Sick cats don't always say ouch
By Denise Flaim/Newsday
Cats are subtle.
This, of course, is the whole point, say their fawning humans. Disdainful of the panting, pawing, woofing neediness of that other species with which they often share domiciles, cats are the proverbial still streams.
But when they are sick, these consummate stoics also can lead lives of quiet desperation that go unnoticed by all but the most attentive human.
"Cats are like snowflakes - they're all similar, but different," says veterinarian James R. Richards, director of the Cornell Feline Health Center at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine in Ithaca. The one thing they do share is an all-too-deft ability to hide illness and pain. "If people would become cat watchers - an act that I find joyful, because they're such a hoot to observe - we might discover really significant illness that may not have manifested yet."
The key, says Richards, is learning to recognize what is normal behavior for your particular cat, so that deviations from it become readily apparent. In addition, schedule twice-a-year wellness checks, instead of annual ones, to pick up any physical or metabolic changes.
Being the reserved, majestic creatures that they are, cats have a relatively limited repertoire of ways to communicate that there is something wrong, Richards says. Among the signs that might get you dialing the vet:
Changes in behavior. Cats are creatures of habit, so watch for a break in routine, however subtle - such as not greeting you when you arrive home, or hiding more than usual under furniture.
Another warning sign might be a cat that routinely sleeps on top of the counter but now has abandoned that post for a different one, or is sleeping for more hours, or during different hours.
"They're not the kind of jab-you-in-the-rib changes that sometimes we'll see with dogs," Richard says, but they might be cause for concern.
Increased activity isn't always a good thing, either. "If your cat's acting like he's had five cups of Starbucks, don't just dismiss it as 'My old cat's feeling frisky,'" he warns. It could be something more serious, such as hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid).
Inappropriate elimination. Litterbox woes are a common theme among cat owners. Often they are caused by emotional turbulence in a cat's environment - the arrival of a new animal, a change in human residents, an impending divorce or other life events.
A change to the litterbox itself also can disrupt potty patterns: A new lid on the box or a switch in brands of litter is sometimes all it takes for a kitty to go AWOL.
But a physical problem may be the culprit. If urinating causes pain, a cat may associate it with the box and so might avoid it. Some intestinal problems or diabetes can cause increased eliminations and more "misses."
"Sometimes you have to be a detective to figure out what's going on," says Richards, who suggests scrutinizing the litterbox to see if there is any change in the volume or consistency of stool, or the wetness of the litter itself.
Changes in appetite. In multi-cat households where cats are free-fed, monitoring eating patterns can be a challenge. Loss of appetite is an obvious red flag, but overeating can point to an underlying physical problem, too.
Changes in odor. In cats, bad breath is more than just a turn-off; it can be a sign of periodontal disease. Oral cancers also can go unnoticed - when was the last time your cat willingly opened wide, or let you peek under its tongue?
Changes in grooming. If you're feeling under the weather, the last thing you want to do is get all dolled up. So look more closely at that cat with an unkempt coat. Watch for bare spots or a difference in fur texture.
"Grooming behavior takes up a good part of a cat's day," says Richard. "Cats may stop if they don't feel well, or if it's painful to groom - if they have severe arthritis, maybe it's hard to get their tongue to certain parts of their body."
Also, "because cats are basically covered in dry cat spit," Richards says, a "yucky" coat can point to mouth problems.
Changes in vocalization. As much as you may relish the silence, pay attention to the talkative cat who now is quiet as a church mouse.
Conversely, pumping up the volume is a typical sign of hyperthyroidism, as well as cognitive dysfunction, or senility.
Write to Denise Flaim, c/o Newsday, 235 Pinelawn Rd., Melville, NY 11747-4250; or e-mail denise.flaim@ newsday.com. Visit her blog at newsday.com/animalhouse.
Email: denise.flaim@newsday.com
Comments (685)
Do not buy fur products from China. They are selling cat and dog fur and 40% of all sales are made to the US. They also skin these animals alive to make a profit and stuff them on top of each other in cages. In the U.S. any item sold for less than $150 does not have to list the type of fur used, and then too if listed, the manufactures lie about it.
This practice is so horrible - close your eyes and imagine your little lovie being skinned alive or your little sweetheart piled in small cage with 5 or 6 other pets - waiting to be made into some stupid $10 item to be sold in our pet stores or in our toy stores or in service stations. Please refuse to buy anything made in China.
