August 8th, 2010
Our-Cats.Com Weekly
Magazine
Thunderstorms Phobia in Cats
– Cats and Thunderstorms
By Cato on August 8th, 2010
Thunderstorm phobia in cats is not very common as cats seem
to cope with thunderstorms well. This does not mean that
they do not fear it. But there is a difference between ‘fear’
and ‘phobia.’ While fear is a mild state of uneasiness with a
particular situation, phobia is extreme and brings about an
unreasonable and exaggerated show of fear. Phobia comes in
when animals or humans are afraid to the extent that they
might avoid open spaces and even harm themselves. Normally,
cats would go hide under the bed or in cupboards which is
out of fear. It also reduces the chances of getting hurt to a
greater extent. Cats also have a thin coat which makes them
less vulnerable to thunderstorms. Although it is closer to never
that a cat has thunderstorm phobia, unusual experiences such
as receiving an electric shock during a storm, may induce in
them such a phobia.
Signs of Thunderstorm Phobia in Cats
If the cat is only fearful and is mildly affected by the
thunderstorm, the symptoms would be limited to large
pupils and a general desire not to socialize and stay hidden
somewhere. However, when it comes to extreme phobia,
along with the above symptoms, the cats coat hair is raised
and their tail becomes bushy. Other than that, their body
exhibits nervousness and they hiss and spit a lot. Their defense
response also becomes more active than usual.
How to Overcome the Fear of Thunderstorms in Cats
Although leaving the cat alone is the best solution, there are
many ways in which the cat’s fear can be eliminated or at least
assuaged to a greater extent. One of these is to guide the cat to
the basement or a room which is sound- and light-proof. When
the cat will get the normal environment, it will automatically
go back to its normal behavior in a while.
Counter conditioning:
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One of the other ways that you can use is to divert the cat’s
attention during a storm. You can play with your cat or try to
train your cat using your cat’s favourite food! Good food does
just as well with cats as it does with humans. This way your cat
will associate thunderstorms with good things instead of fear.
While training, don’t be too demanding of your cat or it will
get tired and irritated which will make the food less appealing.
Counterconditioning is the best way in which your cat can be
trained to be less fearful of thunderstorms.
Desensitization:
This is not always successful and very onerous but worth a try.
You can expose your cat to the recordings of thunderstorms
coupled with counterconditioning (discussed above). This will
train the cat to cope with actual thunderstorms.
Medication:
You can also use certain medicines to soothe your cat’s nerves
but this must only be after the advice of your veterinarian.
Whenever you find your cat under the bed, nervously
grooming itself, during a thunderstorm, it means that the cat
is fearful. However, this in no way can be labelled as phobia.
Help must be sought in either way to make it easy on your cat.
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August 8th, 2010 Published by: technama
however, coughing can be caused by a number of other
Lungworms in Cats – ailments. Thus, to make sure, other tests are carried out. These
Symptoms Diagnosis and tests include thoracic radiograph, bronchoscopy, complete
blood count (CBC), respiratory secretions’ examination and
Treatment heartworm test.
By Cato on August 8th, 2010
Treatment of Lungworms
The treatment carried out after the diagnosis will be
determined by the veterinarian which will most probably be
an anti-parasite drug. Normally hospitalization is not needed
and if it is, it will be for a very brief period. In cases of extreme
infection, anti-inflammatory medicine may also be prescribed
for a period of 3 to 10 days. This will increase the thirst,
appetite and also urination of your cat.
Lungworm is a type of parasite that affects a cat’s respiratory
Home Care for Lungworms
tracts. It afflicts the cat when the cat eats an insect or rodent
carrying it or afflicted with it or drinks water contaminated by The only way you can keep your cat safe and away from such
its larvae. It is more common in younger cats that get seriously worms is to monitor and control their whereabouts if they are
infected. The most common kinds of lungworms afflicting allowed to go outdoors. However, during treatment they must
cats are Capillaria aerophila & Aelurostrongylus abstrusus. be kept indoors and in a hygenic environment. Follow up is
There is another type of lungworm known as lung fluke or also needed to make sure that the parasite has been completely
Paragominus which is found near lakes and infest crayfish, eliminated. This includes a chest X-ray and fecal examination
snails, etc., or the rodents that eat them. after 2 to 4 weeks of treatment.
