by Nomi Berger
 
Hair loss in cats, otherwise known as alopecia, can be either partial or complete, according to animal dermatologists. And although it occurs for a variety of reasons, the most common one is skin allergies.
 
Cats may, in the course of their lives, get acquired alopecia, a symptom of a disease, not a disease itself, and veterinarians are the ones tasked with diagnosing its source. Happily, most affected cats’ hair does grow back, given time and the appropriate treatment.
 
Consider, then, the six most common conditions behind cat alopecia.
 
1. Allergies: Some cats are hypersensitive to the antigens in flea saliva, and if they’re bitten by a flea, they’ll become so desperately itchy that they’ll begin over grooming as a way of dealing with the itchiness. It isn’t as if their hair is simply falling out, these kitties are actually licking it so much that they’re not only pulling it out, they’re pulling it out far faster than it can be replaced.
 
Mange, scabies and lice can also make a cat’s skin itch, leading to that same vicious cycle of over grooming and hair loss. Other culprits include mites, food allergies and environmental allergies – all of which can cause that same unbearable itching, over grooming and hair loss.
 
Occasionally, cats will engage in compulsive over grooming because they’re suffering from neuropathic pain due to nerve damage in their skin. In rare cases, they may even over groom and lose hair for psychological rather than physical reasons, such as severe anxiety following a particularly stressful event.
 
2. Pain: Sometimes a cat will obsessively lick an area of her body not because it itches but because the tissue beneath her skin hurts. A cat suffering from arthritis, for example, may constantly lick at a specific, aching joint because it’s painful and licking helps relieve some of the discomfort. The downside of this: she’s also licking away her hair.
 
3. Infections: Less common than allergies, cats with various staph infections or fungal infections such as ringworm may lose a great deal of hair in those affected areas.
 
4. Endocrine disorders: If a cat’s losing hair, she may be suffering from hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid condition, it causes weight loss as well as many other symptoms). She may have a hormonal imbalance and an increased level of steroids in her body, causing hair follicles to die and preventing new hair from growing back. Cushing’s disease is one example of a metabolic disorder that produces too much cortisol (the body’s main stress hormone), potentially causing her alopecia.
 
5. Side effects from medication: Among the various medications prescribed for a number of conditions, transdermal prednisone, for example, which is often used to treat Addison’s disease, causes both hair loss and the curling of a cat’s outer ear. Once the medication is stopped, these unwanted side effects should also stop.
 
6. Cancer: Thankfully, cancer is rarely the reason for a cat losing hair. But neoplasia (these are abnormal growths caused by the uncontrolled division of cells) may cause it. Another serious condition is paraneoplastic alopecia, which is hair loss associated with moist skin and extreme itchiness.
 
Concerned about YOUR kitty’s hair loss? Simply bring her to the vet for a thorough examination.

by Nomi Berger
 
Have you ever observed that your kitty’s allergy symptoms seem to worsen the more time you spend together? Have you ever considered the possibility that she may be allergic to you?
 
While extremely rare, scientists say that cats can indeed be allergic to people, but that our frequent bathing and showering assists in reducing our own dander and allergens. It’s far more likely, then, that your cat’s not allergic to YOU but to the products you either use on your skin or to clean your home.
 
Among the telltale signs of her sensitivity to these products are: itchiness and reddened skin, fur loss and open sores, rodent ulcers and swollen or inflamed lips. She may also develop chronic sneezing.
 
Consider the following culprits that may cause an irritation of your cat’s respiratory system: perfumes, body sprays with high-scent fragrances and heavily perfumed body washes; scented laundry detergents and fabric softeners; air freshener plug-ins, scented waxes, essential oils and incense, and the smoke and nicotine from cigarettes.
 
To minimize many of these potential irritants, invest in a vacuum with a HEPA filter that traps allergens such as dust mites, pollen, mold, tobacco particles, your dander and skin cells rather than sending them back into the air. Eliminate, wherever possible, everything that’s heavily perfumed or even moderately scented -- from your personal products to your laundry products. And to keep your air not only fresh but clean, use several small activated charcoal pillows instead of scented plug-ins.
 
