HCM

Let’s Talk HCM

When it comes to cat health, it’s prudent to keep up to date with symptoms and signs of poor health or other strange anomalies. If your cat has the sniffles, it can be a sign of an upper respiratory infection. Lack of appetite can be contributed to liver failure if left untreated. But HCM, or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, is the most commonly diagnosed heart disease in cats. This occurs when the left side of their heart muscle begins to thicken. While this occurs most often in cats ages five to seven, any age range can be affected.

With most issues, there are symptoms and warning signs that indicate some sort of problem. And this may be the most upsetting thing about HCM: most cats do not show any signs. Some cats may start “panting” and since cats are drastically different than dogs, this panting doesn’t help them cool down but instead alerts owners to stress or heart issues. Another subtle sign is lethargic attitude or even fluid building up in the lungs. Unfortunately, most signs of HCM are too late and result in death. Monitoring any strange behaviors is the best option for keeping on top of possible heart conditions.

So, who’s at risk for HCM? Any cat can be at risk for this disease, but the most common breeds known to be at risk are Persians, Mainecoons, and Ragdolls. Ragdolls and Mainecoons do have genetic testing available to see if they are at risk for HCM. THe youngest you can find out about this disease in your cat is around six months old. Your vet can do an echocardiogram to see if the heart is thickening on the left side. While there is no cure for HCM, knowing your cat has a predisposition for it allows for more awareness especially during checkups.

Now for the big question: can you cat live with HCM? The answer? YES! While this may be surprising because of the issues surrounding the disease, many cats can live out all of their nine lives with HCM. If you cat has been diagnosed, your vet may prescribe medication to keep kitty’s heart strong! Talk with your vet at the next appointment and see options for living with this specific heart disease.

How do you get rid of tear staining?

Soft fur, quiet purrs, and a little feisty attitude encapsulates almost any cat! Kitties do a great job at bathing themselves, but as we’ve talked about before- they’re just spreading spit around which truthfully isn’t clean at all. Gross! When it comes to grooming and maintaining their pristine hair, eye staining is a problem for a lot of sweet kitties. Even though any type of cat can develop eye staining, persian, himalayan, and other exotic breeds have the worst time with it. The staining can look like kitty permanently has something in their eyes.Not only is this unattractive but it’s also a problem for your cat if left untreated.

So why should you get rid of that eye gunk? This build up can cause staining sores and even infection if not cleaned properly on a regular basis. Eye staining occurs when excess bacteria and yeast are formed around the eyes and can cause eye issues if left untreated. 

Cleaning them doesn’t have to be a struggle! To keep the eye area healthy, it is best to use a warm, wet washcloth and wipe the area clean with downward strokes. Keeping it wiped and clean will put a pause on sores forming and causing infections. If you’re wanting more of a preventative solution, using an eye powder such as eye envy will dry out the area and help remove the staining. Careful to research any “home remedies” for eye staining as some can cause more harm than good. Stay away from hydrogen peroxide, apple cider vinegar, and human eye drops. Any of these can harm kitty and their eyesight.

Some other methods of reducing staining is feeding your kitty a high quality food and stay away from overly processed foods. Think about what bowls your cat eats out of. Remove plastic and replace with metal or glass. Plastic containers make it easier to harbor bacteria that can transfer to your pet’s face. By limiting items around the house that add to eye staining issues, you’re able to be proactive in your feline’s health!

Taking Care of Your Senior Cat

Aging is inevitable, isn’t it? Humans, animals, and all living things age as time progresses. Did you know that your kitty is considered as a senior by the age of 7? That’s right, sweet Mittens is getting up there in age already! As the aging process pushes forward, there are a few things to keep in mind and to be on the lookout for in your feline.

As your cat ages and enters into the senior years, it’s recommended to bring them to the vet every six months to get a head start on detecting any diseases or illnesses early on. As always, preventative is the best option when it comes to health.

Watch how much water and food they’re ingesting. As felines age, their intake of food and water tends to shift. If they are drinking and eating more or less than usual, it can be a sign of illness or painful tooth decay. Start to take notice of little habits that are fluctuating and if you notice some significant changes, it may be time to head over to the vet.

