Blazing the trail for cats - International Cat Care turns 60 (A Guest Post)

2018 marks the 60-year anniversary of International Cat Care, previously known as the Feline Advisory Bureau, a charity working towards a vision that all cats, owned and un-owned, are treated with care, compassion and understanding.

International Cat Care now is also known for its veterinary division, the International Society of Feline Medicine, its Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, its conferences in Europe and Asia, its Cat Friendly Clinic Program and free nurse membership and Feline Focus magazine. It has veterinary and nurse members in 71 countries around the world and is seeing a rapid growth in interest in feline medicine. But it wasn’t always this way…!

Sixty years ago almost nothing was known about cat diseases, and feline medicine was greatly neglected. Charles Povey, the charity’s first Research fellow has said in an article written for International Cat Care’s 60^th birthday, ‘It is impossible for a veterinary graduate of today to image the ignorance of feline medicine in the veterinary graduate of the early 1960s. Many viral conditions had not even been recognized (eg, feline infectious peritonitis), feline viral rhinotracheitis virus had just been discovered and it would be another decade before the role of caliciviruses in respiratory virus became clearer. The association of virus with feline lymphosarcoma and the understanding of the viral basis of feline leukaemia complex were yet to come. Vaccination for prevention of upper respiratory infection in cats would have been regarded as science fiction, not to mention the prospect of a vaccine for leukemia.’

Things changed because, in 1958, one woman decided that the suffering of cats due to lack of knowledge could no longer be tolerated. Joan Judd, a cat lover and breeder, believed that an organisation should be set up to fund research into feline health, and form a platform for exchange of information and veterinary medical studies. Thus, she founded the Feline Advisory Bureau (FAB), the forerunner of International Cat Care.

Photo Courtesy of International Cat Care
Claire Bessant and Joan Judd

FAB at first consisted only of one or two dedicated volunteers. They were faced with a list of unknowns about cat health that was infinitely long, and an empty money pot, making the task ahead of them dizzyingly vast. And yet they persevered (just how difficult it was is outlined in the longer version of the charity’s history on its website . )Today, the charity’s name reflects its role in feline medicine and feline welfare all over the world, and consists of a professional staff of 22.

International Cat Care’s work has helped to create a different world for cats, where knowledge of health issues has led to vaccines, treatments and a desire to improve the care of cats in ways unrecognizable all those years ago. By providing advice and training on cat health and welfare to vets, nurses, breeders, cat professionals and owners, it is estimated that the charity touches the lives of over 25 million cats worldwide annually. Hopefully Joan Judd would be pleased!

Photo Courtesy of International Cat Care
Helping-cats-for-60-years

Now, the charity wishes to turn additional efforts towards un-owned cats, the welfare of which has not really changed a great deal in those 60 years. International Cat Care has the expertise to help un-owned cats, looking at the underlying causes and collaborating to develop sustainable solutions to overpopulation and abandonment, and has several 60^th anniversary projects with this aim.

The first project is the charity’s new ‘International Declaration of Responsibilities to Cats’. This is an important document defining best practice for governments, local authorities, vets, charities, breeders, cat owners and other individuals working with cats, emphasizing the need for all these groups to work together to improve the welfare of un-owned cats as well as owned. Anyone who cares for cats is asked to sign it online. For more information, see the icatcare declaration.

In February the charity will be launching its new ‘Cat Cocktail Party Packs’ – free packs designed to help cat lovers throw a fun cat-themed cocktail party to raise vital funds for the charity’s 60^th projects. International Cat Care is grateful for every donation, and the more it receives, the more it can continue to help make the world a better place for cats, owned and un-owned alike.

#PurinaPartner: How to Detect Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease, or FLUTD: Enter to win

This is a sponsored post, written by me on behalf of Purina.   I am being compensated for helping spread the word about the  Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets UR Urinary St/Ox Feline Formulas,  but Cat Chat With Caren and Cody only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers.

When I was first contacted by my friends at Purina asking if I would be interested in the opportunity to share important information about FLUTD with my readers, my first thought went to my Angel Bobo.  Bobo DID suffer from having SIX kidney stones (ALL AT ONE TIME! He takes after his Mama), when he was about sixteen years old. I found out he had them after he had been throwing up white foam numerous times during the day.  I asked my friends at Purina if the kidney stones that Bobo had were related to FLUTD.

