The Cat Clinic

Full service feline only veterinary hospital

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Are Household Cleaners Toxic to Cats?

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Cat toxic household cleaners
Is household cleaners toxic to cats

Are household cleaners toxic to cats? There are many substances that are toxic to cats that are fairly well recognized and others such as everyday household cleaners that are not recognized for their toxicity.

Household cleaners that are toxic to cats include the following

  • Floor Cleaners
  • Bathroom Cleaners
  • Laundry Detergent
  • All-purpose Cleaners
  • Glass Cleaners
  • Drain Openers

Toxicity can occur through accidental ingestion from a variety of manners. Even minute amounts of some toxins can cause damage. Because cats are such great groomers they can lick chemicals from their fur or paws.

Potential ingredients that can cause toxicity include

  • Ammonia

Used in many de-greasers for ovens, glass and stainless steel, ammonia has a very high VOC, burns mucous membranes and contributes to asthma. It creates a poisonous gas if it is mixed with bleach, it which can be deadly to small pets.

  • Chlorine

Used in disinfectants, toilet bowl cleaners and automatic dish detergent to name a few, chlorine is also used to bleach coffee filters. It can cause everything from dizziness to vomiting to laryngeal edema

  • Formaldehyde

Used in products such as soaps and even some pet shampoos, it can contribute to asthma and is carcinogenic.

  • Glycol Esters

Found in many cleaning products including glass cleaners, carpet cleaners and spot removers. It has been linked to anemia, lung damage and kidney damage in people and pets.

The Cat Clinic of Plymouth is committed to pet safe cleaners by using Shaklee Get Clean Products.  Shaklee Get Clean® products are natural and nontoxic cleaning choices that are Safe for You, Your Home, and Your Planet®. And your pet!

No harmful fumes or hazardous chemicals.

Outperforms 20 national leading brands.

Features Basic H2® Organic Super Cleaning Concentrate – just 1/4 tsp. makes 16oz. of all-purpose cleaner for only 3 cents.

Makes a positive impact on the planet:

Keeping 108 pounds of packaging waste from landfills.

Eliminating 248 pounds of greenhouse gas.

 

See Dr. Kelley’s website for more information on Shaklee Products

Ckelley.myshaklee.com

If you think your cat has been exposed to toxic household cleaners, please call for an appointment or visit our make an appointment page.

Microchip – frequently asked questions

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You may have had your veterinarian recommend inserting a microchip into your dog or cat. Or maybe you’ve adopted a pet from a shelter and they came with a microchip. These small but mighty chips are permanent ID’s, and provide safety and assurance for your pet. It is common that while making the decision to microchip your pet, you may come across some frequently asked question.

 

What is a Microchip?

If your pet has a chip or you have considered getting them one, you may have heard that they are the size of a grain of rice. This is true making them small enough to be implanted quickly and easily. It only takes a matter of seconds for your veterinarian to inject a microchip under the skin of your pet, typically between the shoulder blades. The chip itself holds the ID number that will be assigned to your pet and can be accessed by scanning the area the chip was planted. This ID number is unique for each cat or dog giving them their own personal identification.

 

Does it work like a GPS?

The answer to this commonly asked question is no. People often mistake microchips for tracking devices for their pets. The thought is that if a pet gets lost, you can use the chip to find the exact location of your dog or cat. Unfortunately, the chip is not a GPS, but it can still provide the safety and protection that will ease your mind in a given situation.

 

What happens when my pet is lost?

Unfortunately the unthinkable does happen, pets can become lost. But if you have microchipped your dog or cat, you have already been provided a piece of mind. Whether it is a house cat without a collar, or a dog wearing one, with a microchip they always have personal identification. When your pet is lost, you should contact the company of the chip. Some companies will contact local shelters and alert them of your missing pet, providing the knowledge needed to help get them home. If your pet has been found and are brought in to a veterinary clinic or animal shelter, they can be scanned for a chip which will lead to direct identification of your pet and you their owner.

indoor cat with microchip
Indoor Cat with Microchip

Should I Microchip My Indoor Cat?

