Paralysis and Weakness in Cats

Jeremiah, 1990 - 2008

Injuries and diseases of the spinal cord produce a variety of neurological signs. Following injury, there may be neck or back pain; weakness or paralysis of one or more legs; a stumbling, uncoordinated gait; loss of pain perception in the limbs; and urinary or fecal incontinence.

Other conditions producing limb weakness or paralysis that may be mistaken for a spinal cord problem are arterial thromboembolism, nerve injury, and broken bones. Arterial thromboembolism can be distinguished by absent or reduced pulses in the groin.

A pelvic fracture is frequently mistaken for a broken back. In both cases, the cat is unable to use her back legs and will show pain when handled in the area of the injury. An X-ray may be needed to distinguish the two conditions. It is important to ascertain that the urinary bladder hasn't ruptured. It might appear that the outlook is poor, even though cats with a broken pelvis usually recover completely.

Acute abdominal pain (caused by peritonitis, lower urinary tract disorder, or a kidney or liver infection) produces a peculiar hunched appearance that can be mistaken for a spinal cord problem. The acute abdomen will show signs of pain when pressure is applied to the abdominal wall.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Traumatic spinal cord injuries are usually caused by car accidents, falls, and abuse. A cat can get caught in the blades of an automobile fan when the car is started, because outdoor cats frequently will huddle up next to a warm car radiator in cold weather.

A common injury occurs when a car runs over a cat's tail, pulling apart the sacral-lumbar or coccygeal vertebrae and stretching the nerves that go to the bladder, rectum, and tail. The signs are paralysis of the tail (which hangs loosely like a rope) and urinary or fecal incontinence. The anal sphincter is completely relaxed. The bladder is paralyzed and greatly overdistended. If the condition is not recognized and treated shortly after the accident, bladder paralysis remains even though nerve function is restored. As a result, any cat with a limp tail must be seen by a veterinarian and X-rayed for sacral injury. Many of these cats will need to be hospitalized so the bladder can be manually emptied and treatment can be started to attempt to heal the nerves controlling urination and defecation.

Protect the cat's spine. Use a blanket or towel to lift her onto a flat surface, such a board, before transporting.

Treatment: All spinal cord injuries require immediate veterinary attention. A cat with spinal cord trauma may also have other life-threatening injuries that take precedence. All cats who are unconscious or unable to stand should be considered to have spinal cord injury and must be handled with great care to protect the spine.

At the scene of the accident, move the cat as gently as possible onto a rigid, flat surface, such as a plywood board or a folded-down cardboard box, and transport to the nearest veterinary clinic. Sliding the cat onto a blanket or large towel and lifting the corners is a satisfactory way of transporting the cat if no board is available.

Spinal cord injuries are treated at the veterinary hospital with corticosteroids and diuretics to prevent the cord from further swelling. A cat with a mild contusion or bruising of the spinal cord will begin to recover in a few days. However, if the cord has been severed, it cannot regenerate and paralysis will be permanent.

Protruding Discs

Protruding discs are common in older cats but seldom produce weakness or paralysis as they do in dogs. They may cause pain. Most are the result of trauma. There is an increase in the incidence of disc damage with age, and ruptured discs are primarily seen in cats over 15 years of age.

Treatment: Treatment may include pain relief and/or surgery for severe cases.

Dog Facts and Myths

Dog eating grass? (Photo credit: sivmetavm)

Know the facts to give the best care possible. Whether it's a tip from a neighbor or something you discover on the Internet, myths about dogs can steer you in the wrong direction. Here are the facts about some common myths:

My dog's nose is warm and dry. Does that mean he's sick? 

If your dog has a dry nose it means your dog has a dry nose. Maybe he just woke up or something. But a dry nose has nothing to do with a dog's health. Focus on the unusual to detect signs of a potential problem. Call your vet if you notice swelling, difficulty of breathing or if your dog has a runny nose for more than a couple of days.

Can a canine tell what color T-shirt you're wearing?

It depends on which dog you're asking. Dogs can distinguish colors, but not as well as humans. So don't ask them to coordinate your outfits. The fact is different types of dogs tend to see different colors. Color is just one of many visual messages canines detect in their environment. Brightness, movement and contrast also help a pooch see eye-to-eye with the world around them.