How Cats Become Infected with Lungworms In case, the ailment has been ignored, it may result in
permanent lung scar tissues. If these scars have changed the
Both types of lungworm affecting the cats are transmitted in
lung tissues to a greater extent, then, residual cough will be
different ways. Capillaria aerophila infests the cats directly
noticed.
when they eat an insect or rodent infected with the larvae of
lungworm. Drinking contaminated water can also infest the Related posts:
cat with this parasite.
1. Tapeworms in Cats – Appearance Symptoms and
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snails or paratenics such as birds and rodents. The larvae can
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It is only in the final host (i.e. your cat) that the parasite can Diagnosis and Treatment Halitosis is the disease which in
reproduce by exchanging genetic materials. Once the cat is layman’s terms is also...
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lungs, it grows, reproduces and lays eggs. These eggs are then
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Symptoms of Lungworms in Cats
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The symptoms of lungworm depends on the type of parasite
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that ails the cats as well as the intesity of infestation. If the
cat has a mild infection, it is likely that it might not show any
symptoms at all. However, in case of a severe infection, the
cat will be spotted coughing, shortness of breath and being
very lazy. In addition, it will also lose weight and exhibit
an intolerant behaviour. In case of complications, it could
even result in interstitial emphysema, pulmonary edema and
secondary bacterial pneumonia.
Diagnosis of Lungworms
While diagnosing lungworms medically, a few tests need to
be carried out. The veterinarian will need the medical history
of the cat and perform a complete medical check up which
will include lung auscultation. Normally the fecal examination
is the main diagnosing test which finds larvae of lungworms
in the feces. The main symptom of lungworm is coughing,
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August 8th, 2010
Cat Scratching Furniture –
Tips for Prevention
By Cato on August 8th, 2010
You must get annoyed at your cat scratching the legs of your
expensive furniture and no matter how much dismay you
express, there is nothing that can stop it. But there’s a solution
for everything and there’s a solution for this too! To find
solutions, the first step is to figure out the reason why your cat
acts this way.
Cats are very possessive about their territory in their natural
environment as well as their home in case of domestic cats and
thus, if they fear the presence of another one of their species,
they will scratch on a tree or your favourite table to send the
message that the territory is taken. Now the scratches send the
message in ways: visial and olfactory. The message is delivered
when the other cat sees the marks and is known as visual. The
cats while scratching release certain pheromones from their
superficial glands in the skin of the paw. Other cats who see
the scratches also smell these pheromones and get the cue that
this place is taken.
However, scratching doesn’t necessarily only relate to the
above. It also helps your cat to exercise and flex the muscles
and tendons of its paws. It also aids in removing old nail husks.
The Domestic Picture
Domestic cats have a tendency to leave markings most
preferably on the furniture at home to that they leave a clear
message to any cat that trespasses. Although there is a solution
for it which is a declawing surgery, it is greatly discouraged
on humanitarian grounds. Some veterinarian, however, still
perform it saying it is totally harmless.
The declawing surgery involves the removal of the nail along
with the nail bed and sometimes even a part or all of the finger
bone. It is extremely painful with the pain normally lasting for
around 24 to 36 hours after the surgery. The gait of the cat
during this time will reflect the pain that it feels. Sometimes, if
there are complications in the surgery, the pain might last for
a longer period of time. There are even instances where cats
hobble for years to come but those are rare.
Once your cat has been de-clawed, you have to be careful of
your cat’s litterbox usage. It is recommended that you put
some torn newspapers in the litterbox so that the little particles
don’t find their way to the wounds. The inclusion of newspaper
might lead to a general dislike towards the litterbox and result
in undesirable excretory instances.
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Published by: technama
There will also be a change in the behaviour of your cat. If you
have an aggressive cat as your pet, then it might even bite its
claws! Thus, it is preferred that you train your cat to use scratch
posts and spare her the pain and the horror.