Some senior cats may begin to prefer lower to the floor litter boxes especially if they begin to develop arthritis. A lower litter box makes for less pressure on the joints. Additionally, ramps allowing them on to higher objects like the bed, couch, or cat tree may be necessary if you notice it becoming more difficult for them to jump.

Be sure to look out for unusual behavior, like peeing outside the litter box or suddenly not wanting you to touch certain areas of their body, as this can be a signal of a larger problem. On your next vet visit, be ask if you can do a titer test to reduce the amount of vaccines your kitty needs as well as inquiring about how to stay on top of your feline’s dental health. 

Senior cats hold a special place in our hearts, and seeing them happy and healthy is the primary goal! If you have any questions about grooming a senior cat, I’d love to talk about that with you in depth.

What is stud tail?

Have you noticed sticky or discolored fur near the base of your kitty's tail? More than likely your cat has stud tail. Stud tail is where the gland in your kitty's tail becomes overactive and produces too much grease. Stud tail, for the most part, is not life-threatening but it can cause matting, inflammation, blackheads and sometimes even infection if not cleaned on a regular basis.

Now that you have figured out whats going on, what should you do? It's best to go to a groomer so they can a degreasing bath to remove the oil causing issues. Depending on how severe the grease build is, it may take a couple of grooms 4 weeks apart to get the grease under control. In between grooms its best to use corn starch or a pinauds powder to help soak up the grease in between grooms.

If you find puss,please contact your vet.

A New Vaccine on the Block: Purevax

It’s that time again: vaccination time for kitty! Whether it’s rabies vaccines, FeLV (feline leukemia), or FIP (feline infectious peritonitis), your favorite little cat needs their vaccines in order to stay healthy and happy. Unfortunately, a cat’s natural curiosity puts them at risk for contact with carriers of various diseases without you even knowing. Keeping up to date on new research and the newest vaccinations can be a little tricky, but not to worry! 

As new medications and vaccines come to light, it’s important to remember not all are created the same. That’s why this new one in the spotlight I’m pretty excited about! The newest one is called Purevax. And, fun fact, it’s designed specifically for cats! Honestly, I didn’t have a clue about this vaccine until I was doing some extra research about them, and I found it fascinating. Purevex protects felines from a number of diseases including rabies, feline leukemia virus, and pathogens that can cause repertory disease in cats.

The main difference between Purevax and regular vaccines is that it doesn’t use adjuvants. I know everybody at this point is asking, “What are adjuvants?” These are additives to vaccines that were additional in the 1920s to help get a stronger response from the immune system. Unfortunately, adjuvants have been associated with FISS (Feline Injection Site Sarcoma), Injection Site Granuloma, and Chronic Inflammation. No one wants their sweet kitty to deal with any of that. Purevax is also incredible as it is approved for kittens as young as 12 weeks of age, and it’s available as a standalone or in combination with other antigens to support the vaccine routine specifically for your cat.

As the first vaccine line without adjuvants, Purevax is a wonderful alternative for your feline. Want to know where you can get Purevax? Cleveland Park Animals Hospital in Greenville only uses PureVax on vaccines only their cat clients. You can also contact your vet to see if they will provide it for your kitty! Talk with your vet about Purevax and they can give you extra information during immunization time.

What is a Titer test?

Time for Testing!

Depending on what health concerns you’re questioning, you may need testing! There’s testing for just about anything, and the same goes for cats. Although most cats would rather die than visit the vet, keeping them up to date on vaccines and testing is highly important for their overall health. On the top of my recommendation list for testing, I suggest the titer test.

A titer test is a blood test that checks the antibodies in your cat’s blood to see if they’re still protected from the diseases or bacteria they were vaccinated for originally. You may be asking, “Why?”

I find that more often than not, pets are over vaccinated. Our animals definitely need vaccines, but I’d lean on the side of caution and not overdo it. If more and more vaccines are given that aren’t needful, it can lead to over vaccination. 

Over vaccination is a concern as it causes blood problems, digestion problems, skin issues, as well as autoimmune disease. Obviously, we don’t want any of that happening to our fur babies!

