Thursday, December 30, 2010
Monday, December 27, 2010
Are black cats bad luck?
Being an owner of an all-black cat, I personally don’t believe the hype and superstition behind their color. Part of this superstition may have started as early as King Charles I of England, who adored his black cat so much so that he had it under protection and tight guard. When it died, King Charles was coincidentally arrested the following day, and the superstition of bad luck may have started after that. Compounded by that, old folk lore states that fishermen’s wives used to keep black cats at home to keep their men safe at sea, so black cats were often stolen owing to their coveted value. Sailors believed that if a black cat approached you on the boat, it was good luck, but if a black cat approached you and turned away, you were doomed to bad luck. Legend also had it that witches could transform into black cats, causing people to fear them. That said, should we fear black cats in modern day?
As a veterinarian, I personally feel that orange and white tabby males rank first for friendliness, followed by black males coming in as a close second. Calicos come in last for friendliness (see “Why are orange tabbies almost always male while calicos and tortoiseshells always female?” in this chapter), at least at the veterinary clinic, with gray long-haired cats being the most shy. Of course, I don’t have the scientific data to prove it (there is none!), but in my biased opinion, black is beautiful, after all.
Photo from dalla on Flicker
As a veterinarian, I personally feel that orange and white tabby males rank first for friendliness, followed by black males coming in as a close second. Calicos come in last for friendliness (see “Why are orange tabbies almost always male while calicos and tortoiseshells always female?” in this chapter), at least at the veterinary clinic, with gray long-haired cats being the most shy. Of course, I don’t have the scientific data to prove it (there is none!), but in my biased opinion, black is beautiful, after all.
Photo from dalla on Flicker
Monday, December 20, 2010
Why are orange tabbies almost always male while calicos and tortoiseshells always female?
The majority of the time, orange and white tabby (striped) cats are male, while calico (orange or black, with white large “piebalding” patches) or tortoiseshell cats (varieties of white, black, and orange with no white patches) are female. This is due to the complicated sex-linked color gene.
Before we get into sex and genes and colors, know that some veterinarians are cat color biased. For years, veterinarians had mysteriously hypothesized that these color patterns were also linked to the friendliness gene. Interestingly enough, we may now have the scientific research to support this veterinary old wives’ tale: one recent study has shown that when domesticated foxes were bred for friendliness, their coat color got mangier and uglier. Based on this study,7 many believe that coat color is associated with hormones that may make an animal nicer.
I personally believe that orange tabbies are the most outgoing, lovable of all the cat colors while the calico cats are the “queen” of the bunch (“Please don’t touch me. You’re disturbing me.”). If you really must know, calico cats often seem to be the meanest, most feisty cats while in the hospital. Don’t get me wrong – they may be wonderful angels at home, but they put up the worst fight at the veterinarian. Your veterinarian probably doesn’t tell you that once your female feline is at the vet clinic, she pretty much becomes, well, a vicious, drooling, ferocious tiger who’s trying to rip everyone’s eyes out (no, seriously). Whether or not it’s because she’s a female, or owing to the genetic link between friendliness and coat color, she’ll turn into a biting, scratching, screaming, vicious land shark when your veterinarian takes her into the back room. Most vet techs and vets have a healthy respect for these frenzied females. We’re talking drugs (chemical restraint), nets, leather gloves, muzzles, towels, fur flying, chasing, and so on. In fact, if you have a cat this color and know that she’s bad when you bring her to the vet, do us all a favor. Arrange to pick up oral sedatives first – it will make everyone’s life easier!
Color favoritism aside, veterinarians know that most orange and white tabbies are male, while most calicos and “torties” are female. Coat coloration is very complex as it is influenced by many genes and their genetic status as dominant or recessive (which is the strength in ability to be expressed). There are several alleles for each color (described as O for the orange allele (which is the dominant color gene, resulting in the orange color), or o for the black allele (which is the recessive color gene, resulting in non-orange fur). These colors are considered sex linked, as they are associated with the female X chromosome: the O gene is located on the X chromosome, and if you recall your tenth-grade science lessons about Mendel’s peas, you’ll recall the males are XY while females are XX. In other words, since males only carry one X chromosome, they are more likely to have orange fur since it’s also a dominant gene. Since o is recessive, it requires two oo to result in a non-orange color, while Oo yields the tortoiseshell color. To achieve the calico color, O and o both need to be expressed on the female X chromosome, and being that males only have one X chromosome, the majority of calicos are female (more than 90 percent). Voila! So, go ahead and skip eight years of veterinary schooling and sex your new kitten based on its colorings. If you just adopted a kitten, hedge your bets and pick out your favorite boy name for orange tabbies, and girl names for calico or tortie cats. If you ever see a male calico or tortoiseshell, you are (a) lucky or (b) the proud owner of a possible XXY animal, which you can name “Hermie.” (Congratulations, owning a hermaphrodite is quite rare!) While color coat expression is very complicated, know that orange tabbies are almost always male, while calico and torties are almost always female.
