Cats create hairballs and subsequently pass them due to the fact that:

1. They groom themselves excessively.
2. They have long cat hair because their breed includes the words “Domestic Long Hair”
3. They lack the ability to easily digest tufts of hair.

Hairballs are unpleasant for the cat and extremely unpleasant for the person that has to clean them up.  Luckily, there are a number of things you can do to reduce the chances of your cat having one:

1. Brush your cat frequently, especially if it has a longer coat.  Consider purchasing a de-shedding brush like the Fur-minator that will loosen the undercoat of fur and help to reduce shedding.  Be careful not to use this type of brush everyday unless you like hairless cats.
2. Provide plenty of toys and forms of enrichment for your cat! Studies have shown that cats who are bored tend to groom themselves excessively.
3. If none of the above seem to help with your cats hairballs, consider purchasing a hairball paste that acts like a lubricant and helps your cat to pass any fur that may be trapped in the stomach.
4. Lastly, consider rescuing a Sphinx as an option for your next cat.

In most cases, hairballs are not dangerous.  However, if you notice that your cat is constantly gagging and trying to cough up a hairball, this could be an indication of a blockage of the digestive system and you will want to get it checked out.  If you also notice that your cat is having a difficult time defecating, has a rock hard stomach and is acting lethargic you will want to see your veterinarian immediately.

Some cats will exhibit signs of passing a hairball frequently and others will almost never have any symptoms.  It all depends on how often you brush your cat and the frequency in which the cat grooms itself.  Those 2 factors can directly affect whether or not your cat will have hairballs.  There is no rate at which a cat should cough up another hairball.  There are multiple factors to consider.  Ideally a cat should pass a hairball naturally at a very low frequency.  If the hairballs happen on a daily basis or more frequently than usual, you should contact your veterinarian immediately.

Hairballs often come with the territory of owning a cat, but you can take steps to minimize the frequency and discomfort your cat may be feeling.  Always consult a veterinarian when the presence of hairballs is excessive or appears to be painful for your cat.

Have anything to add about hairballs and cat health? Leave a comment below.

Don’t I deserve a (fur) baby shower?

In my lifetime I have attended approximately 1.4 million baby showers and spent about that same amount of money (and happily so) on other peoples’ babies.  Okay, so maybe those numbers are a slight exaggeration—but let’s just say that I can ace the dreaded Diaper Game and can fashion a hat made of bows like a Martha Stewart apprentice.

And it was at a recent shower that I started to do the math in my head and started to think that I was sounding a LOT like Carrie in the “Sex in the City” episode (which should show my age) when she goes to a baby party and the parents insist that she take off her shoes.  Her Manolo Blahniks (very expensive shoes) are stolen and the mother is unsympathetic in the extreme.  Carrie is righteously indignant and goes to great lengths to explain how much money she  has shelled out for her engagement parties, weddings, showers etc.  Long story short (and it’s worth checking out the episode “A Woman’s Right to Shoes”) Carrie “registers” at the Manolo Blahnik store and the mother purchases replacement shoes in an act of contrition.

I’m never going to have children.  When I was little, I only wanted to play with plush dogs/cat/rabbits/seals…  Never dolls.  I don’t look at babies and think they’re cute—but put a puppy in front of me and I swoon.  My parents went from being worried that I would get pregnant to worried that I won’t.  Well, the wait is over!

I’ve decided that I’m going to throw myself (or someone else could volunteer to throw it for me—since I’ve hosted QUITE a few over the years) a doggy shower.  I never had my two furbabies when they were actually puppies, so now is as good a time as any.  I’m going to register too!  My wish list will include:

• Pet insurance for my two girls
• Gift cards at my favorite pet food stores
• Dog Treats from Stella and Chewys
• Credits towards flea medication
• Shampoo AND conditioner from Isle of Dogs
• a Sleepypod pet carrier (Hey, Mom and Dad!!!  It’s the only crib I’ll ever need!!)
• An updated Pet Emergency Kit (one for the car and one for the home)
• Popware for Pets travel bowls
• Pee pads (Just like little kid bladders, my little kids have short “hold” times too!)
  

  I only have ONE monkey chair. So far...

  Just because I’m not having a skin kid doesn’t mean that my fur kids are not worthy of a little celebration– and at this shower the expecting mother (or existing mother) can at least have some champagne.

