Paw Nation http://www.pawnation.com Paw Nation http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.pawnation.com/media/feedlogo.gif Paw Nation http://www.pawnation.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Weird Stuff Dogs Eathttp://www.pawnation.com/2011/09/20/weird-stuff-dogs-eat/http://www.pawnation.com/2011/09/20/weird-stuff-dogs-eat/http://www.pawnation.com/2011/09/20/weird-stuff-dogs-eat/#commentsFiled under: , ,

No, boy. Not food. slava, Flickr

Owners fill bowls with nutritious food to keep dogs healthy. So why do dogs eat weird, disgusting and even dangerous stuff?

Dogs use their mouths the way we use our hands. They pick up objects and explore their world by mouthing, tasting, and chewing. That sometimes gets them into trouble if they swallow something they shouldn't.

Eating Grass
As omnivores, dogs benefit from eating vegetables or fruits. Even coyotes and wolves eat vegetable matter found in the stomach of prey, as well as roots, grasses and fruit. Dogs often beg for and enjoy snacks of raw vegetables like lettuce, green beans and carrots.

Most pet dogs occasionally eat grass, which may provide vitamins the dog craves, or it may simply like the taste. Dogs also eat grass to stimulate vomiting when they feel ill. Occasional grazing isn't a cause for concern unless your dog turns it into an obsession or it gnaws poisonous houseplants.

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]]>dog fooddog nutritiondog treatspet foodpet treatspicaRed_Roomtable scrapsAmy D. ShojaiTue, 20 Sep 2011 13:00:00 ESTCanine Heartworm Disease Updatehttp://www.pawnation.com/2011/09/12/canine-heartworm-disease-update/http://www.pawnation.com/2011/09/12/canine-heartworm-disease-update/http://www.pawnation.com/2011/09/12/canine-heartworm-disease-update/#commentsFiled under: ,

A dog getting tested for heartworms. Ikayama, Flickr

The thought of our canine companions having worms is more than disgusting, especially when the parasite is deadly. It becomes even more scary if treatments to keep dogs safe don't work, or become unavailable.

Heartworm, a type of roundworm parasite, was first identified in 1922 and are found all around the world. Although they can affect cats, they are particularly fond of dogs. This parasite Dirofilaria immitis lives in the right heart chambers and lungs and causes severe damage and even death.

Heartworm Life Cycle
The complete life cycle of heartworms lasts approximately seven months and requires the help of another ugly parasite. A dog catches the disease from a mosquito that has already bitten an infected dog. The mosquito swallows baby worms--called microfilariae--when it sucks the dog's blood. Then it transmits the disease to other dogs, cats, coyotes and wildlife it subsequently bites. The baby worms go through several development stages until it migrates to the heart and pulmonary arteries where it matures.

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]]>heartwormheartworm in dogsheartworm medicineRed_RoomAmy D. ShojaiMon, 12 Sep 2011 13:00:00 ESTHow to Introduce Dogs to Babieshttp://www.pawnation.com/2011/08/22/how-to-introduce-dogs-to-babies/http://www.pawnation.com/2011/08/22/how-to-introduce-dogs-to-babies/http://www.pawnation.com/2011/08/22/how-to-introduce-dogs-to-babies/#commentsFiled under: ,

Sébastien GARNIER, Flickr

Whether you're an expectant parent or grandparent, a new baby can bring joy into your life. But what does a newborn mean for the animals you've lived with for years?

Dogs used to adults may not recognize babies as the same species. Newborns and toddlers sound scary, smell funny, and seem to evict pets from your lap because they divert a favorite human's attention. Here are tips to help you persuade your dogs to welcome babies as part of their family.

Before the Baby Comes Home
- Prepare in advance. Expectant parents have nine months to get the pets ready for the new arrival. Dogs don't appreciate sudden change so figure out how the baby will affect routine and start with gradual adjustments. For instance, the baby's sleep and feeding schedule probably will impact the dog's playtime, potty and walk schedule.

- Perhaps the nursery room will become off limits. Make changes gradually. Allow pets to investigate and explore rooms and changes so they become the new "normal" and he doesn't feel left out.

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]]>Red_RoomAmy D. ShojaiMon, 22 Aug 2011 15:00:00 ESTHelp! My Pet Hates My Boyfriend!http://www.pawnation.com/2011/08/15/help-my-pet-hates-my-boyfriend/http://www.pawnation.com/2011/08/15/help-my-pet-hates-my-boyfriend/http://www.pawnation.com/2011/08/15/help-my-pet-hates-my-boyfriend/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Felinest, Flickr

When love is in the air, everyone's happy, right? So why did the cat hiss and baptize his shoes? What's up when your dog growls at his voice? Why can't your pet love your boyfriend as much as you?

Any change of routine can threaten a pet's sense of security. When you spend time with your new love, your pet misses you and feels lonely--and you smell weird, like that stranger! Dogs and cats often feel proprietary toward their owners and take offense at new people invading their territory.

If you want to turn suspicion to adoration, don't forget to romance your pets too. Here's how to convince the cat and dog to welcome him--or her--into the family.

Find Pet-Neutral Territory
It helps immensely to introduce your dog to the new person on neutral territory such as the park, prior to allowing the boyfriend or girlfriend to "invade" your apartment. This gives the person a chance to play ball with the dog, make friends, and establish a positive association before asking the dog to make room in his home and heart.

