Recent Content by emmylou

If the symptoms don't clear up within a day or two, definitely take the cat to the vet. It could be something like a scratch or an infection.

Yeah, it sounds like they've made friends and are coexisting pretty happily. So long as your cat is fixed and has flea protection and the required vaccinations, it should be fine.

I know about the recall, and the affected food is no longer on shelves. Plus nearly every single brand was affected in the last big recall. The mother is already feeding an expensive food, and these cats (which are elderly) haven't developed any health problems or elevated vet bills. Plus...

I wouldn't pursue it further. Nutro is a high quality food, and these cats have been on it their whole lives and, as the vet confirms, are healthy. It's true that it's better for cats to have wet in their diet, but a ton of cats out there don't and are just fine. Plus, if I'm understanding...

Since both children and cats are using the floors, I wouldn't put down any harsh chemicals. Just use a regular mild floor cleaner. Research is increasingly showing that it's not good for babies if you use too many antibacterial products; it's actually good for them to be exposed to routine germs...

But it sounds like you're right that the cat has an infection or virus that's not just in the eye. If the sneezing, fever and digestive problems are still happening, I'd go to a different vet for a second opinion. The eye antibiotic will help the eye, but not anything else that's going on. When...

Plus the dog and rabbit have claws too, and you're not considering declawing them. Don't declaw any of the animals... it's not only painful, but unnecessary.

Kittens are pretty forgiving. At that age, the introduction process isn't likely to be too bad or last very long. If you feel like they're actually fighting and at risk of hurting each other, separate them in different rooms for a few hours. Otherwise, I'd just keep an eye on them and see how...

You shouldn't use herbal or over-the-counter flea medications, since they don't work and, as you found out, are often dangerous to cats. Advantage, Revolution and Frontline are the only ones that actually work.

Yes, it's fine. Pets on prescription foods only get one flavor, and as you note, each can has all the nutrition a cat needs. If it were fish, a constant diet might cause problems with some cats, but since this is a chicken/turkey combo, excellent.

Glad to hear the vet was able to treat. When it seemed like all the claws were gone, I thought some kind of illness or nail infection, or vitamin deficiency... Did the vet think the nails were healthy and strong, or brittle? It seems unusual that they would all be affected by an accident. My...

I wouldn't change foods at all. The cat has been eating Nutro and doing well on it her whole life, and you say if you went to a new food it'd be in the same price range. Not understanding why you'd want to change, given that it's good food, your cat does well on it, and you're happy with the...

I think your feelings are right on this. It's a strange practice on the vet's part; maybe they like to make the money from selling it, since your insurance covers it. I'd refuse in future. I agree. Dewormer isn't preventive. If the cat hasn't tested positive for worms, don't give medication for...

With those symptoms, I think it's best to go to an emergency vet right away. I wouldn't delay it until tomorrow morning.

Make sure you don't use the dog's flea treatment on a cat; you have to get one meant for cats. I wouldn't use a spray. I think it's a bad idea, because it puts the chemicals on the fur where the cat will lick them. The spot flea treatments are applied only once a month, don't go into the air or...