   Do you have any dog care gear that you would add to the Registry? Tell us in the comments below.

My best friend and I - roughly the age & size I was when bitten (I'm in the pink overalls)

Looking back, I find this whole scenario very disturbing. It was 1988 and things were different sure, but I can’t believe the dog’s owner reacted the way she did. I can’t believe I didn’t tell anybody I had a serious dog bite wound. I can’t believe they would teach a dog to lunge and bite like that in an obedience class.

Now I know that to be safe, you should always ask the owner before petting a dog, but what other things should you know about dog bites and dog bite prevention?

• There are approximately 4.7 million dog bites every year in the United States.

• Every year, approximately 800,000 dog bites require medical attention.

• In 2011, 31 dog bite related fatalities were reported nationally. A total of 238 dog bite related fatalities have been reported over a 20 year span (1979-1998) involving over 25 breeds. [i]

•  92% of fatal dog attacks involved male dogs, 94% of which were not neutered. [ii]

• Approximately 71% of dog bites occur on the arms, legs, hands and feet.

• 50% of dog attacks involve children under 12 years old and 70% of dog-bite fatalities occurred among children under 10 years old.

• Unsupervised newborns were 370 times more likely be killed by a dog than an adult.

• Approximately 24% of dog bite deaths involved unrestrained dogs off of their owners’ property.

• Approximately 58% of dog bite deaths involved unrestrained dogs on their owners’ property.

• Approximately 25% of fatal dog attacks involved chained dogs.

The most dangerous situations to avoid getting bit by a dog include:

• Leaving an infant or toddler alone with any dog, regardless of whether it is considered an “aggressive” breed.

• Approaching a chained up dog, especially if it is male and  has not been neutered.

• Encountering a pack of free roaming dogs.  Normally obedient dogs can become aggressive when part of a pack.

• Approaching a vehicle with a dog inside.

• Getting in between two dogs when they are fighting.

Children (and adults) should know:

• Do not pet a dog without him seeing you first (never sneak up on a dog).

• Don’t let your children run loose around a dog’s face. Do not lean in and put your face close to a dog you don’t know.

• Do not tease a dog, especially if it is chained up. Don’t ever hit, kick or slap a dog and don’t let your children pull on his ears or tail.

• Do not disturb a dog that is eating, sleeping, caring for puppies or guarding toys or food.

• If approached by a strange dog, stay very still and do not run. A lot of dog’s have a “chase drive” and will automatically chase after whatever is running.

Dog Owners should know:

• Neutering reduces dog aggression. Un-spayed females in heat are unpredictable. Spay or neuter your dog.

• Socialize and obedience train your dog. Puppies 8 to 16 weeks of age should be exposed to other animals, people and places to grow up well rounded. If you adopted a dog from the shelter, don’t fret! Dogs do wonderful with obedience training at any age. The AKC good citizen test is something I think every dog and owner should do.

• Don’t let your dog run at large but don’t chain them up either. Chaining dogs increases their stress, protectiveness and vulnerability, which increases dog aggression. Fencing is a better option and taking long walks together is good for you and your dog.

Who is responsible if a dog bite occurs?

The dog’s owner is usually responsible for any injuries the dog inflicts,  unless the owner is under 18 years old, in which case, the parents or legal guardians of the minor are responsible. A landlord may be held liable if he knew that the dog was dangerous and didn’t do anything about it. If a dangerous dog is on someone else’s property,  the property owner could be liable if they act negligible ( i.e.: leaving small children unsupervised with a chained up aggressive dog). Of course, exceptions and circumstances vary by state.

The owner is responsible for all medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering and property damage. If the dog owner has been cited in the past and a bite occurs, owners can be responsible for double or triple damages and punitive damages. Homeowner’s or renter’s insurance may cover damage from dog bites.

Penalties vary from state to state and take into account factors like, did the bite break the skin? Has the dog been vaccinated against rabies?  Offending biters can be impounded, quarantined and sometimes euthanized, depending on the severity of the bite, state law and the circumstances surrounding it.

As Ben Franklin once said, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” and that definitely applies to dog bites. Be safe out there, and practice dog bite prevention.