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]]>Red_RoomAmy D. ShojaiMon, 15 Aug 2011 11:00:00 ESTHot Weather Safetyhttp://www.pawnation.com/2011/08/08/hot-weather-safety/http://www.pawnation.com/2011/08/08/hot-weather-safety/http://www.pawnation.com/2011/08/08/hot-weather-safety/#commentsFiled under:

tom.arthur, Flickr

I live in North Texas where 108-degree weather has everyone hot under the collar. Just imagine how pets feel with a fur coat. Cats and dogs risk sunburn, pad burns and life-threatening heat stroke without proper precautions. These tips can help you prevent problems, or even save your pet's life.

Pad burns
Dogs don't get pad burns very often because they flinch away from heat. But cats love heat and often lounge on surfaces up to 126 degrees. They won't feel themselves getting burned. Both dogs and cats can suffer pad burns from walking on hot pavement, especially when not offered the option for cooler pathways.

Do the barefoot test. If pavement feels too hot for you, it's also a problem for pets. Prevent pad burns by making shaded and/or grassy pathways an option. For pad burns, apply an aloe vera ointment three to five times a day to help shorten healing time. It's safe for pets to lick off in small amounts, too.

Sunburn
Fur protects most dogs and cats from sunburn, but thinly furred ear tips, bridge of the nose, and the tummy can get burned. White pets are at highest risk. Dogs who sleep on their back and sun-worshiping cats seem affected most often.

Sunburn isn't a medical emergency, but it can be painful. The skin turns red, can blister, become crusty, and peel.

Cold water spray from a plant mister every half hour or so works great to soothe sunburned dogs, but cats hate getting sprayed. Witch hazel helps cool inflamed skin by evaporation and doesn't sting like alcohol. Dab some on affected areas with a cotton ball three or four times a day to soothe the burn.

Sunburn dries out the skin. Aloe vera creams not only moisturize but also help heal burns faster. These products often contain vitamin E that speeds healing and soothes burns.

Heat stroke
Pets don't sweat. To cool off, dogs pant so the moisture evaporates off the tongue. Cats lick fur and evaporation keeps body temperatures at a safe level. But for grooming or panting to work, the outside air must be a lower temperature than the pet's normal body temperature (101-102.5 degrees). When self-cooling fails, heat stroke kills in less than 15 minutes.

Cars become deathtraps. When the temperature reaches 78 degrees, cars sitting in the shade reach 90 degrees in no time. But if parked in the sun on a 78-degree day, car temp soars to 168 degrees within minutes. That cooks the brain, leaving irreversible damage.

Signs of heat stroke include rapid panting, a bright red tongue and gums, sticky saliva, and body temperatures of 104-106 degrees. Severe cases of heat stroke may prompt body temperatures of 110 degrees or higher.

Unless you live only five minutes away, give first aid before heading to the emergency room. To save your pet's life, reduce body temperature to 104 degrees and then get follow-up medical care.

For mild heat stroke, offer water or Gatorade cooler than the outside temperature. Wrap the pet in cold wet towels. Bring him into an air-conditioned space and turn on a fan so the air he breathes is cooler than his body to reduce internal temperature naturally.

For severe heat stroke (body temperatures over 106 degrees), douse the pet with cool water from the hose, or dunk him in the bathtub or sink. Ice packs placed in the "armpits" or groin (near major blood vessels) help chill the blood so it cools the pet during circulation.

Prevent heat stroke by providing shade for outside pets, along with plenty of cool water. Specialized attachments turn outside faucets into 24/7 pet drinking fountains so you won't have to worry about spilled bowls. Misting fans and aerosols lower the temperature and keep pet fur damp to cool fur through evaporation. Misters can be placed on the porch, deck or near your dog's pen.

Invest in cooling bandanas and collars, body wraps, and pet mats from pet products outlets. Or just provide a child's wading pool, fill it daily with cool water and let the water-puppies splash to their heart's content.

Prevent problems altogether by keeping cats and dogs in air-conditioned spaces when the temperatures become dangerous. The most dangerous times of day for sunburn are 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. so schedule cooler times for outdoor excursions.

Amy D. Shojai, CABC, is a certified animal behavior consultant and the award-winning author of 23 pet care books, including "The First-Aid Companion for Dogs & Cats." Amy also appears on Animal Planet's "Cats 101" and "Dogs 101," writes for puppies.About.com and lives in North Texas with a senior citizen Siamese and smart-aleck German shepherd dog. Read her blog on Red Room.

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]]>heat strokeHeatStrokepad burnPadBurnRed_RoomsunburnAmy D. ShojaiMon, 08 Aug 2011 08:00:00 ESTWow! Vet Care - Modern Medical Miracleshttp://www.pawnation.com/2011/07/29/wow-vet-care-modern-medical-miracles/http://www.pawnation.com/2011/07/29/wow-vet-care-modern-medical-miracles/http://www.pawnation.com/2011/07/29/wow-vet-care-modern-medical-miracles/#commentsFiled under:

Pet surgery. clstal, Flickr

Every veterinarian offers basic care such as vaccinations, neuter surgery, and parasite control. But today, just as in human medicine, veterinary specialties offer modern techniques that go "beyond the basics."

Here are just a few "wow" techniques now available to our cats and dogs. Most are available only in university settings or specialty practices. Ask your veterinarian if these or other procedures might have special benefit for your fur kids.

Back Injury Treatment
An innovative preventive procedure pioneered at Oklahoma State University called laser disk ablations treats dogs with a history of back pain. Instead of surgically removing damaged disks (as in conventional treatment), lasers zap the spinal needles inserted through the skin into the disks, to vaporize the problem material--no incisions, no muss, no fuss--and no disks left to prolapse. A number of specialty veterinary practices now perform this procedure.

