AMERICAN VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION
Reply: Talkative Cat!Some cats are very talkative, some never say a word. But all communicate...
Some cats are very talkative, some never say a word. But all communicate with their owners in some fashion. The studies that have been done on feline communication discuss general vocalizations such as the low moan some cats use as a warning when an attack is imminent. Whether specific sounds can be linked to specific words is unknown. But if you figure it out, you'll be famous! Incidentally, cats that were relatively quiet but suddenly start to vocalize more can have diseases such as hyperthyroidism and hypertension. But some normal cats are always talkative and just like to express themselves.
Drew Weigner, DVM, ABVP
The Cat Doctor
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AMERICAN VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION
Reply: Why does this happen??We're so sorry that you lost Whiskers. Unfortunately, outdoor cats...
We're so sorry that you lost Whiskers. Unfortunately, outdoor cats disappear for any number of reasons but most don't just decide to leave for any reason. You're taking all the necessary steps to improve your chances of finding him. I've heard of some cats returning home weeks or even months later. Keep checking with the local shelters. Microchipping any outdoor cats is an excellent idea. Please keep us posted.
Drew Weigner, DVM, ABVP
The Cat Doctor
Board Certified in Feline Practice
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AMERICAN VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION
Reply: Comfortis on catsWhile Comfortis is apparently safe for dogs, its toxicity in cats has not...
While Comfortis is apparently safe for dogs, its toxicity in cats has not yet been determined. While it may turn out to be safe, cats metabolize many drugs differently than dogs. So until it's commercially available, I wouldn't use it in cats. Fortunately, there is another monthly oral flea treatment, Program, that is approved for use in cats.
Drew Weigner, DVM, ABVP
The Cat Doctor
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AMERICAN VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION
Reply: kitten's having spasmsThere are many possibilities, the most common being fleas or skin diseases....
There are many possibilities, the most common being fleas or skin diseases. This should be obvious. It's also possible your cat is having a mild seizure. This can have several underlying causes, but sometimes occurs without cause. There's also a disease called "Hyperesthesia" where a cat will start twitching for no known reason. This often ends with the cat vocalizing and running around. If your cat doesn't have fleas, it sounds like she needs to see your veterinarian.
Drew Weigner, DVM, ABVP
The Cat Doctor
Board Certified in Feline Practice
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AMERICAN VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION
Reply: vomitting foodYes. If one cat throws up food once a month, treat both of them for...
Yes. If one cat throws up food once a month, treat both of them for hairballs. If this solves the problem, they don't need to see your veterinarian as long as they're both eating well and not losing weight (and no longer vomiting.) Ask your veterinarian which hairball laxative they recommend as these tend to work better.
Drew Weigner, DVM, ABVP
The Cat Doctor
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AMERICAN VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION
Reply: My 2 Cat'sWhenever more than one patient in an environment has the same symptoms, you...
Whenever more than one patient in an environment has the same symptoms, you should think of things that are contagious or caused by the environment (although it could always be coincidental.) Contagious causes of pruritis (itchiness) include parasites such as fleas, mites, etc. and infections such as fungal diseases. Environmental causes include changes in humidity, chemicals, stress factors, diet, etc. These are things your veterinarian is trained to look for, so a visit is in order.
Drew Weigner, DVM, ABVP
The Cat Doctor
Board Certified in Feline PracticeView Thread
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AMERICAN VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION
Reply: Orphan kittens not having bowel movement...please ...Sounds like you're doing pretty well to me! Since these kittens are too...
Sounds like you're doing pretty well to me! Since these kittens are too young for solid food, they won't produce much stool. If they're eating and active, you probably have nothing to worry about. But if they stop eating, become lethargic, or start vomiting, take them to your veterinarian right away. Kittens can go downhill very quickly.
Drew Weigner, DVM, ABVP
The Cat Doctor
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AMERICAN VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION
Reply: Cat's Eye WatersWhile there are many causes of eye discharge in cats, the most common is a...
While there are many causes of eye discharge in cats, the most common is a viral infection. These often resolve after a few days. If the discharge from her eye is clear or reddish brown, keep her eyes clean with a soft cloth moistened with warm water. If it's yellowish or greenish, or if the eye is very inflamed, or if it lasts more than three days, she needs to see her veterinarian.
Drew Weigner, DVM, ABVP
The Cat Doctor
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AMERICAN VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION
Reply: VERY SICK CATFevers are caused by inflammation whether from infections, inflammatory...
Fevers are caused by inflammation whether from infections, inflammatory diseases, cancer, etc. Infections are more common in young cats, such as yours. The most common infections are Feline Leukemia, FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus also called Feline AIDS), Toxoplasmosis, and FIP (Feline Infectious Peritonitis) but there are many, many other infections that cause fevers. The most important thing is to get your cat eating. It may help to give her something to reduce her fever. Then a search needs to be done to find the cause. Please discuss this with your veterinarian as she needs lab tests and further treatment to keep her from declining.
Drew Weigner, DVM, ABVP
The Cat Doctor
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AMERICAN VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION
Reply: Cat having odd symptoms, vet says she's okayThese symptoms sound like they may be neurologic in origin (something...
These symptoms sound like they may be neurologic in origin (something affecting her brain.) This can be primary brain disease (like tumors, infections, etc.) or something affecting her brain (such as thyroid disease, hypertension, etc.) If your veterinarian is not comfortable evaluating neurologic conditions, ask him to refer you to a veterinary neurologist or internal medicine specialist.
Drew Weigner, DVM, ABVP
The Cat Doctor, Inc.
Board Certified in Feline Practice
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