SEDONA: PLEASE stop with the horrific details. We know by now what goes on. We are trying to help the situation with petitions and such. We can keep supporting to ban some of these products and keep try to help in anyway we can. I learned of this tragedy 5 yrs ago, and IT HAUNTS ME to this day!
I realize some things need to be brought to our attention, and that is fine. All I am trying to say without you taking offense here, is PLEASE STOP WITH THE HORRIFIC DETAIS. It's getting hard to just scroll past it all.
Thanks Rosa
Rosa, I am not bringing it to your attention. And I'm sorry that it bothers you so very much. I am bringing it to the attention of the people that read the blog and don't post that simply must be told the truth of this horror. I told my sister-in-law and she didn't know anything about it. So people don't know and the blog is greater than a few people who post here regularly.
I'm sorry it bothers you, but it should bother all of us so very much that we riot in the streets to stop it. I'm posting here so people will write their government reps and write Ralph Lauren and DKNY and all the others that make items in China and too those that import these fur items. This simply must be stopped and I believe in my heart and soul that all of us united can really help. Otherwise, it is foolish for me to nag about this - and I am not a fool.
I think Sedona is enjoying Rosa. She's evil like that.
Rosa - is there any news on Annie? Has the pooch been spotted lately?
SEDONA, WHATEVER!
Yes Pam, Annie was spotted yesturday at around noon, and there are some good people and good plans bieng implimented as I type this. I am looking forward to reporting a rescue soon!
Thanks for asking.
MARTY: It must be 5:00 somewhere, right? lol
Here is hoping for a rescue for Annie and all the others too. Thanks for the update Rosa.
I'll join you in that 5:00 o'clock somewhere thought.
Yes Rosa.
CHEERS PAM!
RIGHT BACK AT YOU!!!
Hoping and praying for a rescue today Rosa.
Gail, Anything on Hopey?
HEADS UP MARTY AND PAM, Wine corks a fly'n! lol
Yippie.
I'll keep my eyes open for any low-flying objects overhead!!lol.
~ I want to say, the dog fur thing is nothing new, it just takes SOME people longer than others to find out about it. I'm with you Rosa, no need to post the gore about it. People can work silently objecting to these type actions. ~
P.S. By "work silently" I mean, you don't have to post the GORE. It's hard to work silently and let people know about whats going on I realize........petitions etc. would be welcome I would think. ~
The blog can be a wonderful tool for change to bring this issue to the attention of those that do not know about it. You have to put some details about it otherwise, it is just passed over. Believe me, I am not evil for bringing it up - it is wrong to ignore it or to not want as many people to know as possible. But I expect to be attacked for putting this here and that's okay. I will take the attack and ugly comments but I can and will be happy that maybe a few hundred people know about this and will tell their friends and maybe we can help stop the suffering of God's creatures in China.
I don't believe I posted gore needlessly or to harm anyone.
Kathy of Colorado mentioned the horses being crammed in the box cars, no food, no water, no room, terrified.
So, the little cats and dogs, crammed on top of each other, no food, no water, terrified, and then skinned alive - to die in agony. I bet the horses are not killed humanely either. I see no difference. So, blog readers out there please don't buy goods from China and demand cat and dog fur products removed from the shelves. I will post more on how to be most effective in this effort later. Thank you.
Sedona - there is a lot of difference when you mention the word SKINNED ALIVE - a bit gorier than being crammed into trailers without food or water. I could have described the process after they arrive at the sh but I didn't - now that's gore
Sedona,
Give it a break. Intelligent women reside here. We don't need your personal help to fight animal cruelty. Folks know how to fight this battle already ... nor do we need your hurtful gory descriptions!
Well, somehow I think we can take the truth of it. Maybe we need to look at the truth of their misery and maybe that truth will motivate people to not buy fur products or any products made in China. And maybe the truth of the horses and how the horses from the remake of Flicka died needs to be discussed so as to motivate us to action. Hot and thirsty is pretty horrific if you ask me - but then again maybe we don't really know how horrific go without water for days ......no food, no water, no love, pretty bad stuff.....
I don't expect you to like it. I write for those that don't know. How can I possibly be writing for all you well-educated and knowing people? I bet there are many people who read this that don't know. It's okay with me that you don't like it. I dislike what China is doing more that I dislike your dislike of what I am writing.