Bone Cancer Limb Sparing
Limb-sparing surgeries allow dogs and cats with bone cancer to keep the affected leg, rather than amputating the limb. Surgeons remove only the diseased bone. They then replace it with a donor bone from a deceased pet, or use a living section of bone from a healthy part of the pet's leg. Other times, a metal rod takes the place of the bone. It takes about sixteen weeks for the graft to fuse to the dog's existing bone and heal.

And in the most WOW-medicine of all, the section of radius bone with the offending tumor is removed. Then a one-inch section of healthy bone cut from the stump end is slowly moved 1 mm per day-prompting the healthy bone to grow/heal new bone in about 4 to 6 months.

Vision Surgery
Pets with eye injuries or ulcers benefit from corneal transplants performed by veterinary ophthalmologists. Older dogs may develop problems that cause the cornea to turn blue, and the small central portion is removed and replaced. Cats sometimes develop eye problems resulting from chronic herpes virus infection that cause the cornea to turn brown and die. A partial thickness corneal graft can correct the defect, and in about six weeks the eye heals and looks clear and beautiful. Pets that develop cataracts also can benefit from the same surgery that treats people.

Kidney Transplants
Kidney transplant can save pet lives. Cats seem particularly accepting of the procedure and don't have the high rejection rate the way dogs and people do. Don't worry, no kitties are killed to provide organs-instead, the feline that donates the kidney gets adopted as part of the arrangement. It's been reported that 59 percent of the cat transplant patients were still alive six months after surgery and 41 percent were still alive three years after surgery--some have lived for a decade or longer. About five universities and private specialty practices offer cat kidney transplants.

Cartilage Transplant and Stem Cell Therapies
Arthritis, dysplasia and other joint problems damage cartilage and make movement painful. An innovative procedure patterned after human techniques harvests healthy normal cartilage (often from the patient's other joints) and transplants it in plugs in the damaged area. The bone/cartilage plugs grow more cartilage, which spreads and covers the deficit.

Vet-Stem Regenerative Medicine employs a concentrated form of adult stem cells derived from the pet's own fat tissue to treat tendon, ligament, and arthritic conditions of horses and dogs. The veterinarian collects about two tablespoons of fat from the patient, which is shipped to the Vet-Stem.com laboratory in San Diego, California. Once processed, the stem cells are shipped back to the veterinarian in ready-to-inject syringes, and the stem cell treatment is injected directly into the injured site. Any extra can be stored at the Vet-Stem Bank for future treatments.

Heart Repair
Open-heart surgery currently remains limited to a few universities, and UC Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital is the only place in the US that has regularly scheduled procedures for animals. They can do pretty much any procedure performed on humans, and employ a cardiopulmonary heart-lung bypass machine that allows the heart to be stopped for one to two hours.

One surgical procedure replaces defective valves with cow or pig tissue. Leaking heart valves is common in small animals, especially very small dogs. Surgery requires a six- to nine-person team to carefully monitor the patient before and during the invasive surgery. The entire surgery lasts five hours or longer.

Some dogs now benefit from pacemakers. But the most common congenital heart disease, patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) affects miniature poodles and German shepherds most often. Texas A&M and other specialty practices use catheters (long flexible tube) threaded through the arteries to fix the problem, sometimes by placing stainless steel fiber-embedded coils into the hole. The fibers stimulate clotting, which shuts off the hole.

Research has led to new diagnostic tools, new surgical procedures, new prevention options, and new uses for existing or novel drugs. These innovative veterinary options not only save lives but also extend a pet's longevity and improve the overall quality of life. And that's just doggone good for everyone!

Amy D. Shojai, CABC, is a certified animal behavior consultant and the award-winning author of 23 pet care books. She also writes for http://www.puppies.About.comand http://www.cats.About.com and appears on Animal Planet's CATS-101 and DOGS-101. Check out Amy's latest book, Pet Care in the New Century: Cutting-Edge Medicine for Dogs & Cats on Red Room, where you can read her blog.

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]]>Red_RoomvetveterinarianAmy D. ShojaiFri, 29 Jul 2011 12:00:00 ESTSeeing Eye to Eye - Comparing Cat and Dog Visionhttp://www.pawnation.com/2011/07/28/seeing-eye-to-eye-comparing-cat-and-dog-vision/http://www.pawnation.com/2011/07/28/seeing-eye-to-eye-comparing-cat-and-dog-vision/http://www.pawnation.com/2011/07/28/seeing-eye-to-eye-comparing-cat-and-dog-vision/#commentsFiled under: ,

Andreas-photography, Flickr

The eyes of cats and dogs are quite similar to our own, but how are they different? The cat has the largest eyes of any meat eater; if our own eyes were proportionally the same, human eyes would be eight inches across. But it goes beyond the looks-pun intended. In fact, the way pets see influences how they interact with each other-and with us.

Field of Vision
Prey animals like rabbits can watch in two directions at once with eyes on each side of the head. But predators-dogs and cats-have eyes toward the front of the face that gives them depth perception and binocular vision so they can correctly time pursuit and pounce. Most dogs have only about 30 to 60 degrees of binocular overlap versus approximately 140 degrees cats and humans. But dogs are champions when it comes to visual field of view. That means when King looks straight ahead he can still see 240 degrees, compared to 200 degrees in cats and 180 degrees in humans.

Seeing 20/20
Dogs can't focus clearly on objects closer than about ten inches (which explains why King may miss the two or three pieces of kibble left in his bowl). Cats are a bit better at near vision. But both dogs and cats rely more on motion rather than focus, and are rather farsighted, an evolutionary side effect of scanning the distance for prey. A dog can detect strong hand signals from as far away as a mile.

The visual acuity of dogs is about 20/75, although German shepherds, Rottweilers and Schnauzers appear to be even more near sighted. Cats have dogs beat with an average acuity between 20/100 and 20/200.