I was provided with some interesting information from Purina Veterinarian Dr. Grace

Long, and learned that Urinary stones is a broader term and would encompass both kidney stones (stones actually in the kidneys) and bladder stones (stones in the urinary bladder).  

Per Dr.Grace Long, Purina Veterinarian, Stones are just one form of FLUTD. 

What is FLUTD?

 Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease, or FLUTD, is a group of diseases that affect both the bladder and the urethra in cats. The disease is sometimes caused by urinary stones or crystals, and it’s more common than you might think. Thanks to Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets, you will learn : how to identify if your cat has the risk factors, as well as how to recognize the symptoms which are sometimes dismissed by owners as common litter box problems.

FLUTD Risk Factors

Age, gender and physical activity can help indicate whether or not your cat is at a higher risk for developing FLUTD.

·         Gender: Both male and female cats can experience urinary tract disorders, but since male cats have longer and narrower urethras, their urinary tracts are more likely to be obstructed by crystals and mucous.

·         Breed: Urinary problems are more common in certain breeds, such as Persians, where there is a lower incidence in Siamese.

·         Age: Young adult cats between the ages of 2 and 6 years are more likely to have lower urinary tract disorders, but cats of any age are susceptible.

·         Activity Level: indoor cats seem to be more susceptible to lower urinary tract disorders. This may be because confinement reduces physical activities, which in turn may reduce the amount of water consumed and frequency of urination, allowing crystals to form in the urine.

·         Diet: high levels of ash and magnesium in the diet were once through to cause crystals.

 However, more recent work indicates that urine pH and concentration are more important factors in the development of FLUTD. Increasing water intake is highly recommended to help reduce the risk of FLUTD.

How to Recognize the Symptoms

You will likely notice a change in your cat’s appearance or behavior if he or she is experiencing FLUTD. Look for common signs, such as:

·         Makes frequent trips to the litter box

·         Cries when urinating

·         Urinates outside the litter box

·         Licks genital area excessively

·         Strains to urinate, with little success

·         Displays signs of anxiety, such as pacing or hiding

   Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets UR Urinary St/Ox Feline Formulas  are scientifically formulated to meet the special dietary needs of cats that are predisposed to lower urinary tract conditions. 

Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets UR Urinary St/Ox Feline Formulas promote increased water intake and encourages a urinary environment unfavorable to the development of struvite and calcium oxalate crystals. The wet and dry formulas are commonly prescribed by veterinarians for the nutritional management of cats with, or are predisposed to, FLUTD.

Purina is offering readers of Cat Chat With Caren and Cody a rebate!  Click here for a $15 off mail-in rebate for the new UR Urinary St/Ox Feline Canned Formulas.

You can also enter to win one of two coupons for a free bag  Entering is easy! Just enter on  the Rafflecopter below. Our apologies but the give-away is open to  U.S. residents only. Two winners will each receive one coupon which must be redeemed at a veterinary clinic. The winners will be announced on or around October 21st. Good luck!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

TO LEARN MORE VISIT:

Proplan Veterinary Diet Website 

Purina Veterinary Exchange on Facebook

Purina Vet on Twitter

Crazed Silver Gray Tabby Cat Makes a Break for It At Vet!

Got your attention didn't I?

Furiends! It's Cody and I need your help BIG TIME!

I overheard my Mom talking to my Dad a few days ago. Kitty and woofie furiends, you  will NEVER believe what I heard! Mom and Dad are planning on TRICKING ME!!! Yep, you heard me correctly, my Mom and Dad are gonna pull a fast one! Or so they think!

Here's the litter dirt... many of you remember that a few weeks ago I decided to put myself on a self-imposed diet.  What Mom and Dad didn't know, was that I was tired of everyone making fun of my ample belleh, so  I decided to take matters into my own paws and cut back on my food.

 I was gonna be controlled about it, nothing drastic, so I just stopped eating for a bit. Furiends, that was part of my weight loss plan! Mom and Dad didn't know this, but I DID! Well, it back-fired and Mom and Dad stuffed me into my PTU and took me to the Vet to see "Dr. Smiley."

