Hypertension can have a devastating impact on many body systems, including the eyes, kidney, heart and central nervous system. Sometimes the first clues that a cat has hypertension come from signs noticed by the owner, such as dilated pupils due to blindness, head tilt, loss of balance, disorientation, and even seizures. Signs of hypertension may also be more subtle such as vocalization, poor appetite and lethargy.
Medicating a cat is a lot like playing patty cake with a bear trap. But it doesn't have to be! Here are a few of our favorite ways to make pill giving a breeze for both you and your kitty!
Recently, at the cat hospital, we hosted Cat Art as part of the West Chester's Chamber of Commerce Gallery Walk, and it was wonderful. As much as I love cats, I am always amazed and honoured that so many others love cats and want to celebrate them. I want to thank everyone from the bottom of my heart who made it out and contributed to our event. We had personal pet photos and portraits by very talented artists, wild cat art and some with wildlife mixed in. The raccoon looking in at the curious cat was one of my favorites. We also had a very pretty and kind rescue kitty looking for her forever home.
Cats are mysterious and delightful creatures. To know them is to love them. To understand them is nearly impossible. When it comes to concealing pain from disease or injury, most cats are capable of an Academy Award-winning performance! The most troubling difference between cats and many other animals is that cats hide their pain, and they’re very good at it!
A healthy mouth, something as humans we worry about a lot with our tooth brushing, flossing, mouthwash, breath mints, and regular professional cleanings. In human medicine it is clearly understood that other human's don't like to see abnormal looking teeth or smell unruly breath and, more importantly, we understand the health benefits of dental care (heart, kidneys, fertility, etc). Unfortunately for our feline friends, human attitude is only in the past years catching up and understanding the importance of dental health in all creatures especially our pets whom we expect to be with us for a long time and want them to be happy and healthy. I can never emphasize enough how enriching pets are for us and for our families. (And yes, we enrich their lives too with good food, attention and love.)