Glasses?
Contact lenses can correct nearsighted vision in dogs. That can be important especially for service animals or hunting dogs. But contacts aren't practical when dogs lose them so easily. Dogs do benefit from being fitted with glasses. A veterinary ophthalmologist evaluates vision by refraction in the same way non-verbal children are examined. Products like Doggles.com are designed to fit the canine face in all its various shapes and sizes.

Low Light, High Light
Like human eyes, the dog's iris to contract the pupil to a round pinpoint that limits the amount allowed inside. The feline eye is a more complex figure-eight muscle that closes to a slit much further than the canine eye.

Both cats and dogs have a tapetum lucidum, a layer of highly reflective cells behind the retina that reflects back any light the eye captures. That produces the eerie night-shine can be seen from your pet's eyes and is why cats require only 1/6th the illumination level and use twice as much available light as people. Dogs' eyes are about half as efficient as the cats' but still better at using light than humans.

Color Perception?
Both cats and dogs have fewer specialize cone cells on the retina able to distinguish colors than people do. But they can see color.

Dogs seem to be similar to people who are "red-green color-blind." Cats probably see more in terms of blue/green shades and appear able to tell the difference between colors that contrast. For cats, pattern and brightness are more important than color. They can see color but it doesn't matter to them.

Peripheral Vision
Cats are experts at seeing motion from the corners of their eyes. Cats also have a highly specialized ability to make extremely rapid eye movements, which allows them to better detect and follow an object, such as a mouse or even a feather on the end of a string toy. But dogs beat out cats on peripheral vision.

Both cats and dogs have a high density line of vision cells across the retina, called a visual streak. That lets them see sharp focused object at a distance even in the extremes of peripheral vision-out of the corners of their eyes. Cats and dogs tend to ignore stationary objects but this visual streak triggers their instinctive urge to chase whenever something moves in their peripheral vision.

The visual streak is most pronounced in long-nosed dogs-the breeds developed to hunt and chase. But many of the short-nosed dogs like Pugs don't have this visual streak. Instead, they have high density vision cells arranged in a single spot on the retina, called the area centralis. The area centralis has three times the density of nerve endings as the visual streak. That makes short-nose dogs much better able to see and react to human facial expressions-or watch TV.

Amy D. Shojai is a certified animal behavior consultant and the award-winning author of 23 pet care books, including Dog and Cat ComPETability. Amy also appears on Animal Planet's CATS-101 and DOGS-101, writes for puppies.About.com and cats.About.com, and lives in North Texas with a senior citizen Siamese and smart-aleck German shepherd. Read her blog on Red Room.

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]]>cat visiondog visionpet visionRed_RoomAmy D. ShojaiThu, 28 Jul 2011 15:00:00 ESTCatnip - More Than a Treathttp://www.pawnation.com/2011/07/15/catnip-more-than-a-treat/http://www.pawnation.com/2011/07/15/catnip-more-than-a-treat/http://www.pawnation.com/2011/07/15/catnip-more-than-a-treat/#commentsFiled under:

Bad Alley, Flickr

I have no doubt that catnip prompted the Cheshire Cat's grin. My cat Seren wears the same expression when she indulges. But why do cats find this nondescript herb so attractive? Is it a kitty aphrodisiac, a harmless pleasure or something more sinister?

Nepeta cataria, or catnip, is a strong-scented mint that contains a volatile oil that's easily released into the air. Biting or rolling on the plant crushes the leaves and releases the oil so cats can get a good sniff. It doesn't take much. Cats can detect catnip oil in the air at saturations as low as one part per billion.

How Catnip Works
Rather than a simple smell, the chemical in catnip resembles sedative components also found in the valerian plant, which may be used in natural therapies to calm pets and people. Catnip also may be similar to one of the substances found in tomcat urine-yucky to you, but a lovely smell to the cat! In fact, this pheromone in urine often triggers the same sort of behavioral reaction in cats as exposure to catnip.

These types of chemicals, once inhaled, enter the cat's highly specialized scenting organ through the roof of the mouth. The vomeronasal or Jacobson's organs sit between the hard palate of the mouth and the septum of the nose, and connect to the mouth via tiny conduits directly behind the cat's upper incisor teeth. You may see your cat perform an odd facial grimace (flehmen) with lips curled back and mouth open when employing this organ.

The Jacobson's organs are linked to the hypothalamus, an area of the brain that acts like a switchboard to direct information to higher centers. This part of the brain integrates taste and smell, motivates appetite, and triggers a variety of behaviors.

Catnip in cats affects the same biochemical pathways that are affected by marijuana and LSD in people. In its simplest terms, catnip is a feline hallucinogen. The "high" lasts from five to 15 minutes, and causes a loss of inhibition. Catnip-intoxicated cats act like furry fools who roll and flop about on the floor, drool, and have a wonderful relaxing time.

Which Cats Are Affected
Cats rarely respond to catnip until they are about six months old, and some cats never do. The trait is an inherited one, with only two out of three domestic cats being affected. Boy cats seem to respond more strongly than females.

Since catnip belongs in the mint family, cats often react in a similar way to other types of mint. I've even seen some cats react to a type of honeysuckle-or even olives.

Most scientists agree that catnip provides a harmless recreation for cats. For cats who respond, catnip can be a wonderful training tool. Catnip builds the confidence of some shy cats, and it can be used to "spike" the legal scratch objects to help lure cats to do the right thing. Catnip can help take the cat's mind off of the scary car ride-or at least induce a catnip snooze so she doesn't care anymore.

