Feline Care - Infovets



C26 Feline Care

Name _________________________________ Date _____________

Selecting the Right Breed

Introduction: When selecting the breed that is right for your life-style and desires, it is important to become familiar with the various breeds that are available.

The American Cat Fanciers’ Association (ACFA) recognizes about _______ different breeds of cats.

The 46 breeds it recognizes are not the only cat breeds, but represent many of the most common.

Selecting a Mixed Breed Cat

Many times a mixed breed cat can make an excellent companion.

Generally speaking, because of ________________ _____________, these cats have

less _________________________ related health problems than purebred animals.

The cost of a mixed breed cat is usually significantly _____________ than pedigreed cat.

Evaluating a Cat’s Disposition and Health

The best time to get a kitten is when it is at least ___________________ old (12 weeks can even be better).

By this time, the kitten should have been ______________________ onto solid food and

can withstand the _______________________ of adjusting to a new home.

When looking for a potential pet, it is important to find one that has a good

__________________________ and has been well __________________________.

It is also important to evaluate the kitten’s home environment. A kitten that has been raised in a typical home where it is used to hearing a television, loud music, talking,

and even yelling, will be ___________________ _______________________.

Evaluating a Cat’s Disposition

The following are a few tests that can be used to see how a kitten reacts to different circumstances. Some of these tests would also be helpful when evaluating an adult cat.

Subject the kitten or group of kittens to a ___________________ ______________. Look for those that are startled, but do not run and hide. Kittens that ignore the noise or want to investigate the source of the noise are also good candidates. A kitten that cowers or hides from the sound may have fear/anxiety problems.

Set the group of kittens in the center of a quiet room and throw a balled-up piece of

_____________________ towards them. Look for the kitten that comes to

___________________ the newspaper. If a kitten runs and hides or acts fearful of the paper, look for another.

Pick up each kitten and ___________________ it in your arms. Look for one that is not bothered at all by the situation or one that struggles for a minute and then quiets down. A kitten that fights, bites, or is extremely frightened may not make the best pet.

Watch how each kitten interacts with the other kittens and even other adult animals. If the kitten acts aggressive, dominant, or bullies the other animals, it may not make the best pet.

Kittens - Care During the First Year

Quick Facts for Week 1:

Newborn kittens usually weigh about __________ ounces at birth.

Newborns usually nurse every ___________ hours.

Because they cannot generate sufficient ________________ _______________ , kittens will huddle close to the mother and with the other kittens in the litter.

A kitten should spend about 80-90% of the time _____________________ and

10-20% of the time ______________________.

Many kittens will _____________________ their birth weight in the first week. They should typically gain 1.6-3.3 ounces (50-100 grams) per week.

Weeks 2-3:

The eyes normally open _______________ days after birth, but they cannot see very well.

The ears are normally open by __________________ after birth.

By the third week, kittens can see well enough to find their mother.

Their sense of ________________ is also well-developed by week 3.

The kittens will begin trying to ______________ and then to _______________ during weeks 3-4.

They will interact with littermates and begin developing certain _______________

______________.

Their ____________________ will also start to erupt around weeks 2-4.

Weeks 4-7:

Quick Facts for Weeks 4-7:

The ______________________ process can begin at week 4.

By week 4, the __________________ is well developed.

______________________ is usually fully developed by week 5.

Around week 5 the kittens often begin to _______________ themselves and others.

________________________ and the ability to avoid obstacles continues to improve.

The kittens’ __________________________ natures really begin to develop around 4-6 weeks.

By weeks 6-7, they begin to develop adult social interactions, sleeping patterns and motor skills.

All their baby _________________ will be erupted by week 7.

The first visit to the veterinarian should occur at 7-8 weeks.

Weeks 7-8 also provide a good time to begin introducing the _____________________ to the kittens. At first they may only play in the box. With time, however, and the opportunity of watching the mother use the litter box, the kittens will soon get the idea.

Weeks 8-12:

By weeks 8-12, the kittens are ready to be completely _____________________ and can be sold or adopted out.

Weeks 10-11 are when the second visit to the veterinarian should occur.

Kittens should be fed _______________ times a day until they are about 4 months old.

__________________________________ is essential for the kitten during this stage.

Begin introducing the kitten to bathing and brushing.

Quick Facts for Months 4-12:

A third visit to the veterinarian should take place around weeks 13-14.

