Holiday Hazards for your Cats

With Christmas just around the corner, there are a few things to keep in mind regarding the health and safety of your cats.

Poinsettias, Mistletoe and Holly: Although these plants are favorites for holiday decor and festive feelings, they are toxic when eaten by your pets. Please keep these plants out of reach from your four-legged friends.

Christmas Trees: Trees are easily knocked over, so please make sure that your tree is secure and steady with a firm stand at its base. It is not a bad idea to attach your tree with monofilament fishing line to a hook placed on the ceiling. The water reservoir in the tree stand should be covered. Any chemicals added to the water for preservation, in addition to tree resin/sap is toxic to your kitties. Avoid using tinsel, angel hair, loose ribbon or string as decoration. These are very attractive to cats and are very dangerous as a choking hazard. If they swallow these items, it can cause a blockade in your pets intestines. All ornaments should be kept out of reach for your pets, place them on higher limbs of the tree so that your kitties don't play with them and cause them either to break or to pull the tree over. Also, keep the area around your tree clean from fallen pine needles, broken ornaments, or ornament hooks. If your can chews or swallows any of these it could cause intestinal injuries. Therefore, keep your tree well hydrated to prevent large amounts of fallen pine needles and routinely vacuum to area around your tree to clean up those that have found their way to your floor. A great tip that I found here, suggests putting a layer of aluminum foil under the tree to prevent the cat from venturing up and into the limbs. Cats tend to hate to walk on foil and its a quick, easy, and cheap deterrent. You can also stack empty aluminum soda cans with a few pennies inside as a barrier. If the cat bumps into them and knocks them over, the noise will startle them and they will hopefully avoid this area.

No More Open Door Policy: Post a sign on your door (on both sides), if you are having guests over, that reminds them to close the door securely. This way your animals will have less opportunity to slip outside. An ID tag and collar are especially important even for indoor cats. If you have any worries about this possibility, you might want to consider moving your pets into a separate room with their food, water, and litter box to keep them safe and secure. Unless you have the most social of animals, they will want to be hidden and not disturbed.

Giving Animals as a Gift: Never give an animal as a gift! Becoming the owner/caretaker of an animal is a large responsibility and one that could be a 20 year commitment. This commitment should be made by the person themselves. If you really believe that an animal would be the perfect gift, try buying an adoption gift certificate. Many rescue groups and shelters now carry these for this specific reason. This way, your child, friend, or family member can go and pick out their companion themselves, or they may make the choice not to, either way is better for your and the animal.

Emergencies: In case of an emergency, make sure you know of your local veterinarian and/or emergency clinic.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Nail Trimming

I never realized that there are so many people who have cats who are terrified of trimming their cats nails and insist that it can only be done by a vet, which I am sure runs a high price. Even other shelter volunteers look at me in awe when they notice the pair of clippers that I bring with me in my efforts to control the out of hand claw lengths at the shelter. You see, most of the cats will get their claws trimmed during their initial vet checks when coming into the shelter or when being placed in the adoptable areas. However, with the sheer number of animals the shelter sees, they just don't have time to keep up with the regular maintenance of the nails. That is where I come in. Now granted, it isn't an easy tasks, and there are some cats that I just wont try to do this on without the aid of extra hands, but I attribute this to my limited time with the cats and their lack of trust in me.

I found that the SPCA of San Francisco has a nice .pdf regarding the trimming of your cats nails. I will copy the relevant portion below, or you can read the full version.

From the San Francisco SPCA Cat Behavior Department

Nail Trimming

First of all, keep your cats’ nails trimmed short. This is easy to learn to do, and should be considered an essential part of your grooming responsibility. Have your vet show you how to do this the first time. This will prevent cats from damaging furniture (or skin!) as much if they do sneak a scratch.

Like our fingernails, cats’ claws grow continuously. Some cats may only need clipping every few months. Others may need it every few weeks. It is important to check your cat’s toenails at least once a month. It is easier to clip often, taking less of the claw than to wait too long and have to deal with little daggers. For us to trim our own nails regularly is usually a fairly simple, stress-free procedure. Doing the same for our cats can be more difficult.

