Common mistakes of new cat owners

While most cats are fairly independent creatures, it is a mistake to think that once you’ve brought them home, they don’t really need you. Your new pet will be frightened at first in the change of surroundings, and will need constant reassurance that everything is alright. They’ll need veterinary attention, proper food, a place to sleep, and things to play with, not to mention some quality time cuddled in your lap.

The first and most common mistake people make with their new cat (if they have never owned one before) is thinking that they can MAKE their kitty do anything it does not wish to do. For instance, while you are trying to litterbox train Fluffy, if Fluffy has no desire to use that litterbox, you can’t simply set him/her into it and hope for the best. Training a cat takes time, patience, love, and treats. In the same way you would give a dog a biscuit or bone for performing a trick, you should always reward your new kitty for doing something it is supposed to do. Over time, the cat will learn what it can and cannot get away with. (Note: this does not mean that your cat’s behavior will always be perfect-but they will at least understand what ‘no’ means.)

Another misconception is in regards to feeding. There is no one particular brand/type of food that is best for ALL cats. While some are higher quality than others, such as Iams or Purina, that doesn’t mean that they are the ONLY foods to feed your kitty. Case in point: I recently brought home my 3rd cat. I had always fed Iams to my other kitties, and they not only love it, but it agrees with them well (their coats are shinier, they are more energetic). My kitten cannot eat Iams of any type, it makes her sick. I’ve had to experiment to find what she can be fed, and have discovered that my local grocery store’s brand is best for her. Also, cats are picky eaters! Some cats eat everything they can get their little paws on, including popcorn, peanuts, table scraps, butter, or breads (I had a cat once that was partial to glazed donuts). Most cats, however, tend to have more distinguished tastes, so don’t be offended if your pet merely picks at a piece of meat that YOU thought tasted divine.

Cats are fickle. Bringing home that cute little kitten thinking that it will love only you and be as loyal as a dog is another mistake people often make. If you live alone, it may work as you want-but if there is someone else in the house, don’t be surprised if you find the little traitor curled up in their lap,

Cats: Signs and treatment of urinary tract infections

Your cat has started to display some odd behavior lately. A previously well house trained cat, now your cat now has been found urinating in your bath tub or on your bed. Also, your cat has been found straining as if constipated, just sitting there in the litter box waiting and repeatedly scratching.

Not all owners are able to recognize these key signs of a urinary tract infection. Having worked at a veterinary hospital, I have came across many cats that were thought by their owners to be constipated or worse just simply displaying behavioral issues.

Cats that are peeing in the bath tub or on the bed are doing so for a very specific reason. Their trip to the litter box has turned unpleasant. Your cat has tried to urinate in the litter box but it turned out being too painful and therefore, has started associating it with something negative. As a cat, therefore, avoidance is the best solution, so a bath tub or a bed will be tried to see if it will in any way ease the discomfort.

Another common sign of a cat affected by a U.T.I is licking insistently the genital area. Cats tend to lick their wounds so licking their genital area is the way they try to “heal” the burning sensation they are feeling.

If you have happened to find some occult blood around the home it is very likely coming from the cat. Blood may appear as normal red drops or it may have a pinkish tint if it is mixed within the urine.

KEY SYMPTOMS

Common signs, therefore, of a cat with a urinary tract infection are:

-Persistent straining in the litter box

-Increased urination often limited to just a few drops

-Inappropriate urination in other areas

-Crying while straining

-Licking genital area

-Bloody urine

A urinary tract infection may seem like a minor issue but if your cat happens to be male it could be a urinary blockage that can turn out to be quickly deadly if veterinary attention is not seeked immediately. A cat with a urinary blockage will produce no urine and become poisoned by a buildup of toxins. Vomiting, nausea, lethargy and loss of appetite in a male cat should never be ignored. A cat urinating a few drops is slightly better than one not producing any urine at all.

DIAGNOSIS

Diagnosis of a U.T.I is usually confirmed by a urinalysis. Collecting urine from a cat may be challenging. Owners can try to replace the normal litter with lentil beans or Styrofoam packaging peanuts which will not absorb the urine making it easier to collect. In some cases the vet may need to perform a cystocentesis. This consists of inserting a needle directly into the bladder to collect some urine.

TREATMENT

Treatment is based upon findings. Bladder stones or the presence of crystals may mimic a U.T.I. If this is the cases surgery or a diet change may do. If a U.T.I is confirmed, a round of antibiotics will help fight the infection. When a urinary blockage is present a catheter may be inserted in the male cat’s urethra and flushed to unblock. Special diets may be prescribed if necessary.

So next time you think your cat is not behaving well by urinating in odd places have him checked to rule out this dangerous condition. Many times it just turns out to be a moment of stress or a dirty litter box, however, the saying better safe than sorry becomes a savvy one when dealing with your feline companion’s health.