A cat's sense of smell is as powerful as a dog's, but used for different purposes

By Kim Campbell Thornton and Dr. Marty Becker

Andrews McMeel Syndication

How important is scent to cats? More than you might think. No one has ever been silly enough to try to put them to work finding people or substances by scent, but cats have a keen sense of smell and rely on it heavily. Unlike dogs, however, who have developed an array of scent-related careers to help people, cats use their sense of smell for more personal endeavors: to establish territory and determine where they are, to identify each other and to whet their appetites.

Odor is crucial to a cat's feeling of comfort in the home. Cats use scent to mark territory and make a place their own. Their sebaceous glands -- located primarily on the lips, chin, between the eyes and ears, at the base of the tail and around the anus -- secrete sebum, an oily substance that is odorless to us but contains scent markers that are meaningful to cats. Urine and feces also contain these scent markers.

When you see your cat rubbing his face against your body or an object such as the refrigerator (where the food comes from!), he's laying down an invisible but scented token of possession, a signal to other cats that this person, place or thing belongs to him. Urine marking is a more odorous -- and less-pleasing-to-humans -- means of accomplishing the same thing.

Cats also use scent to identify and greet each other. They begin by sniffing faces and then rears. Think of it as the feline version of a handshake, and don't be offended when your cat presents his butt for you to sniff. He's just being polite -- in a catly sort of way.

Odor is also strongly linked to appetite. A cat who has lost her sense of smell will be uninterested in food. That's why feline nasal infections can be more serious than they might seem. Cats can quickly go downhill if they refuse to eat. Entice them by offering stinky canned food or warming their food before giving it to them. (Stir it well to make sure there aren't any hot spots that could burn the mouth.)

Cats also have an uncommon ability to "taste" scents with the help of some unusual anatomical features. They have two small air passages known as the nasopalatine ducts, which are located in the roof of the mouth just behind the upper front teeth (incisors). Air in the mouth passes through the ducts, which lead to the vomeronasal, or Jacobson's, organ in the nasal cavity.

If you've ever noticed your cat give something a good sniff, wrinkle his nose and open his mouth with the lips slightly retracted, you're seeing the vomeronasal organ in action. That expression, as if he's smelling something unpleasant, is called the flehmen response. It occurs when cats encounter urine or other odors that provide information to them. Nerves run between the VNO and the area of the brain that controls sexual behavior, and scientists believe that the flehmen response helps the cat to draw in and sample more of the odor. It's seen primarily in male cats and may assist them in determining a female's reproductive status. Females are more likely to display the flehmen response when sniffing their newborn kittens. Any cat may flehmen in response to the scent of catnip, the urine of other cats or to any unfamiliar smell.

Like humans, cats find certain odors to be repulsive, but their idea of what smells bad isn't the same as ours. Orange peel and mothballs are on their "do not sniff" list.

Which odors do cats love best? Catnip, of course, and, strangely, garlic and onion. And if you are lucky, your cat's favorite scent is you.

Q&A

Pets respond well

to chemotherapy

Q: My dog has been diagnosed with cancer, and the oncologist recommends chemotherapy. He says that chemo isn't as hard on pets as it is on people. Is that true? Will my dog lose his hair or have other side effects?

A: We're sorry to hear about your dog's diagnosis. People are often hesitant to have their dogs undergo chemotherapy -- the use of drugs to destroy cancer cells -- but it can be an effective treatment with fewer side effects than those seen in humans.

Cancer occurs when cells grow uncontrollably, causing abnormal tissue to develop. Chemotherapy drugs affect not only the abnormal and rapidly growing cancer cells, but also other areas of the body that produce normal rapidly growing cells. Think bone marrow, which produces red blood cells; the lining of the intestinal tract, which sheds old cells and generates new ones frequently; and hair, which grows rapidly. That's why people who receive chemotherapy often suffer painful or unsightly side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, hair loss and weakness. The trade-off is that the high doses they receive improve their response to therapy.

The difference in dogs and cats is the amount of chemotherapy that's given. The goal is to provide additional time -- but not at the expense of quality of life. Most pets do not experience serious side effects from the treatment. Sometimes they are tired afterward or may experience nausea. If that happens, the oncologist (cancer specialist) may prescribe Cerenia, a drug that helps with motion sickness in animals and can relieve the nausea and fatigue caused by chemotherapy. Mild gastrointestinal side effects can be managed with a bland diet. And hair loss is rare in dogs.