Cats who stay indoors may need their nails trimmed more regularly than cats who go outside—even if they use their scratching posts often. Scratching on a post helps to remove the “dead” parts of the nail, thus making the nail thinner and sharper. Nails that have not been trimmed for a long time may grow in a circular shape causing the tips to grow into the cat’s paw pad, or they may become too thick which sometimes happens with older or less active cats. In this case the sheath doesn’t get removed so the claw becomes too wide and starts growing into the cat’s pad. This can be extremely painful and may require medical treatment and minor surgery. It can also lead to infection. This is why regular trimming is essential.

Some Important Tips

· Handling your cat’s paws regularly, when he’s relaxed will allow him to become used to the feeling of having his paws touched. He may then be less upset at claw clipping time.

· Ask someone to help you; it is much easier than trying to hold a struggling cat and wield clippers simultaneously. A “scruff-hold” can be used to restrain the cat. This involves firmly, yet gently restraining the cat by holding his or her scruff and supporting the rest of the cat’s body. While one person holds, the helper can do the actual clipping.

· Before you attempt it on your own, have your veterinarian demonstrate nail trimming for you.

· Choose a time when your cat is calm—naptime may be the best. It is possible that you may only be able to do one toe at a time, especially at first.

· Get appropriate clippers for cats’ claws – do not use human nail clippers or scissors!

How To Do It

· Check the cat’s paws for dirt; although they usually keep their own feet clean, you will want to be able to see the claw clearly. You can extend the cat’s nail by picking up the cat’s foot and gently applying a little pressure on the top and bottom of the toe just behind the nail.

· Make sure there is enough light. Having the cat’s paw between the source of light and yourself makes it much easier to see where you need to cut.

· Keep the clippers perpendicular to the nail. Look for the “quick” in the cat’s nail. Notice how far into the nail the quick extends. (The quick is a vein. You can see it as the pinkish area inside the nail.)

The clipper is best placed about 1/8 inch forward of the quick. If your cat will sit still long enough, you may want to gently file the tips after cleaning.

If You Trim The Nail Too Close

Your cat may give a cry and try to pull away from you. You may observe a small bit of blood on the end of the nail. Wipe the blood away with a tissue or paper towel. Dab some super glue, corn starch or styptic powder (available in pet stores) on the tip to stop the bleeding. In the future, you will want to cut the nails a little further away from the quick.

Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Programs in the Silicon Valley

The San Jose Animal Care Center accepts feral cats for surgery on Tue, Wed, and Thur (8am-8:30am) as walk-ins. They do not take appointments for feral cats. Feral means that the animal will not allow humans to touch it and therefore if it is in a trap, it is required to be completely covered by a towel in order to reduce stress on the animal. Humane traps may be borrowed from the Center for up to 1 week with a $40 refundable deposit.

Tame cats need an appointment by calling (408) 361-6602. Please bring your cat in its own carrier.

Rates (Tame or Feral)
Male: $5 for Residents* / $20 for Non-Residents
Female: $10 for Residents* / $30 for Non-Residents
*of San Jose, Cupertino, Los Gatos, Milpitas or Saratoga

To view this info on the facility's website, please visit: http://www.sanjoseanimals.com/spayNeutProg.asp

For other low-cost spay/neuter programs in the Silicon Valley area:

Animal Birth Control Assistance Inc. (408) 244-8351
St. Francis of Assisi Low-Cost Clinic (San Martin, CA) (408) 683-0866
Palo Alto Animal Services (650) 496-5933
Silicon Valley Animal Control Authority (Campbell, Monte Sereno, Santa Clara)

Are you still hesitant to get your cat fixed due to negative changes in your cats behavior? If so, please read what Animal Planet's cat guide says about the issue:

Spaying and Neutering

Most veterinarians, animal-welfare organizations and even animal-rights advocates strongly recommend sterilizing all pets to prevent reproduction, ideally before they are sexually mature. It is probably the one subject on which there is such widespread agreement. In addition to controlling the cat population and reducing the number of unwanted, homeless felines, sterilizing also benefits the individual cat.

Even if your pet never leaves your house, sterilization is better for your cat's health. Sterilized cats tend to live longer, healthier lives than their sexually active counterparts. Obviously, diseases of the removed organs are completely prevented, and the risks for a host of related diseases, including such things as mammarian cancer, are reduced. Contrary to popular belief, “fixed” cats do not become overweight, lazy or depressed. These conditions are due to overfeeding and lack of exercise.