If, however, you suspect that your cat IS allergic to you, discuss it with your vet who will, in all likelihood, refer you to a dermatologist. Just as with people, the dermatologist will run a series of tests on your cat by pricking her skin with a small amount of various suspected allergens to see how she responds. And should she be one of those very rare kitties who react to your dander or hair, it doesn’t mean that you have to give her up.
 
Again, as with people, there are several forms of treatment available, depending on her symptoms and the severity of those symptoms. And although there’s no cure for allergies at the moment, allergy injections, antihistamines or even cortisone can be used to both provide her with the relief she needs and the reassurance you need to live happily ever after.

by Nomi Berger
 
For people, having our blood pressure checked is always a routine part of an annual physical exam.
 
But have you ever had your cat’s blood pressure checked?
 
Do you know what high blood pressure in cats means? Do you know what low blood pressure means? Do you know what to do in either situation?
 
Just as many people suffer from so-called “white coat syndrome”, causing an elevation in their blood pressure at their physician’s office, the same holds true for cats having their blood pressure taken at the vet’s. Purr-haps even more so. While a cat’s usual, normal systolic pressure is about 120 to 130, most seasoned vets barely react if their “stressed out” kitty patient’s blood pressure is 150 to 160 during a check-up. If, on the other paw, it’s lower than 120 -- which is rare -- or higher than 160, this could be a signal that something else is wrong.
 
What, then, does high blood pressure in cats mean? Common in cats, particularly as they age, it’s usually a sign of an underlying disease or condition -- one of the main ones being kidney failure. With kidney failure comes hypertension. If your cat is drinking more water than usual or urinating more often than usual, she may have kidney failure and, thus, possibly hypertension. Felines suffering from kidney failure and hypertension may also lose their eyesight. If your senior kitty is already blind, however, your vet should test her for retinal detachment since it’s most often caused by high blood pressure.
 
What, then, does low blood pressure mean? Not nearly as common as high blood pressure, kitties may have low blood pressure if they’ve suffered some sort of trauma, leaving them injured and losing blood.
 
If your kitty’s blood pressure is too high, your vet will, in all likelihood, have blood tests taken to see what, if anything, they reveal. They may indicate, for example, an elevation in her kidney enzymes. And should she have either kidney or heart disease, your vet will not only begin treating her for it but prescribe amlodipine (this is a calcium channel blocker used “off label” to treat her blood pressure and prevent damage to her kidneys, eyes and brain).
 
Some vets believe, though, that it’s better to check your cat’s blood pressure at home rather than at their office because it’s less stressful for her. To do this, simply purchase a blood pressure monitor with an inflatable cuff and put it around your kitty’s forelimb or tail. Purr-fectly pain-free, it’s very well tolerated by most cats.
 
Uncertain or squeamish? Even without a monitor, be on the lookout for symptoms of both high and low blood pressure in your cat. These include behavioral changes, such as uncharacteristic growling or hissing, increased thirst and urination, lethargy, weakness and vision problems. And if you’re at all concerned about her blood pressure, bring her to your vet for a thorough examination.

by Nomi Berger
 
Rather then being a single disease, Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome (FHS) is a set of symptoms that indicates the presence of a dermal, neurological or behavioral problem. The opposite of anesthesia, instead of a LACK of sensation, an affected cat has TOO MUCH sensation in her skin or in the muscles under her skin. Much like tickling, it begins pleasantly enough before devolving into something both painful and distressing.
 
The classic symptoms of FHS – lasting a few seconds or several minutes – are episodes of a cat’s skin twitching or rolling. She may not only appear uncomfortable, her pupils may be dilated or she may be staring off into space. Normally calm cats may become aggressive during an episode while aggressive cats may grow calmer. And episodes occur most often in the morning or evening -- the dawn/dusk times when cats in the wild would be hunting.
 
Some cats with milder forms of FHS experience pain when they’re petted, particularly along their lower backs. Some may lick or bite themselves, often leading to shortened hair or baldness in those areas. Some will attack their tails or lower backs while others will lick or chew at their paws. Cats with more severe symptoms may cry or race screaming from room to room, mutilate their tails or suffer seizures if touched in a certain way.
 
Possible causes or triggers of FHS include allergies to food (this requires a special diet) or pollen, fleas, mites and ringworm. The symptoms of milder skin allergies can be relieved by antihistamines like doxepin, while more troublesome cases are usually treated with prednisolone, a steroid that eliminates any and all offending parasites. Skin scrapings detect the presence of mites and a fungal culture will test for ringworm. Bravecto ointment, applied to your cat’s skin, is designed to kill both fleas and mites.
 
