Tribble climbed into the laundry basketdog

When the laundry

basket fell over, Tribble the kitten seized the opportunity!

Tribble loves to hang out in her toy tent

Tribble the Siamese mix kitten loves to hang out in her toy tent.

There are several attached toys inside this kitty toy tent.

Tribble by my side

Tribble the Siamese mix we adopted keeps a watchful eye on me pretty much all of the time!

Oh so cute himalayan kitten.

Does it get any cuter than this?

Look at what you can find at the Humane Society!

Does My Cat Have Alzheimer's?

Published: Saturday, October 30, 2010, 5:00 AM

 KAREN STEINROCK, For The Patriot-News 
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Dear Karen:

My 15-yr-old male cat has always gotten along nicely with our 11-year-old female cat until this past weekend. His tail got big and fluffy and he physically attacked her for no apparent reason. This occurred two more times after dinner time –almost like “sundowning” in people with Alzheimers.

My theory is that Max had a temporary lapse of memory and didn’t recognize her and was perhaps protecting his territory. He also gives out an almost guttural meow/howl for some time before he calms down/lays down.

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I don’t remember ever seeing an article on dementia in senior cats and if this is what you suspect, I appreciate you trying to help us out.

Cindy Miller - Whitehall

Dear Cindy:

At 15, it’s entirely possible Max is experiencing some cognitive decline. The symptoms of feline dementia are quite similar to Alzheimer’s in humans. Confusion and agitation tend to worsen towards the end of the day.

All but one of my cats has lived well into their late teens and each displayed some form of dementia in their final years. It usually started with odd vocalizations and advanced to confusion as to time of day, changes in sleep patterns, and minor scraps between the elder kitties.

The most common symptoms of “kitty Alzheimer’s” include:

1. Loud vocalizations beyond a simple meow.

2. Increased agitation and restlessness, especially at night

3. Altered relationships/irritability towards human family members or other pets

4. Changes in appetite – forgetting to eat or not remembering when they do

5. Decreased self grooming

6. Memory loss – forgetting to use the litter box; not recognizing other “beings”

7. Disorientation – getting trapped in corners, not knowing where they are

Research conducted by Scottish veterinary surgeon Dr. Danielle Gunn-Moore shows that 28% of cats aged 11 to 14 and up to 50% of older cats could be affected. She recommends a diet fortified with antioxidants and vitamins, as well as stimulating playtime with kitty’s favorite humans. Applying a feline appeasement spray, such as Feliway, to kitty’s sleeping areas may also help to reduce stress. More advanced cases may require medications and dietary changes prescribed by a vet.

An annual exam is critical for senior cats, as many signs of physical pain can be mistaken for dementia. Because our feline friends are living longer they are more prone to diseases common in human aging, such as arthritis, cancer, and kidney failure so you definitely need to have him vet checked. Also, try to provide a calm, stress free environment that may include special resting quarters for him.

My kitty Otis started exhibiting signs of dementia about a year ago. He often stares into space and howls at nothing. Providing gentle exercise, some grooming assistance and reminders to eat help him feel like his old self. Plus we added another litter box in an open location “just in case”.

As with aging humans, this is when our once robust, independent companions need us for quality end-of-life care-- a labor of love when you understand the changes that are taking place.

Dear Karen:

Regarding the cat who hisses at and attacks the son-in-law, you should have suggested he come to the house armed with catnip or cat treats in hand. It will only take a visit or two to calm kitty down and turn them into the best of friends. It could be she can’t stand the strong scent of whatever he is wearing especially if it is the scent of another cat on his clothes.

Ramona Ruhf – Bethlehem

Dear Ramona:

Excellent suggestion. However, since this fellow doesn’t like cats he may not cotton to the idea of rewarding kitty with goodies after their previous run-ins. I’m pretty sure he doesn’t smell like other cats unless he’s playing hard to get! Thank you for writing.

Curious kitten finds the printer very interesting.

Curious kitten had to get a closer look when the printer started printing.

Fuzzy friends

The kitten climbs into the bunny cage at night.

Welcome home, Kitty!