Depending on the kitten’s vaccination program, a fourth visit to the vet should take place around 4 months.

Spaying or neutering should occur by the time the kitten reaches _______________ old. Many clinics will neuter or spay earlier than this, so contact the veterinarian to see what he/she prefers.

Continue feeding ____________________ ______________ throughout this period.

After the kitten reaches 4-5 months of age, it can be fed 2-3 times a day. Once the cat

reaches 11-12 months of age, most cats can be switched to an ___________________ and be fed only twice a day.

The kitten will begin losing its "baby" teeth between 3-6 months of age.

Behavior and Training

Litter Box Training: Here are a few suggestions that can make training a cat to use the litter box much easier:

Many kittens will learn to use the litter box from their _______________________ . This is one reason why it is important not to take the kittens from the mother too early.

The litter box should be large enough that the entire cat can fit in the box easily. It

should have a lip that is about ______ inches high. This keeps the kitty litter inside the box.

The kitty litter should be a brand that the cat likes. It is wise to ask the previous owner what type of litter the cat prefers. Any sudden change in the litter can cause the cat to find some other place.

Chose a location for the box that is ________________ and does not have a lot of traffic.

Any waste in the litter box should be removed on a ________________ basis.

The main reason a cat does not use the litter box is because it is too

_________________ and _____________________.

Teaching a Cat to Come:

Cats can learn to respond to their name and even come when called. The following techniques can help teach these commands:

Each time the cat’s name is said, ______________________ the cat with a treat or affection. The cat will soon learn to associate its name with something positive.

Once the cat responds to hearing its name being said, move on to teaching the cat to come by associating the cat’s name or the simple phrase of "here kitty, kitty" with meal time. Be sure the cat is being fed only at meal times, twice a day. With the bowl in hand, say the cat’s name and say "here kitty kitty." When the cat appears, praise it and let it have its food.

A _______________ ___________________ can also be used as part of the training. To use the clicker, call the cat’s name and ask it to come. When the cat appears, activate the clicker device 4-5 times and give the cat its food or a treat. The cat will soon learn to associate the clicker noise with the fact that it has done something the owner wants.

Behavior Problems

Introduction: The behavior problems discussed here are ones that can commonly affect young and old cats alike.

The reason they are being discussed in a kitten section is that many of the problems that develop later in a cat’s life can be avoided if proper training takes place at an

__________________ ___________.

With any pet that has a behavior problem, it is always best never to strike or hit the

animal. Cats are particularly prone to fear, and ____________________ anyone who has physically scolded them. Following are a few suggestions that can be used to help curb many behavior problems:

A ___________________________________ filled with water, when used appropriately, can be a great way of getting a cat’s attention and helping it stop an unwanted behavior.

If the cat is caught in the inappropriate act, simply spray the cat and say a firm "______”.

Do this only at the precise moment the cat is doing something it should not. The cat will soon associate the water and the verbal "no" with things that are not acceptable. This method of correction is good for animals that like to scratch and jump on things.

Another way of getting a cat to stay off of certain places or things is to cover the area

with double-sided _______________________ or ___________________. These are surfaces that cats really dislike and will usually avoid.

Provide the cat with plenty of ___________________________ and play time. Many behavior problems are the result of boredom. If human interaction is not possible on a regular basis, getting a second cat can be an excellent way of providing that extra mental stimulation and exercise.

Changing the cat’s environment can often solve the problem. For example, if a cat continues to use the corner of the couch as a scratching post, place a suitable scratching post in front of that corner of the couch.

Encourage the cat to use the proper scratching post. If a cat likes to eliminate in a certain room of the house, shut the door to that room to keep the cat out.

Problem: Meowing excessively

Most kittens and even adult cats meow because of three common reasons:

they are in ____________________,

they suffer from some sort of __________________ or ________________,

or they are ____________________ or agitated by something (a sound, a stranger, another animal, etc.).

The most logical solution for a cat that is meowing or howling because she is in heat

is to have her _____________________. This will promptly cure the problem.

If there is a chance that the cat is sick, it should be taken in to a veterinarian for an exam.

Animals that are stressed or agitated should be allowed time to be alone in an isolated area if they want.

If the cat is stressed over a loss of a companion, try to play with the cat or provide it with a new toy to play with. This can often take the cat’s mind off of the stressful situation.

Problem: Nipping, Biting, and Scratching

These are common problems in not only kittens but also adult animals.

