CATS AREN'T 'SMALL DOGS'; THEY HAVE THEIR OWN CARE NEEDS

When you are reading about different cat breeds or checking the personality descriptions of cats at a shelter, you may come across some that are described as "doglike." And it's true that some cats, like dogs, will follow you around, play fetch or go for walks on leash.

But if you want to take better care of your cat, the last thing you should be doing is treating him like a dog.

-- Their nutritional needs are different. Cats are what biologists call "obligate carnivores." That means they must have meat in their diet to survive. Lots of meat. While dogs can exist on a diet that contains large amounts of grains, cats need meat protein to be at the top of their game. Meat contains a nutrient called taurine that is essential for heart and eye health and normal cell, muscle and skeletal function. Cats can't synthesize taurine on their own, so they must get it from their diet. Cats also have other nutritional requirements that vary from those of dogs, such as the type of vitamin A they can use. That's why you should never feed your cat the same food you give your dog.

-- Their physiology is different. Cats metabolize drugs differently than dogs or people do. It's very dangerous to give a cat the same drug that you or I or the dog next door might take, even if it's for the same type of problem. Take pain, for instance. I've seen clients kill their cats by going to the medicine chest and giving their cats aspirin or acetaminophen. The same holds true for parasite treatments. Never apply a flea or tick treatment or shampoo made for dogs to your cat. Always call your veterinarian first to ask if a particular medication is safe for your cat and at what dose.

-- The way cats express pain is different. Well, it's not just different. It's almost nonexistent. It's much easier to notice pain in a dog because we tend to interact with dogs directly. We take them on walks and we see whether they're limping, for instance, or moving more slowly. With cats, it's much more difficult to see the changes in mobility that signal injury or arthritis. Unless you happen to see your cat while he's doing his business in the litter box, you might not notice that he's having more difficulty squatting or no longer does that Rockettes-high kick to cover his scat. You might not notice that he doesn't jump to the top of the bookcase anymore, and you might like it that he no longer jumps on the kitchen counter. You just notice that he's sleeping more and, hey, that's what cats do, isn't it?

Because cats are both predator and prey, they make a point of hiding any kind of weakness. They know instinctively that displaying pain puts them at risk from other predators, so they do their best to mask it. That works to their disadvantage when it comes to veterinary care. The signs that a cat is in pain are so subtle that most people miss them unless they are keen observers of their cats.

-- Cats don't take care of themselves, and they need to see the veterinarian. It's a mystery to me why people are so much less likely to provide veterinary care to their cats than to their dogs. Cats are the most popular pets in America, yet veterinarians are seeing a decline in veterinary visits for cats. That's a shame because cats need and deserve great veterinary care to ensure that they live long, happy, healthy lives.

Cats may be intelligent and independent, but they can't doctor themselves—at least not yet. Providing your cat with regular veterinary care is a good investment, and it's one of the responsibilities you owe your cat when you bring him into your life.

Q&A

Behavior changes

may mean illness

Q: I think I would know a veterinary emergency, but what I'm worried about is missing a problem that needs to be caught early. Can you suggest some signs? -- via Facebook

A: You must be aware not only of your pet's physical condition (and changes in that condition), but also of his behavior. Many times, behavioral changes are later confirmed as illnesses through the use of such diagnostic tools as blood or urine tests. Always be aware of the subtle changes in your pet's behavior, especially regarding the following areas:

-- Changes in eating habits, especially loss of appetite. Be aware of how much and how eagerly your pet eats, and make a mental note of any changes. The ability to keep an eye on feeding behavior is one of the best arguments against keeping food available at all times.

-- Changes in activity level: If a pet who's always ready to run is suddenly not interested in playing, the lethargy may be cause for concern.

-- Changes in drinking habits: Pets drink more in the summer than in the winter, but even taking that into consideration, you look for variations in your pet's drinking habits. Get an idea of what's a normal amount of water consumed, and be aware of changes. You don't need to measure by the ounce: Just keep an eye on how often you're refilling that water bowl.

-- Changes in voice: Does your dog's bark or cat's meow sound different? Is his pattern of vocalizing changing?

If you think you have an "ain't doing right" pet, a visit to your veterinarian is in order if the issue doesn't resolve itself in a few days -- even if there's no overt physical sign of illness that you can see. -- Dr. Marty Becker

Do you have a pet question? Send it to petconnection@gmail.com or visit Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker.

THE BUZZ

Pets, children

often share toys

-- Those who think the line between pets and children has become a little fuzzy in recent years may not be cheered by a new line of pet toys that is made to meet safety standards for children. SafeMade Pet Products meet guidelines to protect from choking, sharp edges and other potential hazards, and tests products for lead and phthalates. All of its bowls pass federal guidelines for food-safe dishware. But while it may seem like overkill, you only have to think about how often pet toys and dishes end up in the hands (and mouths) of small children to see that it's not a bad idea at all for both pets and people.

