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Small Animal Newsletter
May 2016
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Although winter seems like it is never coming this year, the Indian Summer we are experiencing at the moment won't last for ever. It will get cold! Metservice is predicting sooner rather than later.
It is fine for us to be sitting by the fire keeping warm, but how are your pets faring. Obviously it is important that you supply shelter. Check your dogs kennel for leaks,and make sure there are some warm blankets in it to keep them off the cold ground. As animals get older, their muscle mass and fat content decrease so they have less insulation against the cold. They become more prone to hypothermia.
These older animals are also more likely to show signs of arthritis during the colder months, so have a talk to us about different ways we can control arthritis (both in cats and dogs).
During winter, especially if your pet spends a lot of time outside, they may burn more energy just to keep warm, so you may have to increase their food intake. If your pets’ water supply is normally outside, remember that this may well be frozen during winter.If your dog spends time outside, make sure that you don’t get them groomed too short. They need their fur for warmth!
Every year we see cats and dogs that have been sitting too close to the fire or heater and have burnt their fur (or worse still, their skin), so just keep an eye on that too. It is not unusual for us to have to treat cats that have jumped onto the log burner that is normally cold during summer, but during winter may be hot enough to burn their feet!
Finally, remember that we have dog jackets for sale. Call at our clinics to see our range.
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Myth: Cats eat grass when they are sick
Fact: Veterinarians have no proven answers as to why cats eat grass. Many think it's to make themselves sick when their tummy is upset, but research indicates they may just like to eat grass
Myth: Cats can smother newborn babies
Fact: Cats are heat- and comfort-seekers. Curling up next to a newborn in a crib meets both of these needs. However, if the cat chooses to press up against the face of a bundled infant who is too young to turn away on her own, her breathing may be hampered. Keep cats out of the nursery at naptime/bedtime.
Myth: Pregnant women must give up their cats.
Fact: While toxoplasmosis is a risk for fetuses, a woman is more likely to catch it from handling raw meat or digging in the garden than from her cats. Cat guardians can protect themselves from cat-related exposure by emptying the litter box daily, having someone else clean the litter box or wearing rubber gloves and a mask if the litter box task can't be foisted onto anyone else.
Myth: Black cats are bad luck.
Fact: There are nearly as many superstitions about black cats bringing luck as there are about them being harbingers of bad luck. In different cultures around the world, other colours and coat patterns are seen as lucky -- or not. However, in one 2000 study of 321 patients reported in the Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology patients with dark-coloured cats were up to four times more likely to suffer a moderate to severe allergy attack than those with light-coloured cats. Researchers speculate that darker cats produce more fel d 1 allergen in their skin and saliva. So if adopters are mildly allergic to cats, it may be smart to steer them to lighter coloured ones, leaving all the terrific black cats to those lucky folks with no cat allergies.
Myth: Cats have nine lives.
Fact: The myth most likely originated from Egyptian gods and religions, where sun god Atum-Ra, one of the Ennead, or the Nine, would assume the form of the cat when visiting the underworld. Throughout the ages, cats continued to be considered magical and otherworldly, and their resilience in surviving falls from high places and long confinements without sustenance continue to amaze us.
Myth: Putting a bell on cats will keep them from killing birds
Fact: It's been discovered that many belled cats actually become more effective hunters because they learn how to improve their stalking to avoid detection. The best way to protect backyard birds is to keep cats indoors
Myth: Cats always land on their feet.
Fact: As a tree-climbing species, the cat's survival depends on its ability to survive falls when possible. The feline vestibular system and vision work together with the cat's flexible spine to allow the cat to right itself and, when there is enough time, to "parachute out" in a manner similar to the flying squirrel. While they can usually right themselves, they can still sustain serious injury to limbs, jaws and the thoracic region which may result in death.
Myth: A cat purrs when it is happy.
Fact: Purring is one of the first sounds kittens can make. They can purr by the time they are 48 hours old. While nursing, both mom and kittens can be heard to purr. But while purring is often heard at times of contentment, cats also purr when in pain and in the throes of death.