These problems often result from a kitten that is taught to ____________

_____________________.

Some cats nip or scratch because they have "had enough" petting, they are being touched in a sensitive area, or they are used to being dominant or aggressive.

Kittens that bite or scratch as a result of excited play activity should be taught that such behavior is not appropriate.

To do this, only pet and praise the kitten when it is not biting.

Avoid playing aggressive games where tug-of-wars and biting are part of the fun.

If an un-spayed or un-neutered cat is scratching or biting for no obvious reason, it may pay to have the cat fixed. Many times an intact male or female will nip or bite

because of issues related to __________________ ______________________.

Be sensitive to the cat’s body language and recognize that a _____________ body posture or hissing means that the cat has had enough and should be left alone.

Problem: Picky eater

Many cats and even larger kittens are particular about what they will eat.

This is often a result of being fed __________________ or people food throughout the day.

This problem can also occur if the cat is being fed "_____________________," meaning that they have access to their food at all times.

Cats fed free choice often "graze" throughout the day and never really get hungry enough to consume large quantities of food.

One of the best things that can be done to help a finicky eater is to not feed them

________________ or __________________ during the day.

It is also helpful to feed the cat only _______ meals during the day. After each feeding, remove the dish after about ________ minutes if it still has food in it.

Do not leave any food out for the cat to consume between meals.

It is also important to not give in to begging.

Problem: Scratching furniture

Many cats enjoy scratching on almost anything. It is really a natural behavior that is

used to mark the cat’s ___________________________ and stretch and strengthen its muscles.

The key to preventing this normal behavior from becoming a problem is to direct the cat’s scratching/clawing behaviors to objects that can be scratched, such as a

_______________________ ______________.

First, purchase plenty of scratching posts and place them around the house in the areas where the cat likes to scratch.

When introducing a cat to a scratching post, it is often helpful to put sheets of

_____________________ or __________________ around the post. This gives the cat something to shred with its claws.

Encourage and praise the cat to use the scratching posts.

The posts can be moved to other locations once the cat has learned to use them. When

a cat is observed scratching on a forbidden item, use a ________________ from a spray bottle to get the cat’s attention and deter it from scratching.

Geriatric Cats

On average, cats age _______________ times faster than humans. The average life-

expectancy of a cat is __________ years and depends upon many factors: genetics, nutrition, environment, and vaccination history, to name a few.

Once a cat has entered the pre-geriatric years (____________), steps should be taken by the owner to help ensure that the pet might obtain the most enjoyment from its remaining years. The following are basic recommendations in caring for an aging cat:

Arrange for the cat to have an annual or bi-annual comprehensive

_________________________ and a diagnostic work-up:

A comprehensive physical exam by a veterinarian on a yearly basis will help to ensure that any health problem the animal is experiencing might be discovered

_________________.

The earlier a problem is discovered and therapy initiated, the better the chance of a favorable outcome.

While many illnesses are incurable, if detected early and the proper treatment initiated, even incurable illnesses may be successfully managed for several months to years before causing deterioration and death.

___________________: As animals age, their body’s nutritional needs change as well. Geriatric animals generally require fewer calories and less protein.

Increased fiber may help maintain proper function of the digestive system.

Most pet food companies offer a reduced calorie or senior diet made especially for aging pets.

It is recommended that owners make a permanent switch during the pre-geriatric years to a diet specially formulated for the older cat, and that the recommendations for feeding be followed.

_____________________ from overeating or from a diet too rich in calories is one of the surest ways to put the health of a pet at risk.

_________________________________: Geriatric cats do not adjust to physical and emotional stress as well as younger cats.

Most domestic animals thrive on daily routine and often develop biological clocks with incredibly precise punctuality!

Change in routine, temperature, and diet can all contribute to emotional and physical stress.

Boarding and hospitalization are particularly stressful to the geriatric cat; home-care under the supervision of a veterinarian may be healthier for a geriatric pet than lengthy stays at a clinic or boarding facility.

Development of long-term, healthy habits will contribute to the emotional and physical well being of a cat.

These healthy habits might also be known as "de-stressors" as opposed to those things previously listed that contribute to stress.

Healthy de-stressors include playtime, brushing/grooming, and reinforcement of good behavior with praise and nutritious treats.

_______________________________________: Many diseases of geriatric animals are due to slow, almost imperceptible deterioration of body organs or systems.

