Do Cats Grieve?

Ever wonder if cats grieve after losing a loved one?
Although the scientific evidence is slim, people often notice changes in their cats' behavior following the loss of a human or animal companion.

It's not surprising when you consider the close attachments many cats form with both the people and the other pets in their lives. When these bonds are cut, cats are definitely aware of the loss, and they may grieve. In addition, because cats are so sensitive to change, moving, re-homing, or being kenneled during vacations can produce an emotional response similar to grieving.

Signs Your Cat May Be Grieving
Changes in these daily behaviors may signal your cat is reacting to the loss of a person, place, or pet:

Activity -- Paces restlessly in search of lost companion or hides and is lethargic.
Talking -- Cries for the lost loved one.
Attention -- Shuns affection or is super clingy.
Sleep -- Rests more or less than usual.
Appetite -- Is less interested in food. If your cat stops eating for more than a day, take him to the vet right away to avoid this potentially fatal disease.
Ways to Respond
If your cat is showing any of the above signs, here's how you can support him through the process:

Make an appointment. Have your vet examine your pet to rule out any underlying medical conditions.
Stick to your cat's normal routine. If possible, put off taking a vacation, remodeling, or hosting house guests.
Be attentive. Offer your kitty additional love, affection, and cuddle time.
Resist the temptation to quickly replace a lost pet. It won't alleviate your cat's grief. Wait until his behavior is back to normal.

How Can You Tell If Your Cat Has Arthritis?

Cats are experts at hiding pain, but that doesn't mean they're not feeling it. Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common and often painful condition that can be especially difficult to detect in cats. It involves damage and thinning of the cartilage that lines the joints, which may lead to the following behavior changes in your kitty:

Mobility
Hesitancy or difficulty jumping onto furniture, cat trees, window ledges, etc.
Trouble getting into and out of litter box
Drop in overall activity

Daily Habits and Behavior
Decrease in, or difficulty with, grooming
Loss of appetite
Sleep disturbance (sleeping more, or less)
Tendency to hide

Comfort Level
Limping; appearing stiff; exhibiting lameness (not common)
Showing discomfort when stroked or brushed
If you notice any of the above, have your pet checked out by a vet with whom you can discuss the following options:

Management and Treatment Options for OA
Home modifications: Put food, water bowls, and bedding in easy-to-reach places so your cat won't have to jump; build ramps or stairs leading to favorite perches; and use a litter box with low sides.

Medication: Ask your vet if meloxicam (shown in one study to improve OA symptoms), glucosteroids (to reduce inflammation), or a pain killer might provide some relief for your kitty. Never give your cat any type of over-the-counter human medication, including aspirin, which can be fatally toxic to cats.

Weight control: Overweight or obese cats may be at higher risk of developing OA. Your vet may recommend a gradual weight loss plan for your kitty. Rapid weight loss can be dangerous.
Homeopathic options: Inquire about moderate exercise, acupuncture, underwater or standard physical therapy, or supplements like chondroitin or glucosamine.
Diet: Specific brands of cat food that contain glucosamine or other ingredients may aid your kitty's joint health. Check with your vet.

Put the Chill on Cat Stress

How to Spot Stress in Your Cat
Eat, sleep, groom, pounce -- repeat. Sure, their lives may seem carefree, but cats get stressed out just like we do. And though the causes may differ, the effect on your kitty's physical and emotional health can be just as harmful.
How can you tell when the tension level is hitting high? Look for behavior changes like these:


Hiding or acting withdrawn
Appearing lethargic or depressed
Eating much less or much more
Being irritable, aggressive, or destructive
Having litter box problems, including urine spraying
Acting skittish
Pacing, talking/meowing excessively, or otherwise seeming restless
Trying to escape
Grooming excessively


Such changes warrant a trip to the vet to rule out any underlying diseases. If your pet is given a clean bill of health, consider these possible culprits:
Household changes. A new roommate or spouse, frequent guests, a new cat or dog, the death of a family member, a grown child leaving home, or even a vacation can induce anxiety in your cat.

Sibling rivalry. Conflict (especially if it's ongoing) between two or more household cats is a recipe for anxiety.
Stress level of owner. Cats are very tuned-in to their humans, so your stress can become your cat's stress. Family arguments, lack of patience, and even unexpressed tension can increase your kitty's stress level.
Moves. Cats fear change, including a new home. Make the transition less upsetting for your cat with these tips.

5 Stress Soothers
Help calm your kitty by offering the following:

1. Attention. Spend extra time playing, petting, and offering love and reassurance.
2. Privacy. Set her up in a quiet, secluded room with food, water, bedding, and toys.
3. Safe havens. Provide safe hiding places and an elevated cat tree or tower.
4. Comforting calmers. Ask your vet about pheromone products, such as Feliway.
5. Distraction. Turn on soothing music; a television at low-volume; or a fan, which provides white noise.

Pakcu dan Cat Show...MCC International Cat Show, 07 Jan 2008, South City Plaza, Seri Kembangan.