Frequent baths make dogs smell nice. But can they also cause doggy dandruff?

They sure can. So let's not cause a dry-skin blizzard. Keep the washings to a minimum and make sure you only use soap that's made specifically for canines. Human shampoo can irritate a dog's skin. If you take these steps and still notice flakes when your dog shakes, talk to your veterinarian to make sure you're providing proper nutrition for a healthy coat.

Do dogs heal themselves by licking their wounds?

Yes, to a certain extent. A small amount of licking can help clean a wound, but excessive licking can actually slow down the healing process. It can even cause further damage to the wound and invite infection. Also consider that licking can turn into a bad habit that's hard to stop. So if you suspect it's getting out of hand, focus on re-directing your dog's tongue to something more tasty.

Brushing a dog's teeth is silly. Give me a break.

Well actually, your dog will have the last laugh when his breath makes your eyes water. Routinely brushing your dog's teeth not only freshens breath, it also limits the risk of oral disease and gives you a chance to notice anything unusual happening to teeth and gums. Seriously, don't brush off brushing. It can make your dog more pleasant to be around and help prevent an array of serious health problems down the road. Ask your veterinarian for help getting started.

When dogs scarf down grass like it's fettuccini Alfredo, does that mean they're sick?

While several theories about animal grass consumption exist, veterinarians have no proven answers. However, research indicates an amazing possibility: Animals may just like to eat grass. So don't panic if your dog nibbles at the lawn from time to time. If the nibbling turns into a daily feast, talk to your veterinarian.

If you put garlic on your dog's food, will it help get rid of its worms?

No way. Forget you ever heard this one. Other than giving your dog the impression you're a gourmet Italian chef, putting garlic on its food won't do much. Restrict your garlic to your world-famous spaghetti sauce. Your dog will never miss it.

Dental Disease in Pets

Spending a lot of face time with your pooch is a fun time for both of you - until you get a whiff of his breath! Taking care of your pet's teeth can do more than just freshen his breath - it could improve his quality of life.

Plaque, a colorless film on your dog's teeth, is the perpetrator of bad breath and gum disease. Because he doesn't brush his teeth like you do, this plaque can cause tartar buildup. The result is swelling, redness and inflammation of the gums - otherwise known as gingivitis. If not checked, your dog can develop periodontal disease, which destroys the gums and tissue that support his teeth.

The condition is serious, but don't worry: Dental disease is preventable and treatable in most pets. Ask your veterinarian for a complete oral checkup for your dog and schedule regular dental cleanings. If you suspect a problem, take your pet to the vet don't wait for his annual checkup.

You can also help clean his teeth daily - just by feeding him. Normal dry pet food provides a dental benefit for your dog because when he crunches on the kibbles, the moderate scraping action cleans his teeth. If your dog exhibits the more serious symptoms of gingivitis, specially formulated foods are available that do a much better job of cleaning his teeth than normal dry food. Ask your veterinarian for help in selecting the best dog food for him.

For an accurate diagnosis and treatment options, always consult your veterinarian.

Is your pet overweight?

Weight gain can be a problem in older or sedentary dogs, which in turn can lead to heart and joint problems. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Did you know that obesity affects more than 50 percent of America's pet population? If your pooch is overweight, she can develop all kinds of health problems, such as painful arthritis, heart disease, breathing difficulty, diabetes and even bladder cancer. For your dog, the excess weight and the resulting health problems can mean less play time and depression.

How can you tell if your dog is overweight? First, your veterinarian will weigh your dog at her regular check-ups. Between check-ups, place your hands on her side - are her ribs hard to feel or even impossible to feel? If so, she is likely overweight.

Here are some easily identifiable causes of weight gain in dogs:

Overfeeding - Dogs with unlimited access to food understandably eat more than they need.

Overeating - Many commercial foods are loaded with salt and fat. This improves taste, which means your dog will want to gorge.

Feeding habits - Feeding table scraps and "people food" can lead to obesity.

Lack of exercise - Too much food and too little exercise produces a typical result: Obesity

Age - Older, less active dogs are prone to weight gain.

Gender - Female dogs are more likely to become overweight.

Neutering - Spayed or neutered dogs are twice as likely to become obese due to a more sedentary lifestyle. (There are many important health reasons to have your pet spayed or neutered - just be careful to monitor your dog's weight.)