Photo from pasma on Flicker
Before we get into sex and genes and colors, know that some veterinarians are cat color biased. For years, veterinarians had mysteriously hypothesized that these color patterns were also linked to the friendliness gene. Interestingly enough, we may now have the scientific research to support this veterinary old wives’ tale: one recent study has shown that when domesticated foxes were bred for friendliness, their coat color got mangier and uglier. Based on this study,7 many believe that coat color is associated with hormones that may make an animal nicer.
I personally believe that orange tabbies are the most outgoing, lovable of all the cat colors while the calico cats are the “queen” of the bunch (“Please don’t touch me. You’re disturbing me.”). If you really must know, calico cats often seem to be the meanest, most feisty cats while in the hospital. Don’t get me wrong – they may be wonderful angels at home, but they put up the worst fight at the veterinarian. Your veterinarian probably doesn’t tell you that once your female feline is at the vet clinic, she pretty much becomes, well, a vicious, drooling, ferocious tiger who’s trying to rip everyone’s eyes out (no, seriously). Whether or not it’s because she’s a female, or owing to the genetic link between friendliness and coat color, she’ll turn into a biting, scratching, screaming, vicious land shark when your veterinarian takes her into the back room. Most vet techs and vets have a healthy respect for these frenzied females. We’re talking drugs (chemical restraint), nets, leather gloves, muzzles, towels, fur flying, chasing, and so on. In fact, if you have a cat this color and know that she’s bad when you bring her to the vet, do us all a favor. Arrange to pick up oral sedatives first – it will make everyone’s life easier!
Color favoritism aside, veterinarians know that most orange and white tabbies are male, while most calicos and “torties” are female. Coat coloration is very complex as it is influenced by many genes and their genetic status as dominant or recessive (which is the strength in ability to be expressed). There are several alleles for each color (described as O for the orange allele (which is the dominant color gene, resulting in the orange color), or o for the black allele (which is the recessive color gene, resulting in non-orange fur). These colors are considered sex linked, as they are associated with the female X chromosome: the O gene is located on the X chromosome, and if you recall your tenth-grade science lessons about Mendel’s peas, you’ll recall the males are XY while females are XX. In other words, since males only carry one X chromosome, they are more likely to have orange fur since it’s also a dominant gene. Since o is recessive, it requires two oo to result in a non-orange color, while Oo yields the tortoiseshell color. To achieve the calico color, O and o both need to be expressed on the female X chromosome, and being that males only have one X chromosome, the majority of calicos are female (more than 90 percent). Voila! So, go ahead and skip eight years of veterinary schooling and sex your new kitten based on its colorings. If you just adopted a kitten, hedge your bets and pick out your favorite boy name for orange tabbies, and girl names for calico or tortie cats. If you ever see a male calico or tortoiseshell, you are (a) lucky or (b) the proud owner of a possible XXY animal, which you can name “Hermie.” (Congratulations, owning a hermaphrodite is quite rare!) While color coat expression is very complicated, know that orange tabbies are almost always male, while calico and torties are almost always female.
Photo from pasma on Flicker
Monday, December 13, 2010
Do cats like to swim?
Don’t you dare let your boyfriend read this and think he can put your cat into the tub or swimming pool - that is, unless your kitty is a Turkish Van. This unique breed of cat has been recognized by the Cat Fanciers’ Association since the mid-1990s and is one of the only cats that actually chooses to play in the water. Because these cats were bred near Lake Van in eastern Turkey, they have passed on their swimming gene that makes them the Amanda Beard of cats. Not to be confused with the Turkish Angora, the Van has ultrasoft, quick drying fur that helps them regain their hairdo and composure immediately after a dip.
All other non-Van cats usually despise swimming and generally prefer not to be tortured with a bath. While cats may be curious and want to dip their paw in water, most prefer to stay dry and don’t actually want to be completely immersed. I mean, the indignity! How dare you mess up their hair! Most cats descended from the desert regions of the world, where they didn’t routinely go for a swim. While some wild, large cats (such as tigers) love to swim and frolic in the water to cool off, most other large cats like panthers and lions don’t want to stick their head underwater; they’ll only swim to get from point A to point B, or trying to catch their next meal.