More importantly, this operation will help preserve your sanity on a day-to-day basis. Have you ever tried to sleep while a female cat in heat paces incessantly around the house, yowling in apparent distress? Or have you ever smelled the pungent urine of an intact male? Even in the litter box the odor is enough to make your eyes water, and if he begins spraying urine around the house to mark his territory the situation can become unbearable. Sadly, through no fault of their own, many unfixed males are dumped off at animal shelters because of this very problem.

There are some other benefits: Cats not focused on finding a mate generally transfer their attention, and affection, to their owners. Sterilized outdoor cats won't roam far and wide looking for mates, and so are less likely to get lost. Neutered males stay out of the violent competitions for females that often lead to wounds and abscesses. Indoor cats, particularly males, will also show less aggression toward other cats.

29 Nov 2007

I went back to the Furrville room where I haven't been for quite a while and got to see many new faces. The kennel attendant was just about wrapping up with the daily cleaning in the room so AJ was out in the play room entertaining himself. I didn't want to interrupt AJ's adorable act of pouncing on the little furry toys scattered across the floor and picking them up with both front paws and tossing them into the air. His dance was reminding me of those little snow foxes in the arctic how pounce repeatedly on top of a thick layer of snow chasing their prey. AJ is a black and white, medium length hair cat around 1 year old but still plays like a tiny kitten. So while AJ did his thing, I went inside the other room and chatted with the kennel attendant about the other cats I played with the day before, especially Domino and his extra toes.

While talking, Bonnie (gray tabby and white short hair) decided to snag the attendant with her front claws. Apparently she was very interested in the broom that the kennel attendant was moving around in front of her cage, but missed the broomstick and got the attendant on the arm with her sharp claws. I typically bring a pair of nail clippers from home and so I decided that Bonnie would be the next to come out and play, with my mission being to trim back those nails. So, AJ went back into his cage and I went to take Bonnie out, and boy did I get a surprise. Bonnie has a stub for a tail. Now, I am not sure if Bonnie was born this way, or if it had to be amputated at some point, but either way, I have yet to get over the quirkiness of a cat without a tail. Thankfully Bonnie's classic pink nose, and being a total sweetheart helps one forget about the lack of a tail. I am sure that with time, a person will completely forget about the "shortcomings" just as the cat sure as heck doesn't mind. I had a grand time flicking the cat toy on a stick through the air and watching Bonnie catch them in mid flight. I managed to snip off a few nail tips in between her cartwheeling around the room.

Next was Christian, this stunning brown tabby. His markings are so striking with his brown/silver coloring and dark black stripes. He even his a broad black stripe down his back and tail. What a sweetheart. He purrs non stop and loves to be held, pet, or cuddled. His left ear has a little notch at the tip, but you would never know how he might have earned such a mark with his gentle disposition. To top it all off, he knows exactly what a scratching post is and how to use it. I just wanted to hold him in my arms like I do with Tom Tom, but he didn't want to be held for too long, so no napping for me today. I was also able to trim some of Christian's nails while he lay exhausted on the carpeted stairs after and entertaining chase with the cat toy on a stick.

The next kitty down the line was this gorgeous gray cat named Taloola, but she seemed a little shy and didn't want to venture out of the cage. I stood at her cage and pet the very gentle cat who seemed quite happy that I was there. I was hoping to coax her outside for some exercise and some playtime, however, she began eating and I decided that she was just happy where she was. I surely do not want to force a cat out where its not comfortable, especially on my first visit with the kitty. If I see this cat again, I will give it about 10 minutes to adjust to me and then try to pick her up to take her out to play. I have been known to wait for 30 minutes in front of a cage just waiting patiently trying to earn the trust of a cat who is terrified of leaving their cage. Poor little things, who knows what they have been through.