Food plays a very important role in treating an overweight dog. Along with exercise, a low-fat and low-calorie food is essential in helping your dog lose weight and stay fit. Fiber is also a key ingredient since it helps your dog eat less while keeping her full. Once your dog has been overweight, she may be prone to weight gain and should have an ongoing weight-management plan based on good nutrition, exercise and regular check-ups and weigh-ins. For an accurate diagnosis and treatment options, always consult your veterinarian.

Nose and Sinus Inflammation in Cats

Rhinitis and Sinusitis in Cats

Inflammation of a cat's nose is referred to as rhinitis; sinusitis, meanwhile, refers to the inflammation in the nasal passages. Both medical conditions can cause mucus discharge to develop. With prolonged inflammation, bacterial infections are common.

Viral rhinitis is especially prevalent in kittens. And older animals will often experience the growth and presence of abnormal tissue (neoplasia), or dental disease, resulting in inflammation.

Symptoms and Types

There are a variety of symptoms which can be seen in cats affected by rhinitis and sinusitis, including:

• Sneezing
• Facial deformity
• Loss of appetite (anorexia)
• Nasal discharge (i.e., mucus)
• Decreased air flow (stuffy nose) in one or both nasal passages
• Reverse sneezing (when the animal takes in a gasp of air to pull discharge in the back of their nasal passages down into their throats)

Causes

Some of the more common factors which can lead to rhinitis and sinusitis include:

• Parasites
• Fungal disease
• Tooth root abscess
• Viral or bacterial infections
• Neoplasia (abnormal tissue growth)
• Congenital abnormalities (e.g., cleft palate)
• Presence of a foreign object within the nose
• Nasal polyps (nonmalignant tissue growth or tumor in nose)

Diagnosis

Upon initial examination, it is likely that the veterinarian will look for signs of tooth root abscess and ulcers. He or she will examine the cat's oral tissue and gums for any abnormalities, and will want to rule out alternate causes of the inflammation such as hypertension or lower airway disease. 

A dental exam, blood work, imaging and a physical examination will be performed to determine what the underlying cause of the inflammation is, and to create a proper course of treatment.

Nasal discharge that occurs in both nasal passages is often associated with viral or bacterial inflammation. When the discharge is only present in one nasal passage, it can suggest a fungal infection, neoplasia (the presence of abnormal cells), a tooth root abscess, or that there is a foreign object present in the nose.

Treatment

The use of a humidifier can sometimes loosen nasal mucus, making it easier to drain. Chronic inflammation is rarely curable but it can be treated on an ongoing basis.

If there is a bacterial infection present, antibiotics are the first course of action. Otherwise, medication will be prescribed to treat the underlying cause for the inflammation.

Living and Management

Ongoing maintenance will be dependent upon the underlying medical condition.

Prevention

Some evidence suggests that a vaccine for young kittens can help to reduce the chances of developing this inflammation.

Demodicosis, or Mange in Cats

Demodicosis, or demodectic mange, is an inflammatory skin disease in cats that is caused by various types of Demodex mites not visible to the naked eye. Demodex mites are commonly found on the skin of mammals, and in most cases are not symptomatic of an abnormal condition, but when the immune system is compromised, by stress or illness, or the body is producing excess oil or hormones, the Demodex population may become excessive, leading to skin and hair problems. When the number of mites inhabiting the hair follicles of a cat become excessive, skin lesions, genetic disorders, problems with the immune system, and hair loss (alopecia) may follow.

The severity of symptoms depends upon the type of mite inhabiting your cat. Although mange in cats is rare, Siamese and Burmese breeds appear to be at a higher risk.

Symptoms and Types

Symptoms may include hair loss around the eyelids, head, neck, and flank. Additionally, lesions on the skin, scales, and crusty patches may occur.

Causes

Mite disorders, such as mange, in cats are rare, thus there is little known about them. However, two of the species of mites that cause mange in cats have been identified. The first, Demodex gatoi, is potentially contagious and may be transmitted between cats in the same household. The second, Demodex cati, is associated with diseases of the immune and metabolic systems, such as diabetes. It has been found in some cases that in impaired immune system or hormone imbalance will allow the Demodex mite to over populate.