Unless an owner is extremely observant, many of these conditions may go unnoticed until the problem has deteriorated into the final stages.

Careful observation of behavior, mobility, hearing, vision, hair coat, appetite, thirst, urination habits, defecation habits, weight changes, and other aspects of the pet’s daily routine, will help the owner notice differences or abnormalities if and when they do begin to surface.

Early diagnosis and initiation of treatment may be of critical importance to the pet’s future and quality of life.

Table #1: Basic nutrient requirements on a dry matter basis

|Stage of Life% |% Crude Protein |% Crude |% Crude |

| | |Fiber |Fat |

|Growth | | | |

|Reproduction /Lactation | | | |

|Normal Maintenance | | | |

|Old Age | | | |

Table #2: General guidelines for food and water consumption

| |Animal's  |Canned  |Dry  |Soft  |Water per  |

| |Weight in lbs. |(oz.) |(cups) |(cups) |day in mL's  |

| | | | | |A=Active  |

| | | | | |I=Inactive |

|Kittens |1 |4.2 | |0.5 |NA |

| |2 |6.6 | |0.7 |NA |

| |3 |9 | |1.0 |NA |

| |4 |10 | |1.1 |NA |

| |6 |8 | |0.8 |A=240 I=180 |

|Cats |8 |9 | |1.0 |A=320 I=240 |

| |10 |10 | |1.1 |A=400 I=300 |

| |12 |12 | |.3 |A=480 I=360 |

| |14 |13 | |.5 |A=560 I=420 |

Dental Care

Dental hygiene is an area often overlooked in many animals today. Just like dogs, cats have problems with bad breath, tartar buildup, gingivitis, tooth decay, and cavities. Many of these are very serious problems and may result in life threatening disease. Prevention of dental disease is an important key to the healthy pet.

Tooth brushing -

Daily brushing of the teeth is invaluable in removing ____________________ and

preventing _______________________ buildup.

The ideal toothbrush for a cat should have soft bristles with rounded tip ends to minimize abrasion of the teeth and injury to the gums.

Brush the teeth the same way you would a dog.

Parasite Prevention

Each Month:

Administer _____________________ prevention. (ivermectin or selamectin)

Administer __________ and __________ prevention in problem areas. Effective products include Frontline or Advantage.

Every 3-12 Months:

Administer additional parasite prevention/treatment for ______________________,

_____________________, and ________________________.

The frequency of this treatment is based on the risk of recurring infections and the specific area where the animal resides.

Vaccination Program

Kittens that are 6-8 weeks old when receiving their first vaccination:

6-8 weeks (first vaccination):

Recommended: distemper, rhinotracheitis, and calicivirus

9-11 weeks (second vaccination):

Recommended: feline distemper, rhinotracheitis, and calicivirus

12-14 weeks (third vaccination):

Recommended: feline distemper, rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and rabies

*Rabies may be administered any time on or after 12 weeks of age.

Kittens and adults that are 12 weeks old or greater when receiving their first vaccination:

Any cat greater than 12 weeks (first vaccination):

Recommended: feline distemper, rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and *rabies

At 2-3 weeks following the first vaccination:

Recommended: feline distemper, rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and *rabies

Boosters are recommended for all animals that have had a series of vaccinations previously:

Recommended yearly: feline distemper, rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and *rabies

Rabies is recommended every 1-3 years depending on cat’s age, product used, and local public health laws.

Brushing and Bathing

A main key to good grooming is good nutrition. Without good nutrition the pet’s coat will appear dry and lifeless.

Cats, unlike dogs, are great at grooming themselves to stay clean. As a result, most cats do not require regular bathing, but often benefit from regular ______________________.

Regular brushing helps to remove dead hair and prevent potential hairball problems.

Brushing also helps prevent mat formation in long-haired animals.

Most types of hair coats can be categorized into one of two groups:

1.

2.

The type of hair coat the cat has will determine the frequency of brushing and bathing.

Brushing

Both short-haired and long-haired cats require brushing.

Obviously, long-haired animals will require more frequent brushing than short-haired cats.

Ideally, introduction to the brushing procedure should occur as early in the cat’s life as possible.

It is not unreasonable to start conditioning a kitten to brushing soon after it is weaned.

Kittens or adults should be introduced to brushing in a similar manner.

Start by ____________________ the cat for just a minute or so each day.

This can be done while the cat is in a person’s lap or while the cat is on a raised surface.