Salam dan selamat Sejahtera semuer...
Ok, hari ni pasal Cat Show pertama tahun 2008. Di anjurkan oleh Kelab Kucing Malaysia, bertempat di South City Plaza. Plaza tu kalau dari tepi highway boleh nampak, tapi nak masuk tu tak tau. Sesat jugaklah mula-mula tu.
Seperti biasa, show ni satu ring dan kali ni Judge dari Finland kalau tak silap Pakcu ler. Dan kali ni pakcu tak bawak banyak, 2 ekor jer iaitu Raldo dan Argo.

Keputusannya : Alhamdulilah...
Ini lah pertama kali pakcu masuk International Cat Show and menang Best Kategori. Yang lepas-lepas tu. ada lah dapat placing, tapi bila compete for Best Category, semuanyer kecundang... hehe. Tak tau lah apa tuah kali ni, tapi no sangkar Argo tu no 88. Raldo lak, kali ni macam biasa, bagi sokongan moral jer pada adik-adik dia...hehe. Time dia nak menang dah berlalu kut... tak kuat dah aura dia.. hehe.

Argo Armani : 1st Domestic Neuter Longhair, Best Pet Neuter - (Kategori ni dipilih dari semua kucing neuter yang dapat 1st longhair and shorthair, termasuk yang pedigree sekali)... Argo ni temperament dia bagus, tak meragam dan rasanya pandai gak bodek judge...hehe.

Kittens For Sale

Salam dan Selamat Sejahtera semuer..
Ok, hari ni pakcu bukak la labels ni pulak. Ini disebabkan ramai yang bertanya, pakcu ada jual kitten tak? Pakcu sebenarnyer lagi senang kalau korang datang terus kedai pakcu and enquire, tapi ramai yang kata jauh... nak tgk pic dulu...huhu... hehe. Ok, la sebagai memenuhi permintaan kawan-kawan, inilah kitten yang sekarang start hari ni baru pakcu open for booking. Siapa cepat dia dapat...

Kitten ni umor dalam 2bulan lebih sikit, mixed persian (domestic long hair), scheduled release lepas 3 April 2010, complete dengan 1st vaccine and deworm.

Harga? Hehe... dalam RM 350.00 jer..

Pakcu dan Cat Show... MCC International Cat Show, 11 Nov 2007 at Great Eastern Mall , Jalan Ampang , KL.

Salam dan Selamat Sejahtera Semuer..
Ok, kali ni pasal pakcu masuk cat show pada penghujung tahun 2007. Ini Cat Show yaang terakhir MCC organised pada tahun tu, dan seperti dijangkakan, terdapat banyak jugak penyertaan. Tapi sayangnya, crowd yang datang tu tak berapa ramai, mungkin disebabkan tak ramai yang tahu Great Eastern Mall tu, dan tempat tu selalu dikunjungi oleh expatriates yang duk Jalan Ampang tu... hmm.
Apa pun, show kali ni pakcu bawak 3 ekor jer, iaitu Raldo, Argo dan kucing baru kepunyaan kembar pakcu, Aren.

Keputusannya : jeng-jeng-jeng....Alhamdulilah

Aren : 2nd Domestic Neuter Longhair... First timer ni, tapi temperament bagus betul, playful and jinak.

Raldo dan Argo, tak dapat apa, menang ngiaww.... n dapat orang peluk2 jer.. hehe.

Common Questions About Toxoplasmosis

What is toxoplasmosis?
It's a common infection caused by the tiny one-celled parasite Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii), and it can occur in most warm-blooded animals.
How do cats become infected with T. gondii?
Cats become infected by eating prey, like rodents or birds, or raw or undercooked meat contaminated with T. gondii. Find out the signs of infection.




Can I get toxoplasmosis from an infected cat?
Yes, but not very easily, and not through direct contact with a cat. Because infected cats shed the T. gondii eggs in their feces, you can only catch toxoplasmosis by ingesting their feces or something contaminated with their feces. And once the eggs are passed, which occurs within 2 to 3 weeks of initial exposure, the cat is never contagious again.




How else might I become infected?
Three more common causes of infection include:

Eating contaminated raw or undercooked meat or contaminated fruits and vegetables
Drinking contaminated water
Gardening in contaminated soil and then touching your mouth
Do I need to give away my cat if I'm pregnant?
No, there's no need to give up your kitty or avoid other kitties. But because a woman initially exposed to toxoplasmosis during pregnancy can put her unborn child at risk for serious health issues later in life, delegate "doodie" duties while pregnant. Immunocompromised people should also hand off this chore. If that's not possible, there's another solution: Simply wear rubber gloves and wash your hands thoroughly after handling the litter box.



How can I protect myself against toxoplasmosis infection?
That's easy. You can greatly reduce your chances of infection by wearing gloves during, and then washing hands after, gardening, cleaning the cat box, or handling raw meat. Learn more about protecting yourself from infection.