Ask questions and share about your pet's health to help others.
We have (2) 1year old cats. One loves the CET toothpaste and the other has no interest to even lick it off my finger.. We have tried the seafood and poultry flavor. Any alternatives you would recommend? I seen they also make the CET chews in fish or poultry flavor. Curious if they are just as effective. Thanks
My cat has these black, crusty spots on her chin. What are they and is it ok to put peroxide on them?
Based on what you’re saying, it could be kitty acne. Your vet would be able to diagnose for sure with a quick exam. If it is acne, it’s pretty easy to clean up and take care of. Also, I would recommend changing bowls to stainless steel or ceramic, and clean them regularly to avoid acne. I don’t think peroxide would help much. You can get a Rx solution to clean the area with and sometimes certain facial cleansers are recommended. See what your vet advises. Best of luck!
Don’t put peroxide anywhere on your cat. Until you see your vet as suggested by Sarah, use a warm wet washcloth.
I agree with Sarah. Prob acne. Make sure you are using stainless steel or ceramic/glass feeding and water bowls and ask your bet for a safe topical cleaner for this. We have medicated cleaning pads (they look like the old stridex acne cleaning pads) that are safe to use and help open the pores to keep the area clean and happy. Please get help before these become deep and severe and cause infection. Let us know how things go.
I have a senior cat who was receiving insulin but is now off of it per the Doctor’s orders. His glucose level has returned to normal, at least for now, by way of the DM cat food only.
The cat has become very playful, like a kitten, during the last week or so. Should I be concerned about the change in behavior?
Hi there? If your cat s feeling well enough to be playful and happy, I would take that as a gift. We have a senior dog who has given us the same thing and we are just making sure to enjoy as much time with him as we can, while we can. You could always mention the behavior change at your next vet visit if it is a concern…. however, my thinking is that since he’s feeling good that he is just letting you know. ??
Hello,
I agree with Sarah! This all sounds like excellent news.. but ANY change in behavior should be discussed with your vet, and frequent recheck of blood glucose are the best way to monitor for the progression and state of this disease process. Also, if you see a change in water intake, or the size of the urine clumps (if clumping litter) in the box are also,
let us know how things go,,
xoxo
krista
My 10 year old cat was diagnosed with mammary cancer. Her tumors are too large to go through surgery. I recently, had dog pass from cancer. I chose to treat with prednisone. Can I do the same for my cat?
This is a discussion t9 have with your vet. I’m sorry… I know you probably want a more direct answer. Your vet knows your cat and your situation. They are the best person to sit down with and have this conversation. They can prescribe a routine suited for your cat including treatment and pain management. Best of luck to you.
I age never seem a case that was too big for surgery. I’m not saying it isn’t possible. I just haven’t seen it. Ask for a second opinion or see a surgeon. I doubt this will be responsive to pred. Surgery is the best option. In my opinion. Good luck. Ps. Also have her spayed if she isn’t already
I’ve looked online and seen contradictory information – is it safe to diffuse essential oils around pets (cats and dogs)? Which ones would be best to use, and which should I avoid?
Honestly, I would consider them all unsafe. Cats have delicate respiratory systems. That said, things like tea tree and eucalyptus WILL cause your cats very significant health problems.
But seriously. Toss the EOs.
I need help finding a surgeon for luxation of both scapula in a cat. I’ve been to two vets, called countless surgeons in multiple states, and even emailed a professor who wrote one of the articles I have found on the issue. All of them say something different (with the exception of the email that has yet to be returned). My vet said they couldn’t do anything but take x-rays, a second opinion (regular vet practice) offered injections of Adequan (which won’t fix the problem). When I asked my vet about the effectiveness of injections they turned around and said they’d sell me Ichon injections (which seem even more questionable) which is interesting they didn’t suggest it sooner if they could.
Of the surgeons I’ve called, I’ve asked all of them if they have experience in this rare condition. Surgery isn’t the only option; I’ve done my research. Surgery isn’t always the best treatment depending on severity and individual factors of the cat. But all of them seem to be selling the surgery. They won’t consider anything else.
Everyone wants me to bring him in so they can take their own x-rays and do their own exam, which I understand to a point but I’m a student with only so much money. While I’m willing to put what it takes if my cat needs surgery, I don’t want to spend thousands just on consults before we even do a potential surgery. And what am I supposed to do but get another opinion when everyone gives me a different diagnosis that fits their practice? One hospital even said bring the cat to their ER now which I know is wrong because I know while he may be uncomfortable, he is not in pain. I would not let him be in severe pain. I don’t want him uncomfortable either, but I need to know that I’m making the best decision not just being sold a service *especially* if it’s one he doesn’t need.
Please, please, please let me know if you know of anyone with experience in this area. Private practice to university professor wanting to use it as educational- I just need someone with experience beyond “knowing how to do it in theory.” Any help is beyond appreciated!!