Once your feline has received their vaccines, there are certain symptoms to look out for. Firstly, watch for swelling near the injection site. If this persists more than three weeks or begins to grow, please contact your vet immediately. This could be a sign of a type of cancer called feline injection site sarcoma (FISS for short). These tumors are rare and are believed to be the result from inflammation associated with vaccines. Additionally, they can occur up to ten years after a vaccination in some cats. Just another reason why a head to tail assessment on your cat every week is so important!

A rabies vaccine is mandatory but instead of getting a one year vaccine, I recommend getting a three year vaccine. The only difference is the label as it is the same amount of medicine. 

Through reading this, I hope you are well informed and understanding the need for different vaccines as well as a titer test! Every cat should be vaccinated, so talk to your vet for the best course of action!

Does your kitty really need a crate?

Homes provide us a sense of safety, wellbeing, and security. A house is a place where we can decompress, calm down, and finally relax after a long day. Just like people need homes, every kitty should have their own version of a home. That’s right: a crate! Crates are excellent for traveling back and forth from vet visits and grooming, but they are equally important for emergencies. Kitties are easily startled by a car driving by or a loud noise when they’re outside of their homes. With a crate, you can provide your cat with security and an extension of their comfort zone. 

Your crate needs to be one and a half times bigger than you kitty. This gives them plenty of space to stand and turn around without feeling stuck. Too small of a crate will make them cramped. As a kid, remember when you had to sit in the cramped backseat during a road trip? Your legs were shoved almost up to your chest, and all you could think about was how you couldn’t reach the snacks and how badly you wanted to get out and stretch your legs? That’s how a small crate feels to a cat! Finding them a crate that’s amply sized will help improve their mood and keep them safe.

It’s best if your kitty has their own designated crate. Traveling can be stressful enough, and most cats do better having their space to make them feel safe. Keeping the crate out at all times will allow them to see it as a good thing instead of a bad thing. If you’d like to put toys and treats inside the crate, that’s an excellent way for cats to become accustomed to crating without it feeling scary to them. You might even find your kitty hanging out in there on his own volition! 

Finding the perfect crate may take some time and energy, but it’ll be best for your cat in the long run. Keeping them feeling safe and secure is a number one priority! 

Why go to a CFMG?

Let’s talk about certification, what is a CFMG is and what it means for you and your kitty! So the grooming industry has a little secret; it's not regulated. I know, it's pretty crazy! Now I'm not saying that non-certified groomers are bad but I am saying we have no clue what their experience level is. If they have any. Unlike the hairdressing industry where you have to go through courses, a set amount of hours, and testing before you are allowed to sell your services.

Anyone can decide to become a groomer and open up a shop without any training. When it comes to the safety and health of our kitties I find it's important to find someone who went through training and understands the potential dangers to cats during grooming. So many things can go wrong if the groomer isn't trained to see warning signs from kitties and doesn't know how to correctly handle them.

To become a CFMG, Certified Feline Master Groomer, you must go through a course and take 4 written exams including, health and anatomy, breed and colors, temperament and handling, and business. With 5 practical exams to make sure all of the students know to safely demonstrate all of the grooming elements and understand which grooms are appropriate for each cat. Now the question is, how do you find someone who has gone through the training? You can go to nationalcatgroomers.com they have a list of NCGI members (CFMG in training) and CFMG’s. If you have any further questions on this topic please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at (864) 520 -1545 or upstatemeow@gmail.com

What Should I Use To Brush My Cat?

So you have a kitty and you don’t know what to use at home to maintain their coat. No worries! We got you covered. I’m going to go over what you can use to help maintain your kitties coat at home!

My favorite comb to use is the safari, you can purchase it on amazon. It’s a cheaper version of my professional comb I use on my salon kitties. Super comfortable to use with it’s a wooden handle to keep from hurting your wrists. The tight teeth help pull out dead coat without damaging their good fur. You can use this on a short or long hair kitty.

Zoom groom is a great option for short hair kitties. The only downside it is messy when you use it; it doesn’t have teeth so the hair comes off instantly unlike combs where you have to remove the hair from the teeth. Most cats love the zoom groom because it feels like a nice massage. You can use this for long hair cats but it will not remove or prevent mats from forming since it doesn’t go all the way down to the skin.