Make sure that the surface is not slick and the cat can get its footing.

Begin by using the fine-toothed comb.

Do not worry about removing mats, just gently comb over the back and sides of the cat.

Make sure the experience is a _________________________ one by rewarding and praising the cat throughout the entire process.

Stop the combing if the cat seems alarmed or frightened.

Do these 1-2 minute combing experiences every day for a week or so.

Increase the areas on the cat that are combed (the head, tail, legs) as the cat becomes more and more comfortable.

After the cat gets used to the combing, brush the cat with the short-bristled cat brush. Do this for 1-2 minutes per day in a similar manner to how the cat was combed.

Combs and Brushes:

The right grooming tools will make any brushing job easier. It is best to have a variety of grooming equipment on hand based on the cat’s coat type. Start first by combing the cat,

then follow by brushing the cat. This will help to distribute the natural ___________ throughout the hair.

Combs:

There are many different types of combs available for cats.

Some are plastic while others are metal.

These combs can be used to remove fleas and minor tangles and mats.

If a serious mat is encountered, it is sometimes best to let a _____________________ groomer remove it. Injury to both cat an owner can occur if the mat is not removed properly.

Flea combs have very fine teeth that are placed close together. While combing, the flea comb will collect fleas and flea dirt.

Metal combs with teeth that are farther apart are also available. They can be used to help prevent matting on long-haired cats with dense undercoats.

An undercoat rake can also be used on cats with very thick undercoats.

Brushes:

Brushes help remove dead hair and even dead skin from the cat’s coat.

The brushes come as soft or hard bristled. The hard bristled brushes can be used to

help keep a coat from matting and knotting, while the ________________________

brushes are good for ___________________________ cats.

Pin or wire brushes can be used to keep long-haired cats from developing mats.

These brushes have widely spaced metal bristles that are often tipped with a plastic coating.

It is best to brush the coat first with a ______ brush, followed by a good brushing

with a hard or soft __________________ brush.

This will help to distribute the natural oils found in the hair throughout the coat.

Brushing

Long-haired breeds need to be brushed ___________________. Begin by combing over the entire cat with a fine-toothed comb.

Be gentle if any mats are found.

Tenderly try to remove these mats with the comb, being careful not to pull against the cat’s skin.

This can be very painful and make the cat less excited about future combing sessions.

Begin on the _____________________ edge of the mat and gently "_____________" the fibers apart. Some mats may need to be clipped or cut out. A pair of scissors or clipper blades will do the job.

If the mat is difficult to remove or the cat earnestly resists its removal, let a groomer finish the job.

After the coat has been combed, brush the entire cat and praise the cat for cooperating.

Bathing

Most cats do not need to be bathed.

Exceptions to this rule include times when the cat gets something on or in its coat that it cannot remove, or when there is something on the coat that the cat should not remove on

its own (_____________, ______________, _______________).

Nail Trimming

The most challenging part about trimming nails is trying to identify how much of the nail can be safely removed.

In light colored nails, this area can be identified by the transition from light colored nail

to a ____________ coloration.

The white arrow identifies the proper location to safely trim the nail.

After the appropriate area for trimming the nail has been identified, the nail trimming device should be placed over the nail.

Gently squeeze the instrument until it is touching the nail.

Make sure the trimmers are in the right place, and then in one quick motion clip the nail completely off.

Be sure to use ___________________ trimmers. If the trimmers are dull or the cutting motion on the nail is done slowly, the nail has the tendency to fray and split.

If bleeding does occur after the nail has been trimmed, simply apply direct pressure to

the nail with a sterile __________________ ___________ or pad.

Keep the pet relaxed and confined to allow the blood to sufficiently coagulate.

If bleeding cannot be stopped, seek professional help.

Spay and Neuter

In the true sense, to neuter a cat means the removal of part or all of the reproductive organs, rendering that animal incapable of reproduction.

To spay refers to neutering a female cat, whereas to castrate or simply to neuter refers to neutering a male cat.

Spaying female cats is one of the most common procedures performed in small animal veterinary medicine.

To spay a cat refers to a surgery known in medical terminology as

___________________________________.

This word literally means removal of the ovaries and uterus.

This procedure makes it impossible for the female cat to conceive kittens and prevents her from going through normal estrus or "heat" cycles.

It should be understood that this is not a simple or routine procedure.

This surgery demands great skill and attention on the part of the surgeon, and recovery can be difficult and painful for the cat.