Depending on the type of cancer and how advanced it is, chemotherapy can decrease tumor size, prolong life and sometimes lead to complete remission. -- Dr. Marty Becker and Kim Campbell Thornton

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

THE BUZZ

Reduce injury risk

with “pre-hab”

-- Can “pre-hab” help your pet or canine athlete stay in shape and prevent injuries? The concept can benefit animals who are “weekend warriors” -- active only on weekends, for instance -- or who compete in dog sports, says veterinarian Cynthia Maro, who practices in Ellwood City, Pennsylvania. Techniques that can help to condition pets, ward off such injuries as ligament tears and strains, or improve recovery time after injury or surgery include massage, nutraceuticals, acupuncture, rehab exercises, non-weight-bearing exercise on an underwater treadmill, platelet-rich plasma and laser treatments. The preventive treatments may also reduce the effects of degenerative joint diseases such as osteoarthritis, especially in pets starting to age. To implement a plan, consult a veterinarian who is board-certified in animal rehabilitation or sports medicine. More information is available at the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation (vsmr.org) and at the American Association of Rehabilitative Veterinarians (rehabvets.org). 

-- Having recently lost the latest in a long line of beloved animals, I know I’m not alone in hoping that if there’s an afterlife, they’ll be there with me. Because what kind of afterlife would it be without our best friends? Author Allia Zobel Nolan, a longtime cat lover, often mused about the same thing, and it led her to write “Heavenly Headbutts: Reflections of Hope About Cats and Eternity.” In it, she compiles quotes from philosophers, writers, veterinarians, theologians and church leaders -- including two popes and St. Francis -- about the place of animals in the afterlife and why they believe animals will be there. Delightfully illustrated with color photographs of cats, it’s a brief, positive and heartwarming meditation on the place of animals in our lives.

-- Ferret-curious? They are popular pets, but they can be a challenge to live with. Find out more about the special needs of the slinky and clever critters at fearfreehappyhomes.com/do-you-really-want-a-ferret-what-to-consider-before-getting-one.

ABOUT PET CONNECTION

Pet Connection is produced by a team of pet care experts. Veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker is founder of the Fear Free organization, co-founder of VetScoop.com and author of many best-selling pet care books. Kim Campbell Thornton is an award-winning journalist and author who has been writing about animals since 1985. Mikkel Becker is a behavior consultant and lead animal trainer for Fear Free Pets. Dr. Becker can be found at Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker or on Twitter at DrMartyBecker. Kim Campbell Thornton is at Facebook.com/Kim.CampbellThornton and on Twitter at kkcthornton. Mikkel Becker is at Facebook.com/MikkelBecker and on Twitter at MikkelBecker.

Ways to help newly adopted dogs adapt to their new lives

By Kim Campbell Thornton

Andrews McMeel Syndication

When we lost our dog Harper in October, after losing Keeper in March, we were petless for the first time in decades. Our plan was to continue fostering kittens but wait a year or so before getting another dog so that we could travel more frequently and for longer periods.

That lasted all of two months. Four days before Christmas, we adopted Sparkles, a 10-year-old cavalier King Charles spaniel, who was being fostered in Los Angeles by a volunteer for Cavalier Rescue USA.

Sparkles is everything I love about adopting an adult or senior dog. She’s perfectly housetrained, has a nice personality, knows how to sit, comes immediately when her name is called, has nice manners in the house and is in excellent health for a dog her age, with a little help from the rescue group, which had her spayed and her teeth cleaned. She has a lot of energy and enjoys going for walks, but when I’m working, she’s happy to sack out on the sofa. (Read more of my feelings on senior dogs here: uexpress.com/pets/pet-connection/2014/11/10.)

As well as Sparkles has adjusted to living in our home, though, any such change is sure to be a little nerve-wracking for a dog who has been recently adopted. Our goal was to help her feel welcome and to provide guidance so she could easily learn the boundaries in this new place.

Shelters and rescues often advise adopters of the “rule of threes.” That is, it generally takes dogs three days to decompress as they transition from a shelter or foster home into their new home; three weeks to become used to the new routine and maybe start testing boundaries; and three months before they truly feel at home with their new family.  

