Springtime is finally here and lots of pet owners are out and about with their favorite fur members of the family! If your fur friend happens to be a cat, then these are a few things you will want to be aware of as Kitty goes from being cooped up all winter into the sunny bright world of spring and summer.
Allergies
Cats, like people, can be susceptible to allergies. Pollens and grasses may cause itchy skin and ear problems, runny eyes, hair loss, or inflammation on the skin. There are many natural remedies available which you may prefer, but if problems persist, a visit to the vet is always a good idea. Holistic Pet Info is one site that carries natural products you may want to try.
Bee and Wasp Stings
Cats may find bees and wasps entertaining. Chasing them can result in a sting which is probably not life threatening but may need a little TLC. With a bee sting, check and remove the stinger if it is still in place, then bathe the area with some baking soda and water. With wasp stings, bathe the area with malt vinegar or lemon juice.
If your cat is stung in or near the mouth or neck then you may need to seek veterinary help. Cats, like humans, can be allergic or become allergic to stings. Signs include swellings, distress and breathing difficulties. If this occurs, then a visit to the vet will be necessary.
Grooming
Don’t forget to groom your cat regularly. This helps to prevent skin irritation, prevent hair mats forming, allows you to spot fleas, ticks and any cuts or scrapes and keep an eye on his nails which may need trimming especially if you own an older cat.
ID’s
Make sure your cat is up to date with his vaccinations and be certain he has either a collar and ID tag or preferably a microchip, so that he can be identified and you can be contacted if he runs away or has an accident.
Insecticides
Permethrin is an insecticide commonly found in many flea treatments for dogs and is very toxic to cats. Do not use dog products on cats! Not all furry animals can be treated equally! Even if your dog was recently treated with a product containing permethrin, your cat may be sensitive to the effects. Signs of insecticide poisoning include drooling, tremors, twitching, and seizures. Contact your vet immediately if you think your cat has been poisoned by insecticides. If you can get your cat treated immediately, he will most likely survive without long term side effects. Don’t wait.
People Parties Are Not For Pets!
There are many foods that are dangerous to cats. Make sure you keep food and drink out of reach and make sure to inform all your attendees that they are not to share with Kitty. If you have a barbeque, remember kebab skewers, alcohol, and bones are particularly dangerous hazards. For a list of dangerous people foods to avoid, click HERE.
Plants and Flowers
If you’re a gardener then remember your cat will visit it! Be sure your garden is safe for your cat and be careful if you need to use any pellets, pesticides or other chemicals. Best to stick with organic methods if possible. Avoid using cocoa shell mulch, it is toxic to pets (it contains the same ingredient as chocolate).
Some plants are toxic. These include lilies, daffodils, spring bulbs, and azaleas. Symptoms of poisoning such as excessive salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, disorientation, collapsing warrant an immediate visit to the vet. For a fuller list of toxic plants including photos, click HERE.
Spay/Neuter Time
Springtime is when female un-neutered cats will start coming into season, so it’s essential to get them spayed now if you do not want 3-4 litters of kittens this year. PetFix http://www.petfixnortheastohio.org/fees.htm performs spay/neuter surgeries on cats and dogs, including puppies and kittens over eight weeks of age or weighing over two pounds. Feral cats in managed colonies are welcome. They offer special rates for low income families and have a mobile unit which comes to the Portage County Dog Warden and other locations in Portage County. They have special reduced rate clinics as well. Read about their mobile unit in this article: What Really Goes on Inside the PetFix Mobile Van?
Everyone wants to enjoy the warm months, including our four-legged friends. With a little extra attention, you can greatly reduce the risk of added vet bills, or even worse, a pet loss by following the above suggestions. Remember – your vet is the best friend your pet can have when you are in doubt! If you do not have one, Dr. Tiffany at Rootstown Veterinary Hospital would be happy to take care of your animals!