Where are you?
I’m currently finishing up my BA in GA and my cat is in TN (Nashville area) with my parents till then. Once I graduate in Dec. I plan to go to TN for a spell before moving to VA for a year to save up for grad school. I may wait to move to VA depending on my cat’s treatment. I’d like to limit stress on him so would like to avoid coupling moving and potential surgery if possible, but will move first if there is a better specialist closer to where I might move to in central VA or, if his condition is deemed stable, then perhaps there could be a specialist worth waiting for closer to where I end up for grad school, but that’s probably a year out. I know that’s not a super helpful answer, sorry.
Sushi is my 12-year old cat with an inoperable cancerous tumor. Last weekend she stopped eating and was vomiting bile. At the vet’s, her bloodwork showed high kidney and creatinine levels. After three days on an IV, her kidney levels returned to normal, but the creatinine remained high, confirming her cancer diagnosis. While the vet said she had been eating well in the office, since she came home three days ago, she has not eaten at all. We’ve tried everything: k/d wet and hard food, chicken and rice, her regular food, baby food, tuna, and Fresh Pet, but she hasn’t eaten anything, although she is drinking water. Sushi is very lethargic and stays in her hiding place most of the time. We go back to the vet in the morning, but I hate to put her through another stay at the vet’s if the results may be the same. Can anyone give me advice as to what I should do? I cannot stand the fact that she may be suffering.
Good morning. I’m so sorry about your cat. I am sure you must be struggling with “what should I do? Can I do more? Can I do anything?” I think a truthful conversation with your vet this morning is important. We had to put one of our dogs down this past June because of cancer. He was a trooper and we made him comfortable as long as we could, but finally in June, he just told us it was time. He stopped eating, even when I tried to hand feed, he wouldn’t come off his bed unless he absolutely had to… I guess what I’m sharing is that our pets communicate with us. You know your pet best. Your vet knows the situation. I think a visit and a conversation about Sushi today will help you figure out the next step.
The vet gave us an anti-nausea/appetite stimulator and pain pills. I just pray that these medicines will make Sushi feel like eating agan. Thank you so much for your response.
My cat is an approximately 7 years old, 13lbs, tuxedo male who has always been an indoor cat. He was popping a lot this summer but every time I called the vet they brushed me off till I brought him in. Then they were shocked and said they’ve never seen this in a cat before, and only in one dog besides. They said he’s subluxating in both of his shoulders and there was nothing they could do. I took him to another vet who also practiced animal chiropractic care hoping they would help, but now one shoulder is fully luxated and they could only suggest a type of glucosamine injection. I did what research I could on feline subluxation and know surgery is the only real fix, so I’d really like advice on a) if injections would be helpful or if I should go ahead with the surgery ASAP before he gets any older and b) if ANYONE knows a feline orthopedic surgeon who has experience with this. I’ve inquired around my state but no luck and I want someone knowledgeable since this is such a rare condition.
Hello,
The best advice I can give is to seek a boarded veterinary surgeon, or, ask for an appointment with a veterinary teaching hospital. Without knowing the degree of your cats condition, impact on daily life and an exam that’s about all I can say. I can add that this is very uncommon. I would also stress the importance of keeping your cat at an ideal body condition score (weight). If the condition is severe and it is affecting your cats ability to ambulated suegery is probably your best option. Although very likely the most expensive. Good luck. Please let us know what happens.
If it helps a puppy to grow up with another puppy does the same hold true for kittens? Will cats be happier and better adjusted if they have a sibling? Does it help to get 2 from the same litter or should they be unrelated?
We had a few “pairs” in our lifetime- meaning they were from the same litter. Never had an issue- all three times, they were really nice, affectionate and all around good pets. I have heard of littermate syndrome in dogs, which can prove to be a challenge, but I do not think the same holds true for cats. I will say that a kitten is a lot of work- box training, house rules, scratching, etc. so keep in mind that is all double duty when bringing two in at the same time. Best of luck!!
I’ve never had kittens, so I cannot speak to this part of your question. I do know quite a bit about dogs, however, and I would NEVER suggest getting two littermates in dogs. Ever. This causes some serious developmental issues – littermate syndrome and dog aggression are but two of them.
Hi. Can you tell me how you treated this? My Pumpkin has a very similar problem, he has a set of asymmetrical ulcers on his upper lip, but they aren’t going away and none of his vets (regular and oncologist) have a clue what they are from or how to resolve them. He was doing well with chemotherapy for Lymphoma but the ulcers have made him backtrack.
Hello,
If the toothpaste is the problem in permitting brushing omit it and use a moistened toothbrush or even a piece of gauze (I use our hospital 4 inch square gauze wrapper around my finger). I have a YouTube video on how I do it.