-- Want more talking pets? Andrew Grantham, creator of the "Ultimate Dog Tease" video (quotable line: "The maple kind. Yeah."), has collaborated with the American Pet Products Association's Pets Add Life campaign for a new series of comedy videos. They're at youtube.com/petsaddlife.

-- Giving treats to pets can sabotage any effort at taking weight off them. Dog Fancy magazine recently made the point that one premium pig's ear treat is the equivalent of a person drinking six 12-ounce sodas. And that typical dog biscuit? It's equivalent to two double-stuffed fudge cookies. With half of all pets overweight or obese, it's time to look at those treats. Since dogs can count but not judge size very well, break treats into tiny pieces and give those gradually, or substitute low-calorie treats, such as baby carrots or mini rice cakes.

-- Dr. Marty Becker and Gina Spadafori

ABOUT PET CONNECTION

Pet Connection is produced by a team of pet care experts headed by "Good Morning America" and "The Dr. Oz Show" veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker and award-winning journalist Gina Spadafori. The two are affiliated with Vetstreet.com and also the authors of many best-selling pet care books. Dr. Becker can also be found at Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker or on Twitter at DrMartyBecker.

CATS AND DOGS CAN GET ALONG -- IF YOU HANDLE THE INTRODUCTIONS PROPERLY

Can cats and dogs get along? While cats and dogs scheming against each other is a comedic staple, millions of real-life cats and dogs live in harmony, and millions of people feel no family would be complete without at least one of each pet.

Getting a dog and cat to accept one another can be difficult, though, as anyone who's tried to introduce them knows. There are some basic steps to getting both pets to at least call an interspecies truce.

Under no circumstances should cat-dog introductions be handled by throwing the animals together and letting them work things out on their own. That method is far too stressful even in the best of circumstances. It's also important to keep in mind that introductions can be dangerous, usually for the cat. Some dogs see cats as prey, and even those dogs who are generally easygoing may react instinctively to a cat on the run, and attack the smaller animal.

Introductions must be supervised and handled with planning, care and patience.

If you have a cat and intend to bring in a dog, try to find an animal who is known to be accepting of cats. Shelters, rescue groups or private parties looking to place puppies and dogs often know if an animal has successfully lived with a cat, or they will test to see how the pet behaves in the presence of one.

If you have a dog and are planning to bring in a cat, start working on your pet's obedience before you add the new animal. Your dog should be comfortable on a leash and be trained well enough to mind your requests for him to stay in either a "sit" or "down" position while on that leash.

For the cat's comfort, he should be confined during the early stages of an introduction to a small area (such as a second bathroom or guest bedroom) where he can feel safe while becoming acclimated to the sounds and smells of the dog. Be sure the room has everything he needs, and make sure he has frequent one-on-one visits with human family members.

After a couple of days with the cat sequestered, put the dog on leash and open the door to the cat's room. Allow the animals to see one another, and do not allow the dog to chase the cat, even in play. Use "sit-stay" or "down-stay" to keep the dog in place while the cat gets used to his calm presence. Don't force the cat to interact with the dog; if the cat wishes to view the dog from the darkest recesses underneath the bed, so be it. Reward the good behavior of both animals with treats and praise.

Keep the dog on leash for a couple of weeks in the cat's presence, and always make sure the cat has a way to escape from the dog, such as access to a safe area with a baby gate across the door. Build up the time the animals spend together, and continue to make the introductions rewarding, with more treats and praise.

When the dog isn't interested in bothering the cat, and the cat feels secure enough to come out from under the bed, you can take off the leash and let them get on with their new lives together. How long it will take to get to this step will depend on the animals involved, and you must work at their pace.

It's not uncommon for dogs and cats to become friends and to enjoy each other's company. Take the time to manage your cat-dog introduction properly, and you could be setting up a friendship that will last for the rest of your pets' lives.

Q&A

Small dog, big

attitude: Why?

Q: Why do so many little dogs want to pick fights with big dogs? Don't they know they can be killed? -- via email

A: Small dogs are still dogs, and they still act like dogs, even if they're spending a lot of time living in someone's purse. There are some possibilities as to why small dogs seem to have more bluster than is sensible, given their size:

Terrier 'tude: Many small dogs are terriers, smaller versions of terriers or other breeds and mixes of breeds similar to terriers. These dogs were developed to keep homes and barns free of rodents, and that's a job that requires some serious prey drive. The saying, "It's not the size of the dog in the fight; it's size of the fight in the dog" perfectly captures the temperament of these dogs. Other small dogs may be figuring it's better to bite first, reacting out of fear.

