DEAR DR. FOX: I am amazed at your anger about the breeding of domestic cat-wild cat hybrids -- but I'm very glad. My most recent experience with this type of experiment is in southwest Florida. It seems that some university folks thought it was a great idea to cross Florida panthers with Texas pumas, arguing that is how you save the panther. I understand the puma, a more aggressive breed, is considered quite a problem in Texas for us humans and domestic animals. It has proven to be the case here, as well. When will we understand not to confuse interfering with Mother Nature and good stewardship, care and concern? -- D.W., Naples, Florida

DEAR D.W.: Yes, after close to 50 years of advocating animals' rights to humane treatment and respectful stewardship to provide them with a life worth living, I am angry on many fronts when it comes to our collective exploitation and abuse of fellow creatures.

Creating "misfits" like wild cat-domestic cat hybrids, and keeping "exotic" species as pets, are ethically questionable when appropriate environments are not (and generally cannot) be provided for them. We must question subjecting any creature to a deprived existence simply for our own pleasure or dubious "educational" purposes for children and entertainment.

The scientific basis for hybridization is valid when striving to save endangered species and subspecies like the cougar. I asked Will Stolzenburg, author of "Heart of a Lion," a wonderful book about the history and status of America's cougar or panther, to give more insight on the situation you mention. He writes:

“Concerning the Florida panther situation, I have to side with the scientists on this one, who decided that the Florida panther (so terribly rare and inbred at the time that their eyes were crossed, their tails kinked, even their sperm was deformed) was doomed without introduction of fresh genes. (By the way, there's debate as to whether they're even separate subspecies, despite morphological differences that experts can easily detect.)

"The move has proved warranted, as the population has since rebounded from a scant 30 to more than 100. The idea that the fresh-blooded panthers of Florida, or the Texas cougars from which they were bolstered, are more aggressive, I've yet to see any scientific evidence of this.

"Despite the headlines, the frequency of livestock depredations in either Florida or Texas is still relatively tiny and localized compared to all other factors of livestock mortality. My own journalism profession is guilty of hyping these rare depredations with dramatic headlines, while ignoring the great majority of panthers/cougars who go about their daily lives in close proximity to humans and their companion animals with never a hint of conflict. I'm not only glad they saved the Florida population of cougars by intervening; I'm in favor of translocating a few females north of the Caloosahatchee River so that they can naturally expand northward to repopulate the Appalachians. The eastern forests, overrun with deer and feral hogs, sorely miss their alpha predators.”

I would add that free-roaming and feral domestic cats put panthers, lynx and bobcats at risk from feline diseases they can harbor.

NYC VETERINARIANS BATTLE H7N2 OUTBREAK IN CATS

According to the New York Post, "Officials say 386 New York City shelter cats have tested positive for H7N2 avian influenza as veterinarians work to stem an outbreak among feline residents that appears to have started in October 2016. Some 500 cats have been placed at a makeshift quarantine facility staffed by six veterinarians and eight technicians as well as support staff, and some of the animals will be released in the coming days."

I would call this outbreak an example of an anthropogenic, human-generated disease facilitated by the inhumane poultry and pig industries in virtually every country that are the petri dishes for new strains of the influenza virus. This virus can mutate and spread fast, in part facilitated by migrant birds, but far more so by our own international travel and commerce. We reap what we sow. I have met more than one adult who was partially paralyzed, permanently, after receiving an anti-flu vaccine.

Vaccinology and the profitable vaccine industry have too long ignored the path of disease prevention through more humane animal husbandry and good hygiene, so terribly deficient in the CAFOs -- concentrated animal feeding operations. Some historians contend that the Spanish flu virus pandemic, which probably came from pigs, caused such human morbidity and mortality in the millions that it put an end to World War I.

(Send all mail to animaldocfox@gmail.com or to Dr. Michael Fox in care of Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106. The volume of mail received prohibits personal replies, but questions and comments of general interest will be discussed in future columns.

Visit Dr. Fox's website at DrFoxVet.net.)

DEAR READERS: No country can yet claim to be a fully democratic society, because democracy calls for inclusivity and equal consideration of the rights and interests of all. This “all” includes not only its citizens -- regardless of race, tribe, caste, gender, age and religion -- but all other species, plant and animal, especially those we consume and others we are driving to extinction. It also requires responsible care for the natural environment we all share.

From my perspective as a veterinarian and advocate of the One Health concept, our own health and the ultimate well-being of future generations are dependent upon a healthful environment, growing plant and animal populations and natural communities. The call for animal rights and eco-justice, too long ignored, now means that planetary CPR -- conservation, protection and restoration -- needs to be immediately implemented. Our commerce with the Earth must become one of mutually enhancing relationships, rather than relentless exploitation, destructive invasion and human infestation.

Climate change, ocean acidification, loss of cultural and biological diversity and pandemic diseases are evidence enough that democracy must become all-inclusive. “When we take care of the Earth, the Earth will take care of us,” a Pennsylvania Dutch farmer once told me, adding, “and that includes caring for the animals.”

