Timing is Everything

After running across this news tidbit, it makes me think I picked a good time to start this new blog:

Cat Galaxy, the radio station for cats has named August, Cat Health & Safety Month in the hopes humans will see that getting their cat spayed or neutered can help end feline overpopulation. It is also a time to remind humans that by having their cats checked out at a vet regularly, they can help ensure that their cats live a longer, healthier and happier lives. [source: Press Release - August Is Cat Health & Safety Month]

As well, Cat Galaxy has announced that they will be broadcasting monthly segments on cat health and care. Listeners will be able to call in via skype chat or email questions during the broadcast. For more info: www.catgalaxymedia.com


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Cat Health Tip - Prevent Overheating in Your Cat

It goes without saying that the best way to treat an overheated cat is to prevent it from becoming overheated in the first place.

If your cat is an outdoor cat, the best way to prevent overheating is to make sure there is lots of fresh water on hand, and that your cat has a shady area to rest in. You can also leave little piles of ice chips outside, or put a few ice cubes in the water bowls to keep the water cooler for longer periods of time.

If you don’t have air conditioning, temperatures indoors can also become unbearable for your indoor cats. Fans are good for both when there’s no air conditioning, or even with it, to move the air around. Ceiling fans are also a better option than floor models so that your cat doesn’t knock over the floor fans, or try to stick his paws through the screen to get at the moving blades.

Make sure your indoor cats have a cool place to relax. One thing you can do is leave a just a tiny bit of water inside the bathtub or sink so your cat can play in the water to cool off. It is also a good idea to leave more than one water bowl inside for him to drink from in order to keep cooled off. As well, curtains and blinds should be kept closed to keep the outside heat from coming in.

If your cat is a long-haired breed, it might be a good idea to trim his fur in the summer to help keep him cool. Also, if your cat is a black cat, keep an extra close eye on him for signs of overheating, as his black fur absorbs heat more than white or lighter colored fur.

So what happens if despite all your best prevention efforts, your cat still becomes overheated?
If your cat is showing signs of overheating, the first thing to do is give him some cool water to drink, and a cool bath to try and bring his body temperature down. Then, once you’ve done that, wrap him in a cool, damp towel, and take him to the vet immediately. It can be difficult to reverse the effects that heatstroke can have on your cat, and only your vet will know best how to treat it to minimize the damage.


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I May Be a Cat Lady but...

I love dogs too! In fact right now the dogs outnumber the cats in my house, 2 to 1.

I'm always on the lookout for good information about both cat health and dog health, so if dogs are more your thing, here's some great sites to check out:

• All About Dogs
  
  
  
• Fun Things For You and Your Dogs
  
  
  
• A Happy Dog
  
  

Cat Health Tip - How to Tell if Your Cat is Too Hot

This summer has seen some of the most extreme temperatures yet. If we humans are suffering from the excessive heat, think how much worse it is for our furry feline friends. If your cat is an indoor cat, s/he can be even more susceptible to overheating and heatstroke than a cat that is used to being outside in different types of weather.

Here are some telltale signs that your cat is becoming overheated:

1. excessive, rapid panting
2. bright red gums;
3. vomiting and diarrhea.

One way you can test for over heating on your cat is to gently pinch the scruff of the neck. If it stays in an upright position after being pinched, this is a sign that your cat is becoming dehydrated.

If your cat’s over-heating has turned into heatstroke, his/her body temperature may be quite high, and s/he may be lethargic and have difficulty moving. S/he could even seem to be depressed, or suffer from seizures.

If your cat is an outdoor cat, s/he is much more likely to be able to adapt to the heat. Even so, s/he still will need to have some means of cooling off. Having a cool place to lay down and plenty of fresh, cool water to drink is a must for good cat health, whether your feline friend spends most of his/her time indoors or out.


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Welcome to Cat Health Care Information

Welcome to the Cat Health Care Information Blog.

If you're anything like me, your cat is one of your best friends, and his/her health is as important to you as your children's health is.

Stay tuned for articles and information on maintaining your cat's good health.

Ruth