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By Nancy Nitrio
Does your cat gobble up every last kibble of cat food, and then beg for more? Does it enjoy tuna-flavored canned food on Tuesday, but dismiss it on Wednesday? Your favorite feline could be spoiled or sick.
Feline eating disorders spark many questions. What is normal for one cat may be unusual in another. Different factors, from anxiety or boredom to pain or disease, may cause a cat to gorge or starve itself.
Overeating
Normally, cats eat only what they need, but today's more palatable cat foods can entice them to overeat. Also, indoor cats sometimes eat because of boredom, and often are less physically active. The extra weight can lead to physical ailments and shorter life spans. But an excessive appetite without weight gain or with weight loss can indicate a health problem, and your cat should be seen by your veterinarian.
Undereating
It is difficult to determine if a cat with a poor appetite has a clinical problem or if it just doesn't eat much. Cats are particular in their eating behaviors: They are "occasional" eaters. If dry food is available for free-feeding, the average cat will eat a mouthful 12 to 20 times a day. It is normal for a cat to approach the food bowl, sniff, eat a small amount and walk away: do not mistake this behavior for finicky eating.
Actual decreased appetite or anorexia often results from a underlying medical condition, but can also be attributed to a food's bad flavor, lack of freshness, and poor quality. Dental disease, liver and renal failure, thyroid issues, cardiac problems, tumors, and other medical conditions can also cause lack of interest in food.
Food allergies, anxiety, a new pet, a recent move, or household changes can stress a cat and cause appetite loss.
Unusual Eating
When cats develop pica (an appetite for non-food items), they often seek out plastic, rubber bands, string, rocks, or dirt. These objects are indigestible and can cause a life-threatening intestinal blockage. Pica has been linked to craving attention, frustration, anxiety, and play or social interaction with other pets or the owner.
Treatment
There are many medications and specialized diets that are available to treat most conditions of an eating disorder.
The causes of feline eating disorders vary. Something as mundane as boredom-related overeating to something as serious as disease-induced anorexia can cause a cat's eating disorder. Become familiar with your cat's individual eating habits and weight so you can seek prompt medical attention when it becomes unhealthy.
Research source: Karen S. Phillips, VMD, Cat Fancy magazine, November 2004, Volume 47, Number 11.
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Q. I am feeding a bunch of cats and kittens that seem to be living in and around a lawn of an apartment house. Some of them look very crusty and need care, and the young cats look pregnant already. What do I use to catch them so they can get spayed and neutered?
A. You will need a humane cat trap to catch the cats and transport them to a veterinarian. You can check with local rescue groups, veterinarians, and feed stores for traps to loan or rent. We offer the traps for loan with a refundable cash deposit. You can also buy the traps from various manufacturers for $40-$70 depending on the trap size and type. A number of popular trap vendors are listed below. You will find the traps easy to use and set up.
You can find additional ideas from the following Web sites devoted to feral cat issues.
Hav-A-Hart Traps
1-800-800-1819
www.havahart.com
Tomahawk LiveTrap
1-800-27-ATRAP
www.livetrap.com
Tru-Catch Traps
1-800-338-2237
www.animal-care.com
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Folsom Feline Rescue is offering low-cost spay and neuter services for large-breed dogs.
The average cost to spay or neuter a large dog is more than $100. Folsom Feline Rescue charges a nominal fee of ONLY $20 PER DOG.
Last year more than 6,000,000 cats, dogs, and other animals were euthanized in our nation's animal shelters. Fixing your pet will help reduce the number of unwanted animals born each year.
Spaying or neutering eliminates or greatly reduces the chance of your pet facing a wide variety of serious health problems, including hormone-related conditions and numerous cancers, tumors, and infections in the reproductive system.
Your large-breed dog does not need to be fully-grown for you to take advantage of our low-cost spay or neuter. Puppies can be safely spayed or neutered once they are at least three months of age.
Don't wait any longer -- have your dog spayed or neutered now!
For more information and an application, please call (916) 484-4099 or send email to info@folsomfelines.org.
You can also download an application from the FFR web site (requires Adobe Acrobat Reader). Please visit:
www.folsomfelines.org/snyp.shtml
You do not need to be a resident of Folsom to apply for these services.
Folsom Feline Rescue also provides low-cost spay and neuter services for cats and smaller dogs. Please contact us or download an application to apply.
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