Monday, December 6, 2010
Why do cats prefer to drink running water?
Cats are curious creatures by nature and enjoy playing in water while staying mostly dry. My mother, who isn’t a cat person, once called me in dismay while pet-sitting Seamus; she explained that she had to leave the bathroom sink on a slow drip to get him to drink enough water. Otherwise, she never saw Seamus at the water bowl and was worried he was getting dehydrated. I reminded her that cats are desert creatures; they have specially designed kidneys (extra long loops of Henle, if you really must know) to help concentrate their urine and absorb as much water from their kidneys as they can. You hardly ever see cats sitting at the water bowl as much as a dog does for that reason. Personally, I know that Seamus loves to run into the bathroom after I’m done showering to lick up all the extra water. While his kidneys are fine, he likes the variety of different-tasting water (maybe he likes the essence of Dove body cleaner) from a different surface. No need to freak out and leave every faucet on for your cat – that would dramatically increase your water bill and make Al Gore very upset. Most times, healthy cats prefer to drink out of a dripping faucet just for variety, although a plain bowl of clean, fresh water will suffice just fine.
If, however, you notice that (a) your older cat is hovering constantly by the water bowl, (b) he is trying to lift the toilet seat to get a drink, (c) the clumps in the litter box are bigger than the size of your head (or his!), or (d) you’re constantly refilling his dish, bring him to a veterinarian for some blood work and urine testing to nip any medical problems in the bud. That’s because there are some diseases such as diabetes, hyperthyroidism, kidney failure, or feline lower urinary tract disease where thirst and water balance (and hence your cat’s ability to stay hydrated) are impacted; in these situations, it’s imperative to treat the underlying disease and also to ensure that your cat is drinking even more water than normal. Since some cats will drink more out of kitty water fountains (where the water is constantly trickling, like a melodic stream), these gadgets are beneficial if your cat happens to have any of those scary-sounding diseases above. I’d recommend that you run out to your local pet store to get a fountain if your cat is diagnosed with one of these medical conditions – it’s worth it!
Photo by pasotraspaso from Flicker
If, however, you notice that (a) your older cat is hovering constantly by the water bowl, (b) he is trying to lift the toilet seat to get a drink, (c) the clumps in the litter box are bigger than the size of your head (or his!), or (d) you’re constantly refilling his dish, bring him to a veterinarian for some blood work and urine testing to nip any medical problems in the bud. That’s because there are some diseases such as diabetes, hyperthyroidism, kidney failure, or feline lower urinary tract disease where thirst and water balance (and hence your cat’s ability to stay hydrated) are impacted; in these situations, it’s imperative to treat the underlying disease and also to ensure that your cat is drinking even more water than normal. Since some cats will drink more out of kitty water fountains (where the water is constantly trickling, like a melodic stream), these gadgets are beneficial if your cat happens to have any of those scary-sounding diseases above. I’d recommend that you run out to your local pet store to get a fountain if your cat is diagnosed with one of these medical conditions – it’s worth it!
Photo by pasotraspaso from Flicker
Friday, December 3, 2010
Holiday Pet Poisoning Myths Debunked!
Holiday festivities, decorations and rich foods can wreak havoc on undiscerning pets who love to taste test everything that appears new and interesting. While pet owners need to be made aware of the very real and dangerous threats to pets this time of year, the veterinarians at Pet Poison Helpline would also like to debunk several common myths that cause unnecessary stress each holiday season.
Real Holiday Dangers
Lilies, including tiger, Asiatic, stargazer, day and Easter, make lovely centerpieces but are also extremely toxic to cats. These beauties fall into the category of real and acute danger. As little as one or two petals or leaves, and even the pollen, can cause sudden kidney failure. They should be kept well out of kitty’s reach. Thankfully, dogs are not as severely affected by lilies with only mild stomach upset expected.
While not as toxic as lilies, ingestion of Christmas cactus by dogs and cats can cause vomiting and diarrhea. Likewise, the spiny and leathery leaves of the Christmas or English holly can result in significant damage to the stomach and intestines of dogs and cats. The holly’s berries have mildly toxic properties, but are fairly tolerable in most pets. While death is not likely, it’s best to keep your pets away from these holiday plants.
