Category: cats

VIDEO: Musician Turns Pet Portraits Into ‘Sympawnies’ to Honor the Memory of Furry Friends

A skilled musician is channeling his talent and lifelong love for animals into a unique profession, turning animal portraits into one-of-a-kind symphonies to honor beloved pets. Jerusalem-based musician and animal lover Noam Oxman, 31, grew up in the small village of Yuvalim in northern Israel. He and his wife, Leehe, have rescued three street cats:…


Canine Influenza Very Contagious

Q: My dog’s annual physical is coming up soon, and my veterinarian is sure to recommend the flu shot, which I’ve declined in the past. I’m rethinking that after a friend’s dog came down with the disease. Please tell me about dog flu. A: Dog flu, formally known as canine influenza, was first recognized in…


2-Pound Kittens Ready For Vaccinations

Q: I found a litter of kittens and want to give them away to good homes. How do I determine their age and genders? They average two pounds and are eating dry kitten food. A: Most kittens’ weight in pounds correlates with their age in months. So, a 1-pound kitten is about 1 month old,…


Help Elderly Parent With Pet

Q: My elderly mother, who lives on her own nearby, has a cat named Emmy whom she adores. My mother is getting a little forgetful, and her balance is worsening. How can I help her with Emmy, or should I find Emmy a new home? A: With a little help from you, your mother should…


Install a Pet Door

If your pet likes being outdoors some of the time, you know how much they appreciate having their own private door to go outside and come in at their whim. So, a pet door makes everyone happy. The only downside is a pet door may invite animals other than your own inside your home, which…


Unsteady Heartbeat May Be Normal In Dog

Q: I adopted a pit bull who had lost one ear in the fighting ring, so I named him van Gogh. He is a healthy, sweet, gentle guy who loves to snuggle. When we lie on the couch watching television and my arm drapes across his chest, I sometimes notice that his heart beats in…


Many Reasons Dogs Prefer Certain People

Q: Our dog Pearl seems to prefer my wife to me, and that hurts my feelings. Do you know why? Can I do anything to convince Pearl to like me more? A: A few possible reasons come to mind. Does your wife feed Pearl? Does she spend more time with her? Does your wife greet…


Cat’s Lymphoma Not Contagious

Q: My cat has lymphoma. I know humans also get this type of cancer. Is it possible for my cat to give me her lymphoma? A: No. Cancers are not transmitted from pets to people, or for that matter, from one person to another. Cats infected with FeLV, the feline leukemia virus, are at greater…


Dog Saliva Is Not Antiseptic

Q: After my dog Lola was spayed, her veterinarian fitted her with a plastic Elizabethan collar, or E-collar, to prevent her from licking her surgical incision. Fortunately, the incision is healing well. Why do dogs lick their wounds, and why would our vet want to prevent it? I thought dog saliva contained an antiseptic that…


New Year’s Resolutions Help Pets Live Longer, Healthier Lives

Q: I love my dog, Jack, and my cat, Annie. They are important members of my family, and I want to keep them with me as long as possible. What are the best ways to help them live long, healthy, happy lives? A: This is the ideal time to make your New Year’s resolutions about…