People commonly think that only dogs, not cats, need to be microchipped. Cats often do not wear collars, whether they go outside or are strictly indoors, leaving them without any identification. Unfortunately, there is always the risk of a cat getting outside and getting lost. A recent study has showed that a cat with a microchip is 20 times more likely to be returned home than if they were without. Microchipping your pet does not mean that collars and tags aren’t necessary, as they can provide useful information such as an address or phone number. But with a microchip, you can be reassured that they will be identified even if the collar falls off or is removed.

 

Most people do not want to think of worst case scenarios, such as a pet becoming lost, under any circumstance. But by providing your dog or cat with a microchip, you are providing protection unlike any other. When you reach out to your veterinarian, you are doing a service to your pet and quite possibly saving their lives.

 

Make an appointment today to inquire further about the benefits of Microchips. See our tips on getting your cat into a carrier here.

By: Leah Carlson CVT

Early Detection Can Lead to Early Diagnosis of Disease

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cat disease
Cat Disease- Tulip

There is nothing quite like the grief of loosing a pet, this is undeniable. Our furry friends are such a huge a part of our lives and our hearts, and there is an unforgettable emptiness after they’re gone. One of the hardest situations to deal with is unexpected euthanasia that comes suddenly with no time to prepare. The best way to avoid such situation is early detection of cat disease and illness. Noticing your felines first subtle signs of sickness can lead to early diagnosis and can help avoid unprepared loss.

In the veterinary world, when a patient presents with sudden abnormal behaviors or signs of illness that cannot yet be determined, we call it “ADR”, or ain’t doing right. It is common in older cats who have no previous history of disease and have been healthy for most of their life. As a pet owner, it is important to be able to pick up on to the early signs of ADR, but first you must be able to understand and identify them. There are multiple key points to look out for as your cat ages.

 

 

  • Visible changes in your cat are important in determining if there is something wrong. Changes like weight loss, abnormal gait, lack of luster to the coat, or even something as subtle as an unusual look in their eyes can be the first signs of an illness.

 

 

 

  • Behavior changes  can range from obvious and alarming, to subtle and hard to notice. Some of the more obvious changes in behavior include hiding, if they are typically social. Subtle signs can be as simple as sleeping in an odd location or deciding not to play with a toy that they usually love.

 

 

 

  • Changes in appetite is a common sign that should never be ignored. If your cat doesn’t finish or decides to skip a meal, it is likely there is something brewing. Also, it is not uncommon in some cat diseases for cats to become more hungry. If you notice they are begging more often or seem ravenous, they could be telling you they are sick.

 

 

  • Changes in thirst is also common with many cat disease s. An increase in thirst can be an early sign of illnesses such as kidney disease or diabetes. If you notice you have to fill up the water bowl more than usual, don’t ignore it!

 

  • Vocalization is very common in cats who are in pain or uncomfortable. Howling or an increase in vocalization is an easy sign to pick up on, and it is pretty hard to ignore. It is important to listen when your cat tells you there is something wrong!

 

There are many more subtle signs that your cat can begin to show if they are ADR. These may include a fowl odor, such as bad breath, inappropriate elimination or use of the litter box, excessive scratching or grooming, vomiting or diarrhea, or becoming less social or affectionate.

It is important to remember that as a pet owner, you know your cat better than anyone else. Trust your instinct. If you think something may be off, or something seems different, do not hesitate to call your veterinarian. It could be a matter of early detection of a life threatening  cat disease, and you will be thankful that you called.

Schedule an appointment today 

by Leah Carlson, CVT

Stress Free Veterinary Visits for your Cat

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Happy Cat going to the Veterinarian
Happy Cat going to the Veterinarian

Check List for a Stree Free Veterinary Visit

At the Cat Clinic of Plymouth, we know that our clients want their kitties to have a happy and healthy life. Part of achieving this level of wellness is by scheduling preventative care visits routinely with your veterinarian. However, getting some cats to the animal hospital can be a bit stressful for both you and your cat.