What Mom and Dad didn't know at the time was that "Dr.Smiley" was off gallivanting in his home town, so I was left in the paws of his youthful ward assistant, "Dr ---" you can guess her name,
 ( she is a Vet by day and by night she and her Veterinarian furiends sing "What Does The Fox Say?")


This is where all of the drama started.  Furiends, Dr. Smiley's youthful ward stole my blood (and didn't like what she saw), AND she had her evil sidekicks put me on a table to take photos of my belleh (what kind of freaks are they???) Then, they had the nerve to tell Mom and Dad to take me to the Emergency Vet which was even worse!!! They also poked, prodded and  shaved the furs on my beautiful belleh! Furiends, I was so humiliated that it  has taken me WEEKS to pull myself together enough  to tell you the sordid tail tale! The Emergency Vet put some cold disgusting stuff (kinda like that hairball gel), on my belleh so they could take even MORE pictures!!   To think I thought that Mom constantly trying to take pictures of me was bad, this  horrible furiends! I thought if I hacked once it would stop them, but my valiant effort was for naught!

When they stole my blood they said they think I have hypercalcemia (and I don't even drink milk! MOL!)  After they had me at the Emergency Vet for what seemed like all of my nine lives, I was sent home with pills to... ready for this? MAKE ME EAT! Me! The kitty kibble machine was being FORCED to eat! It was a dream come true! Trust me kitties, NEVER put yourself on a diet without telling your pawrents, if you do, you will be carted off to the vet like I was!

Furiends, do you believe that "Dr.Smiley" told Mom that he wanted to be contacted in his evil out-of-town location, to be kept up-to-date as to what was transpiring with me? Now he does his plotting out-of-town? You have GOT to be kidding!

When I got home I made sure to end that diet and I started eating with my usual gusto without the pills that were supposed to make me eat!!! I thought that the fact that  I was consuming my usual copious amount of food would prevent my having to go back to see "Dr. Smiley", but obviously, I thought wrong.

 A couple of days ago I  was perched on the couch minding my own business eavesdropping,  when I overheard Mom and "Dr.Smiley" on the phone plotting their evil plan to steal MORE BLOOD!

Doesn't he get enough? What kind of sicko is he? If he needs iron, can't he go and eat some liver or something, preferably NOT mine??!! "Dr.Smiley" said my hypercalcemia could be caused by any number of things (one of them is bad), but "Dr.Smiley" thinks I might be like many kitties who are hypercalcemic and they might never find out what the cause is. Mom and Dad are crossing their paws that is the case.

So, it appears that later this afternoon either Mom or Dad is gonna grab me and stuff me in my PTU yet again.....and take me back to "Dr.Smiley's" evil laboratory where they will steal more of my blood, and then have it sent out via a giant black crow,  mailed out,to be tested. "Dr.Smiley" said we should have the results within about five to seven days.

Furiends, I need your help big time!!!
1) Help me plan an escape at the Vet before they can take more blood!!
2) Cross your paws that if they catch me, I am one of the kitties that they never know why I have hypercalcemia!!!

Kitties and Woofies! I am counting on you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I feel fine! I am playing, eating, peeing, pooping, EVERYTHING! What more do they want from me??

 HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Love,
Cody


FROM THE MOM: hypercalcemia can be quite serious and by no means am I not somewhat EXTREMELY worried. The only reason I am allowing Cody to joke about it, is because when I spoke to Dr.Smiley the other day, he told me that HE is NOT worried about the results....Dr.Smiley cared for Angel Bobo for many years before Cody was ever born, and we trust him implicitly. While trust doesn't mean that we are expecting the blood test to come with perfect results, it does mean that if Dr.Smiley tells me he isn't worried about it, then I am doing my best not to worry too!!! Also, finding humor in a tense and worrisome situation helps take the "edge" off of all of us in Cody's family, and if I am laughing, it will enable Cody to be less tense.

Kidney Stone Symptoms In Cats, And Snow Leopard Lithotripsy

Years ago, my Bobo, like his Mama, had kidney stones. He basically had no symptoms other than he vomited white foam numerous times throughout the day.

He was rushed to the emergency vet and it was discovered that he had SIX kidney stones. Bobo and I shared EVERYTHING, including our multiple stones!