Another trip to the Humane Society

 Another trip to the Humane Society, and this little Siamese mix was ready for adoption.  She looked me in the eyes, and reached out of the cage to get my attention.  She has been so much fun this evening.  She is quick and of course playful.  Movies tomorrow.

Our vet sent us a plant to memorialize Mica!

I was surprised to find a florist delivery at our door "in loving memory of Mica. With love and sympathy from all the staff at Crescenta Canada Pet Hospital."
Mica brought us loyal companionship for nearly 2 decades.  Having a living plant to memorialize him gives his life some dignity, as he did indeed bring some good to the world. 

Mica

Mica always had something to say.  Not tonight.  He is gone.  He is no more.
I hope you are waiting for me in heaven, Mica.

Mica took a one way trip to the vet

We took Mica to the vet after 2 weeks of watching him suffer.  While he waited for the vet; he looked into our eyes lovingly, and purred.  We were blessed with 19 years with him.  Until just recently, he was playful. 

Mica had to go to the vet today

A sore on his mouth has been diagnosed as a cyst.  It is very uncomfortable and thus he is loosing weight, as it is difficult for him to eat.  A shot of fluids and a shot for the infection; and he seemed to improve right away. 

Air Travel Tips

Top 10 Tips for Safe Air Travel with Your Pet

Traveling can be highly stressful, both for you and the four-legged members of your family. But with thoughtful preparation, you can ensure a safe and comfortable trip for everyone.
The ASPCA urges pet owners to think twice about flying their pets on commercial airlines, especially if they plan on checking them in as cargo.
Unless your animal is small enough to fit under your seat and you can bring him or her in the cabin, the ASPCA recommends pet owners to not fly their animal. If pet owners have already committed to transporting their pets on commercial airlines, the ASPCA is offering the following top ten tips for safe air travel with your pet:

1. Make an appointment with your pet's veterinarian for a checkup, and make sure all vaccinations are up-to-date. Obtain a health certificate from your veterinarian dated within 10 days of departure. For travel outside of the continental United States, additional planning and health care requirements may be necessary. Contact the foreign office of the country you are traveling to for more information.
   
   
2. Make sure your pet has a microchip for identification and is wearing a collar and ID tag. Breakaway collars are best for cats. The collar should also include destination information in case your pet escapes.
   
   
3. Book a direct flight whenever possible. This will decrease the chances that your pet is left on the tarmac during extreme weather conditions or mishandled by baggage personnel.
   
   
4. Purchase a USDA-approved shipping crate that is large enough for your pet to stand, sit and turn around in comfortably. Shipping crates can be purchased from many pet supply stores and airlines.
   
   
5. Write the words "Live Animal" in letters at least one inch tall on top of and at least one side of the crate. Use arrows to prominently indicate the upright position of the crate. On the top of the crate, write the name, address and telephone number of your pet's destination point, and whether you will be accompanying him or if someone else is picking him up. Make sure that the door is securely closed, but not locked, so that airline personnel can open it in case of an emergency. Line the crate bottom with some type of bedding—shredded paper or towels— to absorb accidents.
   
   
6. Affix a current photograph of your pet to the top of the crate for identification purposes. Should your pet escape from the carrier, this could be a lifesaver. You should also carry a photograph of your pet.
   
   
7. The night before you leave, make sure you’ve frozen a small dish or tray of water for your pet. This way, it can’t spill during loading, and will melt by the time he’s thirsty. Tape a small pouch, preferably cloth, of dried food outside the crate. Airline personnel will be able to feed your pet in case he gets hungry on long-distance flights or a layover.
   
8. Tranquilizing your pet is generally not recommended, as it could hamper his breathing. Check with your veterinarian first.
   
   
9. Tell every airline employee you encounter, on the ground and in the air, that you are traveling with a pet in the cargo hold. This way, they’ll be ready if any additional considerations or attention is needed.
   
   
10. If the plane is delayed, or if you have any concerns about the welfare of your pet, insist that airline personnel check the animal whenever feasible. In certain situations, removing the animal from the cargo hold and deplaneing may be warranted.