If treating your cat for skin issues doesn’t help, a neurological problem -- affecting her spinal cord or the nerves to her back or tail -- may be the culprit. In this case, your vet may order spinal x-rays taken or, if need be, refer you to a neurologist for either a CT scan or MRI.

Cats suffering from a neurological condition can exhibit other symptoms besides FHS, including weakness or an unsteady gait, obvious pain in their neck, back or legs (pain medications may help), difficulty with jumping or problems with going up and down stairs. Some cats’ symptoms, on the other hand, seem more like seizures, for which Phenobarbital and/or Gabapentin (this decreases neurological pain) may be prescribed.
 
If both dermatological and neurological problems are ruled out, the third option is a compulsive disorder, thought to be caused by a lack of the neurotransmitter serotonin. Your vet can prescribe a Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) to increase the amount of serotonin in your cat’s brain and reduce her symptoms. Used for years in people, Prozac often works well for cats, and is available as a chewable tablet (for dogs) that can be crushed into your cat’s canned food or broth. (To ensure she’s tolerating the drug, your vet should draw a blood sample to check her liver and kidney function).
 
If the cause is indeed behavioral, any stress or conflict between cats in a multi-cat household tends to worsen the afflicted cat’s symptoms. To reduce this stress:
• Ensure that both their food (keep to one brand) and feeding times are predictable.
• Engage them in regular play sessions, especially with toys that they can chase or bite.
• Provide them with tall hiding and perching places to make them feel safer.
• Ensure there are enough food bowls and litter boxes around so that a timid cat doesn’t fear being “picked on” by a more aggressive one when she’s eating or eliminating.
• Anticipate whenever possible, a stressful situation and avoid it or redirect any undesirable behavior on the part of an aggressive cat through either training or playing.

by Nomi Berger
 
While many felines, like their canine counterparts, chase their tails as a form of amusement or pleasure, it’s a sight seen less often in cats than in dogs.
 
How many times have YOU witnessed your cherished pussycat companion circling round and round in an effort to capture her own tail?
 
According to animal experts, if a kitty is chasing her tail, it may not be for fun and frolics but rather as an exercise born out of sheer boredom. In that case, as a conscientious cat owner, redirect her attention towards chasing a piece of string, a favorite toy or the red beam of a laser pointer. And remember that high-value treats will both serve to reinforce your efforts and reward her compliance.
 
Concerned that your kitty is bored because you’re not home for extended periods of time? Keep her constructively occupied by leaving her with one or more interactive toys – from puzzle boards and rolling food dispenser toys to multilevel roller balls and rotating electric toys. These will help her focus more on playing with the toys and less on playing with her tail.
Sometimes, though, a cat will chase her tail (and even bite it at the same time) because of some underlying medical condition. She may have an infection that’s making her tail extremely uncomfortable. She may have an allergy that’s making it very itchy. She may have stud tail, a skin condition caused by overactive glands at the base of the tail. Or she may have Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome, caused by overactive nerve endings that give her tail a tingly sensation.
 
Since you know your kitty’s body language best, if you suspect that her behavior is suspect, consult with your vet as soon as possible.
 
If yours is a multi-cat household, you may find yourself facing another situation: one cat playfully chasing or swatting at another cat’s tail. The solution? Separate them and redirect their attention to those oh-so-essential interactive toys.
 
A second, more worrisome scenario may involve one cat attacking, and sometimes biting, another cat’s tail. This may be either playful or pugnacious, depending on the attacker’s demeanor and the extent of the injuries – if any – sustained by the victim. Because a cat’s tail can become infected so easily and can be difficult to treat and resolve at home, any injury, however small, should automatically be examined by your vet.
 
If, however, all medical issues have been ruled out, and your feline friend continues to chase her tail in spite of your best efforts, locate a veterinary behaviorist in your area to evaluate her and assist you in finding the most paws-itive future course of action.

by Nomi Berger
 
Everyone is familiar with the old adage “Curiosity killed the cat.”
 