Other Options of Preventing Cats from Scratching Furniture
(except for Declawing)
There are other alternatives to the declawing surgery
mentioned above! These alternatives have been discussed
below:
Scratching Posts:
When buying scratching posts for your cat, keep a few things
in mind. Always buy an extra post (for example if you have 2
cats, then buy 3). Make sure that the post is tall enough that
the cat can stretch easily to its complete length. Thus, the post
must be no less than 3 feet at least. The post must also be stable
so that when your cat tries to scratch, it doesn’t fall over or tilt.
Always use material that can easily be scratched and leaves a
mark since that is the objective! Cloth or other material that
will not scratch is of no use. Burlap is an ideal material for the
job!
When choosing a place to keep the scratch post, do not hide
it. Initially keep it at a place where your cat mostly likes to
scratch. Once its association with the scratch post has been
developed, you can keep it in a place that is not that central but
easily accessed by the cat.
Deterrents:
First in the line are physical deterrents such as heavy guage
plastic sheets. You can cover the legs of your table or sofa or
any other piece of furniture with these sheet when starting
with the training. This will inculcate the idea that this furniture
is not to be scratched.
Chemical deterrents come in all forms. You can use moth
repellent aerosols containing naphthol or other sprays
containing pheromones which will keep your cat away from
the furniture.
Environmental Measures:
If you live in a place where your cat is frequently threatened
by other cats or cat fights are a norm, you need to settle such
insecurities that surround your cat and encourage it to pursue
the habit of scratching.
Nail Covers:
The excellent innovation of plastic nail covers has to a greater
extent solved the problem of scratching. These plastic nails
can be glued to properly trimmed cat’s nails. In this way, your
cat can scratch as much as it want with almost no damage to
your furniture! These nail covers, however, need to be replaced
monthly. You can save your time by gradually replacing only
those nails that come off on their own.
Nail Trims:
If none of the above methods suit you, you can reduce
risking your furniture by regularly getting your kitty’s nails
trimmed. You can also learn how to trim your cat’s nails by a
veterinarian. Make sure you use nail clipper especially made
for cats and not the ones that are used by humans. When
cutting your cat’s nails, square all the pointed edges and be
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August 8th, 2010
careful that you do not cut the vascular and sensitive part of
its nail.
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Common Parasites Affecting
Cats
By Cato on August 8th, 2010
Parasites are organisms that get their food by attaching
themselves to other organisms. Parasites related to cats feed
on the cat’s blood and are normally found on the skin of the
cat. Examples include fleas and ear mites. While the external
termites can be detected by taking a thorough look at your cat,
internal termites are harder to detect. Some of the common
parasites that afflict cats have been discussed below.
Coccidia in Cats
Coccidia is a type of microscopic parasites that finds its abode
in the cells of the lining of the cat’s intestine. It is caused by
eating infected fecal material or a rodent affected by coccidia.
Normally, coccidia is eliminated by the immune system. But if
it gets severe, it results in diarrhea. The cat becomes weak and
dehydrated if it is not treated immediately. The medicines that
are used to cure the disease only hinder the reproduction of
these parasites. The complete destruction of these is very slow.
It is also recommended that you keep the environment clean.
Cryptosporidia is another coccidia which when afflicts, is
incurable. However, normally this can also normally be
combated by the immune system until or unless the cat has
immuno-deficiency disorders.
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Giardia in Cats
Giardia is another parasite that affects the small intestine of
cats. Its symptoms are usually watery diarrhea, dehydration
and weight loss in young cats. Adult cats can normally
overcome the ailment via their natural immune system. Cats
get this disease by drinking contaminated water. Although it
can be treated successfully, it is a serious ailment and must not
be taken lightly. Special care must be taken when giving your
cat water and food so that it isn’t contaminated.