Filling your house with the smell of nutmeg or pine is inviting, but if you heat scented oils in a simmer pot, be aware that it can cause serious harm to your cat. Some liquid potpourris contain chemicals called cationic detergents which can result in severe chemical burns in the mouth, fever, difficulty breathing and tremors. Dogs are not as sensitive to the chemicals but may still suffer burns so it’s still better to be safe than sorry. Scent your home with a non-toxic candle in a safe no-pet zone.
With the holiday season comes delightful baked goods, confections and other rich, fattening foods. However, it is not wise, and sometimes quite dangerous, to share these foods with your pets. Keep them on their regular diets over the holidays and do not let family and friends sneak them these kinds of treats. Some of the most dangerous foods are chocolate and cocoa, sugarless gum and candy containing xylitol, leftover fatty meat scraps, and yeast bread dough.
Holiday Myths Debunked!
According to the veterinarians at Pet Poison Helpline, these are the most common myths concerning pet safety during the holiday season.
Myth #1 - Poinsettias are highly toxic. Although they have a bad rap, poinsettia plants (Euphorbia pulcherrima) are only mildly dangerous to dogs and cats and their relative toxicity has been quite exaggerated. The most problematic component of the plant is its sticky white sap that may cause mild mouth or stomach irritation if ingested. Contact with the skin may also result in mild irritation. However, serious poisoning is not expected from ingestion.
Myth #2 - Mistletoe is toxic. Like poinsettias, American mistletoe, which is a popular plant used as holiday décor, also gets a bad rap. Rumors of its toxic nature are largely attributed to its cousin, European mistletoe. Though ingestion of American mistletoe leaves or berries may cause mild stomach upset, serious or life-threatening poisoning is not likely.
Myth #3 - Fruit cake is a healthy holiday treat. While fruit cake may be a fine food for people, it can actually be deadly to pets. Grapes, raisins and currants are common ingredients in fruit cakes and can result in kidney failure in dogs if ingested. Additionally, fruitcake that has been soaked in rum or other alcohol may also prove poisonous to your pet if ingested. Alcohol is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream and can affect pets quickly, causing a dangerous drop in blood sugar, blood pressure and body temperature. Intoxicated animals can experience seizures and respiratory failure.
Myth #4 - Tinsel is a pet-friendly decoration. An ornament that pet owners should avoid is tinsel for decorating trees. If you own a cat, toss the tinsel! What looks like a shiny toy can prove deadly if ingested. While tinsel itself is not poisonous, it can result in a severe linear foreign body, which occurs when something “stringy” wraps around the base of the tongue or anchors itself in the stomach, rendering it unable to pass through the intestines. As the intestines contract and move, the string can slowly saw through the tissue, resulting in severe damage to your pet’s intestinal tract. Treatment involves expensive abdominal surgery. It’s best to keep tinsel, as well as ribbon, yarn and thread out of your pet’s reach.
“Dogs, cats, birds and other pets often use their mouths to investigate new things,” said Ahna Brutlag, DVM, assistant director at Pet Poison Helpline. “Much like small children, they simply cannot resist the temptation to chew on potentially harmful plants, foods and other ‘goodies.’ Thankfully, it’s easy for pet owners to educate themselves about common pet poisons. At www.petpoisonhelpline.com you can view and print our list of toxic foods and post it on your refrigerator as a reminder. This is also a way to discourage your holiday guests from feeding Fido poisonous people food!”
Make this holiday season merrier for you and your pets by keeping dangerous items safely out of their reach. If, however, you think your pet may have ingested something harmful, take action immediately. Contact your veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline at 1-800-213-6680.
About Pet Poison Helpline
Pet Poison Helpline is a service available 24 hours, seven days a week for pet owners and veterinary professionals who require assistance treating a potentially poisoned pet. The staff can provide treatment advice for poisoning cases of all species, including dogs, cats, birds, small mammals, large animals and exotic species. As the most cost-effective option for animal poison control care, Pet Poison Helpline’s fee of $35 per incident includes unlimited follow-up consultations. Pet Poison Helpline is available in North America by calling 800-213-6680. Additional information can be found online at www.petpoisonhelpline.com.
Real Holiday Dangers
Lilies, including tiger, Asiatic, stargazer, day and Easter, make lovely centerpieces but are also extremely toxic to cats. These beauties fall into the category of real and acute danger. As little as one or two petals or leaves, and even the pollen, can cause sudden kidney failure. They should be kept well out of kitty’s reach. Thankfully, dogs are not as severely affected by lilies with only mild stomach upset expected.