Diagnosis

Skin scrapings are used to find and diagnose demodectic mange in cats. Hair samples may also help identify the specific mite responsible for the condition.

A urine test may identify other possible causes for the skin conditions, namely those caused by a disorder in your cat’s metabolic system. Alternative diagnoses may include scabies or allergies.

Treatment

In approximately 90 percent of the cases, demodectic mange in cats is likely to resolve itself spontaneously. For severe generalized cases, long-term medication may be necessary for controlling the condition. Lime-sulfur dips to the affected areas may help relieve symptoms. In either case, the general health status of your cat should be evaluated.

Living and Management

Follow-up care should include additional skin scrapings, and microscopic examinations of hairs. The latter process is known as a trichogram, a diagnostic tool which uses hairs that have been plucked for examination so that appropriate treatment can be prescribed. With chronic long-term cases of demodectic mange in cats, regular medication may be necessary.

Prevention

General good health may help prevent some cases. Keeping your cat clean, without drying the skin, and in optimal health, will help to keep the Demodex mite population in balance. It is also advised that cats with generalized chronic mange not be bred, as the condition may be genetically based in some breeds and may be passed to offspring.

Hiatal Hernia in Cats

A hernia occurs when one part of the body protrudes through a gap or opening into another part of the body. For example, a hiatal hernia takes place at the opening of the diaphragm where the food pipe joins the stomach. Part of the stomach pushes through the opening, and a hernia is formed. It is most likely to occur before a kitten has reached the first year, and is usually inherited (congenital). However, trauma may bring on an acquired hiatal hernia, and this can occur at any age.

Symptoms

• Anorexia
• Regurgitation
• Coughing
• Vomiting
• Weight loss
• Excessive salivation
• Shortness of breath

Causes

• Congenital
• Acquired - secondary to trauma or an increased effort to inhale
• Concurrent — the lower esophageal sphincter slides into the thoracic cavity and allows gastric reflux into the esophagus, causing inflammation of the esophagus

Diagnosis

X-rays may show soft-tissue density in the region of the esophageal opening (hiatus), but they may not reveal lesions. However, an enlarged esophagus can be detected by X-ray. Contrast exams can show the esophagus as it is joined to the stomach and may reveal any abnormalities that are causing the problems. An exam called the esophagoscopy will use a scope to detect inflammation and might possibly show the end (terminal) of the esophagus sliding into the thorax.

Diagnosis of hiatal hernia is based on examination and observation of one or more of the following manifestations of the condition:

• Foreign body in the esophagus
• Abnormal tissue growth in the esophagus
• Inflammation of the esophagus
• Enlargement of the lower esophagus
• The protrusion of the stomach into the esophagus
• A foreign body in the digestive tract
• Abnormal tissue growth in the stomach
• Inflammation of the stomach

Treatment

Not all hiatal hernias require treatment. Conservative therapy may be successful in controlling symptoms, and feeding small but frequent portions of a low-fat diet may control symptoms. Your veterinarian can prescribe drugs that will promote digestion and increase the tone of the sphincter in the lower esophagus. Medications such as cimetidine will decrease the acidity of the reflux, and promote healing of the damaged esophageal tissue. However, surgical treatment will be necessary if your surgeon finds that your cat needs the opening (hiatus) to be closed, or to have its stomach attached to the abdominal wall so that it does not protrude further. If your cat develops aspiration pneumonia, antibiotics may be necessary, as well as other kinds of therapeutic breathing treatments.

Living and Management

If your cat requires surgery, you will need to follow through with return visits to your veterinarian for after care treatment. This is also true if you are managing the hiatal hernia from home. Aspiration pneumonia is one of the possible long term complications related to a hiatal hernia, so you will need to be watchful for signs of this. If you do detect symptoms of pneumonia, you will need to take your cat to the veterinarian immediately for treatment, as complications can quickly progress, possibly with a fatal outcome. Even with prompt treatment, some cats may have a recurrence of all of the symptoms, forcing you and your doctor to return to square one so that other causes can be settled upon and a treatment plan put into place.

Aggression in Cats

Cats are small, and often become the target of other animals, making them vulnerable to all kinds of dangers. Anyone who owns a cat understands that it needs protection, especially from dangers that can be encountered outside of the house. This vulnerability accounts for the built-in aggression response cats have when they perceive a threat. Aggression can also come from fear, a health condition, genetic predisposition, an environmental change, or to protect its territory. However, overaggressive behavior can make a cat difficult to live with.