Benefits of Spaying:

Behavior problems are generally reduced, including ___________________ and

intercat __________________________.

Estrus (heat) behavior is eliminated. Such behavior in cats is often very

_______________ and annoying to pet owners.

Infections, cancer, and other ____________________ of the __________________ and ovaries are prevented. Many of these diseases can be life threatening.

Spaying may reduce the risk of feline __________________ ________________ developing later in life.

Spaying reduces hormonal changes that can interfere with the treatment of certain diseases such as diabetes or epilepsy.

A spayed cat does not contribute to the pet __________________________ problem.

At what age should a cat spayed?

The customary age for spaying a female cat is approximately ___________ months. This time may coincide with the animal’s first heat cycle.

Spaying while the animal is in heat poses additional risks and should be avoided if possible.

At some humane society shelters, kittens are spayed as early as 8 to 12 weeks of age, with no reported adverse effects.

Those who advocate spaying at this early age suggest the operation is less stressful and may take less time to perform.

What is the cost of spaying a cat?

This varies greatly depending upon location and veterinarian.

Many private practices will discount this surgery far below what it should cost because many people select a veterinary clinic based on the prices of elective surgeries such as spaying a cat.

The price for a spay can range anywhere from $_________ to over $__________. When price shopping, it is important to ask exactly what is included in the cost quoted on the telephone.

Some clinics or hospitals will include the price of laboratory tests, anesthetic, pain medications, etc., while others may not.

Therefore, a higher estimate may actually be offering the better price.

Feline Castration:

Castrating or neutering male cats is another very common procedure in veterinary medicine.

The operation involves removal of the ________________________ and the organs

that provide housing for sperm development (the ____________________).

A portion of the cord attaching the testicles to the rest of the male reproductive tract is also removed.

The effect is complete removal of the organs that produce both sperm and testosterone.

This procedure is generally performed more quickly than the feline spay.

Benefits of Castration:

Behavior problems such as _______________________and aggression are generally

reduced.

Sexual behavior by males, including spraying, is usually reduced or eliminated.

Attraction toward female cats in heat is usually reduced or eliminated.

Medical problems associated with the testicles in males are prevented from occurring. These problems include testicular infections and rarely testicular cancer.

A castrated cat does not contribute to the pet overpopulation problem.

At what age should a cat neutered?

The customary age for neutering a male cat is approximately ______ months; however, as soon as both testicles are palpable (can be felt) in the scrotum, the surgery can be performed.

What is the cost of neutering a cat?

It is important to inquire what is included in the cost of the surgery.

Some estimates for neutering a cat include pre-surgical blood work and medications to manage pain.

Other estimates may only include the surgery itself.

The cost of this surgery is usually less than the cost of spaying a female cat, because the castration surgery is generally less time consuming.

The price for a castration surgery can range anywhere from $___________ to

$___________.

Coughing/Gagging

Coughing or gagging is a relatively common problem found in cats.

Coughing is sometimes confused with shortness of breath, sneezing, reverse sneezing, wheezing, retching, gagging, choking, and attempted vomiting.

Severe coughing fits may often be followed by retching or vomiting which can confuse a pet owner into thinking a cough is actually an upset stomach.

A cough generally occurs because of an abnormality in the lower respiratory system (trachea, bronchi, lungs).

Abnormalities include _________________________ to the sensitive tissues lining the airways, pressure from nearby structures on the airways (heart or lymph node enlargement), or fluid leaking into the airways or air sacs of the lungs (rodenticide poisoning or pneumonia).

Coughing can also be caused by heart disease and cancer in the lungs.

Listen to both sides of the cat. With practice, normal and abnormal lung sounds can be identified.

Hairballs

Hairballs are a common occurrence in cats.

Usually hairballs are more of a nuisance than a serious cause for concern.

However, once in a while hairballs can create a problem in the cat’s

_______________________ system that can lead to more serious problems.

When cats groom themselves, they swallow hair that they shed from their coats.

This hair normally passes through the cat’s digestive system and is expelled in the feces.

However, there are times when a mass of hair can build up and not move through the cat’s digestive tract.

This ball of hair creates a blockage that can interfere with the cat’s normal digestion.

