Polysporin drops to clear up an eye infection on a cat?

Q. My cat has an eye infection. (I know it is an eye infection as he had one a few months ago. I would really rather not incur another 150 dollar vet bill for them to tell me he has an eye infection and prescribe me antibiotic ointment, which he hated). We used to use Polysporin drops with our dogs, on vet advice. Can I do the same for a cat? Is is safe and appropriate to use Polysporin drops on a cat for an eye infection?

A. If they are polysporin eye drops go for it. Try it for a few days and see if the eye is better but be sure to give it at least 5 days.
You can buy terramycin eye drops for cat at a pet store so that might be a better option.
Yes, you should take your cat to the vet so he can give you the proper diagnosis and treatment, but I understand that it can be a significant financial problem for regular people with regular income. I have foster cats/kittens and we always have to think about the budget.

Original Question

Is it normal for a cat to get black nose boogers?

Q. Please don't post opinions. Only answer if u know for sure. I found a lot of people have posted this same quesion on the Internet so it must be common. What causes it? Hoping for vet advice.

A. Yes cats get boogers and they are always black too,its dust gathering up mixed with their moist nose it gets crusty on the edges as it dries, so that's the boogers we get to see,

you will see them on the corners of the eyes too,i always clean it up with my finger for my cat as soon as i put my finger to her nose she moves her head about to be sure they are gone,

i do the same for her eyes too i don't mind my own cats boogers! so if you have central heating you will notice regular ones, as the air gets dried with dust so cats breath it in,

not to worry its so common and we notice it more with cats who have a paler coloured face,not a vet just common sense after always having cats,hope this helps.

Original Question

How do I choose pet insurance for my cats?

Q. I am adopting a male kitten, and a young adult female cat. Both are already fixed, have current shots, neither have current special needs, and both will be indoor cats. What types of things should I consider when choosing pet insurance? In general, what is covered by insurance and what is not? Or does it really depend on the plan?

Or should I just ask the vet for advice when I take them in for an initial checkup?

A. a few things to consider:
-does the company increase your rates each year just because your pet is getting older?
-what type of payout limits do they have/benefit schedules?
-is it an ongoing policy? (some companies will only pay for a condition the first year it happens, but if it continues into the second policy year, it will not be covered)

i have trupanion for my dog and its great-- i foudn this article they wrote that has some good tips (see link below)

Original Question

What is a good brand of cat food for sensitive stomach?

Q. My cat Sammy is going to turn 10 years old next week but he has been vomiting after eating. I consulted a vet for advice and she said he has a sensitive stomach. What is a good brand for sensitive stomach and hair all control? Thanks:-)

A. My cat Buddy has IBD and also has a very sensitive stomach. I feed him as well as my three other cats Nutro Natural Choice dry food and I also feed them canned food. Since Sammy is a senior, I'd recommend you feed the Mature Formula. Natural Choice is easy to digest for the sensitive stomach. It doesn't contain any chicken by-products, ground corn or any artificial colors flavors or preservatives. I'm a pet nutrition specialist with Nutro and have been feeding it for over 25 years to all my furry kids and it's always worked great. Here's a link to learn more about it and read some reviews. http://www.nutro.com/natural-cat-food/natural-choice-cat-food/mature-health-senior-cat-food-chicken-meal-rice-formula.aspx Good luck and hope this helps.

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How do you deal with a cat that begs constantly?

Q. I recently put my cat on a diet (vet's advice) and he spends a lot of time begging me for food now. He yells and paws at me, even when I'm sleeping. It's only been a week since the diet started so maybe this will subside but I wanted to know if there's a "good" way of responding - does it make it worse to pick him up, pet him or is it better to ignore it? Does anything work?

A. You really just have to wait it out. Remember that your cat has absolutly nothing to do except test you. Seriously. You as a human have bills to pay, tv to watch, books to read, internet, the lawn to mow, etc...
Figuring out how to get what he wants is all you cat has to think about.

If he begs for an hour and you finally give in, just to shut him up, you have just taught him that all he has to do in the future is beg for an hour. Cats are unlike dogs in many ways, but a significant difference is that cats will respond to reward much more readily than they do to punishment. If he gets what he wants after a long ordeal of you pushing him away or yelling at him to leave you alone, he will forget about all the negative stuff and remember that, "hey, at least I know that eventually I'll get the food I want."

Original Question

Why does my cat keep peeing outside the litter box?