Symptoms and Types

Many aggressive signs are accompanied by a fearful body posture and facial expression, and with submissive behavior. Some cats exhibit these signs if they are cornered, feel like they cannot escape, or are provoked. There are a few types of aggression, including intercat, predatory, territorial and those induced by fear, pain or punishment. Some common signs of these types of fear include:

• Staring
• Stalking
• Hissing
• Swatting
• Pouncing
• Showing teeth
• Arched back
• Tail straight up
• Ears pulled back
• Dilated pupils
• Raised hair on the back (hackles up)
• Attacking with claws and teeth
• Marking a territory by chin-rubbing or spraying
• Drawing in the limbs (purpose: hide neck and belly)

Of these types, predatory behavior requires separate treatment because it is so strong in cats. Normal predatory behavior sets in at about five to seven weeks of age. Hunting behavior may be passed from mother to kitten because different skills are used to kill certain kinds of prey. By 14 weeks, a cat may be a very good hunter. Well-fed cats may not be predatory at all, or they may kill and only behead the prey. Stalking and hunting is more common in cats that must fend for themselves.

 

Stealth, silence, concentration, slinking, lowered head, twitching tail and pounce posture all characterize predatory behavior. The cat will then lunge or spring at the prey, clutching the object of its attack with its claws and teeth. A new male in a group may kill kittens to encourage a female to come into estrus, or heat. At times, a cat may “prey” on things that are not appropriate, such as a foot, a hand, or an infant.

Causes

The causes for inappropriate or unwanted aggression can come from many sources. For example, in the same way that some people have serious and grumpy dispositions, cats, can be born with an aggressive personality type, too. Also, if the cat had no human contact before the age of three months, or has not had social interaction with other cats, it simply does not know how to behave appropriately.

Conversely, if the cat shares the home with other cats (or animals), it may be asserting its hierarchy within the social group. This may be especially relevant as the cat reaches the age of social maturity -- around two to four years of age. Age is a significant consideration regarding behavior, since play aggression is an important developmental stage for a kitten. Natural predatory behavior starts around 10 to 12 weeks of age, and will generally wind down on its own if you respond to it correctly.

Fear can also bring on aggression. Cats that are traumatized by unhealthy environments, such as shelters, cages, or overcrowded catteries, occasionally lash out aggressively. This can be particularly true if they have been abused by animals or humans, and especially so with children, since small children tend to be rough with animals. If your cat has developed a fear of children it may become aggressive with all children.

“Normal” acts of aggression can also take place when the cat feels a need to be on the defensive. A mother will naturally be aggressive in protecting her kittens, and likewise, a father cat will do the same. Some cats will stake a certain amount of territory as their own, and will physically assert their dominance of that territory.

If you have exhausted all of the motives that could be causing your cat's inappropriate behavior, and still not found a solution, you will want to take your cat to see your veterinarian, in case there is an underlying medical condition that needs to be treated. Sometimes aggression may indicate that the cat is in pain and does not want to be touched, or that it is suffering from an illness that is affecting its temper.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis is generally made from observing dominance behavior, conflict aggression, and social status aggression. However, there are also some medical conditions that can bring on behavioral changes and that might be mistaken for aggression. Your veterinarian will want to rule these out before addressing any behavioral issues:

• Seizures
• Brain disease
• Thyroid disorder
• Adrenal disorder
• Kidney disorder
• Anemia
• Lead poisoning
• Hyperthyroidism
• Epilepsy
• Rabies

Treatment

If your veterinarian identifies an underlying disease responsible for the cat’s behavior, it will be treated first. If there is no underlying illness, it is up to you to re-train your cat. If it is determined that your cat's behavior is driven by experience or lifestyle, behavioral modification techniques will be put in place. Just remember, you are the boss, and the change in attitude that you will need to make on your side, in order to encourage change on your cat's behalf, will be a permanent change, or the cat will slip back into its old behavior.