At this point, Manda, who was in the cage right below Taloola was pawing me apron and was desperately trying to get my attention. Manda has been a resident at the shelter since July. She is a brown tabby with the cutest dusty rose colored nose. She is so adorable and has way too much energy to be kept in a cage. She loves to talk to get your attention and purrs continuously. She is very gentle and would be great with kids who can keep up with her activity level. She loves to catch flies and will jump after toys, once caught, she will take her toys off to a quiet spot where she can keep an eye on them and make sure they don't fly again. If you aren't busy playing with her, she will just walk around rubbing up against anything and everything. Thankfully she understands the meaning of a scratching post.

28 Nov 2007

I went to the shelter today after a long absence for my Thanksgiving vacation. I was so excited to get back and see the kitties! Recently there was a large adopt-a-thon at the shelter and its nice to finally see some empty cages. I assume that means that all of the cats that are fit for adoption are up and strutting their stuff for the visitors to see. As a volunteer we don't really get to know how many cats are in the back, or how many are just waiting for a spot in the public areas. I went to the Purrfect Inn room where it usually houses 12 adult cats and found that 5 cages were completely cleaned and empty, awaiting a new occupant. One small cat, who couldn't even be a year old, had one of those green medical cards attached to its cage. This means that he is off limits to me and I am not allowed to take him out to play.

The first one I took out to play with was Tux. My favorite standby. He never gives me trouble and he is just an all around great cat. According to the shelter, the previous owners gave him up because one of the family members discovered allergies towards the cat. They said that Tux is a "very good cat, likes people, loving and sweet. Chases toys, pounces and uses scratching post." So far, all their statements have rung true in the 6+ times that I have played with Tux. He just goes with the flow and doesn't complain, other than when its time to go back in his cage, which I only worry about the cats who eagerly jump back in their cage. After about 20 minutes of play time, Tux just found a sunny spot in the play room and laid down, very content.

Tom Tom is by far my favorite cat at the moment. He has been at the shelter since July. He is just so handsome, but above all, he is my nap time kitty. He is completely different than the other cats in the way that when I take him out into the play room, he doesn't immediately jump out of my arms so that he can stretch and explore. There are times when these cats don't get out to play for a few days at a time, and you know that they must be just so tired of being in their little cages where a full grown cat can't fully stretch out their muscles. But this is not stretching time for Tom Tom, he just LOVES to be held. So I just take my pal over into the corner where a little sunshine hits his fur, I put my legs up and hold him in my arms. He will typically turn around a few times to find that sweet spot to lay down in my arms, and then, it's nap time! But not without him testing me with his "love bites". I am fairly new into the cat world, but I have noticed that there are a few out there who seem to think that nibbling on your skin is a loving thing to do. I am working to correct his behavior, but I think that it is just in their nature to do so. He is so loving and as I hold him in my arms he purrs continuously and rubs his face up against mine and if I am not paying attention, I will find him open-mouthed, with my chin inside his jaws. He doesn't bite down hard, but its definitely not something that should be allowed. I am sure the sentiment was just lost in translation, however, after a firm "no" from me and he goes back to curling up in my arms and we go back to our nap. I really hope that someone who is understanding of cats comes and falls in love with Tom Tom. I don't think that children would be a good companion for Tom Tom because they might not be in tune with his "love bites".

Domino is a new cat, who came in the weekend before Thanksgiving. He is fairly large in stature, and seems like he's been through a lot. Maybe he was a stray for a while. He's a sweet cat and loves to climb up to the top of the carpeted cat condo that recently found its way into the play room. I spent most of my time trying to trim back his nails. You see, he has more toes than normal, otherwise known as polydactyly. This is the first time I have noticed a cat at the shelter with this condition. These cats are especially important to keep their claws trimmed because they don't wear evenly on account of the the extra toes being slightly higher up on their paw. He definitely wasn't enjoying my attempt at snipping his claws, but I did manage to trim back most of his front ones. I can't wait to play with Domino again soon so that I get to know him better.

Alison is a beautiful tabby who has a peculiar annoyance towards certain cat toys. Any type of the wide banded strings or boa-like cat toys on a stick that loosely resemble a tail makes Alison growl at the toy, she calmed down and rubbed up against me. It was somewhat amusing and I wasn't totally sure if she was just confused because the hair on her back didn't stand up on end and she never took a defensive posture. I then played around with another stick toy with a puff ball on the end with a ball inside and she got much enjoyment out of this. She is a very sweet, gentle and a well-mannered kitty with the most stunning eyes.