Q. Recently my mom and I took in a stray (who is about 2 or 3 years old). He's been to the vet a month or so ago - he's healthy, got his shots, neutered etc. We also have 2 older cats. At first we kept him in our side guest room. Now the cats don't mind each other so much (they don't break into fights and can stand being in the same room with one another. Sometimes they even play). But this new cat just started doing something weird - he pees on the couch in his room (not just a spray, but a FULL ON urination). Happened about three times. We got rid of the couch. Mind you, his litter box is always clean. Now that the couch is gone, he pees on the floor, in the spot where the couch used to be. I'm nervous he could have a UTI and is going somewhere he feels comfortable to urinate. My mom thinks it's behavioral or territorial. We're not sure. Has anyone encountered a problem like this? Please help! I am thinking of asking the vet for advice too.
Thanks to all those who have answered so far! - I believe he poops in the litter box, but only pees outside of it. So I don't think it could be a problem with the litter? I suppose a trip to the vet is kind of necessary now.
And our one cat, Pongo, loves to follow our stray, Padfoot, around the house a lot and sniff his butt all the time. I caught him once staring at Padfoot while he was using the litter box (I suppose waiting for him to finish so he could sniff his butt!). So maybe he needs more privacy haha.
My friend just told me her cat did the same thing because she had crystals in her urine and it went away/she stopped doing it once they got medication. So a trip to the vet it is! Thanks to everyone who answered!

A. Your cat may be ill or perhaps needs to be spayed. Improper elimination is often a symptom of a medical problem. Usually it's a urinary infection and easily treated. These conditions are PAINFUL, so your cat associates the litter box with pain and avoids it. So off to the vet!

Litter box problems are very frustrating for all.....human and feline. Here's a link that you might find helpful:

http://www.absolutelycats.com/22LitterBox.html

Here's a link to Cat Attract Kitty Litter. Many have had success with this product:

http://www.preciouscat.com/

And, if you need help cleaning up "mistakes"

http://www.preciouscat.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Email_026587-PC_ChinaVer.pdf


Good Luck!

Original Question

My cat went into labor 24 hours ago and only had 1 kitten. How long will she go before having the rest?

Q. She has been in labor all day and not had another kitten in the past 24 hours. I have been rubbing her tummy all day and she has been puching but no other kittens have came. I am worried because she is breathing funny. I can't afford to take her to the vet. Any advice???

A. The kittens should not be more than 2 hours apart in delivery time. Your cat needs to see a vet immediately because the kitten is probably lodged/stuck in her which can and will kill the kittens and the mom. If you can't afford to take her to the vet, you cannot afford kittens by any means! Take her to the emergency vet immediately or you will have no cats! They often let you make playments over time- this is an emergency and she needs to be seen.
Your cat and the kittens are suffering and you need to be responsible and take her to the vet immediately.

Original Question

How do i help my cats bladder infection?

Q. My sister is so stupid and cant do a simple job of cleaning a litterbox, so my cat got an infection in his bladder. If it gets worse im taking him to the vet, but any advice on keeping him under control to where he can move? Thanks guys! Xoxoxo

A. If you think he has a bladder infection he needs to go to the vet NOW not if it gets worse.

Rather than trying to limit his movement get him the antibiotics he needs.

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Is this one of the hardest decisions a cat lover will ever have to make?

Q. My eldest cat is an amazing 21 years old and near the end of her life; she has kidney failure and a bad heart. Every day I feel that I must take her to the vet's, to be put to sleep. I think I just hope she will fall asleep, in her favourite spot, and never wake up again and thus take the decision out of my hands. Any advice from cat lovers please?

A. i agree with kit kat. if your cat is in pain then it is unfair to keep her in pain if you know you can stop it.

i had a old tom cat that was 16, he had quite a few problems with his eyes, ears, back, kidneys etc and at one point the vet said to me "at the moment he's fine and in no pain at all but the older he gets the worse it may become"

i prepared for that day and it came when he was 18, he'd been completely fine until this day (had regular checks at vets inbetween). i woke up as normal and i knew when i looked at him that he wasnt right. i think he's reached his level and had just decided he'd had enough. i sat with him all day on my lap while i waited for the vet appointment. he just sat and purred all day long and didnt move once. when i got him to the vets i'd made sure i'd said my goodbye during the day but i stayed with him while he went to sleep so he knew i was there.

i know its a sad thing to have to do, but at some point whether they make you aware in their own little way or whether your vet says it time you have to think if their feelings before our own. i broke my heart when i left the vets but i knew he wasnt in pain any more and that he was in a better place.

my cat wasnt in any pain (so my vet told me) until that day. so it really is a hard choice to make. if your cat is in no pain then let her be until she shows signs of wanting to go or your vet thinks it time. i know its hard and i really do feel for you. im sure you will make the right choice. but whatever you do, and i know this is a hard thing, when/if she has to be put to sleep just stay with her as if you have been her owner for that long she will be more comfortable knowing your there with her.