Some of the modification training will include:

• Avoiding frightening situations
• Avoid provoking or instigating aggressive behavior
• Identifying the situations that will initiate a bad reaction from the cat
• Learn to read the signs (e.g., tail flicking, ears flat, head hunched, low growl, etc.)
• Leaving the cat alone when it is aggressive
• Identifying situations when the cat is calm, so behavior-modification training can be carried out
• Rewarding good behavior and punishing bad behavior
• When aggression signs are present, let the cat fall from your lap or walk away from it, and refuse to give it attention until its behavior has changed
• For aggression between cats, separate them and keep the aggressive one in a less favorable area
• The use of leashes and harnesses to help in desensitizing and conditioning
• Clicker training, in which a clicker is used to encourage desired behavior, might also be considered

When training for behavior modification, keep in mind that sessions should be kept short to avoid resentment, boredom and resistance. It is very important not to use physical punishment of any kind; it will only exacerbate the problem.

If you and your veterinarian conclude that your cat's predetermined personality is at the root of the behavior, and it cannot be modified extensively, you may want to consider one of the mood-enhancing drugs on the market that are specifically formulated for pets. The availability of drugs is limited for cats, and as with any drug, if you do decide to use them, be alert to possible unfavorable side effects. Otherwise, accommodating your cat's personality, as you would for a family member, may be your best option. You will want to keep your cat safe from fearful situations, and safeguard other animals, and people, from your cat's tendencies to act out.

Stressed Out Cats

Cats may become stressed by many things. Just what stresses cats out is not always obvious, and stress may manifest in many forms. Commonly seen signs of feline stress may include any of the following:

• aggression towards people or other pets
• urine marking (spraying) or going outside the box
• hiding
• not eating
• even hair loss, a condition called psychogenic alopecia

NOTE: as with any health concerns, such as not eating, hair loss, urinary behavior problems, etc., please see your veterinarian first before assuming that stress is the cause. Medical problems should always be ruled out first.

What causes stress in cats?

Some of the more "nervous" personality cats are easily stressed by many things - a new baby, loss of a pet, visiting family member, loud noises, other cats, and so on. What is surprising to many people is that even the more "laid back" cats can become stressed, even if outwardly still calm.

What can be done to reduce stress in cats?

While some of the stress scenarios will be obvious, some will not, and you may never know why your cat is stressed. Even mundane things such as loud music or traffic can be annoying to cats - they hear much better than we do. Same goes for any odors that they may come in contact with that we may never smell. During a major remodel years ago, we created a "cat room" that the cats could retreat to at any time they felt like it, and it was only accessible to them - no dogs and no kids. This was immensely helpful for stress reduction.

Take time to assess your cat's living situation and try to rule out any possible stressors. Here are some places to start:

Multicat household: 

• give each cat some "space" - a safe place to retreat to, away from other cats, people and pets.
• have at least one litterbox per cat, an extra one or two boxes above that is great.
• offer food separately - either in different locations or with cats separated to ensure that everyone can eat in peace.

Multipet household: 

• ensure that the cat(s) have a place to get away from the dogs or other pets.
• Offer a variety of toys for fun, exercise and general distraction.
• Offer climbing spaces where cats can hid or perch from -- cats often like to be up high where it is "safe."
• For vacations and other extended absences, consider a live-in petsitter or boarding facility so your cat(s) are not as lonely or stressed about your return.
• For a new baby or visiting guests in your home, try as much as possible to create a gradual introduction with a "safe place" for your cat to retreat to, if overwhelmed.

In summary, it is often best to keep changes for your cat(s) to a minimum or at least with a gradual introduction when possible. Even small things, like keeping the brand of cat litter the same will help keep stress levels at a comfortable level.

Another option is the use of an environmental pheromone treatment, such as Feliway® to create some "feel good" moods of your feline population and hopefully reduce overall stress. If all else fails, please schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to discuss the current medical treatments that are available for pet behavior problems.

Potty Training for Cats

Panther, a toilet-using cat, photographed in San Francisco on 22 August 2005. He is ten years old and has been using the toilet since the age of six months. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Initially, cat toilet trainers should know that cats learn one trick at a time. Changes are made after a first trick is mastered. A cats' motto: "Slowly but surely." The capacity of cats to learn differ and so are expectations, control them to avoid disappointment.

Consider the kind of cat to be potty trained. There are pampered, indoor, and spoiled cats. These types are the ones can be toilet trained. It is vital to maintain a house that does not smell like there is a cat living in it.