Make the Experience Stress Free

Here is a checklist for making that trip to the animal hospital to see your veterinarian much less tricky.

  • Choose the correct carrier for your cat.
  • Make the carrier a place of comfort. See our blog.
  • Familiarize your cat with its carrier
  • Use feline facial pheromones for a stress free ride
  • Ask your veterinarian if they recommend any other medications for travel
  • Cover the carrier for travel and for entrance into the animal hospital
  • Make a list of changes in your cat and questions that you want to ask the veterinarian
  • Allow your cat to familiarize itself with its new surroundings
  • Make an appointment at a veterinary clinic designated as a Cat Friendly Practice by the Association of Feline Practitioners like the Cat Clinic of PlymouthCat Clinic Plymouth MA

By Cassandra Kelley DVM, veterinarian and owner Cat Clinic of Plymouth

Cat Scratch Fever

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Cat Scratch Fever
Preventative Care can protect a cat from disease

What is Cat Scratch Fever? A visit to your veterinarian could prevent this disease.

Not only is Cat Scratch Fever a groovy song from the 70’s, it is also a bacterial infection that can affect humans. It is transmitted through bites and scratches from cats. Cat Scratch Disease can also be transmitted from an infected cat to a human if the cat comes in contact with the human’s open wound or eyes.  This makes it a zoonotic disease, one that can be passed from animal to human.

The bacteria are Bartonella henselae and are one of the most common bacteria in the world. About 40% of cats will carry these bacteria at some point in their lives, very commonly when they are kittens. It is believed that the bacteria are transmitted to cats through fleas, another important reason to protect your cat against fleas all year round. For more information on flea prevention see Infested .  The bacteria are transmitted to the cat when it grooms itself and inadvertently ingests the feces of the flea. Humans cannot contract the disease directly through fleas but the disease can be transmitted to humans and cats through ticks.

Cat Scratch Disease symptoms

Most cats are not clinically sick when they are infected with Bartonella henselae. Occasionally, a cat will present with fever, muscle aches and swollen lymph nodes to the veterinarian but treatment is not always required. While most cases in humans are generally mild, it is estimated that over 25,000 people in the U.S. are hospitalized each year for symptoms of Cat Scratch Disease.

Symptoms usually appear 7-14 days after exposure and can include….

  • Reddish small solid rounded bump or papule at the site of scratch or bite
  • Swelling and appearance of infection at site
  • Swelling of lymph nodes nearest the site of scratch or bite
  • Mild fever
  • Chills
  • Fatigue
  • General malaise
  • Lack of appetite
  • Muscle pain (myalgia)
  • Nausea or abdominal cramps
  • Occasional serious effects on internal organs in children under 5 or those immunocompromised individuals.

However sometimes symptoms don’t occur for months making diagnosis difficult. When I was finally diagnosed with Cat Scratch Disease years ago, I had already been tested for HIV and my affected lymph node was biopsied for cancer. Luckily those tests came back negative and revealed that I had simply been infected with Bartonella henselae!

Prevention of Cat Scratch Disease

Fortunately Cat Scratch Disease is not fatal in humans but can cause serious issues for immunocompromised people.  Here are the CDC’s (Center for Disease Control) recommendations to prevent Cat Scratch Disease in people.

People

Do:

A cat’s paw with long sharp nails.

  • Wash cat bites and scratches right away with soap and running water.
  • Wash your hands with soap and running water after playing with your cat, especially if you live with young children or people with weakened immune systems.
  • Since cats less than one year of age are more likely to have CSD and spread it to people, persons with a weakened immune system should adopt cats older than one year of age.

Do not:

  • Play rough with your pets because they may scratch and bite.
  • Allow cats to lick your open wounds.
  • Pet or touch stray or feral cats.