You'll find catnip toys, herbs, even growing kits advertised in all the finest cat magazines, "special" brands touted in pet stores, and feline fanciers comparing quality like true gourmands. The fresher the herb, the more likely your cat is to react. And no, catnip doesn't affect people the same way, although it has in the past been used as a soothing tea for upset tummies.

Be aware, though, overindulgence may "wear out" your cat's response to the plant. An occasional treat, perhaps once every two or three weeks, is plenty.

Amy D. Shojai is a certified animal behavior consultant and the award-winning author of 23 pet care books, including Complete Kitten Care and Complete Care for Your Aging Cat. Amy also appears on Animal Planet's CATS-101 and DOGS-101, writes for puppies.About.com and cats.About.com, and lives in North Texas with a senior citizen Siamese and smart-aleck German shepherd. Read her blog on Red Room.

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]]>catnipRed_RoomAmy D. ShojaiFri, 15 Jul 2011 15:00:00 ESTKitty Falls - How Cats Land on Their Feethttp://www.pawnation.com/2011/07/07/kitty-falls-how-cats-land-on-their-feet/http://www.pawnation.com/2011/07/07/kitty-falls-how-cats-land-on-their-feet/http://www.pawnation.com/2011/07/07/kitty-falls-how-cats-land-on-their-feet/#commentsFiled under:

96dpi, Flickr

Legends and myths sometimes arise out of a misunderstood truth, and kitty-correct four-paw landings are one such behavior. Yes, cats have an uncanny ability to fall safely from sometimes death-defying heights and land on their feet, which perhaps gave birth to the "nine lives" legend. But do cats always land on their feet? And how do they do it?

How Cats Land on Their Feet
Paw-perfect landings result from the cat's intricate balance sense. The vestibular organ deep inside s cat's ears keeps it informed about which way is up or down, even if you try to confuse and make him dizzy first. This specialized organ also allows the cat to instantly determine acceleration as she falls.

The vestibular organ contains tiny fluid filled tubes and structures called the semicircular canals, utricle and saccule, each lined with millions of microscopic hairs. Fluid in the utricle and saccule also contain tiny particles of chalk that float and move with every motion. Whenever the cat's head moves, the fluid and chalk moves against the hairs. The hair movement, like teeny kitty antennae, relay information to the brain about body position, and speed of movement.

The balance mechanism can't do it alone, though. Once partnered with the yoga-like muscle control of a Houdini master contortionist, the cat twists from side to side during a fall, to right itself.

Do Cats Ever Miss?
Ear infections can affect the cat's balance so she misjudges height or positioning. Tiny kittens can be injured in falls that might not hurt an adult cat, so kitten-proofing balconies and keeping baby cats "grounded" can help keep them safe.

Falls from short distances-like from a child's arms-may not allow enough time for the righting mechanism to work. Landing on its feet does not prevent a cat from sustaining serious injuries during falls.

High Rise Syndrome
High rise syndrome refers to cats who fall great distances out of windows, balconies or open doors. Often the cat lounges on a favorite windowsill, and accidentally pushes window screens out and falls.

Falls from the first through fourth floors are least dangerous because the cat can "right" itself and doesn't have time to reach top speed of 60 miles per hour-terminal velocity. She won't fall any faster, no matter the distance. This speed is reached during any fall from higher than the fifth floor.

Falls from the fifth through ninth floor are the most dangerous and result in the worst injuries. The cat falls with legs braced in front of him, and lands rigid. His legs hit first, then his head, and both can suffer terrible bone-shattering injury.

Cats survive falls from higher than nine stories with fewer injuries. Falls from these heights apparently allow the cat time to relax, empty the bladder and "parachute" the legs outward so that the wind catches the loose skin in the thighs and armpits and slows the fall. Landing spread-eagle allows the chest and abdomen to absorb most of the shock, rather than the head and legs.

Keep open windows and balconies off limits to cats. Remember that screens are designed to keep bugs out, not keep cats inside. So protect your cats and windows with secured screens or pet-safe barriers.

Amy D. Shojai is a certified animal behavior consultant and the award-winning author of 23 pet care books, including Complete Kitten Care and Complete Care for Your Aging Cat. Amy also appears on Animal Planet's CATS-101 and DOGS-101, writes for puppies.About.com and cats.About.com, and lives in North Texas with a senior citizen Siamese and smart-aleck German shepherd. Read her blog on Red Room.

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]]>cat behaviorRed_RoomAmy D. ShojaiThu, 07 Jul 2011 17:00:00 EST10 Tips to Prevent Pet Fireworks Fearshttp://www.pawnation.com/2011/06/28/10-tips-to-prevent-pet-fireworks-fears/http://www.pawnation.com/2011/06/28/10-tips-to-prevent-pet-fireworks-fears/http://www.pawnation.com/2011/06/28/10-tips-to-prevent-pet-fireworks-fears/#commentsFiled under:

bayasaa, Flickr

Fireworks from July 4th celebration may be festive to you, but can turn your pets into nervous wrecks. More cats and dogs--and even livestock like horses--become lost on this day than any other when pets panic, go through windows, break tethers and leap fences.

Even safely contained pets shiver, moan, and feel worse with each noisy boom. You may not see quivering scaredy cats, but the stress from noise phobia increases risk of hit-or-miss litter box behavior.

It can take weeks or even months for desensitization and counter-conditioning techniques to teach fearful pets that noises won't hurt them. With Independence Day right around the corner, refer to these 10 tips for more immediate help.

1. Scared animals calm themselves down by squeezing into tight spots and hiding their eyes. For instance, a dog wriggles between the sofa and wall, while a cat hides its face in your armpit. Offer your pets safe hiding place and let them be.