That fact that you are bringing this to everyone's attention is wonderful, Sedona. But you do not have to mention the gory details. The horses that Kathy in CO talks about in the slaughterhouses come to a horrible ending, too, but she does not mention the details. They weren't necessary. She brought this to our attention and now we can try to do something about it. The same applies to the China situation.
I will not keep putting in about their horrible death over and over. But I will mention it now and again for the readers that don't know.
I do believe that this is important and I truly believe the blog has readers that don't know and they need to know.
Sedona - every day I post the names of representatives for people to call and ask them to please vote yes to pass the anti-slaughter act and bills that are coming before Congress and the House - that is how I try to better that situation - asking these good friends to call or email or fax their letters is all I do - I post the names and numbers - I don't give them step by step details of what happens.
Perhaps if you want to post your gory details, you can take it to the site where you post your visions Sedona - that way those that want to read and don't know will find out.
Wanted to let everyone know that I talked to Heather at LCC (Last Chance Corral) - she works with Victoria - asked her if she had a count yet of all the money that Team Vivi had donated and she promised she would round it up and get back with me tomorrow - they just adopted 8 foals out to a rescue group that is with the Friends of Barbaro so that was a big group. I think I had mentioned earlier that they had viral pneumonia go thru their shelter - they lost two foals from that - cocopop and another little foal that never even got posted. I asked if the pictures were not up there any longer, if that meant that they had been adopted and she said yes - so it looks like the ones that were named for Vivi have found new forever homes. Congratulations girls - will let you know how much we contributed as soon as I hear. www.lastchancecorral.org/foal_rescue/LCCNurseMareFoalRescue.php
I will be posting my visions of WINE, CHOCOLATE AND BEER FOR those interested on the next thread.
WARNING: DIETERS BEWARE!
that black kitty looks like my little lost Bowdee kitty
Kathy, really - it is not that gory - would it be better if I said their death is painful and agonizing and people in civilized countries should and need to object? I can do that and I will do that, but I think the truth somehow is better and difficult too, yes it is difficult.
So that means Bowdee's a handsome little devil.
It would be nice to hear some positive suggestions on how one might go about changing this situation especially with the Olympics being held in China soon.
Instead of being upset with me, I'd think all you highly intelligent people would be upset at China and the American Importers and Manufactures who order and manufacture from China.
Look at the picture of the link I posted below - look into their sad eyes, and tell me you are not moved to do something. And tell me it isn't okay to post about it here in the hopes that more people will read about it and do something. People act when their hearts are touched - people march in streets when the truth needs to be known - and at least for me, the truth of this situation must be made as public as possible, and if you can't look at the link and understand then understand by my plea alone that this is so important that you should suffer discomfort in order to help them:
Link to Pet mistreatment in China: 40% of all animal (pet) fur is shipped to the United States. Only for the strong minded and strong willed soul:
http://nycanimalrights.com/dog%20and%20cat%20fur.htm
Posted by: Sedona | March 12, 2007 at 01:54 PM
And for those that have looked and will write their gov. reps. and the retailers thank you so very much.
Send it away: "Ridiculous stuff" is not using your real name to post. NOT MY CHOCOLATE FOUNTAIN! lol
you need a little sweet in your life, not BITTERNESS!
Sedona, you are correct. The United States receives the most fur from China. I don't think very many Americans know that. I don't think very many people reading this blog even knew that. When you see anything generic, made of fur -- even if it says "faux fur" -- there's a pretty good chance it came from an animal in China that suffered miserably its entire life. I, for one, appreciate your persistence. I've worked on this issue for five years, and find that most people simply don't want to hear about it. You, however, not only were brave enough to listen, but are motivated to try and institute change.
What you said Elizabeth about the pets - the words like an arrow that went straight through my heart and I dared look at the link - the sad lonely eyes compelled me to write about it here in the hopes that some that don't know will do something about it too.
My God grant mercy of the animals in China and may God seek justice for their misery, and whatever God does to those that know and buy the products - well that is in God's hands - may he at least enlighten them.
For all those that have been reading about this issue today, would you pleas write your Senators and all governmental officials locally, statewide, and Federal, and ask your friends who are like minded to write seeking a law that will prevent the use of cat and dog hair on products sold in the U.S., and also remember not to buy anything that even looks like fur or leather from China, and better still - don't buy products made in China.
Thank you all for caring to listen and for caring to write.
Sedona We will not buy fur things from China--they are brutal. OKay?? We Promise. Now settle down and think about sweet Woody!! I bet he is full and warm today.