But as conscientious cat owners, paw-lease ensure that your cherished companions’ natural curiosity NEVER gets the better of them – especially when it comes to their seeing and then swallowing small, strange objects. While some may pass through their intestinal tract without incident, some won’t, lodging there and causing not only extreme discomfort but a dangerous and potentially life-threatening obstruction.
 
Thread threat! Another potentially life-threatening situation can occur when a cat swallows thread, particularly when it’s attached to a needle. As she swallows the thread, it can wrap around her tongue and pull against it with every swallow. But even worse, the needle can pierce her stomach or intestines multiple times and prevent the thread from passing through her digestive tract.
 
Consider, as well, these other culprits:
 
Hair bands and rubber bands, ribbon and blind cords, dental floss and carpet fibers, stuffing from inside your cat’s toys, and tinsel.
 
Bones, particularly from cooked chicken, can be very sharp, extremely brittle, and lodge in your kitty’s intestines resulting in severe illness.
 
String and string-like objects: If swallowed, string can cause the intestines to bunch up, making for one very sick kitty and usually requiring surgery to remove it.
 
Coins, buttons and earplugs, fruit stones, nutshells and bottle tops, but especially small round objects which are the ideal size to block the intestines and require surgery to remove them.
 
If YOU suspect that YOUR kitty has swallowed something suspicious, watch for one or more of these symptoms: vomiting, diarrhea, lack of appetite, straining to defecate, constipation, lethargy and behavioral changes such as biting or hissing when being picked up. To err on the side of caution, promptly contact your vet and bring in your kitty for a thorough examination and assessment.
 
In order to detect a possible blockage, your vet will have x-rays taken (several x-rays, using dyes, will often be needed to locate a suspected object). Your vet may also order blood and urine tests to determine whether your cat’s overall health has been compromised by the obstruction – should there be one. 
 
Most of the time -- especially in uncomplicated cases -- the prognosis for cats with a gastrointestinal blockage is very good. But the overall prognosis depends on several factors: the location of the object, how long the intestine has been blocked, the size, shape, and characteristics of the object, whether or not the object has caused a secondary illness and the general health of your kitty prior to ingesting it.
 
Your vet will provide you with a detailed treatment plan based on these factors. If the object has lodged in your pet’s stomach, however, an endoscopy may be performed. This involves inserting a long tube through her mouth and down her throat to pull the object out. If this is the case, your vet may also suggest hospitalization of your cat for close observation and follow-up x-rays.
 
But if the foreign object has traveled to and is trapped in her intestine, your vet will have to surgically remove it.
 
Whatever the scenario, time is critical because stomach and/or intestinal blockages can cut off the blood supply to these organs, causing the tissue to become necrotic or “die.” 

by Nomi Berger
 
If you think you have a shadow that looks remarkably like your cat, you’re not the only one. Our cherished kitty companions seem to follow us wherever we go. Have you ever wondered why?
 
One reason is safety. It’s common for nursing kittens to follow their mothers everywhere, not only learning from them but also feeling safer with them nearby. Attentive owners of adult cats assume the “mothering” role by virtue of feeding them, caring for them, playing with them, cleaning their litter boxes and showering them with affection. For their part, these purr-fectly pampered pets feel protected, provided for and loved. Is it any wonder then that they trail after you – fondly and faithfully – as you move from room to room? And don’t be surprised if they follow you into your bedroom at night. You’re literally and figuratively their security blanket (cats in the wild are especially vulnerable when asleep), and sleeping near you in their cat bed or next to you in your bed assures them that they’re safe.
 
Another is boredom: Indoor cats are easily bored. Deprived of such instinctual activities as exploring and hunting, they require a highly enriched environment to keep them both mentally stimulated and physically satisfied. Without that, they’ll expect you to fill that void. And what happier substitute could there be than “hunting” you? To remedy the situation, provide your stimulation-starved kitty with food puzzles and toys to challenge her, a tunnel to crawl through, a cat tree to climb and paw-lenty of petting, pampering and playing.
 
Cats are territorial: Inordinately fond of routine and territorial by nature, one of a cat’s daily activities involves pacing around any area they consider theirs. Why? Pacing releases their scent and spreads it around to both warn and ward off possible “intruders.” If your kitty continually rubs against the furniture or rubs against you, this means she’s on patrol and marking her territory. And so, as you move, footstep by footstep, through the rooms of your house or apartment, she’s likely to follow you, paw step by paw step because she assumes you’re marking your territory as well.
 