Spend those first three days introducing your new dog to the home and surrounding environment. On arrival, take them for a walk around the neighborhood so they can have a chance to potty and take in new sights, sounds and smells. Then calmly bring them into the house and walk them through it as well. Keep things low-key -- no kids jumping up and down and giving hugs, and no throng of neighbors all eager to meet the latest family member. Put all of that on hold for at least a couple of weeks so your dog has a chance to gradually settle into the new space. Just as if you were housetraining a puppy, take them out regularly until you learn their potty schedule. That minimizes the risks of any accidents in the house. Remember, your calm attitude will set the tone for your dog’s behavior.

Cavalier Rescue provided us with a handout noting that almost all dogs have some reaction to being rehomed. Usually minor and brief, these reactions typically fall into three broad categories: being initially clingy, barky or dependent; keeping to him- or herself and sleeping a lot for the first few days; or being more active or excitable than normal, possibly combined with housetraining accidents.

Sparkles has been on the clingy end of the spectrum, following us around -- especially if we go into the kitchen. The handout advises: “Keep in mind that the dog doesn’t know the rules of your house and doesn’t know you yet, so be gentle but matter-of-fact and consistent. Don’t inadvertently reinforce behaviors that you don’t want to see long-term, and praise good behavior that you want to see repeated.”

By the third week, your dog should be familiar with the household routine, and you’ll start to see more of their true personality emerge. Start working on any manners training they may need, continuing to use positive reinforcement, calm feedback (avoid angry responses) and praise when you like what they’re doing. That’s how they learn.

After three months, dogs generally feel comfortable and at home. Right now, we’ve had Sparkles less than a week, but we’re looking forward to getting to know her.

Q&A

Tips, tricks to

keep cats safe

Q: We’re new to cats. What should we know about keeping ours safe?

A: We always hear that cats have nine lives, but my fellow veterinarians and I know that’s not true. Prevention is key. Here’s my best advice on keeping them safe and healthy.

Don’t let your cat roam outdoors. Free-roaming cats are at risk of getting lost or closed in a neighbor’s garage or shed; hit by a car crossing the street or run over in your driveway because you didn’t see them; attacked or killed by a coyote or a neighbor’s loose dog; or infection or disease from fighting with another cat. If you want them to experience the pleasures of being outdoors, build a catio (fearfreehappyhomes.com/catios-and-rabbitats-allow-safe-outdoor-fun-for-furry-friends).

Cats who have access to the garage may climb up into the car engine, lured by warmth and that interesting ticking sound made by metal components as they cool. Thump the hood every time before getting in the car and starting it to give a sleeping cat a chance to exit. This can also wake up a cat who’s sleeping underneath your car.

Inside the house, always check inside your dishwasher, clothes washer and dryer before starting them. Cats love to get inside enclosed spaces, especially if they’re warm, like the dryer. I know of too many instances where people started these appliances without realizing their cat was inside.

Cats love toys with a lure dangling from a string. They’re great for providing a cat with exercise, but put them away when playtime is over. Cats often swallow strings, yarn, thread and the plastic ties around newspapers, to name just a few of the linear objects that can cause obstructions and require surgical intervention. Don’t leave out knitting, sewing or craft supplies that might look like playthings to your cat -- and face it, everything looks like a toy to a cat. -- Dr. Marty Becker

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

THE BUZZ

Tips on travel

with parrots

-- If you’re moving cross-country, you may be wondering about the best way to transport your parrot. Fortunately, they can do well on road trips or in the air -- by plane, of course, not their own wing power. Avian veterinarian Brian Speer says the first thing you’ll need is a good carrier. Start with a high-impact plastic dog crate, and fit it with a secure perch that keeps your bird off the floor and facing the door. For a bird the size of, say, a cockatoo, choose a crate that would hold a small or medium-size dog. Get a health certificate from your veterinarian, even if you’re traveling by car. For air travel, check well in advance to make sure your bird will be allowed in the cabin. The airline may require that the carrier fit beneath the seat or limit reservations to quiet birds. In a car or plane, provide hydration by offering moisture-rich fruit, such as oranges or apples.