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]]>fireworksjuly 4July4pet safetyPetSafetyRed_RoomAmy D. ShojaiTue, 28 Jun 2011 13:00:00 ESTToo Much Love? Soothing Separation Anxietyhttp://www.pawnation.com/2011/06/16/too-much-love-soothing-separation-anxiety/http://www.pawnation.com/2011/06/16/too-much-love-soothing-separation-anxiety/http://www.pawnation.com/2011/06/16/too-much-love-soothing-separation-anxiety/#commentsFiled under: , ,

amcdaniel83, Flickr

When a dog or cat can't bear to be left alone they may "act out" and damage your belongings, or even hurt themselves. These pets aren't chewing up furniture, defecating on the bed, or breaking through glass windows to "get back at you." Think of separation anxiety as a form of grief. Cats and dogs miss you so much they can't help themselves.

Problems develop when the amount of time you spend with the pet changes, maybe due to a new job schedule or baby. Cats may not have problems for years, but often act out when owners go on vacation.

About 14 percent of pet dogs seen in veterinary clinics suffer from separation anxiety. Mixed breeds and dogs adopted from shelters or the streets are most commonly affected, and aging dogs (10 years and older) or puppies adopted before 8 weeks of age also have a higher incidence.

Signs of Distress
The dog follows you around the house and becomes increasingly upset as you prepare to leave. Cats may cry and become upset as you prepare to leave, but more often, they don't react to your departure.

When left alone, affected dogs become anxious, distressed, extremely vocal, and sometimes forget house training or destroy property either to escape or as a way to relieve tension.

Upset pets quite often target the owner's most favorite or personal property-dogs chew up shoes, your purse, or a favorite chair. Cats with separation anxiety typically urinate and defecate on the owner's side of the bed. They aren't retaliating for being left alone--but because these items smell like you, that can trigger anxiety that prompts destructive displacement behaviors. Targeting owner-scented objects comfort your cat and dog.

And while angry reaction is understandable, your upset feelings increase the cat's anxiety even more. Pets should never be punished for any anxiety-based behavior because punishment makes it worse.

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]]>Red_Roomseparation anxietySeparationAnxietyAmy D. ShojaiThu, 16 Jun 2011 10:00:00 ESTHow to Introduce Your Furry Friends to a New Family Pethttp://www.pawnation.com/2011/06/15/how-to-introduce-your-furry-friends-to-a-new-family-pet/http://www.pawnation.com/2011/06/15/how-to-introduce-your-furry-friends-to-a-new-family-pet/http://www.pawnation.com/2011/06/15/how-to-introduce-your-furry-friends-to-a-new-family-pet/#commentsFiled under: , ,

cat dog picture Sephiroty Fiesta, Flickr

June is National Adopt a Shelter Cat Month, but spring also brings an abundance of needy puppies, cute kittens, and strays. Adding a new pet to the existing furry family can put tails in a twist. Would you embrace that stranger off the street who smells funny, sleeps in your bed, uses your toilet and gets all the attention from your loved ones?

You may get lucky with love-at-first-sniff, but dumping pets together can breed fear or aggression that lasts a lifetime. There are exceptions, but resident pets often are more tolerant of younger pets of the opposite sex. Whatever your choice, proper introductions help pets start off on the right paw.

Cat-to-Cat Introductions
- Confine the new cat in a single "safe room" so the resident cat understands only part of its territory has been invaded. Provide a litter box, food and water bowls, toys, scratch post and other cat paraphernalia in the new cat's room.

- Keep the solid door closed and monitor the cats' interaction of sniffing and paw pats underneath the door. The cats should "know" each other by scent before they ever set eyes on each other. Expect normal posturing, fluffed fur and hissing at the door.

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]]>Red_RoomAmy D. ShojaiWed, 15 Jun 2011 12:00:00 ESTUnderstanding Your Scaredy Cathttp://www.pawnation.com/2011/06/14/understanding-your-scaredy-cat/http://www.pawnation.com/2011/06/14/understanding-your-scaredy-cat/http://www.pawnation.com/2011/06/14/understanding-your-scaredy-cat/#commentsFiled under:

el illpig, Flickr

Does your new kitten hide under the bed? Do your adult cats disappear when visitors ring the doorbell? Does the new puppy send your kitty into hiss-terics? Learning why cats act scared helps you know how to avoid fear triggers.

Scaredy cats react with fear to unfamiliar people, places or situations, because if they haven't had a good experience, they assume the worst. Many kittens are clueless, but as the cat matures, this "stranger danger" behavior protects them so they don't walk up to hungry critters, dogs or people.

Cats identify friends by smell. But if they haven't cheek-rubbed, groomed or slept together, strangers "smell funny" and therefore are suspect. Cat that are used to only women may fear men with lower voices or with beards. Kids move and sound differently than adults do and can be scary to cats. New dogs or cats often intimidate them, especially when the kitten has never seen a dog before!

A strange environment turns up feline nerves because the boogeyman might lurk in some unknown spot. Your cat won't know the escape routes or safety zones, so fear becomes the default emotion.

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]]>Red_RoomAmy D. ShojaiTue, 14 Jun 2011 15:00:00 ESTSecond-Story Cats - Tips for Countertop Cruising Catshttp://www.pawnation.com/2011/05/23/second-story-cats-tips-for-countertop-cruising-cats/http://www.pawnation.com/2011/05/23/second-story-cats-tips-for-countertop-cruising-cats/http://www.pawnation.com/2011/05/23/second-story-cats-tips-for-countertop-cruising-cats/#commentsFiled under: ,

cat sleeping countertop picture rocketlass, Flickr

Cats become pests with their determination to stay above it all. They cruise kitchen countertops, lounge atop doors and leap to refrigerator tops to ambush treats.