Cats crave playtime: Quality playtime is paramount for cats, particularly when it’s focused on chasing and catching prey. Unlike outdoor cats, free to hunt all day, every day to their hearts’ content, indoor cats must experience their hunting lives vicariously. To release this pent-up energy and drive – while amusing themselves at the same time -- some will spend hours perched on a window ledge or atop a cat tree, swatting at the birds and squirrels outside, viewing feline-friendly videos on TV, or gazing, hypnotized, at the fish in a small aquarium. But when presented with the sight of their owners’ moving legs, it’s game on as they “stalk” those tempting objects, even waiting stealthily around corners to launch a surprise “attack.”
 
Cats love you: Contrary to the belief that cats are aloof and independent, they have, over the years, evolved into more social creatures, growing increasingly dependent on their humans for companionship and care taking, attention and affection. Meow about mutual admiration societies! What more wondrous way for them to show their appreciation, friendship and love than by following us just to be near us?

by Nomi Berger
 
Picture this: you’re brushing your teeth or preparing a meal and your kitty hops into the sink. Competing for the same stream of water from the tap inevitably goes from amusing to annoying.
 
Why, you ask, does your finicky feline prefer the sink to her water bowl? Is it by choice or by something more sinister, such as an underlying medical condition that has her seeking out additional sources of water? 
 
Essential to answering these questions is having your capricious cat seen by the vet for a thorough examination. If she’s happily healthy, the next step is to carefully inspect your home, then make some equally essential changes to both her living space and her daily routine.
 
Begin with the location of her water bowl. Cats who crave high places may prefer a faucet because of its “view” to a bowl that’s placed flat on the floor. If it rests in a raucous or heavily trafficked area (shared with children and/or other pets), a sink may seem like a quieter and more appealing solution to all the unwanted hubbub.
 
Experiment with various locations until you find the purr-fect one. If your cat is happiest with heights, set her bowl on an easily accessible counter. If there are several cats in your household, there should also be several drinking locations. Most importantly, keep kitty’s water bowl far from her litter box. Many fastidious felines prefer not to drink near the place that they potty.
 
Quite often, cats prefer sipping from the sink simply because the water tastes better. It may be due to the sink’s being free of the lingering scents or residue found in a bowl that’s not cleaned regularly, is made of a product whose odor she dislikes (think plastic), or whose sights and sounds are disturbing to her (think metal). Two solutions: clean her current bowl daily with an unscented cleaner that leaves no residue, allowing the water to remain fresh and clear or experiment with different bowls to find the most pleasing material for your persnickety puss.
 
Cats in the wild favor freshly flowing sources of water and turn down their paws at drinking from stagnant bodies of water. Is it any wonder then, that some cats prefer the sink tap’s free flowing water to the still water in their bowl? Replace your kitty’s bowl with a specially designed pet fountain that regularly replenishes its water, thereby redirecting her attention away from the sink. To further tempt her, smear a soft, high-value treat along the edge, and consider putting a flavored additive into the water (consult your vet first, paw-lease).
 
Some cats seek out the sink purely to play with the water – a clear indication that they’re bored. If your kitty’s fascination with the running faucet is all about entertainment, find other ways to keep her constructively engaged – preferably for the entire day. Food puzzles, regularly scheduled interactive play sessions and games of hide and seek work wonders when it comes to both holding her attention and burning up her excess energy.
 
Key to the success of any new routine is reinforcing only the behavior you want repeated. Reward your kitty for drinking out of her bowl or fountain with praise and pets, treats and play: whichever she values most, any combination of the four, or all four. Whenever she reverts to drinking from the faucet or playing with the water, turn off the taps and either look or walk away. With time and perseverance on your part, she’ll hopefully learn to choose the behavior that wins your approval rather than the one that earns her the proverbial cold shoulder.

by Nomi Berger
 
If your cat’s crazy about cuddling, you’re undoubtedly used to waking up and finding a warm, furry body stretched out along your back or chest.
 
Have you ever wondered WHY you’re so often your kitty’s favorite spot to snuggle while she purr, purr, purrs herself sweetly to sleep?
 