-- Antibiotics have saved countless lives, but they should be used with care. Not all antibiotics are the same. They each have target bacteria, and when used against the wrong bacteria, they don’t have any effect and bacterial resistance can develop, making infections difficult or impossible to fight. Against viral or fungal infections, antibiotics won’t help and can make the condition worse. Finally, improper use or overuse of antibiotics is an environmental hazard. When your pet is sick, see the veterinarian and get diagnostic tests that will allow targeted treatment that works.

-- We’re always entertained by books authored by veterinarians. Beyond James Herriot, here are some recent entries to that category: “The Battle Cry of a Siamese Kitten,” by Dr. Philipp Schott; “All Creatures Weird and Dangerous,” by Dr. Timm Otterson; and “My Patients Like Treats,” by Dr. Duncan MacVean. -- Dr. Marty Becker, Kim Campbell Thornton and Mikkel Becker

ABOUT PET CONNECTION

Pet Connection is produced by a team of pet care experts. Veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker is founder of the Fear Free organization, co-founder of VetScoop.com and author of many best-selling pet care books. Kim Campbell Thornton is an award-winning journalist and author who has been writing about animals since 1985. Mikkel Becker is a behavior consultant and lead animal trainer for Fear Free Pets. Dr. Becker can be found at Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker or on Twitter at DrMartyBecker. Kim Campbell Thornton is at Facebook.com/Kim.CampbellThornton and on Twitter at kkcthornton. Mikkel Becker is at Facebook.com/MikkelBecker and on Twitter at MikkelBecker.

Think keeping fish is easy? Think again. Here are the basics on choosing and caring for fish

By Kim Campbell Thornton

Andrews McMeel Syndication

If you’re considering getting fish because you don’t want a high-maintenance pet, you may want to reconsider. Jessie Sanders, DVM, a certified aquatic veterinarian who practices in the San Francisco Bay area, says it’s a myth that fish are significantly less work than any other pet.

“Any fish is going to need just as much care as a cat or a dog. People are unaware of the commitment it takes when bringing a fish into their home.”

Certain fish can, however, be good choices for beginners. Sanders likes goldfish, betta fish and neon tetras. Goldfish are hardy, bettas need less space than goldfish and neon tetras are colorful and eight to 10 of them can do well together in a small tank. All of them still require basic care, though. Here’s what to know.

A goldfish is often a child’s first experience with pet care -- I remember having one myself in grade school -- but even though goldfish can tolerate a lot of beginner mistakes, they don’t always last long because people are unaware of their needs.

Take tank size. That cute little 3-to-5-gallon bowl you bought for your goldfish is really only good for transporting your new finny friend home, and maybe for a brief period afterward. Goldfish are messy, and they need a lot of space. A 20-gallon tank is a good starter size. A single goldfish can grow to the size of a dinner plate and may eventually need a 100-gallon tank.

Bettas also suffer from the mistaken belief that they don’t need much space. They can stay in a smaller space than a goldfish, but they have other needs.

“A lot of owners don’t put them in a tank with a filter and a heater, and without those, their lives can be significantly shortened,” Sanders says.

For any fish, filters and regular partial water changes are important for good health. Poor water quality is one of the factors that can shorten the life of aquatic denizens. Just as humans don’t breathe as well in environments with polluted air, fish need healthy water to survive and thrive. Swimming around in water filled with their own waste and food remnants isn’t good for them.

Performing partial water changes eliminates waste, replenishes some of the micro minerals in the water and helps to keep the water’s pH level balanced. Depending on the number of fish in the tank and the size of the tank, Sanders recommends a 10% water change weekly or 25% every other week. If you’re concerned that you might not be doing sufficient water changes, she says it’s a good idea to regularly test the water chemistry, specifically pH carbon alkalinity and nitrate levels.

An important component of doing water changes is using a tap water conditioner, Sanders says. Look for one that says it treats chlorine and chloramine, which may be used by city tap systems to treat their water. Both are toxic to fish and can kill them.

When it comes to feeding fish, the standard advice to read the label applies. Fish thrive on protein, so the higher the levels of protein, the more rapidly you can expect your fish to grow, Sanders says. Avoid foods with excessive fat content -- more than 8%. Fish in captivity don’t need high levels of fat unless they’re in a breeding program or are highly stressed, which they shouldn’t be.