Now you are probably wondering why there isn’t a brush on my list of tools to use to brush my cat. I don’t use brushes on my salon cats for a few reasons. I find most cats get aggravated when using a brush because they don’t remove mats as swiftly like combs do. Most brushes don’t go down to the skin which is where the mats start, so they are not good for prevention either. If you do happen to find a brush long enough to go down to the skin, too much brushing can cause kitties sensitive skin to go raw (brush burn).

I would also caution against the furminator type combs. The teeth have blades at the end pulling and cutting the healthy hair. I have seen many cats come in with damaged hair and skin from a furminator type brush. If you are having problems with shedding I would instead recommend getting a de-shed treatment at our salon.

At my home I like to keep my comb next to my couch so when my kitty like to jump on my lap to cuddle, I can whip out my comb real quick to and she doesn’t mind. You may ask, what happens if you find a little tangle? If its small, smaller than a dime, no worries! Take your comb underneath the mat and in now swift motion, like ripping off a band-aid! Pull the mat out. If you pick it at it will cause the kitty pain and skin irritation. If you are having trouble removing mats please don’t hesitate to reach out. It it was I do for a living!

Stay Purrdy!

Gracee

How to bring home a new cat

Have you had your heart set on bringing home a feline friend? Do you think your home is ready for anew addition? Cats are a fun addition to your home, and there are plenty of felines in need of love. June is adopt a cat month, so let’s spread the news! Head over to your local animal hospital or humane society and pick up your new best friend.

You may be asking yourself, “Am I ready to bring home a cat? Is my home cat friendly?” Bringing home a new pet may seem daunting, but never fear. Here are a few pointers to guide you in the right direction.

When first bringing home a kitten/adult cat, the overall experience for them can be a little scary. Thereare new sounds, smells, and places to roam. If you have other pets, this can take some time to get used to as well. It’s best to set up a room for your new kitty to adjust before letting them romp around the rest of the house. Consider a guest room or even a bathroom set up with their food, water, and litter box. Let them roam around the enclosed space by themselves before letting them out to meet other pets or explore the rest of your home.

If there are other animals in the home, keep them in their own separate living areas. It’ll take time to adjust animals to one another so it’s best not to rush the process. A good option for them to get used to one another is letting them smell each other’s bedding, toys, etc. When you decide it’s time for them to meet, watch them closely and stay in the room. Place them in an area where there are adequate hiding spots so they feel like they have places to get away from one another. Encourage meeting one another and playing, and make sure to use positive tones of voice.

Again, the adjusting process takes time and patience, and it’s best to take things one step at a time. Your new family friend will definitely want to explore and make your home their home. All in all, have fun getting to know you cat’s personality and how they adjust to their new and loving home!

How important are vet visits?

Healthy Kitty = Happy Kitty! 

Just like humans, it’s so important for your favorite feline to head to the vet once a year for an annual checkup! During their wellness visit, a vet will be able to determine their overall health as well as if they’re needing shots of any sort. Cats, unlike dogs, won’t show you if they’re sick or in pain, so a wellness visit is crucial to maintaining a long and happy life for your kitty.

During a visit, vets will go over a cat’s oral health, weight, lung and heart health, and more to determine if all is well. Bringing your cat to the vet on a regular basis will also help make it a less stressful situation in the future.

If you’re new to the Upstate area, or if you’re looking around for a good vet, here are a few I recommend you check out.

Cat Clinic of Greenville:As a vet dedicated to solely serving feline friends, the staff at the Cat Clinic is determined to provide the best experience for you and your kitty. Their overarching goal is to provide a safe haven for felines that feels comfortable and “at home” as they strive to make each patient a part of their ever growing family.

West Spartan County Animal Hospital:Described by clients as compassionate, caring, and professional, the West Spartan County Animal Hospital is doing great things for their four-legged friends. With a staff that’s in tune with their fur patients, you’re sure to find a good fit with them.