The urge to be the top cat seems a universal cat vice. By understanding why cats scale the heights, cat owners can provide legal outlets that keep both their cats happy and out of the butter dish.

Why Cats Love Heights
Cats come pre-programmed to seek elevated lounging spots. Think about it: cats in the wild want to see enemies (and potentially munchable critters) while remaining invisible. A cat quite literally believes it "owns" the space it can see.

Cats also control each other's interactions--or even the dog's movements--with pointed stares. This packs even more punch from an elevated perch, giving the cat ownership and control over even more territory. The cat that commands the highest perch is the high-cat-on-the-totem-pole in that particular room.

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]]>cat behaviorCatBehaviorRed_RoomAmy D. ShojaiMon, 23 May 2011 12:00:00 ESTNeatness Freaks - How and Why Cats Groomhttp://www.pawnation.com/2011/05/16/neatness-freaks-how-and-why-cats-groom/http://www.pawnation.com/2011/05/16/neatness-freaks-how-and-why-cats-groom/http://www.pawnation.com/2011/05/16/neatness-freaks-how-and-why-cats-groom/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Taekwonweirdo, Flickr

We cherish the cat's fastidious nature. But neatnik behavior goes beyond looking good. How and why cats groom impacts physical, emotional and social health. Kittens learn to lick themselves by 2 weeks of age using copycat behavior, and a slovenly mother will raise kitten slobs. Most times, though, kittens wash themselves by the time they are weaned, and adults spend up to 50 percent of their awake time in some form of grooming.

How Cats Groom
The specialized structure of the tongue makes it a perfect cat comb, while teeth nibble and gnaw at tangles, dirt, and burrs caught in the fur. Each cat's clean regimen varies, but a good wash often happens after meals, naps and potty breaks.

First the mouth, chin and whiskers are licked, followed by shoulders, forelegs, flanks and hind legs. Finally the genitals and then the tail receive attention. Forepaws re-dampened every few swipes serve as furry washrags to scrub face, head and ears. Rear claws scratch to groom the neck and ears, and claws get nibbled clean while front claws also scratch objects to groom them healthy.

Why Cats Groom
Grooming is a barometer of cat health. Cats that feel bad often stop grooming, or lick and pull fur out due to stress or pain. Consider an unthrifty appearance or "barbering" itself bald as a cat's cry for vet care. Cats often need help in the grooming department, especially longhaired breeds. Here are five common reasons why cats groom:

Healthy Skin and Fur. Grooming keeps skin and fur healthy. As they clean themselves, cats also search their skin and fur for dirt, sores or parasites and vacuum away buggy pests.

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]]>Red_RoomAmy D. ShojaiMon, 16 May 2011 17:00:00 ESTLitter-ary Mistakes - How to Solve Hit-or-Miss Potty Behaviorhttp://www.pawnation.com/2011/05/05/litter-ary-mistakes-how-to-solve-hit-or-miss-potty-behavior/http://www.pawnation.com/2011/05/05/litter-ary-mistakes-how-to-solve-hit-or-miss-potty-behavior/http://www.pawnation.com/2011/05/05/litter-ary-mistakes-how-to-solve-hit-or-miss-potty-behavior/#commentsFiled under: ,

cat litter picture Just chaos, Flickr

"Going" outside the litter box is the top cat-behavior complaint of cat owners. Litter-box problems lose cats their homes and lives. But cats use urine and feces to "talk" to owners, even if humans misunderstand the stinky message.

Cats have logical reasons for inappropriate behavior. Understanding the reasons they snub the box often reveals easy fixes that will keep your cat's aim on target. Here are five common reasons cats miss the box, and how to improve their aim.

"I'm Sick!"
Cats faithful to their box who suddenly miss the mark need a vet check. Cystitis, diabetes, kidney problems and thyroid issues can make them "go" more often. Squatting in front of you on the floor is a blatant cry for help.

Arthritis can make it hard for the cat to climb into the box or up stairs to reach the facilities. A cat may also blame the box itself for painful elimination, leading it to look for a new place. Providing a brand new box in a different spot that has no bad associations could make all the difference.

"I Miss You!"
Separation anxiety and other emotional upsets prompt cats to void on important landmarks--like your bed. Spreading its own scent on your S.O.'s belongings can help calm your upset cat's feelings, even though it raises your blood pressure.

"I'm Scared!"
A startling buzz from the clothes dryer may make your cat look for a quieter spot. Getting cornered by the dog or another cat while poised in the box makes even the best facilities unattractive.

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]]>Red_RoomAmy D. ShojaiThu, 05 May 2011 17:00:00 ESTPlaytime! How to Interact with Your Cathttp://www.pawnation.com/2011/05/04/playtime-how-to-interact-with-your-cat/http://www.pawnation.com/2011/05/04/playtime-how-to-interact-with-your-cat/http://www.pawnation.com/2011/05/04/playtime-how-to-interact-with-your-cat/#commentsFiled under:

kitten playing picture Stephanie Farrar

Watching cats play makes us smile, laugh out loud, and maybe even join in the fun. While adult pets play less than rambunctious babies, all cats play to some extent through their entire life. It's not only fun for you both, but healthy as well.

How Cats Play
By 4 weeks of age, kittens practice four basic techniques: play fighting, mouse pounce, bird swat, and fish scoop. The first play displayed by kittens is on the back, belly-up, with paws waving. Feints at the back of a sibling's neck mimic the prey-bite used to dispatch mice (toy or real). Kittens also practice the simpering sideways shuffle, back arched high, almost tiptoeing around other kittens or objects. Soon, the eye-paw coordination improves to execute the pounce, the boxer stance, chase and pursuit, horizontal leaps, and the face-off where kittens bat each other about the head. These skills falls into the following play cat-egories:

Social play refers to games with others. That can be wrestling with littermates, playing tag with other pets, or ambushing the ankles of a favorite human. Social play reaches its peak in kittens aged 9 weeks to 16 weeks, and decreases thereafter. Adopt two kittens together to avoid becoming a target of kitten play aggression.