Have anything to add about dog bites? Please leave a comment below.

or an adoptive mom…

a step mom…

a mom in every way that counts…

a foster mom…

mom who cares for orphaned babies in other countries…

a nurturer and friend…

It really doesn’t matter how, why or to what you are a mother…

it only matters that you are…

Happy Mother’s Day!

If you’re anything like me, i.e. uncomfortable dealing with the p-word,  self-cleaning litter boxes might be a worthwhile investment. I bought the Scoop Free Self-Cleaning Litter Box about five years ago after I had my fill of scooping every day. It costs about $100.00.

The upsides are:

• I spend a lot less of my time scooping poop. MAJOR PRO.
• It has a crazy cool sensor (like magic!) that sweeps the box 20 minutes after it has been used by your cat.
• Pink seems to like it just fine, and she doesn’t like most things (see her Ask Pink blog for more proof).
• When people come over, I don’t have to worry that she has recently made a deposit.
• The blue crystals are pretty, and I often get compliments about them.
• When I go out of town, I know that Pink doesn’t have to wait for the cat sitter to clean out the litter box.

However, there are some downsides:

• It’s noisy and sometimes wakes me up in the middle of the night. Boo hoo.
• The crystals stick on Pink’s feet and get in the bed. It’s not so bad when they’re blue, but when they’re green or yellow, it’s gross (blue crystals mean they are fresh, green & yellow crystals mean they have been soiled).
• The replacement litter trays are expensive at 14.99 each, but they come with the litter. The company says they are “disposable.” I say they are “reusable.” If you have multiple cats using the box, you may want to spend the extra $50.00 and get the real reusable litter tray, which is made out of plastic.
• The litter rake gets soiled and broken over time. It’s a little nasty.
• I still have to deal with the poop when I clean out the compartment, and there’s more of it.

There are pros and cons, but overall I am definitely glad I bought an electronic litter box. Now I just need to spring for one of those new rakes.

Another type of self cleaning litter box I’ve been hearing about is called the Litter Robot. The Litter Robot operates like a drum. Seven minutes after your cat has used it, the globe rotates, sifting the solid material into a drawer lined with a trash bag and leaving your cat with a fresh bed of litter for the next use. It is pricier at $339.00, and I’m not sure I could get Pink into a litter box that looks like a space helmet, but you might have better luck with your cat.

There is another alternative to the Litter Robot that utilizes the spinning drum technology and has a better price tag at $99.00. . The Quick Clean Cat Litter Box from Litter Spinner has been featured on moderncat.net and has good product reviews on Amazon.

Have you tried a self cleaning litter box? Let us know if you think it’s worth the investment in the comments section below.

That was two years ago.

Little did I know, Labbit would be of HUGE importance when I started working in the Microchip Department at Found Animals. On my first day, I was given an unclaimed microchip number to register with several different sites (PetLink, HomeAgain, AKC, and of course Found Animals). So I spent some time researching the different microchip manufacturers and registering my “pet’s” microchip with them

Here are some facts I found while doing my research:

• There are three different microchip frequencies: 125 kHz, 128 kHz, and 134.2 kHz. The most updated microchip frequency is the ISO Standard chip (134.2 kHz).
• Only the Universal Scanner will pick up all three frequencies. Most veterinarians and animal shelters have switched to Universal Scanners from older scanners that won’t pick up all three frequencies.
• It’s not enough to just microchip your pet. You must register the microchip if you want your pet to be returned to you in case it ever gets lost.

Once my “pet” was nice and registered, I filled out a certificate with all of his microchip registration information, and came to the field labeled “NAME.” As I was thinking of what to name him, it occurred to me: Why not put my plush pet to good use?

So I brought Labbit into the office the very next day, and I microchipped the little guy on my own for the first time! (NOTE: He felt no pain. He is NOT a real bunny. This picture is just to illustrate how a veterinarian would microchip an animal.)

FYI: You should always take your pet to a professional to get him or her microchipped. But just so you have an idea of how it works, this is how the experts do it:

1. Lift up the skin at the nape of the animal’s net to create a “tent.”

2. Insert the point of the syringe from the back. Push the microchip in, and pinch the area.

3. Pull out the syringe, and then massage the area to ensure the microchip does not fall out.

Now I can sleep soundly knowing Labbit is microchipped and registered, so if he ever gets lost, he has a much higher chance of being returned to me safely. And thanks to Labbit, I went from knowing absolutely nothing about microchips, to learning all of the facts and actually microchipping my “pet” for the first time.