If so, paw-lease consider the following:
 
Cats crave warmth. Fond of catching the sun’s first morning rays, whether it’s on a window ledge or on the floor, cats will soak up those rays’ soothing warmth like human sun worshippers at the beach! But once the sun goes down, removing its light and its heat, cats quickly transfer their focus to YOU for the warmth they crave by curling up in your lap on the couch or burrowing with you under the covers in bed.
 
People are particularly comfortable. Because cats can sleep for 15 hours or more every day, they’re constantly searching for plush and peaceful places to settle. Sometimes it’s a baby soft blanket or a basket of fresh laundry, a cozy cat bed or an especially plump pillow. But if you happen to be stretched out on the sofa or lying leisurely on a lounge, your belly will quickly surpass those other spots, becoming, in short order, your cat’s idea of utter bliss.
 
Cats adore attention. If you’re away during the day and return home in the evening, don’t be surprised if you find your cat waiting eagerly by the door to greet you. Second only to being fed is being your shadow, as she follows after you while coyly treating you to a chorus of meows and a series of head butts in the hopes that you’ll reciprocate with a shower of kisses and plenty of pets.  
 
Cats savor safety. Much like people, cats seek out places of safety and security. And so, when your cat’s in search of somewhere to sleep, as warm and supple as it is familiar and comfortable, what more reassuring refuge could she find than your very own body? You’re figuratively her shield against all predators – fearsome or fictional -- allowing her to drift off to dreamland without a care in her kitty cat world.
 
Your sounds and smells can soothe her. When your cat sleeps on top of you, she may find the steady beating of your heart coupled with the rise and fall of your chest as you inhale and exhale especially reassuring and soothing, thereby lulling her into gentle slumber. She may also find your body’s distinctive scent particularly pleasant because she associates it with the care, companionship and safety you provide her, relaxing her own body more deeply and completely.
 
In short, cats are territorial by nature and often “mark” their favorite people as their own. The fact that your kitty sleeps on top of you is indicative of her absolute trust in you and that she considers your body the sweetest, safest spot to be.

by Nomi Berger

While one of the most enjoyable experiences of working from home throughout the COVID-19 pandemic may be the extra time you’ve spent with your cats, the downside may be their separation anxiety when you return to work. This is particularly true for cats adopted during the pandemic because they’ve had less time to accustom themselves to their new homes and new routines.

Animal behaviorists are, therefore, encouraging you to start preparing your feline friends NOW to help them adjust to yet another “new normal.”

Set and keep to a consistent schedule: Cats are creatures of habit and are most comfortable with a fixed routine. If you’ve been free-feeding yours during the day, break that habit immediately. Implement or return to regularly scheduled meal times to reinforce their sense of safety and ritual.

Practice leaving them on their own: Leave them alone for brief periods of time by taking a short walk or going for a drive. As their stress levels decrease, gradually increase the amount of time you’re gone until they’ve adjusted completely and appear unperturbed by your absence. On the other hand, if they become excited or anxious when you show signs of leaving – whether it’s putting on your shoes or picking up your keys -- desensitize them by doing this and NOT leaving the house. Repeat the process until they no longer react. But most importantly, resist the temptation to draw out your “good-byes” when you leave and your “hellos” when you return. Being as intuitive as they are, they will automatically react to your tone of voice, body language and overall energy – both positive and negative. Here, calmness is key.

Create a tranquil environment: To reduce their stress levels, consider the benefits of “white noise” such as the TV, classical music or a sound machine. Diffusers with pet-appeasing pheromones can also be used to provide them with a greater sense of security. Leave out a well-worn shirt or a cozy blanket with your scent on it for them to curl up on or cuddle.

Keep them stimulated and entertained: Establish a daily play schedule for meaningful interaction with your cats.  Have them chase after the laser’s red dot or engage them with various wand toys – activities that help build their confidence and strengthen their bond with you. And be generous with those high-value treats! Ensure that at least one window has a cat tree, perch or bed in front of it to allow them to look out at the world. Then, as you head out the door, put down a puzzle toy for them to work on and hold their attention indefinitely.

If, despite all of these preparations, you believe your cats may be suffering from stress while you’re gone, the most effective way to determine the extent of it is through the use of a home monitor. Capturing their behaviors on tape allows you to work on modifying those behaviors and helps ensure that your cats’ “home alone” environment is as pleasant as paws-ible.