Rocky Creek Veterinary Hospital:Since 2010, Rocky Creek has been providing a comprehensive, locally owned veterinary practice. Their staff is a group of experienced veterinarians who are devoted to the treatment of their patients by providing individual care and keeping animals fear free in a calm environment. 

Cleveland Park Animal Hospital:With three locations, Cleveland Park Animal Hospital desires to protect and celebrate the bond between humans and animals by using their highly trained team. They are the oldest established veterinary hospital in Greenville, and they take the health and care of each animal seriously. Additionally, they are AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association) accredited. 

Blue Ridge Animal Hospital:Located in the beautiful city of Greer, Blue Ridge Animal Hospital is dedicated to working with their patients to keep pets happy and healthy for years to come. They have worked diligently to provide an effective system of care for pet’s needs from birth until their senior years.  

I hope you enjoyed this information!

How to find the right cat groomer for you

Furballs, Tangles, and How to Choose a Cat Groomer

Happy New Year, Everybody! 2018 flew right on by, so now it’s time to get started with 2019. A new year bring new experience, adventures, and choices. One such choice may be: how do you choose a good cat groomer? Here are some practical tips to pick someone who is a cut above the rest (pun DEFINITELY intended).

Has the groomer in your consideration been trained or is currently in training to groom cats? Although this may sound like a “duh” answer, someone who is specialized in grooming cats should be high up on your list of qualifications. I recommend groomers who were trained underneath National Cat Groomers.

Is the salon feline exclusive? If not, do they have a separate area away from dogs? Grooming can be a stressful time for some cats, and having them more stressed with dogs around them is a bit of chaos! Finding a cat groomer that is either feline exclusive, has a separate area for dogs, or grooms cats and dogs on different days is ideal for less stress and more sanity! 

When checking through the social media of the groomer in question, do they have a lot of before and after pictures? Unfortunately, I’ve seen groomers who only groom cats because it’s a job and not because it’s a passion, and these places tend to lack in before and after pictures. You want to see plenty of photos!

Lastly, and most importantly, does the groomer understand the grooming needs of you and your cat? Having someone who is in tune with your needs and your questions is crucial when choosing a groomer. Every cat is unique, and their needs are distinct to them. Open communication helps build a trusting relationship between you and your groomer. 

No matter where you live or if you move to a new location, these tips can guide you to a great cat groomer. After all, your furbaby deserves the best! 

How To Keep Your Kitty Safe During The Holidays!

“No, Don’t Chew the Tinsel!” Keeping Your Cat Safe during Christmas

The Holidays are a time of joy, wonder, and time spent with family and friends. We can get so wrapped up (no pun intended!) in the events and parties that we may forget to be on the lookout for things that can harm our pets. Here are a few practical ways to make sure your feline friend is safe during the Holidays!

Strung up with lights and ornaments, your Christmas tree may look harmless enough. But did you know that real Christmas trees actually have oils that can cause irritation in the skin, stomach, and mouth if chewed on? Additionally, Christmas lights can be a danger if cats begin to chew on them (hello, electrical wires). Using battery operated lights is a great idea when it comes to which kind to use for your tree. And make sure to turn them off when you’re not around!

Give them a shake or a swirl, and watch the snow in a globe spin all around the glass. Magical! But what may not be as magical is when they break. Did you know that snow globes are filled with ethylene glycol? You may know it better as anti-freeze which animals are often attracted to due to its sweet smell and taste. Avoid accidents with snow globes can keeping them in places your cat can’t get to, and if one breaks clean it up thoroughly. 

Plants such as poinsettias, holly, and mistletoe can be beautiful but also dangerous. If ingested, symptoms include vomiting, irritation in the mouth, and abdominal pain. It’s best to avoid these kind of plants in your home if you own a cat, or make sure they’re in a separate room that kitty can’t get into.

And lastly, the holidays can be very stressful for cats who aren’t used to so many people coming in and out of the home. If you find your cat acting a little antsier, skittish, annoyed, or stressed, consider having a room just for your feline friend to have as their own. This way, they can easily escape and get some much needed rest. 

No matter how you choose to spend this time of year, be mindful of the pets who depend on us to keep them safe. Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Upstate Meow!