Follow these steps on how to effectively toilet train cats:

1. Start by placing the cat's litter box near the bathroom door. He should know the new location and uses the litter box as usual.

2. After about a week, put something underneath the potty trainer to elevate it. It could be a bunch of old newspapers, cardboard boxes, or floor mats.

3. Raise the litter box an inch higher every other day until it reaches the level of the toilet seat.

4. At the start of the training, the cat just steps onto the litter box as usual until it slowly jumps up and down from it.

5. Lift the toilet lid up in order for the cat to learn how to tromp with only the seat to step on.

6. Next, move the potty trainer above the toilet seat. Leave it this way for a week or two.

7. The most exciting part: remove the litter box from the toilet bowl but put down the metal bowl inside. Put a few litters for cat's recognition of purpose.

8. Once the cat is used to using the toilet bowl, tutor him on how to squat the right way and that is holding the legs for the correct posture as often as possible until mastered. If the cat has his all fours on the toilet seat, begin by holding the two legs in front.

9. As soon as he knows how to squat properly, lift the hinds out. Assist the cat as he learns how to balance in that position.

10. Start removing the litter from the metal bowl. Now put water at the bottom and increase the contents everyday.

11. Once the feline is already comfortable with the water in the metal bowl, take it all off the toilet bowl.

Cat toilet training is a slow process. Time and effort are invested to obtain a kitty litter free house. Not only does an owner get rid of the ghastly chore of cleaning the litter but get more time to enjoy the catís company.

10 Questions Asked about Dogs in Heat

A pregnant female dog. Dingo seems all prepared for another litter... (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

1. What is heat?

Heat is more properly called the estrous cycle. During this cycle, female dogs may get pregnant. It’s equivalent to human menstruation.

2. What are the symptoms?

Females bleed from the vagina sometimes with swelling of the vulva and increased urination. Don’t expect bleeding comparable to a human female.

For small dogs, it’s usually not much and you may need to pay close attention to your puppy to identify her first cycle. Other than the bleeding, the most noticeable symptom may be male dogs hanging around your house.

3. When does a dog come into heat?

The average female dog has her first cycle about six months of age. A few dogs start earlier and few dogs later, even as late as 14-months.

If you have a new female puppy, you should watch her and note when she has her first cycle. If she’s 14-months old and still hasn’t been in heat, you should take her to a veterinarian.

4. How long does the heat cycle last?

The average is three weeks or 21-days. In some dogs, it lasts only two weeks while others go four weeks.

5. How often will she be in heat?

Most female dogs have regular cycles usually every six to eight months. It’s quite typical to be in heat twice a year.

6. When can she get pregnant?

She can get pregnant only when in heat. Some breeders test for progesterone levels to identify the most fertile days but the rule-of-thumb is that the most fertile days are 11-15 of her cycle.

* Note: When she’s in heat, the average dog will permit any male dog to mount her. Few females, however, will accept a male when they’re not in heat.

7. Can she get pregnant her first cycle?

Yes. However, responsible breeders generally would not breed a dog that early. For one thing, you need to do genetic testing and some serious problems such as hip conditions do not show up until a dog is approximately 2-years of age.

8. Can I take her on walks during this cycle?

Yes with care. She has no problem with the exercise but she’s a walking magnet for male dogs.

Even the best trained and behaved female dog will succumb to hormones. You can’t trust her off a leash or out of your control. Never let her outside by herself even in a fenced yard if there is any possibility of male dogs nearby.

For walks, if there are male dogs in your neighborhood, it’s a good idea to take your dog in your car and drive to a remote area. Take her for the walk there and drive back home. Otherwise, the scent of her urine and vaginal discharge will blaze a trail to your home.

9. When I can have her spayed?

People used to be told to let their dog go through at least one cycle or let them have one litter.

Today, veterinarians are doing it much earlier. Some vets spay as early as 6-weeks of age! Talk to your veterinarian about your dog and the vet’s preferences. The state of veterinary medicine also is much improved over the past 25-years.

10. If I don’t have her spayed, will she go through menopause.

No. Her fertility may decline but she will not go through menopause comparable to a human’s. She won’t lose her ability to become pregnant even as a senior so if you don’t want to her to have any (or more) litters, she must be spayed.