cats are being used more and more lately as therapy animals in hospital settings, such as nursing homes.
Photo Credit: © i-Stock Photos
Let's examine the 7 ways we bond with our cats in more detail. I suspect many readers will be murmuring "yes!" as the story unfolds.
More About Our Bond With Cats
Saturday February 11, 2012
While February is Pets Dental Health Month, we owe it to our cats to care for their teeth on a regular basis, with both veterinary dental checkups at least annually (more frequently for older cats), and a consistent home dental care plan, which includes regular brushing, mouth examination, rinsing, and flossing (no kidding).
Photo Credit: © GalensGranny
Oral disease is not only painful and debillating, it can affect other organs of the body. You can help prevent it by following this home dental care plan. Your cat depends on you to care for his dental needs, because cats don't wear dentures.
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