Original Question

Can roundworms be present in a negative fecal sample?

Q. We took vet advice and went with a 1/2 pill of Drontal Plus now and then again in 3 weeks for our new 8 week old puppy that had not been de-wormed yet NO worms were found in feces. Vet said roundworm eggs that are microscopic could still be present even on the coat of the dog and urged regular handwashing for my 10 year old who over does that already. He said in some individuals blindness had occurred in those infected with roundworm-mainly children. We are washing our hands FREQUENTLY now as my daughter became quite scared of the pup as a result. Any practical advice to calm the excessive handwashing out there re: puppy as a possible contaminant? On the internet, the CDC publishes th10,000 new cases of infection with roundworm and 700 cases of permanent visual loss in children mainly 5-10. My daughter, thank God is healthy and with the negative sample, I just have her wash hands after playing with the pup and prior to eating as the vet said. Anyone aware of this or have advice?

A. We look for parasite eggs microscopically when we are trying to detect worms. Sometimes the worms just aren't shedding any eggs in the stool that day, or the sample wasn't adequate to test properly. So YES, the pup can have worms but test negative. At our practice, we test the stool each time the pup comes in for a booster vaccine. Sometimes we don't detect some parasites until the 2nd or 3rd visit! Your vet did the right thing by deworming your puppy anyway. Parasites are a possible health risk, especially to children and immuno-compromised people.

Pick up your puppys stool and dispose of it. Don't let it sit outside to contaminate the yard and cause reinfection. Wash hands after playing with the puppy and after playing outside. Wear shoes outside. These worms can live for years in the soil and may be spread by roaming cats and dogs as well. Keep your puppy on a heartworm prevention monthly that will also keep him dewormed for intestinal parasites as well. Most puppies and kittens are born with roundworms. Don't be afraid of your puppy! Just follow your vets advice and you should do just fine.

Original Question

How do you deal with a cat that begs constantly?

Q. I recently put my cat on a diet (vet's advice) and he spends a lot of time begging me for food now. He yells and paws at me, even when I'm sleeping. It's only been a week since the diet started so maybe this will subside but I wanted to know if there's a "good" way of responding - does it make it worse to pick him up, pet him or is it better to ignore it? Does anything work?

A. You really just have to wait it out. Remember that your cat has absolutly nothing to do except test you. Seriously. You as a human have bills to pay, tv to watch, books to read, internet, the lawn to mow, etc...
Figuring out how to get what he wants is all you cat has to think about.

If he begs for an hour and you finally give in, just to shut him up, you have just taught him that all he has to do in the future is beg for an hour. Cats are unlike dogs in many ways, but a significant difference is that cats will respond to reward much more readily than they do to punishment. If he gets what he wants after a long ordeal of you pushing him away or yelling at him to leave you alone, he will forget about all the negative stuff and remember that, "hey, at least I know that eventually I'll get the food I want."

Original Question

Why does my cat keep peeing outside the litter box?

Q. Recently my mom and I took in a stray (who is about 2 or 3 years old). He's been to the vet a month or so ago - he's healthy, got his shots, neutered etc. We also have 2 older cats. At first we kept him in our side guest room. Now the cats don't mind each other so much (they don't break into fights and can stand being in the same room with one another. Sometimes they even play). But this new cat just started doing something weird - he pees on the couch in his room (not just a spray, but a FULL ON urination). Happened about three times. We got rid of the couch. Mind you, his litter box is always clean. Now that the couch is gone, he pees on the floor, in the spot where the couch used to be. I'm nervous he could have a UTI and is going somewhere he feels comfortable to urinate. My mom thinks it's behavioral or territorial. We're not sure. Has anyone encountered a problem like this? Please help! I am thinking of asking the vet for advice too.
Thanks to all those who have answered so far! - I believe he poops in the litter box, but only pees outside of it. So I don't think it could be a problem with the litter? I suppose a trip to the vet is kind of necessary now.
And our one cat, Pongo, loves to follow our stray, Padfoot, around the house a lot and sniff his butt all the time. I caught him once staring at Padfoot while he was using the litter box (I suppose waiting for him to finish so he could sniff his butt!). So maybe he needs more privacy haha.
My friend just told me her cat did the same thing because she had crystals in her urine and it went away/she stopped doing it once they got medication. So a trip to the vet it is! Thanks to everyone who answered!

A. Your cat may be ill or perhaps needs to be spayed. Improper elimination is often a symptom of a medical problem. Usually it's a urinary infection and easily treated. These conditions are PAINFUL, so your cat associates the litter box with pain and avoids it. So off to the vet!

