Feline Diabetes is very similar to human diabetes. Feline Diabetes Mellitus presents as one of two types: Type 1, caused by the insufficient production of insulin, and Type 2, related to the body's cells' inability to handle insulin efficiently. Although diabetes can strike cats of any age, it is more prevalent in older, obese cats, and is found more often in male cats. Although the management of feline diabetes is challenging, it is possible through a consistent program, working closely with your vet.

One of the treatments prescribed for Type 1 Feline Diabetes is regular insulin injections, such as Vetsulin®. About.com Guide Janet Tobiassen Crosby, D.V.M., has reported the FDA Alert for Vetsulin®. Dr. Crosby recommends, "If your diabetic dog or cat is being treated with Vetsulin®, please contact your veterinarian with questions about your pet's symptoms or to discuss alternative insulins to use for your pet. "
_{Photo Credit: © iStockPhoto/Jon Schulte}

More About Diabetes in Pets:

Canine Diabetes Mellitus
Jenna Stregowski, RVT, About.com Guide to Dogs

The California Spangle has one of the most interesting histories of any new cat breed. I've spent several enjoyable hours talking on the phone and corresponding with Paul Casey, the developer of the breed, who has shared the history of this magnificent cat, along with his personal photos. Paul, in his own right, has a fascinating history; he is a big-screen film, TV, and stage producer, an explorer, inventor, animal advocate, writer, cat lover, and a true gentleman.

Like the Bengal, the California Spangle Cat is an "engineered" breed, which came to being from much the same intent: to publicize the cause of wild cats killed for their pelts. Unlike the Bengal, however, there is no wild stock in the genetic makeup of the California Spangled cat. This breed with the wild look was developed with a carefully planned program, using existing breeds selected for appearance as well as personality, and augmented with "street cats" from Cairo and Malaya.

The picture at right is one of the original California Spangled cats, an adult female of the snow leopard color. Click on the image to see a full sized photo.
_{Photo Credit: © Paul Casey, used with permission.}
Learn more about this fascinating breed.

Questions and Answers About the H1n1 Swine Flu Virus and Cats

Ever since the WHO (World Health Organization) classified the H1N1 virus as a pandemic in June of 2009, fear compounded by misinformation have ensued. Even the name, "swine flu," is a misnomer, as the H1N1 virus, although similar, is not the same virus responsible for the swine flu in North America.

At first, it was thought that the H1N1 virus could not be transmitted to cats by humans. However, since the discovery of a documented case of a cat in Iowa contracting swine flu from human family members, renewed speculation has ensued. Although the knowledge of H1N1 is evolving every day, this article will answer questions as they arise and will be updated as needed.

Hannah was adopted from the Humane Society in 2007 during a very hard time in my life, when I needed a pet companion the most. Weighing just 1.5 pounds at the time of adoption, her little "tortie" self was quite a character. She fooled me by sleeping nonstop for the first two days I had her - and she's barely slept since. . . Read the rest of Hannah's story
_{Photo Credit: © Kelly Lessard}

Hannah's wide-eyed look at life exemplifies the meaning of "tortitude," as used to describe torties. Torties aren't just sassy; they enjoy life to the fullest, and Kelly has given Hannah a tortie's dream life.

Hannah will appear in the 2009 Tortoiseshell Cat Gallery, as will all of the November Cats of the Week. You may submit cat photos by following the Photo Submission Guidelines. Sorry, but I will be unable to publish your photos without all the requested information.

To me, nothing epitomizes a "manly man" than one who isn't afraid to confess his love for cats. Cat men are comfortable in their own skin and willing to meet cats on their own terms, forming the best in a companionable relationship. It's the sensitive side in these men which I find very attractive, but maybe I'm prejudiced, because I married a cat man through and through

And just like the other popular pet species, cats love their men, and many of them prefer the male members of their human families over the females. Men and their cats don't have a master-servant relationship, but one based on mutual respect and trust. So, cast aside those old stereotypes, and enjoy these pictures of real guys with their cats. Pictured here is the latest entry, George and his beloved cat of 14 years, Sally Roo. ETA: Sadly, Sally went to the Rainbow Bridge yesterday, from advanced pancreatitis. My deepest condolences to George.
_{Photo Credit: © George Reese}

You may submit your own cat man photos by following the Photo Submission Guidelines. Sorry, but I will be unable to publish your photos without all the requested information.