Object play is interaction with toys--and for a kitten, everything is potentially a toy. Chasing, pawing, clawing and capturing are the names of the games. Movement and sound stimulates play behavior, so choose lightweight, easy-to-bat-around toys that make interesting noise. Try a ping-pong ball in an empty tub. That helps prevent " gravity experiments" when cats push breakables off high shelves to see what happens.

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]]>animal playAnimalPlaycat playCatPlaypet playPetPlayRed_RoomAmy D. ShojaiWed, 04 May 2011 17:00:00 ESTHairballs - 7 Tips to Solve the Big Hairy Dealhttp://www.pawnation.com/2011/04/29/hairballs-7-tips-to-solve-the-big-hairy-deal/http://www.pawnation.com/2011/04/29/hairballs-7-tips-to-solve-the-big-hairy-deal/http://www.pawnation.com/2011/04/29/hairballs-7-tips-to-solve-the-big-hairy-deal/#commentsFiled under: ,

cat grooming in windowMiss Claeson, Flickr

Amy D. Shojai is a certified animal behavior consultant and the award-winning author of 23 pet care books, including "Complete Kitten Care" and "Complete Care for Your Aging Cat."


Many cat owners discover wads of wet fur -- hairballs -- late at night when they step on them with bare feet. Cats seem to instinctively choose to decorate the most stainable portions of the carpet.

It's normal for cats -- especially those with long fur -- to experience hairballs once in a while. Cats spend up to 50 percent of their time awake grooming, and swallow fur in the process. What doesn't end up in the litter box comes out the other end as nasty cigar-shaped hairballs.

But swallowing lots of fur isn't healthy, and hairballs are more than a nasty nuisance. Kitties that produce three or more hairballs a month should be checked by the vet to rule out other health issues. Hairballs cause diarrhea, appetite loss, coughing, retching, constipation -- or even deadly intestinal blockage. Cats have had hairballs as big as baseballs that require surgery to be removed! Most cases won't need surgery, though, and most hairballs can be easily eliminated. Refer to these tips to untangle your cat's hairball problems.

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]]>cat furcat haircat healthgroominghairballhairballsRed_RoomsheddingAmy D. ShojaiFri, 29 Apr 2011 14:00:00 ESTWhy Pets Shed and How to Keep Fur From Flyinghttp://www.pawnation.com/2011/04/19/why-pets-shed-and-how-to-keep-fur-from-flying/http://www.pawnation.com/2011/04/19/why-pets-shed-and-how-to-keep-fur-from-flying/http://www.pawnation.com/2011/04/19/why-pets-shed-and-how-to-keep-fur-from-flying/#commentsFiled under: ,

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collie with brushBrief Grasp, Flickr

Amy D. Shojai is a certified animal behavior consultant and the award-winning author of 23 pet care books, including "Complete Care for Your Aging Dog" and "Complete Care for Your Aging Cat."


Shedding may be a big hairy deal, but it is normal. Floating fur increases the challenge of keeping just-washed apparel a Fido-free zone. Unless you're a passionate pet lover who considers pet hair to be a condiment, understanding how to tame the hairy mess will keep your pet's coat and skin healthy and simplify housecleaning.

Why Pets Shed
It's not the temperature that prompts shedding. Light exposure, either to sun or artificial light, determines the amount and timing. More hair is shed during the greatest exposure to light. Outdoor cats and dogs living in the northeastern United States shed with the seasons, with the most fur flying in late spring for the several weeks during which daylight increases. But house pets under constant exposure to artificial light shed all year long.

Hair grows in cycles beginning with a period of rapid growth in the spring, followed by slower growth, and then ending in a winter resting stage. Mature hairs loosen in the follicles over the winter. In the spring, another cycle of hair growth begins, and new hair pushes the old loose ones out, resulting in an all-over shed.

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]]>brushcat furdog furdog hairfurgroomhairhot spotsmatsmatted furRed_RoomsheddingAmy D. ShojaiTue, 19 Apr 2011 11:00:00 EST7 Weird Cat Behaviors and What They Meanhttp://www.pawnation.com/2011/04/13/7-weird-cat-behaviors-and-what-they-mean/http://www.pawnation.com/2011/04/13/7-weird-cat-behaviors-and-what-they-mean/http://www.pawnation.com/2011/04/13/7-weird-cat-behaviors-and-what-they-mean/#commentsFiled under:

upside down tuxedo catIrish Typepad, Flickr

Amy D. Shojai is a certified animal behavior consultant and the award-winning author of 23 pet care books, including "Complete Kitten Care" and "Complete Care for Your Aging Cat."


We love our cats but don't always understand their seemingly bizarre behaviors. Sure, some things our cats do are unique to them but other actions are shared by felines the world over. Here are seven weird cat behaviors, and what they mean.

Head bonks. The first three months I had my cat, her head turned pink from head-bonking my lipstick. Rubbing behavior, which includes the forehead, cheeks, and full-body slams, is called bunting, and it transfers the cat's signature smell onto objects to mark territory. That means head bonks are kitty compliments declaring you to be so important, he's marked you as his personal property.

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]]>amy d. shojaianimal behaviorcat behaviorcat poopelevator butthead bonkingkneadingphoneplasticpoopRed_Roomweird cat behaviorsAmy D. ShojaiWed, 13 Apr 2011 11:00:00 EST