Litter box problems are very frustrating for all.....human and feline. Here's a link that you might find helpful:

http://www.absolutelycats.com/22LitterBox.html

Here's a link to Cat Attract Kitty Litter. Many have had success with this product:

http://www.preciouscat.com/

And, if you need help cleaning up "mistakes"

http://www.preciouscat.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Email_026587-PC_ChinaVer.pdf


Good Luck!

Original Question

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How do you deal with a cat that begs constantly?

Q. I recently put my cat on a diet (vet's advice) and he spends a lot of time begging me for food now. He yells and paws at me, even when I'm sleeping. It's only been a week since the diet started so maybe this will subside but I wanted to know if there's a "good" way of responding - does it make it worse to pick him up, pet him or is it better to ignore it? Does anything work?

A. You really just have to wait it out. Remember that your cat has absolutly nothing to do except test you. Seriously. You as a human have bills to pay, tv to watch, books to read, internet, the lawn to mow, etc...
Figuring out how to get what he wants is all you cat has to think about.

If he begs for an hour and you finally give in, just to shut him up, you have just taught him that all he has to do in the future is beg for an hour. Cats are unlike dogs in many ways, but a significant difference is that cats will respond to reward much more readily than they do to punishment. If he gets what he wants after a long ordeal of you pushing him away or yelling at him to leave you alone, he will forget about all the negative stuff and remember that, "hey, at least I know that eventually I'll get the food I want."

Original Question

Why does my cat keep peeing outside the litter box?

Q. Recently my mom and I took in a stray (who is about 2 or 3 years old). He's been to the vet a month or so ago - he's healthy, got his shots, neutered etc. We also have 2 older cats. At first we kept him in our side guest room. Now the cats don't mind each other so much (they don't break into fights and can stand being in the same room with one another. Sometimes they even play). But this new cat just started doing something weird - he pees on the couch in his room (not just a spray, but a FULL ON urination). Happened about three times. We got rid of the couch. Mind you, his litter box is always clean. Now that the couch is gone, he pees on the floor, in the spot where the couch used to be. I'm nervous he could have a UTI and is going somewhere he feels comfortable to urinate. My mom thinks it's behavioral or territorial. We're not sure. Has anyone encountered a problem like this? Please help! I am thinking of asking the vet for advice too.
Thanks to all those who have answered so far! - I believe he poops in the litter box, but only pees outside of it. So I don't think it could be a problem with the litter? I suppose a trip to the vet is kind of necessary now.
And our one cat, Pongo, loves to follow our stray, Padfoot, around the house a lot and sniff his butt all the time. I caught him once staring at Padfoot while he was using the litter box (I suppose waiting for him to finish so he could sniff his butt!). So maybe he needs more privacy haha.
My friend just told me her cat did the same thing because she had crystals in her urine and it went away/she stopped doing it once they got medication. So a trip to the vet it is! Thanks to everyone who answered!

A. Your cat may be ill or perhaps needs to be spayed. Improper elimination is often a symptom of a medical problem. Usually it's a urinary infection and easily treated. These conditions are PAINFUL, so your cat associates the litter box with pain and avoids it. So off to the vet!

Litter box problems are very frustrating for all.....human and feline. Here's a link that you might find helpful:

http://www.absolutelycats.com/22LitterBox.html

Here's a link to Cat Attract Kitty Litter. Many have had success with this product:

http://www.preciouscat.com/

And, if you need help cleaning up "mistakes"

http://www.preciouscat.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Email_026587-PC_ChinaVer.pdf


Good Luck!

Original Question

My cat went into labor 24 hours ago and only had 1 kitten. How long will she go before having the rest?

Q. She has been in labor all day and not had another kitten in the past 24 hours. I have been rubbing her tummy all day and she has been puching but no other kittens have came. I am worried because she is breathing funny. I can't afford to take her to the vet. Any advice???

A. The kittens should not be more than 2 hours apart in delivery time. Your cat needs to see a vet immediately because the kitten is probably lodged/stuck in her which can and will kill the kittens and the mom. If you can't afford to take her to the vet, you cannot afford kittens by any means! Take her to the emergency vet immediately or you will have no cats! They often let you make playments over time- this is an emergency and she needs to be seen.
Your cat and the kittens are suffering and you need to be responsible and take her to the vet immediately.

Original Question

How do i help my cats bladder infection?

Q. My sister is so stupid and cant do a simple job of cleaning a litterbox, so my cat got an infection in his bladder. If it gets worse im taking him to the vet, but any advice on keeping him under control to where he can move? Thanks guys! Xoxoxo

A. If you think he has a bladder infection he needs to go to the vet NOW not if it gets worse.

Rather than trying to limit his movement get him the antibiotics he needs.

Original Question

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