The owner factor: Small dogs tend to be a little -- how should I say this? -- overly indulged. They're so cute, so tiny, and if they're obnoxious, it's not exactly the same as dealing with 80 pounds of poor manners. People tend to let little dogs get away with a lot of misbehavior; others think it's funny when their little dog goes after a bigger one. (Though, the amusement ends where the veterinary bill begins.) And sometimes because they're so tiny as puppies, people never properly socialize small dogs.

As a veterinarian, I've patched up my share of small dogs. People at the ends of both leashes need to show some common sense and not let little dogs and big dogs escalate snarls and growls into fighting. When that happens, it's almost a certainty that the little dog will take the worst of it, and almost as certain that the big dog will be blamed. Don't take chances, either way. -- Dr. Marty Becker

Do you have a pet question? Send it to petconnection@gmail.com or visit Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker.

THE BUZZ

With two drops a day

the itch goes away

-- Dogs with skin allergies may be helped by a new technique to build up immunity, using drops instead of shots. In a study presented at the world conference for veterinary dermatologists, Dr. Douglas DeBoer, a professor at the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Wisconsin, noted significant improvement in 60 percent of the animals treated twice daily with drops under the tongue. Currently, standard treatment requires shots every two weeks. DeBoer said the new method of delivery even helped those pets who saw no improvement with traditional allergy injections.

-- Dog sports such as agility and dock-diving have become more popular, with a result that injuries to canine weekend warriors are more common as well. The AKC Canine Health Foundation has launched an initiative to develop a better understanding of the proper conditioning, nutrition, training and rehabilitation of canine athletes. An upcoming series of free podcasts presents an expert lineup of veterinarians. More information is at www.akcchf.org/canineathlete.

-- Veterinary behaviorists say products with pheromones -- synthetic versions of calming chemicals that animals themselves produce -- can help with many pet-behavior problems, especially those caused by stress or anxiety. The American College of Veterinary Behaviorists and the company that produces Feliway for cats and Adaptil for dogs are co-sponsoring a national tour in August and September to help pet owners resolve behavior problems. Pet fairs in the six cities on the tour will feature board-certified veterinary behaviorists available to answer pet owner questions, educational booths staffed by local veterinarians, shelter booths with adoptable pets and free giveaways. Tour information is at keepthelovealivetour.com. -- Dr. Marty Becker and Gina Spadafori

ABOUT PET CONNECTION

Pet Connection is produced by a team of pet care experts headed by "Good Morning America" and "The Dr. Oz Show" veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker and award-winning journalist Gina Spadafori. The two are affiliated with Vetstreet.com and also the authors of many best-selling pet care books. Dr. Becker can also be found at Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker or on Twitter at DrMartyBecker.

EVEN 'EASY' SPECIES CAN BE HIGH-MAINTENANCE PETS.

After years of dreaming, planning and preparing, I moved onto a small piece of country property where I could have more -- and more kinds -- of animals than were previously allowed in my old suburban neighborhood. My horses live with me now, and I have added more pet chickens. Goats? Maybe. But one kind of pet I haven't had since my beloved little parrot, Eddie, died a few years back is on my list again.

Parrots aren't like other pets. They're wickedly smart, relatively high-maintenance, very messy and exceptionally long-lived. I'm going to think long and hard before making the plunge, and not just because many kinds of parrots are likely to outlive me now.

I will go slowly mostly because I know that when it comes to parrots, too many people get in over their heads, choosing a pet who's too large, too loud, too expensive and, ultimately, too much to handle. I know which species are too much for me. But even the easier ones? I'm still thinking.

Parrots are wonderful pets, although they are much more work than many people realize. Before you fall in love with a parrot who's not a good fit for you, consider a few species that may fit the bill better.

-- Cockatiels: When properly raised and socialized, these popular pets like to snuggle and be petted. If you've seen only the gray bird with orange patches, you may be surprised at how many cockatiel color and pattern variations are available these days. Some cockatiels learn to talk, but many are better at whistling.

-- Budgies: Because of their small price tag and easy availability, budgerigars (commonly, but improperly, known as "parakeets") are often treated as throwaway pets -- easily purchased, easily disposed of and easily replaced. This attitude keeps people from valuing these birds for their affectionate personality. Some budgies even become very good talkers, albeit with tiny little voices. Budgies are commonly found in two varieties: the narrow American and the huskier English. Many budgies can be tamed by gentle, patient handling and can bond closely with their human companions.

-- Lovebirds: When hand-raised and socialized, lovebirds enjoy being handled. They're very affectionate, not overly loud and are capable of picking up a few phrases. The peach-faced lovebird is the most common, and this species also comes in many interesting color mutations. Contrary to popular belief, you don't need to keep them in pairs.