Along with veterinary care, a nutritious diet is critical to your cat's health and longevity. Learn why the right food plays such an important role in responsible cat care. You'll find covered here material on the history of commercial cat food, the story behind the recent revolution in cat food manufacturing, why raw food is best, cat food recalls, and reasons why you need to be very selective in choosing the kinds of food that make up your cat's diet.

You can do a service to your cat by learning what he would eat if he foraged in the wild, then approximating that diet as closely as possible in his daily food choices. The tooth structure of a true carnivore tells the whole store, as pictured.
_{Photo Credit: © iStockPhoto/Michael Bodmann}

Mary Ellen Richards of Dudley, Mass. works with the organization Willy's Kitty Angels Rescue, which traps feral and stray cats to control the population. Richards takes cats to free clinics to have them spayed or neutered and helps them find foster homes in other towns, according to the MSNBC article.

Complaints by her neighbors led to a new town law which limits the legal number of cats to three, unless the owner obtains a $50 kennel license. The fine for violations is $100/day.

So far, as of Wednesday, Ms. Richards has been fined $1800. She has put her house up for sale and plans to move to "a more cat-friendly community." Ironically, the new law may prompt irresponsible cat owners to dump their excess cats on the streets of Dudley, posing a quandry for Willy's Kitty Angels and its fosterers.

Do you foster cats? Share your experiences with other readers.

People are sometimes confused by the distinction between carnivores and obligate carnivores. There is a fine, but extremely important distinction between the two terms as related to cats. Let's start with the definition of "carnivore." The simplest definition is: "an animal which eats flesh."

So far, so good. However, consider that fact that most humans eat flesh, in the form of hamburgers, chicken, and seafood, for example. Is that all we eat? Hardly. Most of us also eat vegetables, fruits, and grains, which makes us omnivorous. However, many humans are vegetarian, or even vegan - those folks don't consume anything of animal origin. And face it - even a plant - the innocent looking Venus Flytrap - is carnivorous.

Take a look at your cat's teeth. They were made to kill, then rip and tear the flesh of their prey - a sure clue to their carnivorous needs. Then learn more about why cats are obligate carnivores.
_{Photo Credit: © iStockPhoto/Michael Bodmann}

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Breaking News From Janet Crosby, D.V.M, About.com Guide to Veterinary Medicine:

Earlier this year, it was widely believed that household pets, such as cats, dogs, and ferrets, were safe from the H1N1 flu virus, but although the CDC has not yet updated as to these events, the AVMA has. The AVMA adds this common sense advice:

Pets that live indoors, especially cats, tend to have close contact with their owners - after all, that's why we have pets - and that increases their exposure to diseases. The best advice is to always follow common sense guidelines when dealing with animals (for example, washing your hands). In addition, it's more important than ever that pet owners keep a good eye on their pet's health and consult a veterinarian if their pet is showing any signs of illness. Keeping your pets healthy reduces their risk of becoming ill.

Susan Thixton, the founder of TruthaboutPetFood.com is an avid activist for healthful nutrion for pets, and I have been following her for a couple of years now. I have been so impressed with the vast amount of solid, no-holds-barred information she provides, that I subscribed to Petsumer Report, and refer to it regularly when considering cat foods for review. Among the many things I can find in its pet food reviews are the presence of "red flag ingredients"; if any ingredients are imported; and if the protein content is of human grade quality. Thixton explains, "Without having access to all the information the pet food label can't or won't tell you, you might as well stand back and throw a dart down the pet food aisle to choose your pet's food." In my opinion, the $17.95 annual subscription fee is one of the best investments I've ever made for my cats' health.

One of the latest boons Thixton is providing to her readers is the Pet Food Recall First Alert program. Pet food manufacturers who voluntarily join theoretically will promptly alert pet owners if a problem with a pet food is discovered. I say "theoretically," because as Susan Thixton says, "Participation in this program does not guarantee quality or safety of listed company's products. It DOES however, provide pet owners with a beginning. A beginning to improved communication between industry and consumers." A hearty "amen" to that!