DEAR DR. FOX: For people like me who are up in age and worried about who will take care of their animals when they pass away -- three rescue dogs, in my case -- there is a need for a solution.

My local Humane Society has not made a commitment. “No-kill” sanctuaries have said no.

What am I to do? Any suggestions are welcome -- my family cannot help. -- C.S., Bethesda, Maryland

DEAR C.S.: You have my sympathy, and I embrace you for considering the fate of your beloved canine companions, who may outlive you. I understand that your family cannot or chooses not to help, but I am dismayed that your attempts to find peace of mind and assurance that your dogs will be well cared for if you die before them bore no fruit within your community.

I would advise the executor of your estate to go online to find nonprofit organizations dedicated to finding foster homes and forever homes for companion animals -- especially for those belonging to people with terminal illness or having to go into a retirement or nursing home. There are many such networks of dedicated volunteers in most metropolitan areas across the U.S.; some take animals into their own homes on a temporary basis while the pet owners are hospitalized or sent abroad for military or other reasons.

I have urged active retirees to consider dedicating their time and effort to providing temporary foster homes and forever homes for animals in need in their communities by joining with other volunteers associated with legitimate charities dedicated to this humane purpose. I would have a person you trust visit any no-kill operation or animal sanctuary that may promise to take your dogs to determine how well the resident animals are being cared for, including veterinary attention as needed.

DOG FOOD RECALL

Blue Ridge Beef of Eatonton, Georgia, is voluntarily recalling one lot of its Turkey with Bone raw frozen product due to its potential to be contaminated with listeria monocytogenes. The affected product is sold in 2-pound chubs. Visit dogfoodadvisor.com for more information.

(Send all mail to animaldocfox@gmail.com or to Dr. Michael Fox in care of Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106. The volume of mail received prohibits personal replies, but questions and comments of general interest will be discussed in future columns.

Visit Dr. Fox's website at DrFoxVet.net.)

DEAR DR. FOX: We are planning a 14-day overseas trip this April, and I do not have anyone I can ask to stay in my house with my cat Toby (who will be 15 in March) for the duration. I can't imagine that having someone come in for an hour or two a day will be helpful. He is alone much of the time since our other cat, Morticia, died last March at 18 years of age.

I am beside myself with concern about what to do. I have never boarded any of my cats. There are several "cat hotels" that I've researched that seem to be good. I know I need to visit them in advance, but a cat Toby's age, who has never been away overnight, who is very spoiled by me, loved beyond belief -- will he be able to handle a two-week boarding? I know he'll survive it, but when I get him home, will he be the same? Will he forgive me?

I know this sounds ridiculous, but the planning of the trip is nothing compared to my stress over this issue. -- G.C., St. Louis

DEAR G.C.: It is always a problem having one or more animals who may not take well to a boarding facility when you wish to go on vacation, and have no one to housesit or visit twice a day to feed, clean the litterbox, groom and play with the animals.

A pet sitter may be the best option to explore. There are licensed and bonded professional sitters who will spend time with your cat, and a few will stay overnight.

Cats generally do not do as well as dogs going to a boarding facility, but for both species I highly recommend having your animal spend two nights away, then pick him up. The next time he goes, he may not then feel that he is being abandoned. Take along familiar toys, his regular food and an unwashed T-shirt smelling of you -- and if possible, his cat bed or blanket with his own scent on it.

The boarding facility should have an open space where your Toby can get out of the enclosure for some activity at least twice a day, and his holding cage or pen should have plenty of space so he does not have to nap in his litterbox. Too many cat boarding facilities that I have visited have enclosures that are too small with no shelf or perch for the cat to get on or box to hide in, which many cats need because they are fearful in strange surroundings.

The place should be quiet; soft music has a calming effect and serves as a sound barrier. Toby should be regularly handled, groomed and allowed out to play if not too recalcitrant. With two cats used to each other, they should be kept in a double-sized enclosure, and better cat facilities have windows so the cats can see outdoors, often at an array of bird feeders. There should be no barking dogs to terrify them in any adjacent boarding kennels.

So go visit the facilities available in your area with these pointers in mind. The boarding operation will probably insist on Toby having blood tests for feline viral leukemia and immunodeficiency virus, as well as up-to-date vaccinations. The latter may not be needed if they accept blood titre results indicating he does not require shots other than the mandatory anti-rabies vaccination. If vaccinations are needed, be sure they are not given at the last minute, but three to four weeks before Toby goes into the facility.

STRESS MIGHT CAUSE DOGS TO GO GRAY EARLY

A study of 400 dogs found fear of loud sounds, unfamiliar people and animals was associated with gray hair on and around the muzzle. Premature graying in dogs under 4 years of age may be a possible indicator of anxiety, fear or impulsivity issues. The findings were reported by Dr. Camille King and associates at Northern Illinois University in the December 2016 edition of Applied Animal Behavior Science.

(Send all mail to animaldocfox@gmail.com or to Dr. Michael Fox in care of Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106. The volume of mail received prohibits personal replies, but questions and comments of general interest will be discussed in future columns.

Visit Dr. Fox's website at DrFoxVet.net.)