For all that don't buy goods from China - wonderful, for all that will not buy from this day on out - wonderful.
But we do need to know and we do need to look and we do need to hear. Then change will happen. And for our hurting hearts, and for the images that never leave our minds, thank God - this means you are human and this means you have a soul.
Send it Away: WHERE IN MY POST DID I SAY "WHY BOTHER TO CARE"??????
I CARE, AND I SUPPORT NOT BUYING ANY THING TRIMMED WITH FUR. SO DON'T PUT WORDS IN MY MOUTH.
Forget chocolate or sweetness in your life YOU NEED MEDS! ASAP CALL YOUR DR. NO!!!!!!
Martha Miller - it's sweet Moses - he got his stiches out today and is doing so much better. And to report, so is Mercy. I am very thankful for this. Cindy's tail is healing.
Thank you for your kind reassurances about the fur. God bless you.
SEND IT AWAY: WHY DON'T YOU USE YOUR REAL NAME?
SEND IT AWAY: If you use your real name I'll have a nice box of chocolates sent to you. LOL
So Sorry Send it Away, I don't think your Dr. has enough meds for your problem.
That doesn't answer my question, why don't you use your real name? still waiting...
I think we have the same opinion on this, all I asked was to ease up on the gore. Like I said in an earlier post.
We feel the same about the animals in China. So what is the real problem with you?
Kathy,
I was thinking the black cat in the window looks like my cat Dino and also another one I had..Strange how so
many black cats look alike isn't it? Both of my boys had gold eyes.
Rosa, there are lots of folk who post here without using their name -- I can think of "tired" "blable" and "McBragal" off the top of my head. Why aren't you critical of them, as well?
Sedona feels passionate about an issue that involves animal cruelty. She feels like she wants to do something about it. What I don't understand is why you all aren't supportive of that?
Beth, Why is me suggesting to just ease up on the gore touched so many buttons?
and why are you bieng so critical of me? there has been alot worse said here, then my suggesting of easing up on the "Gore". GIVE ME A BREAK!
Send it Away: I am only the Arbiter of Chocolate and Wine discussions. When you use your real name, when asking me a question, I'll give you a real answer COWARD!
I didn't think my comments were filled with unacceptable details - aka - gore.
Gore is something different - I thought I was more factual and then light handed on it at that. But enough information needs to be printed so as to move people to respond or to take action. I didn't go about to offend, and if I offended then forgive my offense, but still I wrote to move the heart and to motivate readers so that they too would feel the burden and take action. In that light, I believe I did what was necessary.
BETH: WHO SAID WE AREN't SUPPORTIVE? I SAW PROGRAM ON THIS 5YRS AGO, I KNOW WHAT GOES ON! JUST BECAUSE I DON'T LIKE TO KEEP READING ABOUT IT, DOESN'T MEAN I DONT' CARE, GET IT THROUGH YOU THICK CRITICAL HEAD!!!!
Oh, now I understand Rosa. My words are so real to you - because you too know the truth.
Probably any mention of it will bring up these images - they haunt me too and I just learned about it. Some don't even care, like my sister-in-law who says that's China's problem.
I will just accept the pain for now. Because it hurts me too as I write about it and think about it and gaze into my pets - it hurts deeply. And I think because it hurts so much, that means we love so much, so deeply our pets. I don't fight my pain or my hurt - I see it as something beautiful that God is perfecting. May he perfect us all to stop this horrific practice.
Oh, while you're yelling at everyone on the blog, and screaming at Send It Away, and instructing Sedona to stop posting things that you don't want to hear, I'M the critical one? That is pretty hilarious. Listen to yourself.
Yelling at the blog? just at you and Send it Away. I didn't yell at Sedona, when I asked her kindly if she could ease up on the details.
AT Least this is the FIRST TIME of me yelling at the "BLOG" Beth. How many times have you YELLED at the blog?
Rosa, I would think you would commend Sedona, not condemn her.
Beth: Where did I condemn Sedona? by just asking her to leave out some details?
I will try to be considerate and to put down just the right words - words that will motivate and not hurt - but finding the right ones will probably be difficult - since what is happening in China is by definition so hurtful and horrific, but maybe I can think of something that will not bring up those horrible images - what I do not know. The perfect may not exist but I will try to think of something creative and effective.
Good night all!
Okay, Rosa. Maybe you just make fun of Sedona:
"I will be posting my visions of WINE, CHOCOLATE AND BEER FOR those interested on the next thread."