Want to learn more about pet microchipping? Check out our FAQ page and find out how to register your pet’s microchip in our Free Microchip Registry

“Today can be your moment to awaken to the idea that the animals who live with you are more than child substitutes, more than “pets” kept for our amusement or our personal companionship. All animals are, in fact, sentient beings – conscious and intelligent, with life purposes and goals. They are aware of themselves and of their situations. They are capable of feeling the entire range of emotions we so arrogantly have labeled “human.” They make life choices. They often express unconditional love for the humans who are part of their families.”

Telepathic communication with animals may not be commonly talked about by the masses but it is practiced unconsciously in our everyday interactions with our family pets. I do believe our loyal non-verbal animals are superior to us. Has your pet ever curled up near you when you were feeling down as if to say, “I don’t know what’s going on, but I’m here.”  When you’re angry and yelling at the top of your lungs, does your loving companion run off and hide? These are some simple examples of how your animals communicate with you on a regular basis. It is amazingly bizarre how animals are connected to our emotions in a super natural way that we are not capable of fully understanding.

Best day of my life: July 7, 2011. When I welcomed Rojo into my little world!

Our animals bond with us using their entire heart and mind. My perfect adoptive “son” Rojo and I have a bond that no human friend can ever top. Rojo knows when I’ve had a good day and reciprocates by wagging his tail uncontrollably, demonstrating his playful character. When I am sick, he stays by my side and can chill all day right next to me. One curious behavior I witnessed that leads me to write about this topic happened when I was going through a dark period. The day came when I was hit with a ton of bricks and that night when I arrived home, Rojo met me right outside his doghouse, which was unusual.  I parked my car and walked towards him. He approached submissively with his tail wagging shyly toward the side. I sat down on the pavement and he climbed onto my lap and licked the tears from my face. That moment, as difficult as it was, was really special because I understood that even when the whole world gave up on me, Rojo accepted me and helped me recover from my worst.

Rojo sporting his Dodger jersey on opening day 2012!

The emotional exchange of energy, thoughts, feelings and images are what we refer to as the sixth sense.  Our little friends aren’t psychics but they attain an ability to sense our emotions. It’s commonly said that 90% of human communication is nonverbal and only 10% is verbal. Humans and animals have a complex language of facial expressions, body posture, and vocalizations that promote bonding and speak a large amount about our mood and drive.

In early history, dogs learned to decode nonverbal human language. The better they anticipated our thoughts and feelings, the more they were rewarded with food, shelter, and affection. A cat’s social bonding is quite different,  we all know cats are less socially involved compared to dogs. Regardless, cats adapted to humans just like dogs.  Over the centuries, our animal companions have adjusted remarkably well with us, as described thoroughly in Survival of the Fittest a theory studied by Charles Darwin.

Every dog lover has heard of Cesar Millan and can agree that his training is owner focused, teaching them how to take responsibility for what they communicate to the dog. In one of Milan’s books, Cesar’s Rules he talks about a visit he made to the Pine Street Foundation that researches cancer detection dogs. Before I get out of context, I just want to point out that this foundation does not train the dogs to smell cancer because they already know how to. What Pine Street taught the dogs was how to tell us that they smell cancer. This dynamic is fascinating. It’s really about training ourselves how to recognize and utilize the miraculous instincts and abilities that dogs possess because, in reality, dogs have always had much more to teach us than we to teach them.

Rojo is a gentle giant who plays light as a feather

How did Rojo know I was coming home feeling upset? How did Rojo know exactly what to do to help me feel better? Did he sniff my sad mood before my arrival? Could it be that Rojo telepathically picks up my feelings? I have so many questions and I will probably never know the answers to, but that moment he was there for me and it just all made sense. I am convinced that looking past our flaws, our companions communicate telepathically.

Has your pet ever exhibited have telepathic abilities? Share your story in the comments section below!

Our Kitten Charlie met some new friends at the party and was later adopted by his forever family.

Who doesn’t love birthday cake?

Best pals Popcorn and Cortez were our official greeters and welcomed everyone with a smile and a kiss.