Myth: Milk is good for cats
Fact: Cats may be attracted to milk and other dairy products, but many cats are lactose-intolerant, meaning a warm saucer of milk will likely give them terrible diarrhea. Cats only require milk from their mother when they are nursing.
Myth: Cats hate water.
Fact: While most cats hate baths, many find running water fascinating and spend time pawing at dripping faucets or demanding their guardians turn on the water for a fresh, cool drink. Kittens, in particular, find sinks and shower a source of amusement, although for most the thrill lessens with age. One breed, the Turkish Van, is nicknamed "the swimming cat" for its swimming prowess and love of all things wet.
Myth: My cat is flicking her tail, she must be happy.
Fact: Actually, most cats will wag or flick their tails when they are upset or thinking.
Myth: Cats are nocturnal creatures.
Fact: Cats are crepuscular most active at dusk and dawn when prey abounds and the hunting is best. The construction of their eyes allows them to see well in low light. Cats only need 1/6 of the light humans do in order to decipher shapes. However, they cannot see in absolute darkness.
Myth: Table scraps are OK for cats.
Fact: Just like dogs, table scraps aren't recommended for cats. They're empty calories and may contain harmful ingredients.
Myth: Cats lose their sense of balance without whiskers.
Fact: Cats use their whiskers as "feelers," but not to maintain balance. How a cat positions its whiskers can also be an indication of mood.
Myth: All cats love catnip
Fact: Most people think all cats go crazy for catnip, but the truth is, just 50 percent of felines are susceptible to the plant's charms. Being attracted to catnip is an inherited trait.
Myth: Cats are loners.
Fact: Outdoor cats are solitary hunters, but most will choose to live in a colony near a food source. Unneutered males will roam the farthest, in search of food and females in heat. Studies of barn cats showed matrilineal groups were created by a founding female, her daughters and their kittens. When males reach approximately eighteen months of age, they leave the area and strike out on their own. The kittens of domesticated house cats are best prepared to fit into a multi-cat household when they are kept with their littermates until at least eight to ten weeks of age.
Myth: Cats don't need exercise.
Fact: You can and should exercise your cat. Felines need mental stimulation as well as physical activity to stay healthy.
Myth: Garlic will help cats get rid of worms
Fact: Garlic may, in fact, cause anemia in cats and should be avoided.
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Hayleys' Hints; Dog Beds
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Winter is time for sitting in front of the fire. We have a new range of dog beds available that are nice and cheap. Next time you are passing the clinic, call in and see what we have got!
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During the past couple of months Aorangi Vets has sponsored the following:
- Geraldine Collie Club
- Geraldine Netball Club
- Geraldine Golf
- Roncalli Social Justice Trip
- The South Canterbury Science Fair
Aorangi Veterinary Services frequently receives requests for sponsorship from individuals, groups or organisations.
As Aorangi Veterinary Services is a community based company, we endeavor to support worthy causes in our area, and our criteria for sponsorship are simple.
When considering a sponsorship applications we look for:
- Requests that will directly benefit individuals, groups or organisations in our communities
- Requests that will enhance the profile of Aorangi Veterinary Services
If you require sponsorship and you think your application will fulfill these criteria, please complete the Sponsorship Application Form by following the link below.
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David received a parrot for his birthday. The parrot was fully grown with a bad attitude and worse vocabulary. Every other word was an obscenity. Those that weren’t expletives, were to say the least, rude. David tried hard to change the bird’s attitude and was constantly saying polite words, playing soft music, anything he could think of. Nothing worked. He yelled at the bird and the bird yelled back. He shocked the bird and the bird just got more angry and more rude. Finally, in a moment of desperation, David put the bird in the freezer, just for a few moments. He heard the bird squawk and kick and scream-then suddenly, there was quiet. David was frightened that he might have hurt the bird and quickly opened the freezer door. The parrot calmly stepped out and said “I believe I may have offended you with my rude language and actions. I’ll endeavor at once to correct my behavior. I really am truly sorry and beg your forgiveness.” David was astonished at the bird’s change in attitude and was about to ask what had made such a dramatic change when the parrot continued, “May I ask what did the chicken do?”
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