-- Poicephalus: These small parrots are an easygoing bunch. Of the species available as pets, the Senegal is probably the most common, a handsome little bird with a gray head, green back and wings, and yellow-orange underside. Poicephalus parrots are known for their small size -- a little bigger than a cockatiel -- and affectionate personalities. They're not the best talkers, but some will pick up a few phrases.

-- Pionus: Not as flashy as other midsized parrots, the pionus is often overlooked. But what it lacks in bright colors it makes up for with a winning personality. Several varieties of pionus are available as pets, all small enough to be easy to keep and handle. Their personalities are considered among the most sedate of all parrots, and they're not excessively loud.

Those are my top five, but there are other "starter birds" to consider. Among them are the Pyrrhura conure (such as the green-cheeked), the Quaker or monk parakeet (where legal), and the lilac-crowned or other smaller Amazons. And, yes, I'm thinking about another caique, like Eddie. Finally, the tiny and colorful parrotlet deserves consideration, too.

I'll be thinking about it for a few months longer, and in the end I may decide never to have a parrot again. But I will always yearn for the cleverness and the quirkiness these special pets bring to any home.

Q&A

Don't teach puppies

to jump over gates

Q: How can I limit my border collie pup to a room where there are no doors? There's only a baby gate, which she can jump over. -- via e-mail

A: When I have puppies or foster dogs in the house, I use an extra-tall gate to make sure they learn from the start that they can't get over the barrier. The problem with most gates is that for large puppies or dogs, or especially agile ones like yours, the common 29- or 30-inch barrier is no barrier at all.

Sometimes people make the mistake of adding height in increments, starting with a standard gate, then getting one just a little higher, and then higher still. This sometimes has the effect of training a dog to jump higher and higher. That's why I prefer to start with a tall gate.

Several companies now make pet barriers that are as much as 44 inches high. Your dog may be agile, but he'd have to have springs for legs to get over a gate that tall. Other gates are designed to accommodate additional panels to increase height on a standard gate. Internet and catalog retailers are probably your best bet to find the widest selection. -- Gina Spadafori

Q: My 12-year-old cat is having a problem keeping weight on. Should I add oil to her diet? She's very active so I don't think she needs to see the vet. -- via Facebook

A: Your cat needs to be checked out by your veterinarian. Although your letter is pretty lean on specifics, in general, when an older cat seems to have high levels of energy but is steadily losing weight, the culprit is often a malfunctioning thyroid gland. This overabundance of the hormone is called hyperthyroidism. The average age at diagnosis is 13, making your cat right in the target area.

When a cat produces too much thyroid hormone, the animal's metabolic rate soars to the point where he can burn off more than half of his body weight. If thyroid production is not checked, cardiac and liver problems develop, and the cat can die.

The good news is that the problem is treatable, allowing a cat to regain full health and expect a normal life span. Your veterinarian will be able to discuss treatment options if this is indeed what's going on with your cat. -- Dr. Marty Becker

Do you have a pet question? Send it to petconnection@gmail.com or visit Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker.

THE BUZZ

Spay, neuter, adopt:

It's kitten season

-- Kitten season is no myth, and proof lies in the writhing bundles of kittens in animal shelters this time of year. The feline reproductive season runs from winter solstice to autumnal equinox. The amount of daylight turns the cat's reproductive cycles on and off. That means in December, unspayed females start coming into heat, and usually they will be pregnant by the middle of January. A 60-day pregnancy means that cats will give birth around March 15 or so. The first wave of litters will come to shelters shortly thereafter. While some promising new developments will offer more forms of sterilization in the near future, for now, spay-neuter to reduce the birth rate and aggressive shelter marketing to increase adoptions are key to preventing the tragic killing of unwanted kittens and cats.

-- Dog breed identification tests appear to have improved since their introduction in 2007, and more improvements are on the way. But an article by the Veterinary Information Network's news service (news.vin.com) suggests it's unwise to rely on the tests for anything more than novelty and satisfying curiosity. While some breeds, such as the boxer, are relatively easy to ID by DNA, other breeds are nearly impossible to identify at this time.

-- The development of feline-friendly veterinary practices has shown in a pilot program to improve access to veterinary care for cats -- and to make cat owners more comfortable about bringing cats in for preventive care they need. In the recent Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the pioneering CATalyst Council reported a 5 percent improvement in visits for veterinary practices that had participated in a feline-friendly makeover involving staff education, cat-relaxing examination strategies and even such physical changes as cats-only waiting areas. -- Gina Spadafori

ABOUT PET CONNECTION

Pet Connection is produced by a team of pet care experts headed by "Good Morning America" and "The Dr. Oz Show" veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker and award-winning journalist Gina Spadafori. The two are affiliated with Vetstreet.com and also the authors of many best-selling pet care books. Dr. Becker can also be found at Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker or on Twitter at DrMartyBecker.