Cats with hairballs often __________________, ___________________, and

_____________. The cat may also become constipated, have a reduced appetite, or stop eating altogether.

Normally, the cat can resolve this problem on its own by coughing or vomiting up the hairball. If the cat is unable to do so, there are some commercial products that can help the cat get rid of hairballs. These products often contain oil-like ingredients

which __________________________ the cat’s digestive tract and hopefully allow the hairball to pass through more easily.

An appropriate diet and _____________ _____________________ can help prevent the formation of hairballs.

Foods high in ________________ can naturally keep things moving along in the cat’s digestive tract.

Regularly brushing the cat helps to remove some of the hair that might otherwise accumulate in the digestive tract.

It is recommended to brush the cat more often when it sheds excessively (during warm weather and shedding seasons) or if the cat has long hair.

Restraint

The scruff of the __________________ is a common location to use to restrain a cat. A firm grip in this area allows the handler to control the cat’s head but does not cause significant discomfort for the cat.

This picture shows how to properly control the hind legs of a cat. Notice how the

person’s fingers surround each limb. A ______________________ should always be

placed ______________________ the limbs to prevent excessive forces being placed on the legs and to help give added control.

Once the head and hind limbs are secure, the cat can be gently stretched into this position. Using this holding technique, injections can be given and other minor procedures can safely be performed on an otherwise uncooperative cat.

A cat bag can also be used to safely restrain a cat. This restraint method is helpful when giving injections, administering subcutaneous fluids, and giving oral medications.

This picture shows how to restrain a cat for collecting blood out of a jugular vein.

Notice how the handler has control of the cat’s head and also has control of the front legs.

Similar to restraining the hind legs, a finger is placed between the legs to prevent placing excessive force on the limbs and to give extra control.

At this point, the hair is often clipped in the jugular region. A second person will use one hand to hold off the jugular vein, while collecting blood with the other.

Picking up and Transporting an Injured Cat:

When handling an injured cat, be aware that even the most friendly cat may scratch or bite because of pain.

Normal Temperature, Heart, and Respiratory Rates:

|Stage of Life |Heart Rate |Respiratory  |Temperature |

| |(Beats/Min) |Rate |(Degrees Fahrenheit) |

| | |(Breaths/Min) | |

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Euthanasia

Define Euthanasia:

The intent of euthanasia is to mercifully ___________ ____________________.

Euthanasia is a delicate subject to discuss, because many differing opinions exist regarding the ethics of this option.

Some may view euthanasia as an alternative for a variety of situations, while others may not see euthanasia as an option for any situation.

The intent of this discussion is to educate and be of assistance in making that difficult decision for anyone facing the possible euthanasia of a pet.

It is a simple fact of life that pets generally do not live as long as humans.

Veterinary medicine has helped extend the average life span of cats through the benefits of preventative medicine.

____________________, while it is upsetting to many, must be accepted as part of

the _______________________________ for all living creatures. Acceptance is the first step in dealing with a terminally ill pet.

The end of an animal’s life may be calm and painless; it may also be fraught with great suffering and pain.

When an animal is faced with a situation which causes pain and suffering, regardless of what that situation is, veterinarians are taught to relieve that suffering.

The oath that all new veterinarians take upon graduation states: "I solemnly swear to use my scientific knowledge and skills for the benefit of society through the...

_____________________________________________________

Euthanasia is one method of relieving suffering in animals.

There are other methods for the relief of terminal suffering, most involving the use of

____________________________ drugs.

If euthanasia is not selected, another method to relieve pain should be chosen in its place.

Timing of euthanasia is almost as difficult a decision as whether or not to euthanize an animal.

In discussions with many owners seeking advice on when to request euthanasia for a

terminally ill pet, the concept of "____________________________" is often addressed.

Because it is a matter of varying opinion, no dictionary defines this term.

For this discussion, the true signs of suffering in animals include severe pain, confusion, complete loss of appetite, uncontrollable seizures or vomiting, and severe weakness.

Quality of life in these situations is generally gone and the suffering must be relieved.

In those situations where chronic illness _____________________ robs a animal of quality of life, the timing is more difficult.

Attempts at management or slowing down the disease process are recommended.

These attempts can buy more quality time for the pet before the disease causes true suffering.

There is a gray area on the timing of euthanasia; suffering should be prevented, yet the patient should be allowed the maximum quality time left to it.

While the decision is not easy for anyone, it is best made by the person or people who are closest to the animal, with the assistance of the regular veterinarian. These are the people who can best read signs of suffering and best assess the pet’s quality of life.

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