SUE ME BETH!
Rosa, I commend you for your words! I guess you've read CATCHER IN THE RYE AND LORD OF THE BUZZIES? Do you have any extra chocolate? I'll trade you some vanilla vodka for a little chocolate and a third eye I was trying to grow, but gave up on..
Tapping my foooot, and waiting and waiting for a zinger!
Ruby, Sounds good to me, YOUR ON!
Lame reply, Rosa. Is that the best you could come up with?
WHY are you a lawyer?
WHY are you a whiner?
Somtimes....when I don't have my chocolate. What about you, are you a whiner?
Rosa, Ruby! Chocolate is my favorite, second only to spaghetti! Plz send the sweets and the beverages my way, too!!
Rosa, have any sightings of Annie been reported for today? I know you will report the latest info as soon as you get it, but waiting is so hard. Sounds like there is a great group out looking for her. May they snag that babe and tonight would be perfect!
I asked you WHY you are a whiner, not WHETHER you are a whiner. We all know that you are a whiner.
I take that as a compliment Beth. Id rather be a WHINER than an ACCUSER. Thank you!
Mila: Yes Annie was sighted yestuday afternoon. She is still out there. EARS group is till helping out, I am hoping to get good news soon. Thanks for asking. Rosa
Kathy, I thought of little Bowdee as soon as I saw the photo of the black kitty in the window posted above. Such a beautiful boy your Bowdee is!!
Mentioning animal cruelty, and then giving us a petition to sign, or some constructive way in which we can prevent it from happening again is worth the report. Even when we were talking about safe and unsafe shredder practices, it was a wake up call to the problems which occur. Bringing up animal cruelty just to discuss the details is IMHO being cruel to the readers here. I agree with Rosa,and sometimes I feel we are playing can you top this. I know one of the major reasons I got involved here was that Vivi was more than a tragic story to read, it was a way that we who love animals could get involved and help.
SIA your "liguistic signature" is very similar to Sure's.
Rosa, was Annie sighted yesterday in the same vicinity of the previous sightings or was she actually 5 miles away?
Kathy,
Now I will have a beautiful visual of Bowdee when I pray for him. This kitty reminds me of my sister's black Persian Clancy who is also a "window sitter".
Mila I was told it was more like 2 miles away from her previous sighting. She is in an open area there that is considered a "Bird Sanctuary".
Guys! Lighten Up!
Sodena, I feel your pain, I once saw a documentary about what goes on in China.. They are terrible people..
But that is not the only place that all this slaughter goes on.
It happens right here in the USA. If we can stop Horse slaughter here then we can go to other countries..
I have been going on the Tom Wooley web site.
I have read about such wonderful people. These people pull the horses from slaughter everyday ..
I am in awe of what these people do eveyday..
I have read story about a horse that was abused & they tried to save him. But it did not make it..
Nobody ever wants any animal, to suffer..
I always ask myself why, does God let this happen..
But in my heart I know that all these people, that hurt animals, will one day pay the price.. We may never know, but they will..
Rosa,
Thank you for offering to post for Missy--I just got the e-mail. I'm trying to get them to send me a picture or a flyer. I hope they have used the right e-mail. (School's e-mail is down because of a time change problem. Some of the Michigan system's are calling it a mini Y2k.)
I have placed an ad with Petfinder, and they are working with the police. I'm also watching shelter lists.
Rosa,
If Annie is in a Bird Santuary that may be a good thing..
Maybe she will hang around, if she is one for chasing birds...
Sharon, Please send the flyer to me when you get it. I would love to post for Missy.
Linda: Yes, Annie is safe there. They are concerned that it backs up to a big highway. They had people on foot today trying to make noise to make her back track towards the condo complex. They are doing their best. I hope she is catching something to eat.
If my Lilly was where Annie is, I would fear for the birds.......She's a bird killer, sad, but true. She also chases squirrels, cats, and anything that moves including her sib, Satchel...This morning it was an unknown critter that she chased over the fence. It all happened so fast I didn't see what got over the fence..I hate it, but thats the life of some sight hounds, they see, they try to conquer.
P.S. She's very, very afraid of any buzzing insect!
Rosa,
I pray they find her soon......
Woody looks like a Leonberger to me
http://www.leonberger-rescue.org/pictures.html
I agree Karen, he does look like a Leonberger. He should get a forever home real quick.
Keeping the faith for VIVI and all