Does catnip have any long-term effects on cats?
Catnip is quite the treat for many cats! Approximately half of all cats will be genetically predisposed to enjoy this herb. Catnip is a member of the mint family -- actually there are several different types of catnip, but what makes cats so in love with this herb is a chemical in the leaves known as nepetalactone.
Young kittens, less than 3-6 months, will not be attracted to catnip, but once they pass that age, they will go gaga for it. When you first give your kitty some fresh or dried catnip, you
Posts Tagged ‘Cats’
Effects of Catnip
by Lori Teller DVM DABVP CVJ February 1st, 2012 | Animal Health, Ask the Vet, Cats
Cats Can Make Humans Ill
by Lori S. January 31st, 2012 | Cats
Even though you love your cat, you must realize that there are some potential dangers to pet ownership. For example, cat scratch disease and toxoplasmosis are two very real illnesses caused by cats. As a cat lover myself, I knew about these two diseases, yet I was unaware of the negative health effects that they actually cause until after I had owned cats for many years. Read on to learn more.
Cat Scratch Disease
I got the phone call while away in college. “Your mom is in the hospital with cat scratch fever,” my dad lamented. At first I thought he
Cat Scratch Disease
I got the phone call while away in college. “Your mom is in the hospital with cat scratch fever,” my dad lamented. At first I thought he
Easy Ways to Support Pet Adoptions
by Lori S. January 26th, 2012 | Pet Adoption
The Humane Society of the United States vividly brings to light the sheer number of animals waiting to be adopted. Consider the following statistic: “6–8 million pets end up in shelters each year; half of those will probably not be adopted.” What can an animal lover do to help these precious animals if you already have a house full of cats and dogs, or if you live in an apartment complex that won’t allow furry friends?
There are several ways to assist with this important cause. By doing one or more of the following things, you can help give a
There are several ways to assist with this important cause. By doing one or more of the following things, you can help give a
Cats and Milk
by Lori Teller DVM DABVP CVJ January 18th, 2012 | Ask the Vet
Is it true cats can be lactose-intolerant? What are the signs?
In this regard, cats are very similar to people. Kittens are born with the enzyme, lactase, which digests the lactose (milk sugar)found in their mother's milk. As cats age, just like people, less and less lactase may be present in the gastrointestinal tract, resulting in the inability to digest lactose and an intolerance to dairy products. Some cats will continue to be able to handle milk with no problems, but others will develop the typical signs of lactose intolerance, namely, the GI symptoms of flatulence, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
In this regard, cats are very similar to people. Kittens are born with the enzyme, lactase, which digests the lactose (milk sugar)found in their mother's milk. As cats age, just like people, less and less lactase may be present in the gastrointestinal tract, resulting in the inability to digest lactose and an intolerance to dairy products. Some cats will continue to be able to handle milk with no problems, but others will develop the typical signs of lactose intolerance, namely, the GI symptoms of flatulence, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Christmas for Pets
by Jacob P. January 5th, 2012 | Cats, Dogs, Reptiles
Note: This could apply to other religious holidays, but I don't know all that much about them, so I used Christmas as an example.
Although everyone celebrates Christmas in their own special way, a recurring theme I see amongst many families is the giving of gifts to the pets on Christmas. I think it is a fun and creative way to involve the pets in family celebrations. At my Dad's house this Christmas, we gave our dog several toys as Christmas presents, and my uncle gave his dog some presents too. Sadly, at my mom's house, neither the chickens nor
Although everyone celebrates Christmas in their own special way, a recurring theme I see amongst many families is the giving of gifts to the pets on Christmas. I think it is a fun and creative way to involve the pets in family celebrations. At my Dad's house this Christmas, we gave our dog several toys as Christmas presents, and my uncle gave his dog some presents too. Sadly, at my mom's house, neither the chickens nor
