Be "The Cat's Meow" With These 5 New Year's Resolutions

                                                            

                         If cats could talk, I'm certain they would suggest several New Year's resolutions for their "staff" to make. As such, I have compiled a list of the top five resolutions every cat owner should consider.

Resolution #1:   Death to Stinky Litter Pans!

                Cats are at "ground level" with dirty litter pans. If you smell an odor anywhere near your cat's toilet, imagine what this fastidiously clean creature is thinking. Soiled litter pans are like a non-functional public toilet. There's an immediate response of disgust, followed by a need to eliminate elsewhere, and that is exactly what your cat will do!

                To keep your feline family member from developing inappropriate elimination behaviors,  resolve to clean your cat's litter pan(s) at least once daily, and change, CLEAN AND DEODERIZE the entire pan once weekly. The resultant , refreshed litter pan should have NO odor at all, not even a disinfectant smell, to keep your cat using the pan properly.

Resolution #2:   Apply Heartworm and Flea Control ALL YEAR ROUND!

                Many are not aware that cats can be infected with heartworms when a mosquito feeds on them.  And, there is NO SAFE TREATMENT for feline heartworm infection! Heartworm disease in cats is different from its counterpart in dogs. For cats, this disease results primarily in asthma-like symptoms and, sadly, the only symptom of heartworms in cats can be sudden death!

                Resolve to treat your cat with Revolution,  a once monthly topical heartworm/flea/tick medication that also treats cats for roundworms, hookworms and ear mites. Also, if like me, you adore having a cat on your lap or in bed with you at night, don't underestimate the power of a good flea and tick product like Revolution.  Keep in mind, fleas can and will live in your house even in the dead of winter if introduced to your home BY YOU or other animals that go outdoors.

Resolution #3:  Stamp out "Stink Breath!"

                Start brushing your cat's teeth if tuna breath is preventing you from snuggling with your kitty. It doesn't have to be a dreaded task! Patience and persistence pays big dividends when training pets. Make a resolution to introduce oral care to your cat with dental treats. You may have to try a variety until you hit upon one your cat likes. Once chosen, use this treat as a reward  for tolerating tooth brushing as well.

                Offer flavored cat toothpaste on the tip of your finger or a finger brush. When your cat begins to lick it, slowly begin rubbing it on his teeth for as long as he will tolerate, then do a little more each day. Remember to always end these sessions with a dental treat as a reward!

Resolution #4:   Take Control of "Tubby Tommy's" diet!

                Cat obesity is a crime that should be prevented! Cats readily become overweight when confined indoors because they are no longer foraging for their food. Take them back to their roots by making them chase and play with their "prey"  indoors, too.

                Purchase toys like the Egg-cersizer, an egg-shaped, plastic ball with holes that drops pieces of cat food as your cat nudges it. Or, hide food pieces throughout your cat's play area or in do-it-yourself toys, like empty paper towel tubes. Do whatever it takes, but resolve to get your cat into shape by making it "work" for its meals!

Resolution #5:   Schedule a veterinary  visit!!

                It's no secret that cat owners often dread taking their cats to their veterinarian. Most cats haven't been acclimated to leaving home, much less to car travel. Resolve to start these routines early in life and continue them frequently and regularly. Cats really can enjoy riding in vehicles, especially when they have been conditioned to do so with comfortable, safe carriers laced with yummy treats and pheromones.

                Also, a well-trained veterinary team knows how to make an anxious cat feel  relaxed, so don't hesitate to schedule an exam with recommended vaccinations, wellness testing and needed parasite checks.  Our feline family members are masters of disguise when it comes to illness. Catching feline diseases early, when they are more treatable, can be both life-prolonging and life-saving.  And, once cats reach seven years of age, their disease incidence rate begins to climb so exams should then be performed "twice a year for life."

                Oh, and while you're at it, why not resolve to schedule YOUR  own annual physical with your doctor so both you AND your cat can enjoy a long, happy life together! Happy "Mew" Year, Everyone! 

TAG LINE:  Dr. Bonnie Jones practices at Delphos Animal Hospital.  She was valedictorian and Outstanding Senior Clinician of The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine Class of 1985.