While not as toxic as lilies, ingestion of Christmas cactus by dogs and cats can cause vomiting and diarrhea. Likewise, the spiny and leathery leaves of the Christmas or English holly can result in significant damage to the stomach and intestines of dogs and cats. The holly’s berries have mildly toxic properties, but are fairly tolerable in most pets. While death is not likely, it’s best to keep your pets away from these holiday plants.
Filling your house with the smell of nutmeg or pine is inviting, but if you heat scented oils in a simmer pot, be aware that it can cause serious harm to your cat. Some liquid potpourris contain chemicals called cationic detergents which can result in severe chemical burns in the mouth, fever, difficulty breathing and tremors. Dogs are not as sensitive to the chemicals but may still suffer burns so it’s still better to be safe than sorry. Scent your home with a non-toxic candle in a safe no-pet zone.
With the holiday season comes delightful baked goods, confections and other rich, fattening foods. However, it is not wise, and sometimes quite dangerous, to share these foods with your pets. Keep them on their regular diets over the holidays and do not let family and friends sneak them these kinds of treats. Some of the most dangerous foods are chocolate and cocoa, sugarless gum and candy containing xylitol, leftover fatty meat scraps, and yeast bread dough.
Holiday Myths Debunked!
According to the veterinarians at Pet Poison Helpline, these are the most common myths concerning pet safety during the holiday season.
Myth #1 - Poinsettias are highly toxic. Although they have a bad rap, poinsettia plants (Euphorbia pulcherrima) are only mildly dangerous to dogs and cats and their relative toxicity has been quite exaggerated. The most problematic component of the plant is its sticky white sap that may cause mild mouth or stomach irritation if ingested. Contact with the skin may also result in mild irritation. However, serious poisoning is not expected from ingestion.
Myth #2 - Mistletoe is toxic. Like poinsettias, American mistletoe, which is a popular plant used as holiday décor, also gets a bad rap. Rumors of its toxic nature are largely attributed to its cousin, European mistletoe. Though ingestion of American mistletoe leaves or berries may cause mild stomach upset, serious or life-threatening poisoning is not likely.
Myth #3 - Fruit cake is a healthy holiday treat. While fruit cake may be a fine food for people, it can actually be deadly to pets. Grapes, raisins and currants are common ingredients in fruit cakes and can result in kidney failure in dogs if ingested. Additionally, fruitcake that has been soaked in rum or other alcohol may also prove poisonous to your pet if ingested. Alcohol is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream and can affect pets quickly, causing a dangerous drop in blood sugar, blood pressure and body temperature. Intoxicated animals can experience seizures and respiratory failure.
Myth #4 - Tinsel is a pet-friendly decoration. An ornament that pet owners should avoid is tinsel for decorating trees. If you own a cat, toss the tinsel! What looks like a shiny toy can prove deadly if ingested. While tinsel itself is not poisonous, it can result in a severe linear foreign body, which occurs when something “stringy” wraps around the base of the tongue or anchors itself in the stomach, rendering it unable to pass through the intestines. As the intestines contract and move, the string can slowly saw through the tissue, resulting in severe damage to your pet’s intestinal tract. Treatment involves expensive abdominal surgery. It’s best to keep tinsel, as well as ribbon, yarn and thread out of your pet’s reach.
“Dogs, cats, birds and other pets often use their mouths to investigate new things,” said Ahna Brutlag, DVM, assistant director at Pet Poison Helpline. “Much like small children, they simply cannot resist the temptation to chew on potentially harmful plants, foods and other ‘goodies.’ Thankfully, it’s easy for pet owners to educate themselves about common pet poisons. At www.petpoisonhelpline.com you can view and print our list of toxic foods and post it on your refrigerator as a reminder. This is also a way to discourage your holiday guests from feeding Fido poisonous people food!”
Make this holiday season merrier for you and your pets by keeping dangerous items safely out of their reach. If, however, you think your pet may have ingested something harmful, take action immediately. Contact your veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline at 1-800-213-6680.
About Pet Poison Helpline
Pet Poison Helpline is a service available 24 hours, seven days a week for pet owners and veterinary professionals who require assistance treating a potentially poisoned pet. The staff can provide treatment advice for poisoning cases of all species, including dogs, cats, birds, small mammals, large animals and exotic species. As the most cost-effective option for animal poison control care, Pet Poison Helpline’s fee of $35 per incident includes unlimited follow-up consultations. Pet Poison Helpline is available in North America by calling 800-213-6680. Additional information can be found online at www.petpoisonhelpline.com.
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