Ear Mites in Cats
Ear mites are another type of parasites that live in the ear
canals of the cat causing excessive itching and frequent ear
scratching by your cat. You will also notice your cat vigorously
shaking its head. To make sure that it is ear mites that afflict
your cat, take a closer look at your cat’s ears and see if you spot
dark flecks (ear mites’ droppings). If all the above symptoms
are visible then get your cat checked by a veterinarian. Cats
can easily transfer these mites from one another so if you have
more than 1 cat, be sure to keep the infected cat away from the
others. Ear mites cannot be transmitted to humans.
Ringworms in Cats
Ringworms are basically not parasites but a type of fungus.
They as such do not cause any substantial harm but are
extremely contagious to not only other cats but also humans.
This fungus can cause athlete’s foot in humans and in cats it
can weaken the immune system if it is not treated in time.
Fleas in Cats
Fleas are perhaps the most notorious parasites known to cat-
owners. They suck blood out of cats and can cause anemia in
older cats and even death in the younger ones. They also aide
in transmitting tapeworms. The infestation can get even worse
if your cat is allergic to flea bites. Thus, it is very important that
you take care of your cat and try not to create an environment
that fosters these fleas.
You should regularly brush your cat’s coat with a comb dipped
in soapy water. This will kill any flea that might have attached
to the cat. You should also consult your veterinarian if you find
your cat infested with flea. The medications are not harmful
for the cat but will cease reproduction among the fleas.
In case your cat was infested with fleas, there is a very
good chance that there are flea eggs and larvae in the carpet
and other such materials. Visit your veterinarian who will
recommend a “flea bomb.” This will kill all generations of flea
and prevent any future infestation effectively.
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August 8th, 2010
5. Cats and Snake Bites While cats are active hunters by nature,
they can also...
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Cats and Snake Bites
By Cato on August 8th, 2010
While cats are active hunters by nature, they can also fall prey
to other hunters. Snakes are one of such hunters that may bite
a cat especially in the head, neck and legs. However, bites on
other parts of the body are considered more serious. A snake
bite may be poisonous, hence, fatal at times, or not poisonous
depending on the type of snake. Even if the snakes aren’t
poisonous, their bites inflict pain and can also cause infection.
Symptoms of Snake Bites
If your cat has been bitten by a snake, it will demonstrate
the following symptoms: dilated pupils, weakening muscles,
drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, rapid pulse, labored breathing
and possibly even a coma. The bite of non poisonous snake is
generally in horse shoe shape as they do not contain the fangs,
however, we strongly advise that you go to veterinary doctor
and do not take any risk
Published by: technama
your mouth! Cutting the bite or using a torniquet are also
not recommended. However, when it comes to using ice and
washing the wound, there is a debate so it is advised that you
consult your veterinarian before doing either.
How to Keep Snakes Out of Your Garden
Keeping a snake-free garden would mean creating a rodent-
and clutter-free environment. This can be done by regularly
mowing your garden and not letting the grass grow too tall.
Also never leave water containers outside unattended for too
long. Also do not use your garden as a make-shift junk yard.
Always pick any fruit that falls from the trees as this will
attract rodents and subsequently, attract snakes. Woodpiles
are also a kind of haven for snakes so avoid then especially in
summers. However, if you have to keep them, then, keep them
somewhere far from the house that is not accessed by children
or pets. Avoiding any rock decorations in the garden will also
help keep snakes away!
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Instructions Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts

The moment you identify that your cat has been bitten by Plugin.
a snake, try to recognize the snake if it is somewhere near.
Make an oral note of how it looks like, the pattern, length, etc.
However, do not under any circumstances try to approach the
snake, even if it is dead! Do not waste time on finding the snake
and immediately take your cat to a veterinarian.
While on the way to the vet, keep your cat in a position so
that its heart is on a higher position than the area bitten by
the snake. Also, open the cat collar and keep the cat calm
and collected. Excitement, struggle and exercise all these
increases the absorption of the venom.

Try to put a pressure bandage between the heart and the bitten
area so that the venom is unable to travel towards the heart. In
case you’re unable to feel the heart beat, administer CPR.
Warning
DO NOT let your cat walk once it has been afflicted with
a snake bite. Also, NEVER try to draw the venom out by
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