Cats

Do:

  • Control fleas
  • Keep your cat’s nails
  • Apply a flea product (topical or oral medication) as directed by your veterinarian.
    • BEWARE: Over-the-counter flea products may not be safe for cats. Check with your veterinarian before applying ANY flea product to make sure it is safe for your cat and your family.
    • Check for fleas by using a flea comb on your cat to inspect for flea dirt.
    • Control fleas in your home by
    • Vacuuming frequently
    • Contacting a pest-control agent if necessary

Protect your cat’s health

  • Schedule routine veterinary health check-ups.
  • Keep cats indoors to
    • Decrease their contact with fleas
    • Prevent them from fighting with stray or potentially infected animals

From http://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/diseases/cat-scratch.html

Although most humans do not require treatment, alert your doctor if you have any symptoms of Cat Scratch Disease. Just because Cat Scratch Fever is a groovy song, I can assure becoming symptomatic due to Cat Scratch Fever is not groovy!

By Cassandra Kelley DVM, veterinarian and owner Cat Clinic of Plymouth

Planes, Trains and Pet Sitter

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Planes, Trains and a Pet Sitter

Pet Sitter for our Beach Vacation
Beach Vacation

 

Finding a Pet Sitter

My husband and I love to travel. We love vacations by the beach…. in February.  As a New Englander this always involves travel. One of the most stressful parts of planning a trip is what to do with the cats, the dog and the fish.  We usually try to get a pet sitter. We always have multiple cats, sometimes multiple dogs and sometimes other critters. It just seemed less stressful for someone to come in to the house and let everyone stay in their preferred environment. But who should that person be? A professional? A neighbor? A friend? A colleague?

Pet Sitter of Our Dreams

We were lucky many years ago to come across a veterinary technician that worked with my husband who fit the bill for our pet sitter. She was young, unattached and willing to stay away from her parents’ house for a vacation of her own. She was also extremely reliable and very concerned for our pet’s well-being. I knew nothing would happen under her watch.

This gave us a sense of security. We always scheduled our pet sitter before making plans of our own. But how long would this last? Luckily for us it lasted many years until one day she found the man of her dreams. Great for her! But I am thinking that she will no longer want to leave her home of wedding bliss to stay with my pets!

Boarding VS Pet Sitter

Now the dilemma begins again. We found several professional pet sitters that came highly recommended. We also had the option of boarding our pets.

Pet sitter vs Happy Cat getting love in a Boarding Condo
Happy Cat getting love in a Boarding Condo

Luckily, the Cat Clinic of Plymouth offers boarding for cats only. The facility is great! Clean, quiet and offers multiple options for boarding areas. There are large multi-level condos available with cubicles to hide in. They either face the sunny windows with birds flying to and fro or they face the kitchen area for those social cats that want pats every time an employee walks by.  There is also a horizontal condo with two sides that the cat can access for those elderly or less nimble cats that want to stretch their legs but don’t want to jump. And suitable for our multi-cat situation there are entire rooms that can be rented allowing a family of cats to stay together. Some of these even have ocean views!

This seemed like the best option for us. The only issue was… the dog! (Yes the cat vet owns a dog.) I mean she is a tiny dog, but I think the staff would figure it out meaning little Luna would have to stay at another boarding facility all by herself. So either the family is divided or we come up with another option. And the fish! Is there a fish boarding facility?

Cat Only Boarding

So if your family is made up of just human travelers and cats, we have the answer for you at the Cat Clinic of Plymouth. Let us take your cats on vacation for some pampering while you enjoy your travels. Come check out our cat only boarding facility at the Cat Clinic of Plymouth.

 

Post Script: A veterinary technician of mine fell into circumstances where she was available and willing to be our pet sitter. A big sigh of relief, at least for now.

By Cassandra Kelley DVM, veterinarian and owner Cat Clinic of Plymouth