Choose food based not only on the nutritional needs of your fish, but also the way that they feed. Factors include water temperature and whether fish primarily live on the bottom, mid-tank or just below the surface.

Finally, don’t expect to avoid vet visits. An annual exam can help to ensure that your fish is in good health, isn’t overweight, doesn’t have parasites and has appropriate water chemistry.

Q&A

Easy tips to

bring up pup

Q: We’re getting a new puppy soon! What tips do you have for bringing him up to be a great dog?

A: There are three words to keep in mind as you raise your new pup: love, consistency and structure. Here’s how to get started so you can make the most of those first crucial months of learning with your puppy.

-- Make him a part of your family. Puppies want and need our attention, guidance and love. They belong in the home, not in the backyard.

-- Structure and consistency are essential for effective housetraining. Take your puppy out on a regular schedule to potty, and give lots of excited praise and treats when he “goes” where you want. Set a timer so you don’t forget or keep him on a leash by your side so that you’ll notice when he’s getting squirmy and can hustle him outdoors.

-- Provide your puppy with many positive interactions and experiences to everything he might encounter in life: environmental sounds, friendly people and animals, interesting places, and smells. Avoid dog parks or other areas that dogs frequent until puppy inoculations are complete, but otherwise, the sky’s the limit.

-- Don’t let a puppy do things that you wouldn’t want a grown dog to do, such as jumping up on people. It’s better to teach an alternative -- such as sit -- from the beginning rather than trying to retrain an adult dog.

-- Make training fun with positive-reinforcement techniques. You can find lots of books, videos and classes that use these modern methods. A puppy training class is great for socialization, too.

-- Be patient! Puppies are babies, and they make mistakes. Be kind and distract and redirect them when they do. Heavy-handed punishment will only cause them to shut down and be less able to learn. -- Mikkel Becker

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

THE BUZZ

Celebrate pets

this month

-- Lots of pet celebrations take place in January. It’s National Train Your Dog Month, Unchain a Dog Month and Walk Your Dog Month. One-day events are National Pet Travel Safety Day and Happy Mew Year for Cats on Jan. 2; National Standard Poodle Day, Jan. 6; National Alaskan Malamute Day, Jan. 7; National Labrador Retriever Day, Jan. 8; National Australian Shepherd Day, Jan. 9; National French Bulldog Day, Jan. 13; National Bouvier des Flandres Day, Jan. 16; National Boxer Day, Jan. 17; National Yorkshire Terrier Day, Jan. 22; Change a Pet’s Life Day, Jan. 24; and Tuxedo Cat Appreciation Day, Jan. 29.

-- You don’t have to have a fancy pedigreed feline to participate in cat shows. Shows held by the Cat Fanciers Association have household pet classes that welcome neutered or spayed pets who are not declawed. They are judged on such factors as appearance, disposition, unusual markings, good health and vitality. Find out more here: cfa.org/showing-household-pets. The International Cat Association also has household pet classes and is even more inclusive, permitting cats with physical challenges such as a missing eye or limb. More information is available at TICA’s website: showcatsonline.com/x/hhp-valued-exibitor-in-tica.shtml.

-- Prepare pets for the new year with the following tips. Make sure collars fit well and aren’t too tight or too loose, frayed or damaged. Tags should have legible names and phone numbers, and microchips should be listed with a registry. Call the veterinarian to see when your pet is due for their annual exam; make an appointment and note it on your calendar or smartphone. Warm up your pet before a walk or dog sport by getting the blood flowing. Walk them around for a few minutes, encourage stretching with a play bow, high five or down, and give a quick rubdown with your hands. -- Dr. Marty Becker, Kim Campbell Thornton and Mikkel Becker

ABOUT PET CONNECTION

Pet Connection is produced by a team of pet care experts. Veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker is founder of the Fear Free organization, co-founder of VetScoop.com and author of many best-selling pet care books. Kim Campbell Thornton is an award-winning journalist and author who has been writing about animals since 1985. Mikkel Becker is a behavior consultant and lead animal trainer for Fear Free Pets. Dr. Becker can be found at Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker or on Twitter at DrMartyBecker. Kim Campbell Thornton is at Facebook.com/Kim.CampbellThornton and on Twitter at kkcthornton. Mikkel Becker is at Facebook.com/MikkelBecker and on Twitter at MikkelBecker.