If anyone needs me, I am busy having my third lithotripsy!! I have had three since April 25th and today's litho brings my lithotripsy grand total up to SEVEN!! Fun times!!!  I was shocked (pun not intended) to learn that Chloe the Snow Leopard completely understands what this involves.

Bring On The POOP!!

Yep! That was me yesterday. It happened. I was happily resting on my favorite blanket when Mom came over to me and said she had to have a "talk" with me. She told me that because I wasn't eating or pooping I was off to the V-E-T... AGAIN!

You guessed it. I had the "Big E"...they should call THAT the "Big Easy" cause not long after "Dr.Smiley's" gang (he was off yesterday planning his next assault on me) invaded my private spot....things began MOVING!! Boy did they MOVE!!! I HAD A HUGE POOP!! IT WAS SUPERB!  EPIC!  You would have to travel far and wide to find a more perfect poop!! On the "poop-o-meter" it TOPPED THE CHARTS!  So fine in fact, that the nice female doctor said she was so EXCITED that she was gonna TEXT "Dr.Smiley!" (If you ask me, that's pretty sick, wonder if she photographed it. Sure hope it doesn't turn up on Facebook!!)

Not long after the "poop that rocked the world" I came home. I ate a hearty dinner, snuggled alllll night on the couch with Mom, let my Sheltie brother kiss me and kiss me and even had my usual rabbit nightcap before bed!

This morning when Dad got up to feed me I was READY and WAITING! I ate EVERY BIT AND I WANTED MORE!

You are NOT gonna believe this my friends, Mom just got up to check and see if I have pooped yet this morning (boy does she ever need to get a LIFE!) and so far there isn't a poop in the pot!

If you excuse me, I think I better get my butt moving and get busy producing my next epic poop!!!

 I have had ENOUGH of the V-E-T for one week!

Stay tuned....



Thanks for all of your love, concern, advice and messages! Mom and I really appreciate it! We are sorry we haven't been able to visit many of you and hope to start visiting everyone again soon!!

Happy Cat Month 2011-Celebrating Cat Health & Happiness

I didn't know until I saw a few weeks ago on  Darlene Arden's (author of The Complete Cat's Meow)  Facebook Page that September is:

 "Happy Cat Month"

It is sponsored by the CATalyst Council and

For those that didn't see the video

 when Darlene posted it, here it is!

Diabetes in Cats-A Guest Blog By Heather Reynolds of Trupanion

Heather Reynolds is a pet lover and internet journalist at Trupanion, North America’s fastest growing pet insurance company. Trupanion offers 90% coverage of veterinary bills with no payout limits. Enrolled pets receive lifetime coverage for diagnostic tests, surgeries, and medications if they become sick or injured.

A report recently released by Banfield Pet Hospital found that there is a rise in diabetes among pets in America. Unfortunately, cats are the most affected. The study of 450,000 cats showed a 16% increase of the disease.

Diabetes occurs when the pet cannot control its blood sugar level. As with humans, there are two types. Type 1, also known as juvenile diabetes, is a chronic disease where the pancreas is unable to produce enough insulin to help control blood sugar levels. Type 2 is adult-onset diabetes and is non-insulin dependent. Dogs are more prone to Type 1 while cats are more prone to Type 2.

The main signs of diabetes are:

·         Excessive eating

·         Excessive drinking

·         Excessive urination

·         Weight loss

If you notice these symptoms in your cat, it’s important to visit the veterinarian. To determine if the cat is diabetic, the vet will conduct a medical history check, physical exam, blood count, blood glucose test, and urine analysis. If the tests come back positive, treatment will begin, which usually consists of long-term medication and regular vet visits for re-examination.

If diabetes is not treated, the results can be quite debilitating, including:

·         Organ failure

·         Urinary tract infections

·         Hormone disturbances

·         Weight loss

·         Cataracts

·         Blindness

·         Neuropathy

Neuropathy weakens the pet and can severely impact mobility, causing them to walk on the hocks of their back legs or wrists of their front legs. They will also often lie down more frequently, and will not be able to jump up and down like normal – potentially leading to injuries as they try.

Trupanion covers diabetes treatment as long as the pet had full policy coverage before the first signs or symptoms of the condition were noted.