Cat Watch back issues from May 2006:
Pedigreed cats and incidence of FIP; promising news on FeLV and FIV.(Short Takes)(feline infectious peritonitis)(feline leukemia virus)(feline immunodeficiency virus)
May 01, 2006 ... FIP "Breed Predisposition" Defies Explanation Veterinary researchers now know which six breeds of cats are more likely to get feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), the relatively rare but invariably fatal disease that begins with an enteric coronavirus infection in the upper ...
Sensitive skin and diet: incessant scratching is annoying for your cat and troublesome to you. But how can you tell if it's her food that's the main culprit?(Nutrition)
May 01, 2006; ... Nothing can be more frustrating for a cat owner--and annoying to a cat--than skin disorders. Nutritional deficiencies or food hypersensitivity; parasites; fungal, viral and bacterial infections; and environmental allergens can cause problems that range from dry, brittle hair and ...
Beware the seven deadly viruses: fortunately, vaccines are available that may serve to reduce their lethal threat. Here's what the cat owner needs to know.(Disease)
May 01, 2006; ... A virus, unlike a bacterium or a fungus, is not a living organism. Rather, a virus may best be described as a complex submicroscopic structure consisting of a bit of genetic material--its DNA or RNA blueprint--encased in a protein shell. Although more of a chemical than a creature, a virus ...
Vaccine-associated sarcomas: one suggestion on prevention: give your cat only the vaccines that it really needs. Here's why.(Noteworthy)
May 01, 2006; ... Due to the demonstrable effectiveness of vaccines in preventing a wide variety of infectious feline diseases, veterinarians used to recommend that every cat be injected every year with every available vaccine. In the past 15 years or so, however, this approach to preventive ...
The power of touch: it helps you and your cat: each cat has specific preferences in petting. Here's why you should accomodate them.(BONDING)
May 01, 2006; ... Studies have shown that the action of petting a cat lowers blood pressure, decreases heart rate and imparts a wonderful sense of relaxation and overall well-being. Although that sentence may describe the person petting a cat, it also applies to the cat being petted. Cats enjoy physical ...
When the cat bites ... you can suffer serious medical consequences, but the wound may also attract the attention of local health authorities. Here's why.(Health)
May 01, 2006; ... Buddy, a streetwise stray cat that had been rescued from a vacant parking lot, took great exception to a male cat spraying the front door of his adoptive home. To even out the turf war, Buddy decided to launch a counter attack--by spraying the inside of the door. "I saw Buddy ...
Do cats grieve? It appears they do: the loss of a beloved companion can be difficult for your cat. Here's how to help her heal.(Health)
May 01, 2006; ... Since one of your beloved cats died several weeks ago, you've been feeling pretty down. People who have been through the same experience tell you this is normal after such a loss. But then you notice that your other cat is eating a lot less, doesn't play like he used to and ...
What is nasal disease? Runny nose, teary eyes, sneezing and open-mouthed breathing are the signs to look for.(Disease)
May 01, 2006; ... Kitty's got the sniffles? It's probably nothing to worry about. Just like you, your cat is apt to come down with a minor respiratory infection now and then, and it will pass. But if the runny nose that you notice goes on for more than a few days, and especially if the secretions thicken ...
What triggers your cat's aggression? Even the most loving cat owner can have a cat that lashes out. Here's are some of the reasons why.(Mind of the Cat)
May 01, 2006 ... I recently received a letter from a concerned cat owner. Her dilemma is a common one: Her beloved eight-year-old cat bites her. This particular cat was adopted at three months of age from a lovely family and has known only gentle handling. The bites are hard--sometimes requiring medical ...
Ask Dr. Richards.(feline sleep disorders)
May 01, 2006; ... Q When our one-year-old female cat enters rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, she begins twitching and suddenly throws herself several feet backward. Sometimes she growls while asleep and then thrashes wildly; she acts as if she is dreaming but she reacts violently. She chews, claws and acts ...