Catherine was adopted by the Ledesma family

All in all, it was a great day and we’re looking forward to our next year of adoptions!  Thank you to the Found Animals Volunteers and Adopt & Shop staff for pulling it all together for this special day and for an extremely successful first year!

Many years ago when I was a Veterinary student, I owned a blind cat named Bumper. His name came from the fact that he was fearless and would bump into lots of things. When I heard there was a blind cat available for adoption at our Cat Adoption Center in Downey, CA, I had to see him.  The moment I picked him up, he nestled in my neck and started to purr, even though he was recovering from the flu. I shared the story with the caring staff and he inherited my former cat’s name – Bumper.

The cause of Bumper’s blindness may never be known because his history is vague. The more common causes of blindness in young cats are; taurine deficiency (an essential amino acid in the diet), adverse reaction to certain drugs and inflammation of the retina. The possibility of other medical conditions, such as a weak heart, may exist. The good news is that most blind pets function well.

To adapt to blindness, cats use their powerful hearing and sense of smell. Up close, their whiskers act as sensory antenna to air movement and touch.  Playing with Bumper will be important in order to avoid obesity and encourage behavioral wellness. The creative use of sound can be used to help blind kitties play with toys or locate areas to go to.  The use of a scented litter box, with easy access, will help him use the litter box.

Bumper would do best with a mature couple who has lots of time to care and interact with him. A smaller apartment or restricted area of the home, where litter and food are close, and hazards removed, is optimal. Blind cats should always be kept indoors and transported by carrier when traveling or outdoors.

If you are interested in meeting Bumper, send an email to featuredadoptablepet@gmail.com or visit him at:

Cat Adoption Center,  9777 Seaaca St., Downey CA, 90241

310-266-7844

Tue-Fri 11am-6pm and Sat 10am-5pm

Thank You!

]]> http://www.foundanimals.org/blog/adopt-a-blind-cat-bumper/feed/ 0 http://www.foundanimals.org/blog/happy-cinco-de-mayo/ http://www.foundanimals.org/blog/happy-cinco-de-mayo/#comments Sat, 05 May 2012 15:55:22 +0000 Pierre http://www.foundanimals.org/blog/?p=4967

Bonjour amigos!

Spring is in full swing, I hope all my 2-legged friends are enjoying the longer days as much as I am. Summer is right around the corner and one of my favorite holidays is just down the street, CINCO de Mayo! In an effort to educate my readers, contrary to popular belief Cinco de Mayo is not Mexico’s Independence Day. However, it is still a celebration of Mexican heritage and pride to commemorate the Mexican army’s victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862, under the leadership of General Ignacio Zaragoza Seguín (my second favorite Mexican general). As you can imagine I’m torn because I consider myself of both Mexican and French descent yet my Mexican half always wins because I always love a reason to have people over to celebrate…people who will scratch and rub my tummy (don’t judge me).

I know during this special holiday, many families will be celebrating with a drink (or two) of the alcoholic variety. While the frothy margaritas look delicious I never ever go near them. Why you ask? Because alcohol is actually very toxic for cats and dogs. You may have heard of people getting alcohol poisoning, but what you may not know is that alcohol has a much more potent effect on cats, dogs and birds. Even in very small quantities it’s not safe for us four-legged ones to sample.

If by chance a pet does accidentally ingest any alcohol, call your veterinarian immediately and be on the lookout for these symptoms:

• Vomiting
• Breathing problems
• Loss of coordination
• Difficulty standing or walking
• Excessive urination
• Fatigue

While I can’t partake in the drinking, because I am such a selfless pup, I have decided to share my father’s secret margarita recipe with all mis compadres (the human ones only of course), you can thank me later!

Ingredients:
• 1 – 12 oz can frozen limonade concentrate
• 12 oz of your favorite tequila
• 1 – 12 oz bottle of your favorite mexican beer

Directions:

Blend the frozen can of lime concentrate in the blender, then add and mix the remaining ingredients.

Once mixed, you can serve it on the rocks or frozen. My dad likes his on the rocks, but that’s just how he rolls… Rim the glass with course salt, serve and enjoy! Viva Mexico!

Remember amigos, enjoy responsibly and instead of treating your pet to a drink to celebrate, might I suggest some doggie treats?

Next blog I will cover the topic of whether or not it’s OK to wear white after Labor Day.